Physically disabled women and sexual identity: a PhotoVoice study

Abstract

The issue of sexuality for young disabled women is not often talked about in society. Our study aimed to explore four young physically disabled women’s experiences and perspectives regarding sexuality and disability. We used PhotoVoice, a participatory action research method which uses photographs, to capture and convey our participants’ concerns. Through their photographs they showed that everyday interactions with others, particularly strangers or meeting people for the first time, were made difficult by how they were always seen as having a disability. Other parts of their identity were not recognised. The change the young women wanted was for people to see them as young women and not just as disabled.

Keywords:

• PhotoVoice
• sex
• sexuality
• physical disability
• young women

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the study participants for their time and commitment; AUT’s Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences Contestable Grant Fund and the Person Centred Research Centre for funding the study; Auckland CCS Disability Action for hosting the PhotoVoice exhibition; and the anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback.