"We are sexual beings, or at least we can be. Even though virtually all of us are born with sexual organs, what we choose to do or not do with our genitalia is up to us. This ability to choose appears unique to human sexuality. We have the ability to decide how to act sexually depending on our understanding of the situation, our role in it, and our current desires. If we do not see that sexual behavior is appropriate or necessary on our part for whatever reason (e.g., lack of desire, vow of abstinence, something in the situation is askew), we can avoid any type of sexual involvement or action. We are bound neither by instincts nor innate drives to reproduce, to engage in sexual behavior for the sake of pleasure, or to behave sexually in any way. Throughout our lives, there are innumerable reasons why we act in a sexual manner or refrain from any behavior that could be interpreted as sexual in any way."
Experience, Meaning, and Identity in Sexuality [2.016]
by J. Horley, J. Clarke
