Sexual

/ˈsɛkʃuəl/ adjective

Definition

relating to or involving sex, sexuality, or the sexes

Etymology

Late Latin sexualis, from Latin sexus 'sex'

Kelly Says

Clinical term that has evolved in meaning with changing social attitudes

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Sexual harassment, assault, and coercion disproportionately target women; weaponized to control women's presence in workplaces/public spaces. Language normalizing sexual framing of women enables discrimination.

Inclusive Usage

Use clinical terminology when necessary; avoid sexualizing descriptions of any person. Center consent and agency.

Inclusive Alternatives

["reproductive","intimate","consensual","erotic","bodily"]

Empowerment Note

Women's right to bodily autonomy and freedom from sexual objectification is foundational to equity; language shapes norms.

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