Because sexuality as a subject is forbidden there appear to be very few avenues or spaces, for people to talk about matters connected to sexual well being. We know that each person has a unique 'sexual narrative' influenced by factors such as culture, gender, personal experiences, country contexts, ability/disability etc. Also laws and policies in one's country could also influence one's sexual expression or relationships to a great extent. Besides, there are everyday life problems such as worries related to work or pressures of juggling between one's family and job etc which also play a role in affecting or influencing one's sexuality. Sexual concerns may occur anytime in an individual's life. They could occur very early in one's life or much later.

Do we think it is important to talk about 'sexual concerns' as a subject? Do they find a place in the hierarchy of concerns that need to be looked at and dealt with? If so, where do we place them in this hierarchy? Or do we end up shelving them for later?

What are the sexual concerns that people have? What is one's perception of a 'sexual concern'? Is it to do with sexual dysfunctions and disorders only? Is it about the 'right' way to have sex or the 'right' number of times to do so? When does a 'concern' become a problem? Is it the individual or the people involved themselves who decide there is a problem? Or is it the medical community and service providers who do so? What goes into the construction of a 'sexual problem'?

For the next two weeks, we will be examining these questions as a part of the forum discussion. Let's put them under two main questions:

1) What do we mean by sexual concerns/problems? What is the general perception?

2) Do we think it is important to talk about 'sexual concerns' as a subject?

Please feel free to write in your analyses, observations, thoughts, comments, and examples addressing any, one, or all of the issues and questions raised above. Alternatively, please pose new questions and ideas you feel are relevant for this sub-topic.

In the coming weeks, we will address a variety of topics related to sexual concerns, various approaches and management. These will include:

Subtopic 2: Sexual Concerns - Varieties and Manifestations Across Cultures
Subtopic 3: Sexual Concerns - Approaches and Management
Subtopic 4: Sexual Concerns - What do Rights have to do with them?

We look forward to a lively and exciting discussion!

Regards,

Arpita Das (Moderator)
The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality