Sexuality
People with intellectual disabilities have the same range of sexual thoughts, emotions, desires and fantasies as people without disabilities. However, the sexuality of intellectually disabled people is regularly seen as problematic.
Throughout the world, individuals with intellectual disabilities are frequently oppressed and manipulated. Many times they are told that sex is bad, that they should not think about sexuality nor practice sexual acts. This can have a profound negative impact on the individual's self-image and overall health and well-being. Often, people with intellectual disabilities feel that their basic sexual feelings are also wrong. The human sexual drive is primary rather than optional. Provided that people have enough to eat, drink, and sleep, they have a sexual drive whether they are intellectually disabled or not.
In the past, people with intellectual disabilities were considered to be asexual, and having fulfilling sexual relationships was not a realistic option for them. Their individual rights to sexuality, which are taken for granted by the majority of society and are part of human well-being, have been taboo. In addition, access to sex education has been limited or unavailable.
As a consequence of the lack of discussion about sex and of no sex education at school, people with intellectual disabilities may engage in inappropriate sexual behavior or sexual relationships. Due to insufficient knowledge, they are also at risk of abuse, manipulation and of being silenced after the abuse has happened.
The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stipulates the rights of all people to marry, to start a family and to retain fertility. However, people with disabilities continue to be subjected to sexual segregation, marital prohibition and legally sanctioned sterilisation, often under the veil of protection from pregnancy.
There continues to be a lack of information about body parts, sexual feelings, relationships, appropriate sexual acts, abuse and discussion of same-sex relationships regarding people with intellectual disabilities.
This section of the web site contains publications and reports covering a range of issues ranging from basic sexual health through rights and abuse, to homosexuality and sexually transmitted deseases. The links published here refer to organizations working within the field of intellectual disabilities and sexuality and can be useful for further research on this topic.