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Sexual Fluidity Behind Culture

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Cultural Differences and the Practice of Sexual Medicine

Part of the book series: Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine ((TASM))

Abstract

Beyond traditional markers of age, sex, and medical history, social identities such as nationality, socioeconomic status, and sexuality are relevant to a person’s health status and prognoses. Therefore, the field of sexual medicine is strongly encouraged to include an exploration of patients’ sexual identity within the scope of routine clinical assessments. Sexual identity involves many overlapping dimensions and is directly influenced by a person’s social and cultural context. While many components of sexual identity are considered stable, the literature demonstrates that there is consistent and reliable evidence for changes in adults’ sexual attraction referred to as sexual fluidity. Distinct from bisexuality, sexual fluidity can inform everything from behavior to fantasy, without necessarily impacting orientation or identity. Women and LGB folks are most likely to experience sexual fluidity. Through this chapter, the reader can expect a thorough exploration of the patterns, pathways, and perspectives on sexual fluidity. Such exploration allows medical practitioners to consider their role in providing medical and social support for sexually fluid patients, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that persons of all sexual identities are able to access competent and informed healthcare.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Gender-neutral terminology (they, them, their, etc.), although at odds with traditional grammatical convention, is preferred in the LBG literature to gender specific terms such as he, she, him, her, himself, herself, etc.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The People’s Therapy Group, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Shadeen Francis

  2. Council for Relationships, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Shadeen Francis

  3. Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Shadeen Francis

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  1. Shadeen Francis
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA

    David L. Rowland

  2. Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Emmanuele A. Jannini

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Francis, S. (2020). Sexual Fluidity Behind Culture. In: Rowland, D., Jannini, E. (eds) Cultural Differences and the Practice of Sexual Medicine. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-36221-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-36222-5

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