“Where’s the human dignity in that?”: LGBTQIA + people with intellectual disability exploring sexual lives and respectful relationships

Abstract

For people with disabilities, sexuality remains a contested and restricted space. This research investigated how the Sexual Lives & Respectful Relationships (SL&RR) program might be adapted for people with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA+. The program included co-developed materials and specifically curated narratives. It was received positively. The facilitators identifying as members of the LGBTQIA+ community was also reported as positive. While an inclusive program might be ideal, participants expressed the view that community attitudes (including those of other people with intellectual disability) might not yet be conducive to integrated human relationships programs.

Keywords:

• Gender and sexuality
• intellectual disability
• LGBTQIA+
• respectful relationships

Disclosure statement

The authors have no commercial interest to declare. Associate Professor Frawley and Dr. O’Shea were responsible for developing the original program that formed the basis of the current study.

Notes

Notes

1 LGBTQIA + refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other genders and sexualities.

2 The complexity of the program is such that those seeking further information are advised to contact the authors of the program.  Information is also available via the program webpage: https://www.deakin.edu.au/health-social-development/program_s/SLRR    

3 This is a service provided for the SL&RR program in general, but emerged as perhaps more significant for the LGBTQIA + participants.

4 Midsumma Festival and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras are annual LGBTQIA + pride parades and festivals.

5 The term beat is used in Australia to refer to public places where gay men go to take part in sexual acts.

6 Statistics on sexual and physical assault of people with intellectual disabilities in Australia are considered to be underreported, and at the time of writing, this was becoming clearer through the Australian Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, which may be accessed at https://disability.royalcommision.gov.au

Additional information

Funding

This project was generously sponsored by GALFA (now renamed Pride Foundation Australia), Sidney Myer Fund and The University of Melbourne Humanities Foundation Board.