ABSTRACT
People with disabilities are often ‘othered’ and face stigma and discrimination, like other marginalised groups. The experiences of oppression of people with disabilities parallel the sorts of experiences of oppression of many of the groups of people focused on in this book – for example gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. As observed elsewhere (e.g. Parker, 2009), the sexualities studies literature has seen a focus away from notions of normality and abnormality with regard to sexuality and sexual activity, to a focus on sexuality as socially constructed, representing a diversity of sexual meanings and practices. Along with this shift there has also been an increased attention given to the structural influences of sexuality experiences and identity; most importantly issues of power. This shift in focus and increase in literature on sexuality studies has emphasised the importance and the promotion of sexual rights.
