Expanding norms on sexuality

Sexuality is not practised or expressed in isolation from society at large. On the contrary, society affects how, when, with whom and why one has sex and relationships.

Society sets borders for what one is allowed to do or express and with whom one is allowed to express her or his sexuality through both legal regulations and norms and attitudes. Harmful norms can be upheld subtly or enforced through discriminatory laws, direct violence, and harmful practices like forced marriage. This is often at the expense of groups with less power and resources, such as LGBTQI+ people, women, and children.

Norms, power structures and racism

RFSU aims to challenge limiting norms and counter oppressive structures, showing that we cannot understand sexuality without understanding how it is affected by racism and other power structures.

RFSU, together with others, will address the problems by:

• Challenging and changing traditional patterns of thinking and promoting new and alternative perspectives, ideas, and discourses around gender and sexuality.
• Collaborating with organisations representing persons who face discrimination and oppression, learning from their experience and activism. 
• Advocating for improved laws and policies protecting sexual and reproductive rights that, in turn, may influence norms.
• Generating, sharing, and making use of evidence and learning together with civil society, academia, governments, UN institutions and other actors.