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Simić Stanojević I, Baugh M, Greer KM, Piatt J, Yarber W. Increasing Opportunities for Healthy Sexual Socialization in LGBTQ+ People with IDD: The Role of LGBTQ+ Organizations and Community. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2023; 41:1-11. [PMID: 37362800 PMCID: PMC10127948 DOI: 10.1007/s11195-023-09789-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In the current intersectionality-focused discourse within sexuality research, individuals existing at the convergence of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) are often overlooked. Individuals with IDD face difficulties acquiring sexual knowledge and skills due to limited opportunities for sexual socialization, misconceptions concerning sexuality and IDD, lack of comprehensive sexual education, restricted support from staff and caregivers, and a lack of community experiences that facilitate the development of healthy sexuality. When an individual with IDD identifies as LGBTQ+, these disability-related barriers can exacerbate the stigma and discrimination some LGBTQ+ people experience. Using the intimate justice framework, we explore avenues to support and foster inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community for members with IDD. Several recommendations were identified from the literature search, including logistical considerations and using accessible language for outreach events, presentations, workshops, training, and other activities and opportunities for sexuality education while challenging disability-related stigma in LGBTQ+ spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanka Simić Stanojević
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Mika Baugh
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Kirsten M. Greer
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Jennifer Piatt
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - William Yarber
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
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Pérez-Curiel P, Vicente E, Morán ML, Gómez LE. The Right to Sexuality, Reproductive Health, and Found a Family for People with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20021587. [PMID: 36674341 PMCID: PMC9864803 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although sexuality, reproductive health, and starting a family are human rights that should be guaranteed for all citizens, they are still taboo issues for people with intellectual disability (ID), and even more so for women with ID. This paper systematically reviews the current qualitative and quantitative evidence on the rights of people with ID in regard to Articles 23 (right to home and family) and 25 (health, specifically sexual and reproductive health) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). A systematic review of the current literature, following PRISMA 2020, was carried out in ERIC, PsychInfo, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science. In all, 151 articles were included for review. The studies were categorized into six themes: attitudes, intimate relationships, sexual and reproductive health, sexuality and sex education, pregnancy, and parenthood. There are still many barriers that prevent people with ID from fully exercising their right to sexuality, reproductive health, and parenthood, most notably communicative and attitudinal barriers. These findings underline the need to continue advancing the rights of people with ID, relying on Schalock and Verdurgo's eight-dimensional quality of life model as the ideal conceptual framework for translating such abstract concepts into practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Pérez-Curiel
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, C./Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva Vicente
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, C./Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M. Lucía Morán
- Department of Education, University of Cantabria, Av./de los Castros, 52, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Laura E. Gómez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
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McConnell D, Phelan S. The devolution of eugenic practices: Sexual and reproductive health and oppression of people with intellectual disability. Soc Sci Med 2022; 298:114877. [PMID: 35276622 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Early 20th century eugenicists propagated a system of ideas, values and dispositions that constituted adults with intellectual disability as the antithesis of the paradigmatic citizen, and a biological threat to society. The eugenic schema was encoded in sex-segregated institutionalization and, in many places, forced sterilization. These eugenic practices are no longer sanctioned. However, eugenic practices did not disappear. In this paper we argue that the eugenic schema is now encoded and purveyed through a multiplicity of social arrangements and practices that deny adults with intellectual disability the respect, opportunity and means necessary to participate on a par with others in social life. Such practices include, for example, covert or coerced contraception, and discriminatory child welfare interventions leading to high rates of custody deprivation. Drawing on relational theory, we problematize normative assumptions of embodiment and citizenship, which give rise to attributions of incapacity, and argue that adults with intellectual disability need what all other adults need to make and effect choices concerning their sexuality, relationships and parenthood, i.e., recognition, opportunity and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McConnell
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Canada.
| | - Shanon Phelan
- Faculty of Health, School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Canada.
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Hole R, Schnellert L, Cantle G. Sex: What Is the Big Deal? Exploring Individuals' with Intellectual Disabilities Experiences with Sex Education. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:453-464. [PMID: 34923868 PMCID: PMC8796054 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211057090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
This article offers perspectives shared by self-advocates in the first phase of a community-based participatory research project untaken to address barriers that individuals with intellectual disabilities face with respect to sexual health knowledge. Using descriptive qualitative methods, we interviewed 19 individuals with intellectual disability about their experiences and knowledge related to sexual health. The research question guiding this project was: What are self-advocates' with intellectual disabilities experiences learning about sexual health and sexuality? The findings highlight that participants faced barriers and lack of access to sexual health education, and while they learned about sexual health through formal sexual health education, frequently this knowledge came through lived experience. Finally, the findings underscore that participants knew what they wanted with respect to sexual health education and offered recommendations. The importance of accessible sexual health education for self-advocates that supports their rights and desires to express their sexuality and sexual agency is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Hole
- UBC Okanagan School of Social Work, UBC Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Rachelle Hole, UBC Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, ARTS/FHSD 1147 Research Road, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | | | - Gloria Cantle
- UBC Okanagan School of Social Work, UBC Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Saul H, Gursul D, Powell M, McCarthy M. Adults with learning disabilities want loving relationships, but may need support. BMJ 2022; 376:o134. [PMID: 35082137 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The studyMcCarthy M, Bates C, Elson N, Hunt S, Milne-Skillman, Forrester-Jones R. 'Love makes me feel good inside and my heart is fixed': What adults with intellectual disabilities have to say about love and relationships. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil 2021;00:1-11.To read the full NIHR Alert, go to: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/romantic-relationships-adults-with-learning-disabilities/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Saul
- NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination, Twickenham, UK
| | - Deniz Gursul
- NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination, Twickenham, UK
| | - Martha Powell
- NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination, Twickenham, UK
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McCarthy M, Bates C, Elson N, Hunt S, Milne-Skillman K, Forrester-Jones R. 'Love makes me feel good inside and my heart is fixed': What adults with intellectual disabilities have to say about love and relationships. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2021; 35:955-965. [PMID: 34033223 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century. METHOD Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom. RESULTS Participants placed a high value on having a partner and being supported to maintain and develop a loving relationship. The factors which constrained them in achieving this included a lack of social opportunities, barriers created by social care services and limits on them exercising autonomy. Facilitating factors included access to specialist dating agencies, strong family and staff support and opportunities to learn about relationships. CONCLUSIONS The importance of a loving relationship as a source of pleasure and meaning in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities who are often disadvantaged in many other spheres of life is emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Bates
- Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Nicola Elson
- Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Siobhan Hunt
- Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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Donnachie M, Jones B, Jahoda A. Facial attraction: an exploratory study of the judgements made by people with intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2021; 65:452-463. [PMID: 33615602 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although romantic or sexual attraction is a major research topic in the general population, little is known about people with intellectual disabilities' (ID) views of attractiveness. METHODS Fifty-eight participants (16-40 years) took part in this exploratory study, 29 with ID and 29 without ID. Participants were shown 50 images of men or women's faces and asked to rate how attractive they thought the faces were. RESULTS A strong association was found between what men and women with ID and those without ID considered attractive in romantic partners. However, people with ID were more likely to consider themselves desirable to others. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that people with mild ID make the same subtle judgements about facial attraction as other individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Donnachie
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - B Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Jahoda
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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