1994; One SIECUS vision: the future.The SIECUS SIECUS Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States mission affirms sexuality as a natural and healthy part of living and advocates the right of individuals to make responsible sexual choices. This is still a radical vision of crucial importance in today's world. It challenges powerful economic interests that manipulate sexuality for private profit. And it challenges powerful groups that would impose their doctrinaire doc·tri·naire n. A person inflexibly attached to a practice or theory without regard to its practicality. adj. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a person inflexibly attached to a practice or theory. See Synonyms at dictatorial. sexual ideologies on an entire society. By denying education, information, and services, these groups would exclude sexuality from the people's democratic right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." As public discourse regarding sexuality becomes ever more intense, SIECUS' leadership will be critical in helping individuals, organizations, and policy-makers explore the full meaning of affirming sexuality ... SIECUS has a vital role in framing the public discourse about key issues. It seeks to develop a concept that integrates all of our knowledge about sexuality, appreciates our sexual diversity, recognizes sexual pleasures as well as dangers, and supports the ability of individuals to make positive sexual choices. Now, when people of all ages find their personal sexual behaviors sexual behavior A person's sexual practices–ie, whether he/she engages in heterosexual or homosexual activity. See Sex life, Sexual life. in conflict with their stated values Stated Value A value that, instead of being par value, is assigned to a corporation's stock for accounting purposes. Stated value has no relation to market price. Notes: , a major SIECUS priority must be to articulate clearly its positions regarding sexuality in the media and public forums. SIECUS aims to empower individuals to examine their social milieu mi·lieu n. pl. mi·lieus or mi·lieux 1. The totality of one's surroundings; an environment. 2. The social setting of a mental patient. milieu [Fr.] surroundings, environment. , understand their own bodies, question their assigned roles, and shape their own sexuality. The aim is to help people examine what they have been taught and develop a sexual morality congruent con·gru·ent adj. 1. Corresponding; congruous. 2. Mathematics a. Coinciding exactly when superimposed: congruent triangles. b. with their own experience and values. How can SIECUS promote the conditions that will move this society toward a holistic Holistic A practice of medicine that focuses on the whole patient, and addresses the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of a patient as well as their physical treatment. Mentioned in: Aromatherapy, Stress Reduction, Traditional Chinese Medicine and positive approach to sexuality? We have already begun by identifying questions central to thinking constructively about sexuality: What is a sexually healthy adult? A sexually healthy adolescent? What is a comprehensive approach to sexuality education? What public policies are needed to ensure the rights of every individual, female and male?... Even after 30 years, SIECUS' work has only just begun! Excerpted from SIECUS Report, Volume 22, Number 4, April/May 1994. Peggy Brick SIECUS Board President 1994-1997 |
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