Glossary
This glossary contains key terms used in the exhibition „Apropos Sex“. We would like to use it to explain our understanding of the terms used. Some of the terms discussed have been subject to long societal negotiation processes. Others are used and interpreted differently by different people and social groups. The glossary is intended to provide information, offer an opportunity for more in-depth discussions and be a starting point for dialogue.
Asexuality
Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person feels little or no sexual desire towards other people.
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Childhood sexuality
Childhood sexuality is fundamentally different from adult sexuality. It is an independent part of a person's sexual development.
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Cisgender refers to all people whose gender identity corresponds to the gender assigned at birth.
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The inner coming out refers to the process in which a person discovers and recognises their own gender identity, sexual and/or romantic orientation.
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In a sexual or relationship context, consent refers to the voluntary, informed and mutual agreement of all persons involved to a certain action or activity.
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Contraception refers to all methods that are intended to prevent pregnancy and, in some cases, sexually transmitted infections.
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Discrimination
Discrimination refers to the disadvantages faced by people on the basis of certain characteristics such as gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion and the associated social power relations.
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Empowerment
The term empowerment was first used in social work. It refers to encouraging people who are affected by discrimination or feel powerless to stand up for their interests in a self-determined way.
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Gender
Gender in the sense of gender identity refers to a person's gender related self-image and their own gender role.
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Gender stereotypes are traditional (role) perceptions associated with the social norm of binary gender (male/female).
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Normativity describes the fact that rules of behaviour (norms) and stereotypes prevail in every society and are taken for granted
mehrPedagogy of sex education
Pedagogy of sex education refers to the pedagogical work and didactic methods of teaching that deal with topics such as love, reproduction, sexuality, physical development and masturbation.
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Self-determination
Self-determination is a human right that is protected by the German Constitution. The right to free development of the personality ensures that we can organise our lives individually without interference from the state as long as we respect the law and the rights of others.
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Sex education refers to the imparting of knowledge on topics such as the body, relationships, sexuality and consent.
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Sex toys are objects and devices that can be used alone or with others to increase sexual arousal and satisfaction.
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Sexual arousal manifests itself in physical reactions and the desire for sexual acts.
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Sexual assistance supports people with learning difficulties, physical or mental impairments to live out their sexuality in a self-determined way.
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Sexual characteristics are characteristics that are generally used to determine biological sex in the categories ‘male’ and ‘female’.
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Sexual morality refers to the social and individual ideas, norms and values that judge certain sexual behaviour as morally ‘wrong’ or ‘right’.
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Sexual orientation is a self-designation that expresses which genders our sexual desire relates to.
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Sexual prevention includes measures aimed at minimising sexually transmitted infections and other unwanted consequences of sexual activity.
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Sexual violence is a term used to describe any kind of non-consensual sexual act.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that can be transmitted during sexual contact.
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