Fostering healthy human sexuality

Educators can help youth develop a healthy sexuality by providing safe, inclusive environments and proclaiming truth in a promiscuous world, said clinical psychologist Dr. Ross Porter April 22 at the archdiocesan Human Sexuality workshop.

More than 50 Catholic schoolteachers, counselors, religious educators and social workers gathered at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center for the annual workshop co-sponsored by the archdiocesan Human Sexuality Taskforce, Department of Catholic Schools, Office of Religious Education and St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care.

In his "Gift of Sexuality" presentation, Porter stressed that sexuality --- maleness and femaleness --- develops over a lifetime. Society, according to Porter, suffers from a "too narrow" understanding of sexuality, equating sexuality with sex and limiting males and females to prescribed roles. "There are a lot of different ways to be male or female," said Porter.

He listed several obstacles to a healthy sexuality. They include:

---Abuse (including mental, emotional, physical or sexual). Educators were urged to be on the lookout for bullying behavior on campus. Students suffering abuse adopt a "bunker mentality" to life, said Porter.

---Culture. Today's society with its sexually provocative and explicit movies, videos and advertising can harm a person's sexual development.

---Premature sex. Sex too early in adolescence blocks healthy sexuality.

---Substance abuse. Drug/alcohol abuse is harmful and often lowers inhibitions, leading to risky behavior.

---Rigid, unbalanced spirituality. Rigidity, or emphasizing rules over relationships, hurts social growth.

---Body obsession. Overemphasis on appearance inhibits development of empathy and respect for individuals.

---Limited social life. Restricting social interactions impairs personal growth.

---Poor use of leisure time. Solitary pursuits increase social isolation.

To counteract these obstacles, Porter suggested that teachers and youth ministers continue to mature in their own maleness and femaleness, becoming models of healthy sexuality. He urged educators to provide a safe environment for students in which verbal, proactive forms of communication are encouraged. Also, he counseled educators to pray and "teach truth" to students concerning impediments to developing a healthy sexuality.

Workshop participants also heard presentations on the medical and pastoral issues of HIV/AIDS and ministering to lesbian and gay Catholics. St. Dominic Savio Church youth minister, Juan Carlos Montenegro, said the workshop would help him become a more effective youth minister.

"I'm extremely glad I came," said Cynthia Colon, Marymount High School (Westwood) counselor. "It was very helpful to get concrete, practical ideas on how to approach issues related to sexuality."
source:www.the-tidings.com