Sexuality, Disability & GLBTQI
Where can I find sexual health information as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer or intersex person with disabilities?
Learning about sexuality and how it relates to persons with physical or intellectual disabilities can help you to express your sexuality and understand more about yourself, your gender identity, and sexual orientation.
For information on how to reduce the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections and HIV, contact
- your local Canadian Federation for Sexual Health member
- organizations that provide information on sexuality issues for persons with disabilities
- your local PFLAG chapter
- your local Independent Living Resource Centre
What are my rights as a GLBTQI person with a disability?
People in Canada are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation and mental or physical disability by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and by provincial human rights codes. This means that any service you use must offer you the same kinds of services and supports that a heterosexual or non-disabled person would receive. This includes:
- support in developing a social network
- receiving appropriate sexuality education
- respect and support for your relationships
- access to comprehensive health care and services
If your personal care attendants or health care providers do not uphold these rights you can:
- contact an organization that advocates for people with disabilities to get help in demanding fair and equitable services (such as your local Independent Living Centre), file a complaint with either the Canadian Human Rights Commission or your Provincial Human Rights Commission.
For service providers, see the related page called "What do I need to know about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and intersex people with disabilities?" .
How do I meet other GLBTQI people with disabilities?
- Get involved in activities that you enjoy
- Check out the GLBTQI social groups listing in your area GLBTQI directory or newspapers
- Contact local support services for people with disabilities to find out if they have social groups for GLBTQI people