Dispelling myths to minimize prejudice about the sexuality of people with disability

Abstract

This article discusses the presence of prejudice regarding the sexuality of people with disabilities. The issues that are described in a critical and reflective manner include various myths, such as: (1) people with disabilities are asexual: they have no feelings, thoughts and sexual needs, (2) people with disabilities have hightened sexuality: their desires are uncontrollable and exacerbated, (3) people with disabilities are unattractive, undesirable and unable to love and have sexual relationship, (4) people with disabilities are unable to enjoy normal sex and have sexual dysfunctions related to desire, excitement and orgasm, (5) reproduction for people with disabilities is always problematic because they are infertile, have children with disability or are unable to care of them. Belief in these myths reveals a biased understanding of sexuality of disabled people, seen as deviant, from normal standards. This is a barrier to affection and sex fulfillment for those who are stigmatized by disability. Clarifying these myths is a way of overcoming social and sexual discrimination that hinders the ideal of an inclusive society.