Sexuality and disability

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Sexuality and disability is the study of sexual behaviour and practices of a person with a disability. Physical disability such as a spinal cord injury may change the sexual functioning of a person. However, the disabled person may enjoy sex with the help of sex toys or by finding suitable sex positions.[1]

Relationships and disability

People with disabilities have the same basic human need to form close relationships as do other people. However, Western culture has had a long history of secluding and segregating people with disabilities, greatly inhibiting their ability to meet and socialize with many people. Many people still take it for granted that someone with a disability is either uninterested in romance or sexuality, or is unable to participate in sexual activity.

Stereotypes about disability add to the difficulty and stigma for people with disabilities. Myths about men and women with disabilities have been identified as follows.:[2]

  • Men and Women with disabilities don't need sex.
  • Men and Women with disabilities are not sexually attractive.
  • Men and Women with disabilities are 'oversexed.'
  • Men and Women with disabilities have more important needs than sex.
  • Boys and Girls living with disabilities don't need sexuality education.
  • Men and Women who live with disabilities can't have 'real' sex.
  • Sex must be spontaneous and/or have a set time.
  • Men and Women with disabilities and retardation should not have children and not allowed to have children.

Up to 50% of adults with disabilities are not in any sexual relationship at all, according to one survey.[3]

Dozens of online dating sites specifically aimed at people with disabilities have formed in recent years to fill this void. A 2012 Australian documentary directed by Catherine Scott, Scarlet Road, explores another aspect of the void facing people with disabilities, as it shows a sex worker who has specialized for 18 years in a clientele who have disabilities.[4]

Self-image and disability

Having a disability may sometimes create an emotional or psychological burden for the person with the disability. They may feel inhibition about pursuing relationships, fearing rejection on the basis that they have a disability. Self-image may suffer as a result of disfigurement, or lack of confidence. In The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability, Miriam Kaufman points out that attempting to hide a disability or minimize its existence is ultimately an added burden, encouraging readers to "come out" to themselves as disabled, to accept their disability.[5]

Sexual activity

The mechanics of sex may be daunting, but a number of sex guides written by doctors and therapists with expertise in disability issues are in print. Sex guides depicting various sexual positions can be helpful for couples who need to address mobility impairments. Sexual activity beyond penetration and intercourse may be necessary. Sensitivity to touch can increase in someone with paralysis from a spinal injury, above the lesion location.[6] Oral sex is an alternative where penetration is not possible or not wanted. Sex toys may be used as assistive devices as well, for example, using a vibrator if hand mobility is impaired.[6]

Sexual harassment, assault, and domestic violence

People with disabilities are as vulnerable as anyone to the problems that accompany sexual relationships. These problems include harassment, assault, and domestic violence. People with disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual assault than the general public, being targeted due to the physical or mental impairments that they have. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has published results of a survey that found that males with disabilities are 4 times more likely to be sexually abused.[7] Other studies have shown that for women with disabilities, "regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or class [they] are assaulted, raped, and abused at a rate two times greater than women without disabilities [... the] risk of being physically assaulted for an adult with developmental disabilities is 4-10 times higher than for other adults".[8]

Organizations and publications

CREA is a feminist organization based in Delhi, India, and New York City, that undertakes several initiatives to educate and support sexual and reproductive health for women with disabilities. Their activities include maintaining an informational website on many relevant topics.

Sexuality and Disability is an academic journal. Founded in 1978, it is described by its publisher, Springer Publishing, as "A Journal Devoted to the Psychological and Medical Aspects of Sexuality in Rehabilitation and Community Settings". Its current Editor-in-Chief is Sigmund Hough.[9]

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Sex and disability: Sex after spinal cord injury". Retrieved 2009-02-20. 
  2. ↑ "Mythbusting: Sexuality and Disability". CREA. Retrieved August 18, 2012. 
  3. ↑ "Disability Sexuality and Disabled Dating". Disabled World. Retrieved August 18, 2012. 
  4. ↑ Fitzgibbon, Rebecca (August 15, 2012). "Opinion: Offering a touch of dignity". The Mercury, Tasmania, Australia. Retrieved August 18, 2012. 
  5. ↑ Kaufman, Miriam (2005; 2010). The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and Illness. Readhowyouwant.com. p. 32. ISBN 9781458767912. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cooper, Elaine, and John Guillebaud (1999). Sexuality and Disability: A Guide for Everyday Practice. Radcliffe Publishing. p. 16. ISBN 9781857753196. 
  7. ↑ "Males with Disabilities 4 Times More Likely to be Sexually Abused". Disabled World. Retrieved August 18, 2012. 
  8. ↑ Disability Rights Wisconsin; Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (December 2011). "A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR CREATING TRAUMA-INFORMED DISABILITY, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ORGANIZATIONS". Disability Rights Wisconsin. p. 10. Retrieved August 18, 2012.  More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  9. ↑ "Sexuality and Disability". Springer.com. Retrieved 2012-08-23. 
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