Chapter 16. Gender and Sexuality
A Closing Note on Gender, Sexuality, and Respect
Jessica Motherwell McFarlane
Approximate reading time: 2 minutes
As we conclude this chapter on gender and sexuality, I’m reminded of the vibrant and diverse faces I encountered at Planned Parenthood those many years ago. Each person who walked through those doors taught me something precious about the human experience. Just like them, you too have been on a journey through this chapter, exploring gender and sexuality.
Remember, the world of gender and sexuality is as varied and ever-changing as the people we meet. It’s a realm where one size does not fit all, and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace the diversity of human gender and sexuality with the same open-mindedness and curiosity. The knowledge you’ve gained in this chapter is just the beginning. Like a trusty compass, it will guide you in understanding and respecting not only your own identity and choices but also those of others around you.
And let’s not forget understanding the psychology of consent and when to say “yes”, “no”’, or “maybe” is not just about making your choices; it’s about respecting the choices of others, too.
So, as you move on from this chapter and continue your journey in psychology and life, keep your mind open, your information updated, and your respect for others unwavering. And hey, don’t be afraid to laugh a little along the way — after all, learning about ourselves, each other, and how to enjoy the sensual and sexual pleasures life has to offer is one of the greatest experiences in life.
Stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, stay you!
To calculate this time, we used a reading speed of 150 words per minute and then added extra time to account for images and videos. This is just to give you a rough idea of the length of the chapter section. How long it will take you to engage with this chapter will vary greatly depending on all sorts of things (the complexity of the content, your ability to focus, etc).