Seeking Safer Sexual Spaces: Queer and Trans Young People Labeled with Intellectual Disabilities and the Paradoxical Risks of Restriction

Young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people labeled with intellectual disabilities have unique sexual health needs that are not being met. Denial by others of their right to pleasure and the exercise of heightened external control over their sexuality are commonplace. Current researc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of homosexuality 2012-07, Vol.59 (6), p.808-819
Main Authors: McClelland, Alex, Flicker, Sarah, Nepveux, Denise, Nixon, Stephanie, Vo, Tess, Wilson, Ciann, Marshall, Zack, Travers, Robb, Proudfoot, Devon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
AIDS
Autonomy
Bisexuality
Disability
Disabled persons
Female
Focus Groups
HIV
Homosexuality
Homosexuality, Female
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Intellectual Disability
Intellectuals
Interviews as Topic
Labelling
Learning disabilities
LGBTQ studies
Male
Mentally disabled
Personal Autonomy
Physically Handicapped
Queer theory
Risk
Risk assessment
Sex Role Identity
Sexual Behavior
Sexual health
Sexuality
Transgender Persons
Transsexuality
Young Adult
Youth
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Summary:Young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people labeled with intellectual disabilities have unique sexual health needs that are not being met. Denial by others of their right to pleasure and the exercise of heightened external control over their sexuality are commonplace. Current research indicates that these youth are at heightened risk for compromised sexual health. This study aimed to explore the ways in which social and environmental conditions influence vulnerability to adverse sexual health outcomes for this population. We used a community-based research approach to conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups with 10 young LGBT people (aged 17-26) labeled with intellectual disabilities. Participants reported multiple limitations on their autonomy that resulted in having sex in places where they did not feel comfortable and were unlikely to practice safer sex. Attempts by authority figures to protect youth through limits on their autonomy may be unintentionally leading to negative sexual health outcomes.
ISSN:0091-8369
1540-3602
DOI:10.1080/00918369.2012.694760