As some of you might know, I am a lover of hearts, an iconic symbol of love and sexuality.

September fourth may have passed, but every day is a day to celebrate sexual health.

The World Association for Sexual Health selected September fourth to ponder the meaning of sexual well-being. More than thirty countries created events to recognize the need to understand the idea of sexual rights for all.

Surprisingly, we are not as oversexed as we think.

With the exception of a few Western Nations, the science of sexology does not exist. There is neither a system for collecting sexual health data nor a standardized terminology for the different types of sexual practices.

What does sexual well-being mean to you?

This is the question that the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) selected for its focus on the second annual World Sexual Health Day this week on September fourth.

More than 30 countries took part by creating events to recognize the need to articulate and understand the concept of sexual rights for all.

I challenge each one of you to define sexual well-being. Personally, I believe sexual well-being starts with a healthy relationship with ourselves. Being comfortable with ourselves, our bodies, needs and desires is first and foremost.

Then, we must clearly express our desires either verbally or nonverbally.

There is no reason anyone should feel shame in expressing their sexuality. Sexuality is a part of every one of us.

It is not right or wrong.

The judgements we place on sexuality come from our fear of rejection and longing to be accepted. There are a wide range of sexual preferences.

The key to finding which one is right for us, is experimentation. Finding a trusted partner with similar sexual preferences makes this process easier, but the hardest part is asking those questions that might lead to rejection.

Sexuality is like a language—simply a method of communication.

Our method of perception and expression may differ but there is one commonality—a need to feel loved.

How we express love may differ, but the intention is the same.

So how can we judge sexual expression when it is something we all do and should be free to do?

As Confucious once said, ‘After food and water we think about sex.’

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Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: Steven Depolo at Flickr