What Do I Need to Know About GLBTQI People with Disabilities?

People with disabilities and people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer and intersex (GLBTQI) are often discriminated against and isolated because of myths and stereotypes. For some GLBTQI people who also have a physical or developmental disability, it can be very hard to get the kind of information about GLBTQI issues and sexual health that they need.

Quick facts:

• People with disabilities have sexual needs and feelings, and are capable of having sex (whether this includes kissing, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or manual stimulation). 
• People with disabilities should be supported in starting or maintaining intimate relationships. 
• Accurate information can help break down negative myths and stereotypes and help GLBTQI people with disabilities to express their sexuality in a healthy way.
• All people regardless of ability have the right to receive comprehensive sexual health information. 

Why do disability service providers need to address GLBTQI issues?

Many disability service organizations feel that their role is to support people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, and this should include people with disabilities who are part of the GLBTQI community. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

What can disability service providers do to be more supportive of GLBTQI clients?

• Challenge your own and your co-workers’ assumptions about GLBTQI people.
• Contact a local GLBTQI organization for information and training.
• Display GLBTQI-positive posters and have information about GLBTQI organizations available.
• When talking about sexuality, make sure the information you provide is relevant to all sexual orientations.
• Include GLBTQI services in your resource lists.
• Create an GLBTQI -inclusive policy for your organization.

For more information, see the related pages "How to talk about sex with clients" and “Sexuality, Disability & GLBTQI”

Links

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities 
The Canadian Association for Community Living