ABSTRACT
People with disabilities have historically been denied the opportunity to develop and express their sexual identities, despite having the same spectrum of sexual and romantic wants and needs as their non-disabled peers. As recognition of the benefits and importance of positive, integrated disability and sexual identity development has increased, more attention is being paid to understanding and supporting the integrated sexual identity development of people with disabilities. This chapter discusses sexual identity development in people with disabilities through historical, disability-affirmative and intersectional lenses, with a focus on the impact of ableism and heterosexism on views of and reactions to disabled people’s sexual identity and expression.
(sexual identity, disability, ableism, sexual expression, disability affirmative)
