Let’s Talk About Sex!

In a country like India, there is a dire need to talk about it. But we hesitate to even use the word ‘sex’ in a public place, let alone discussing it. In the name of sex education what we are taught is good touch and bad touch and not to have sex until marriage (irony intended). However, in reality, sex education is much more than just sex. It includes issues related to sexuality, gender fluidity, equality, orgasm, consent, harassment, etc. All such aspects were discussed in depth during the panel discussion.

The discussion started with a brief introduction from the panelists which included Miss Meenakshi, a gynaecologist in Fortis, with more than 25 years of experience, Miss Radhika Mittal founder/director of Super School India which aims to promote sex education among children. The panel also had Miss Shreejani, a senior campaigner for Haiyaa foundation and TEDx speaker Pallavi Barnwal, who is also an intimacy coach. Topics like masturbation and female orgasm were followed by gender issues. The noteworthy part in the entire discussion was when Shreejani described how we need not put our sexual identities in boxes. Sexual orientation should be a fluid concept that might change over a course of time.
“You might be heterosexual once but later be attracted to someone from the same gender. People are forced to pick a tag even before they make peace with their true self. This concept of boxing identities has added a lot of pressure not only on the LGBTQ community but on everyone”, said Shreejani.
Further, everyone discussed how it is completely normal to seek medical help, especially when you are struggling with your identity. Visiting a counsellor or psychiatrist doesn’t necessarily mean you have mental issues. The same thing applies to visiting a gynaecologist. Most women hesitate to visit a gynae, thinking that their doctor might judge them. Well, doctors too are a product of the society. But when she asks you about your marital status it necessarily doesn’t come with judgement.