World Sexual Health Day in United States of America

When did the World Sexual Health Day in United States of America start?

The first recorded date of World Sexual Health Day in United States of America being celebrated on September 4 was in the year 2014.

About World Sexual Health Day in United States of America Holiday

It's time to celebrate our sexual health and wellbeing here in the United States of America! World Sexual Health Day is here to encourage more education, communication, and resources around the important topic of sexual health and wellbeing throughout the entire world.

This year has been a wild ride in terms of our global health, but World Sexual Health Day is a special day to remember that everyone deserves to be an active participant in caring for their own sexual health while being respectful and understanding of the sexual health of others. We all need to take responsibility for our own sexual wellbeing and recognize the importance of having safe and consenting sexual activity.

World Sexual Health Day is an important opportunity to recognize that we can and should work together as a global community to make sure that all people have access to the accurate and comprehensive sexual health services they need. Whether it's speaking with our families about healthy relationships, visiting a healthcare provider to ask about STI testing and contraception, or donating to make sure that services are available in other areas of the world, we can all do something to spread awareness and promote positive sexual health practices. Celebrate World Sexual Health Day and do your part today!

World Sexual Health Day in United States of America

History and Origin

World Sexual Health Day is observed annually across the United States of America, and is the first ever global day dedicated to sexual health awareness and education. The global initiative was conceived by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) in 2008, and has since grown to become a global phenomenon, celebrated every September 4th.

The aim of World Sexual Health Day is to destigmatize conversations surrounding sexual health and bring awareness to the many issues related to the sexual culture and behavior within the United States. By encouraging sex-positive conversations, the international day promotes healthy and safe sex practices, greater understanding of sexual health, and more inclusiveness for different sexual orientations and identities.

World Sexual Health Day in the United States of America is celebrated by individuals, organizations, and communities with many activities, campaigns, and conversations regarding the diversity and vibrancy of sex-positive culture. In 2020, World Sexual Health Day will be commemorated with the theme: “Diversity and Inclusiveness: Let’s Talk Sex!” The goal of this campaign is to promote open dialogue surrounding sex and sexuality, and to help forge a sense of greater unity through safe and healthy sexual relationships.

Significance and Meaning

World Sexual Health Day is significant for the United States of America in part because it has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the country. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019), the United States had an HIV prevalence rate of 14.5 per 100,000 people—over nine times higher than the global average of 1.7. This makes it imperative to observe World Sexual Health Day, as a platform to engage in meaningful conversations about sexual health concerns and create a stigma-free atmosphere for any and all discussions related to sexuality.

World Sexual Health Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the freedom of sexual expression and personal liberties. This event aims to nurture the values of inclusiveness and to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. By engaging in activities for this day, individuals, organizations, and communities can all be part of a single movement that encourages diversity and breaks down gender binaries.

Traditions and Celebrations

World Sexual Health Day in the United States of America is typically celebrated with a variety of events and activities. Many communities hold rallies and marches, where attendees can express their opinions, beliefs, and support for a broader acceptance of sexual diversity.

Additionally, organizations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups across the country may choose to commemorate World Sexual Health Day by organizing conferences, workshops, and educational classes about topics such as gender tolerance, sexual health, HIV awareness, and sexual assault prevention.

Government institutions are usually instrumental in celebrating World Sexual Health Day by helping to create and coordinate initiatives, such as distributing educational materials and encouraging safe sex practices. In addition, many health centers provide free HIV and STI testing on World Sexual Health Day, to make these screenings more accessible to those who may not be able to receive them otherwise.

Geographical Spread

World Sexual Health Day is celebrated all throughout the United States of America, though different regions might observe it slightly differently. For example, in states with a larger LGBTQ population, like California and New York, there may be more events and initiatives dedicated to sexual health education that are specifically tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ community.

