Question

Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders

This chapter outlines the primary features of disorders related to sexuality and gender, including normal and abnormal sexual behavior and attitudes. Sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and gender dysphoria are described, with an emphasis on clinical description, information about known causes, and assessment and treatment approaches (i.e., medical and psychosocial). The chapter also includes extensive discussion of the changes in this category of disorders that occurred in the DSM-5 revision.

Questions:

The sheer number of sexual deviants listed in this chapter may indicate that people are particularly concerned with what is normal sexual behavior. But is it possible we’re being too strict in determining how people should and should not conduct themselves in private? Or do you think we’re not concerned enough?

How should we best determine normalcy when it comes to sexual behavior? Please use scientific evidence in your argument wherever possible.

Answer 1

There are always two scenarios for everyone where they conduct themselves differently. Firstly, one’s social life where one is seen by everyone and one is in a condition where one has to fulfil the social norms thus adapting what the majority does whether they like it or not. Secondly, one’s private life where one is alone and there is no one to see them. This privacy helps them act in their original self and it is also true with the sexual behaviours.

Sex is still a private thing which shouldn’t be and cannot be performed in public. What was once abnormal has become normal, for example the LGBTQ gained momentum because of the societal changes. People do plenty of things when they are alone or with whom they are close with and this is their privacy and individual right in which no one can involve. People should be concerned only when it is harmful to others, otherwise, it’s still individual rights.