Society, Culture and Technology - Sexuality and Disability
Everyone has the right to express their sexuality – as long as it doesn’t harm others and they’re able to give their consent. This includes choosing your own friends, relationships, having access to learning and information, having the right to marry and the right to make decisions about your own sexual and reproductive health.
If you have a disability you have:
- The right to grow up – to be treated with the same respect and dignity as that given to adults.
- The right to know – to have access to as much information about yourself and your body as anyone else.
- The right to be sexual and to make and break relationships – being sexual is integral to being human.
- The right to not be impacted by the sexual attitudes of different caregivers.
- The right to be free from sexual abuse.
- The right to a humane and dignified environment – to be able to express yourself in a safe and comfortable place.
If you have a disability, you might have questions – especially about your sexuality. You can talk with your parent or caregiver or another trusted adult. The doctor or nurse at a Family Planning Clinic or your doctor will also be able to answer your questions.
Privacy
You have control over who you want to touch your body. For example, if you are showered naked by a caregiver or family member, they should still ask what you are and are not okay with. And, because you have been naked and have less privacy, it doesn’t mean that you don’t still have a sexual body. Just because your sex life may not be as private as others, there is no reason you can’t explore your sexuality. There may be some more challenges but talking about this with people you trust and feel comfortable with may help you feel better about being a sexual person.
Talk about it before you act
Talking about what you like and don’t like is important before you have sex. It can be even more important if you have a disability. Maybe you have a catheter or a colostomy bag – it is a good idea to talk about this with your partner before you become intimate. This means they’re clear about what to expect and you are comfortable and relaxed about what’s going to happen.
Sharing pleasure and sexual touching
You might find that activity like stroking, kissing or mutual masturbation feel even better than sex. Because of your disability you might have increased sensitivities in different parts of your body such as your lips, mouth, nipples or hair. You should think about ways to increase pleasure and reduce anything that might be uncomfortable or difficult. Your disability may also affect your sex drive – this can be the case with conditions such as multiple sclerosis or with injury to the spinal cord.
You might be worried that your disability will stop you having a sexual relationship. Many people with disabilities are also worried about this. If you are ever confused, stressed or depressed about your disability and how it affects your sexuality, there are organisations that can help.
Check out the links below or talk with your Family Planning doctor or nurse or your family doctor:
