Sex Laws, Explicit Material, Disability, and Gender Flashcards
Lecture 19-24
what was the case that led to defining sexual consent in canada?
R v Ewanchuk
- court case in Alberta
- victim didn’t verbally say no
- judge mcclung said it was the victim’s fault for not making it more obvious
- crown clarified that we can’t presume consent
- claire l’hearux dube opposed judge mcclung
what is the age of consent in canada?
- the age of consent is 16
- they hold the right to decide whether they want to be sexually active
what is the close in age exception for consent?
- 14-15: can only consent to a person that is less than 5 years older
- 12-13: can only consent to a person that is less than 2 years older
what types of sex must a person be 18 to participate in?
- sex with anyone who holds a position of power over us
- participation in sex work
- to have nude film, video, or photo of us be distributed
what happens when a person reports they’ve been sexually assaulted to the police?
- the more rural and north we get, the less likely police are to investigate
- police look for evidence, then give it to the crown
- pursue charges if there is enough evidence for a conviction
what are the current sex work laws?
it is illegal to…
- pay for sexual services
- communicate to exchange sexual services
- profit as a third party from someone else’s sexual services
- hire or induce someone to provide sexual services
- third party advertising to provide sexual services
what are some pitfalls of learning about sex through explicit material?
- misrepresentation of how bodies look and behave
- pleasure is depicted incorrectly
- often show violence, can further encourage an already violent person
- exploitation of performers
what are some of the benefits of watching sexual explicit material?
- exploration of sexual expression
- can support healthy masturbation
- can facilitate connection between partners, building trust, exploration
is porn addiction a real thing?
no, but people can consume porn compulsively
- would be considered compulsive sexual behaviour disorder
what barriers prevent people with disabilities from expressing their full sexual selves?
peers, parents, educators, and other professionals may assume they are asexual or lack sexual interest
- they don’t learn sex ed in school
- have very limited knowledge of sexual health
- are discouraged from exploring their sexual selves
- have more difficulty finding sexual/romantic partners
what is sensual solutions and how do they help people who are physically disabled?
- sex workers for people with disabilities
- are intimate with clients, provide comfort and intimacy
- are specially trained to deal with people with disabilities
what practices reduce the risk of sexualized violence for people with disabilities?
- teaching refusal and consent skills
- age appropriate affection and touching
- practical skills for care of body and safer sex
- offer opportunities to observe or rehearse skills
what are some reasons that people with disabilities are more likely to be sexually assaulted?
- they need assistance with personal care or hygiene
- they may find it difficult to report abuse because of communication difficulties
- they are taught to comply with authority
- they may be targeted because of lower cognitive functioning
- they may not be believed when they report abuse
what are the different ways we can define our gender?
- through our bodies/biology
- through socialization
- internal sense of sense (solid at 18-36mo)
what are some common gender identities?
girl/woman + boy/man
nonbinary/nonconforming/fluid/queer
transgender
femme/masc - display of femininity or masculinity regardless of gender
two spirit
what are some ways that (trans) people can express their gender?
- social transition (dressing, name, pronouns)
- gender affirming clinical care (hormones, surgery)
what is the infants act?
allows minors to consent to medical care if the clinician deems them fit
what are some terms queer people use to describe their sexual orientations?
bisexual, pansexual, transgender, queer, asexual, MSM, demisexual
what does demisexual mean?
a person who is asexual unless they have a strong emotional bond with someone specific
what does asexual mean?
someone who doesn’t have spontaneous sexual attraction for others
- doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have sex
what is the omnibus bill?
1969 - omnibus bill decriminalized gay sex for people over 21
what is the history of LGBQ legal status in Canada?
- omnibus bill
- homosexuality removed as a disorder on DSM
- same sex parents and children considered a “family”
- lesbians and gays can serve in the military
- protection for sexual orientation in human rights act
- same sex marriage is legal
- apology from PM trudeau
- expungement of historically unjust convictions act
what are the current laws protecting queer people in canada?
- canadian charter of rights and freedom (equal rights and protection)
- canadian criminal code (protection from hate propaganda)
- bc human rights code (protection from discrimination)
how can we effectively support LGBTQ youth in canada?
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
- groups in BC schools that are a safe space for queer community
- less discrimination, suicidal thoughts/attempts, social exclusion
- fosters self-esteem, sense of belonging
- even heterosexual students benefit - males binge drink less, less suicidal tendencies overall
what is sex positivity?
- takes a non-judgemental approach to sexuality
- sex positivity as an ideology, a lens
- grounded in comprehensive sex ed
- respects people’s sexual choices even if they choose not to have sex
what are some sex positive resources?
- Smart Sex Resource
- Sexuality Education Resource Centre MB (SERC)
what was charlie glickman’s perspective on sex positivity?
- only relevant measure of a sexual act is consent, pleasure, and well-being
- helps us see past our own triggers and squicks, set aside judgements, and make room for diversity
how can we connect with others in a sex-positive way?
- use positive and nonjudgmental language
- examine long-held personal values
- model non-judgemental attitudes
- don’t make presumptions
- keep current
