Hi,
The desexualisation of disabled people does seem to fit into a wider
discourse of who, what when and how people are sexual, sexually
active, and sexually attractive. I think one common misnomer that is
attached to the sexuality of disability is that if a person living
with a disability is rendered infertile, impotent or physically
incapable of sexual activity by that disability, then society removes
from them their entire sexualised being. It is often overlooked
that whilst these people may not be physically able to have sex (in
whatever form takes their fancy) a large number of these people
still have desires, fantasies, urges or whatever. In a period when
academia is beginning to look at these new ideas of embodiment and
biographical experiences, it seems shortsighted to overlook this.
Also from my own experience I think it is important to recognise the
presence of specifically sexual disabled groups. There are numerous
support, social and sexual groups for disabled minorities on the gay
and lesbian scene. For example, many cities around the country
(including Sheffield, where I am based) have active deaf gay
groups, who meet socially, for coffee evening, film and theatre
trips, club and scene visits, and whatever.
Just thought I'd make that point.
Looking forward to reading more notes in this debate
Stuart Harwood
MA Social and Cultural Geographies
Department of Geography
University of Sheffield
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