In a quest to create an inclusive and equal society for both persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities, sexuality and disability cannot be overlooked as well as trivialized or downplayed.
It is so unfair how persons with disabilities are ascribed as asexual (having no sexual feelings or urges) in our societies and the world at large. Despite the challenges that disabled people face, they are also labeled as asexual humans, so sad. Going through their history of segregation, institutionalization, marginalization, exclusion, sterilization, or most circumstances pitied have not been ordinarily connected with their appearance.
Persons with disabilities are sexual beings like you and me. They also have urges, desires, needs, and fantasies but due to disability, many have a body morphology or have developed some mental disabilities that make them unable to conform to heteronormativity. For example, they may be unable to experience genital effects or verbally and logically communicate their needs and desires. Their sexual organs might not be fully functioning or they may need physical support to be able to engage in sexual activities. So when the sexual practices of these people fall outside the normative worldview, then their sexuality is practically not recognized. This has led to stigmatization. This stigma has led these people to internalize concepts of asexuality which have negatively impacted their confidence, self-esteem, self-efficacy, desires, and ability to find a partner. Ultimately, their overall sexual self-concept is distorted.
However, studies have shown that societal attitudes, misconceptions, stereotypes, perceptions, and stigma are largely driven by the lack of information, education, knowledge, and religious superstitions about disability. This has resulted in a narrow understanding of disabled people and their sexuality issues.
In addition, this is also a result of the ineffectiveness or lack of access to appropriate sex education in schools for persons with disabilities. If available, focus on “normal” people. Sex is not discussed with them in informal environments such as family members and friends. This had led to them being abused sexually by caregivers in the name of requiring physical touching during care.
Their disabilities have already interfered with their quality of life and also curtailed some of their lifestyles choices. As persons without disabilities, why make life more difficult for them. It behoves us all to help make life easier for them because every one of us is potentially susceptible to acquiring a disability.
In an inclusive and equal society, we advocate that you empathize with them instead of sympathy, empower them instead of pity, stop the stigma, the stereotype, and welcome them in all areas of life.
Remember, Disability is not Inability.
Be Educated Today.