In the midwestern region of the United States, the event may be more focused on issues related to women’s sexual and reproductive health, with more event participants coming out to support conversations around topics such as sex education, unplanned pregnancies, and contraception options. Additionally, in the southern states, where HIV/AIDS and other STI rates are higher than the national average, World Sexual Health Day can be an especially important opportunity for people to access free or low-cost health screenings.

Modern Day Observations

In recent years, World Sexual Health Day in the United States of America has seen an increase in recognition, with more events and initiatives by organizations, specifically those focusing on the LGBTQ community, on a larger scale. Social media has played an important role in spreading awareness about the event and encouraging people across the country to participate and embrace the spirit of sex-positivity.

With the rise of the #MeToo movement, conversations about sexual harassment, sexual violence, and consent have become increasingly mainstream. This has translated into more dialogue about the rights of those affected by sexual assault, and the importance of having consent-based relationships, especially during World Sexual Health Day.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• World Sexual Health Day is now celebrated in over 30 countries around the world.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDP), the United States of America has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, with a prevalence rate of 14.5 per 100,000 people.

• The World Sexual Health Day 2020 theme, “Diversity and Inclusiveness: Let’s Talk Sex!” is broad and encompassing, and allows for conversations around different sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds.

• Since its inception, World Sexual Health Day has seen a significant increase in recognition, with more organizations, advocates, and individuals supporting the cause and engaging in sex-positive conversations.

• For many communities in the United States of America, World Sexual Health Day is an opportunity to provide greater access to HIV/AIDS and STI screenings, and to promote awareness and education.

• The 2017 World Sexual Health Day campaign featured the “Raincoat Rally”, where people of all orientations donned raincoats, held hands, and marched in support of sexual diversity.

• In conjunction with World Sexual Health Day, “The Annual World Week of Sexual Health” was launched in 2009 by the World Association for Sexual Health, and now occurs during the week of September 4-10.

Holiday Wishes

• Here’s to embracing and celebrating our sexual and gender diversity.
• Happy World Sexual Health Day!
• Wishing you more open conversations about sex and sexuality.
• Wishing you safer sexual practices and greater understanding.
• Health and happiness this World Sexual Health Day.
• Here’s to creating a more inclusive and understanding world.

Holiday Messages

• On this World Sexual Health Day, let’s talk about sex without any stigma or shame.
• Let’s make sure that everyone has access to sexual health resources and education.
• Let’s talk about healthy sexual relationships and consent.
• Let’s celebrate our sexuality and promote acceptance of different genders and sexual orientations.
• Let’s make this World Sexual Health Day a day of recognition, understanding, and celebration.

Holiday Quotes

• “Understand your own sexuality. Don’t be ashamed of it.” – Anderson Cooper
• “Sex is about connection, intimacy, and pleasure and this is the reason why we all love it in and out of relationships.” – Emma Taylor
• “Sex is just extremely healthy for you; it releases oxytocin, it makes you feel closer to someone, and it’s good for your society and it’s good for your being… and it’s pretty cool.” – Amber Rose
• “We all have the right to our own bodies and sexual expression and it should be celebrated.” – Miley Cyrus
• “Understanding your sexuality is part of being in harmony with who you are.” – Paulo Coelho

Other Popular Holiday Info

Beyond the ancillary activities, observances, and festivities, World Sexual Health Day in the United States of America also serves as an important platform for public discourse. It sheds light on issues such as LGBTQ acceptance and discrimination, sexual and reproductive health access, and much more.

Additionally, the event encourages people to be mindful of the ways that sex is portrayed in the mainstream media, and to engage in conversations surrounding those topics. It is also an opportunity for leaders, organizations, and communities to come together and support the mission of creating a sex-positive, tolerant, and inclusive environment.

Ultimately, World Sexual Health Day is an important day to raise awareness about sexuality and sexual health, and to celebrate the fundamental human right to sexual expression and agency. It is an occasion that encourages people from all walks of life to come together and recognize the mutual recognition of different sexual orientations and gender identities.