Last Updated on January 14, 2026 by Lexi Kisses
If you ever find yourself asking, Is anal gay? Is it normal to have same sex attraction? Or Is it normal to be attracted to _? Reading about sexuality may be to your benefit.
There are many reasons to pick up a book on sexuality, but the personal relationship benefits are loud and clear. Here are my top 3 reasons to start reading about sexuality!
Benefit 1: Increases Empathy
Reading about others’ lives and experiences, especially when they’re different from your own can help increase empathy by expanding your perspective. 1 2 I personally think that reading books on the most intimate parts of someone’s life is the most comfortable way to learn about them. Especially if you have invasive questions.
You can guarantee that the book writer wants to discuss the topic they are writing about. But, you can’t guarantee the same for a random person/friend.
This isn’t to say all people will be uncomfortable with it, if you have that type of relationship where you talk about those things, go on and ask. In a case where you’re comfortable asking. I say that these types of books are beneficial so you can ask those things more inclusively.
Benefit 2: Self Discovery
Besides learning about others, these books can also aid you in self discovery. You may pick them up and relate to things you never knew you did. 3
Books on sexuality can give you a clearer view of your own wants, likes, and desires. Making it easier for you to pursue what you want. This in turn leads to higher life satisfaction overall (assuming self discovery is your thing).
Benefit 3: Boundaries
Adding on to the benefits of self discovery is understanding boundaries. 4
As you learn more about yourself and others this increases your awareness of your limits.This increase is helpful for understanding, creating and navigating your own boundaries as well as others. Knowing this helps you create a comfortable space for yourself as well as for those around you.
Final Thoughts
If your goal in life is to be a more well rounded person, treat people with more understanding and to know yourself better. Try reading a book or two on sexuality.
- Cardona, Betty, and Robinder P. Bedi. “Can a Course on Sexuality Counseling Increase Empathy When Working with Sex- and Gender-Minoritized Individuals?” Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice and Education , vol. 5, no. 1, 2024. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026[↩]
- Herb, Annika, and David Betts. “Queering the Book Club: Empathy Development through Young Adult Literature in Australian Discussion Groups.” Children’s Literature in Education, vol. 55, Nov. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-022-09512-w. Accessed 6 Jan[↩]
- Główczewska, Joanna, et al. “Does Sex Education Guarantee a Higher Quality of Sexual Life? The Mediating Role of Sexual Self-Awareness in Sex Education and Sexual Satisfaction.” Sexuality Research and Social Policy, Springer Science+Business Media, Nov. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-025-01234-0. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.[↩]
- Matson, Emily. “1.13 Self-Awareness of Personal Values and Beliefs around Sexuality.” Sexuality Matters – Sample Chapter, Pressbooks, May 2025, pressbooks.umn.edu/smembodiedsexuality/chapter/1-13-self-awareness-of-personal-values-and-beliefs-around-sexuality/. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026[↩]
