Every person can have sexual desires and feelings, no matter their abilities. Individuals with disabilities have the right to explore and express their sexuality in a way that is meaningful to them. Disability can be defined as some sort of physical or mental impairment that alters or affects a person’s day-to-day life.
Often society mistakenly believes that individuals with disabilities are not interested in sexual activity, are not sexually active or do not identify as LGBTQ2S; we want to recognize and emphasize that many individuals with disabilities are interested in and do engage in sexual activity, as well as identify within the LGBTQ2S community.
Similarly, all individuals – regardless of their abilities – have a right to sexual health education.
There are many things to consider when it comes to sex and sexual activity. If you are living with a disability, there are a lot of different and exciting ways to engage in sexual activity, all depending on what works best for you and your partner(s). Some forms of sexual activity might require more planning and imagination – it is important to understand your own needs and desires, talk to your partner(s), and if necessary talk to a trusted adult or health care professional. It is also important to consider all the ways you can have safer sex.
There are many different types of disabilities, such as developmental or physical. Disabilities will be defined differently by different people, and it is important to respect how each person identifies and acknowledge that each individual will have their own experience. Specifically, individuals will experience sexuality and sexual health in ways that are particular to their abilities and individual circumstances. Some individuals might need more support when it comes to physically being intimate with a partner. Others might need more support when it comes to exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation. Everyone has a right to access sexual health information, and a right to healthy and fulfilling sexual lives.
For more information, check out:
Sexual Health and Disability
Physical Disability and Sexuality
Sexual Health Education for Young People with Disabilities