Sexuality in Disability

Conversations around sexuality remain grossly unmentioned in our modern Indian society. Not a subject of dining table conversations, most young adults gather information from sources outside of family, educational structures, specialists – they very sources who are in positions of providing the apt information much needed to lead healthy and safe lives.

Most educational institutions do not have a curriculum of sexuality. Some who do, the material is in the form of sex education from a heteronormative perspective, which results in the isolation and stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community. In many cases, there is opposition from parents or political agents because it “pollutes” our rich culture and conversations would make us promiscuous.  

Given our anxiety and unawareness around disability, conversations around disability and sex are non-existent. There is a general assumption “if you have a benchmark disability, ofcourse you are asexual!... then where is the need”.

NOTHING could be farther than the truth - and anyone with a disability or someone who has or is interacting with people with disabilities would concur without batting an eyelid.

Conversations on sexuality are not only needed to lead a healthy and safe life, it also equips the vulnerable communities with proper knowledge to counter abuse which according to studies is rampant. This inability to discuss sexuality and desires around sexuality has had unimaginable consequences. According to studies,

• Women with disability are 4X times more likely as compared to women in general to face sexual violence
• About 80% of women with disabilities has been target of sexual abuse and assault.

Men with disabilities are considered asexual. Infact, there is NO thought about men with disabilities in sex education conversations

'The doctors at the Pune clinic advised a womb removal surgery [for Malan],” Rahibai tells. “But I asked them whether they could do a nasbandi [tubectomy] instead of removing the entire womb' 

Pune-based public health activist Dr. Phadke and others filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court, arguing that surgeries were performed without consent and even on girls as young as 10 years. The petitioners highlighted the rampant sexual abuse, neglect, forced pregnancies and abortions conducted on disabled women in numerous places. A public outcry followed the petition and stalled the surgeries at the time.

We have all come across unbelievable news items reading how Women with Disability were forced into hysterectomies. Around the time one would start menstruating, their families guided by doctors or other authorities would get the surgery done.. Girls as young as 10 years have undergone the knife

Knowledge of one’s sexuality that influences our sexual and reproductive health, can actually prevent scenarios of contracting STDs, unplanned pregnancy and sexual abuse and assaults. 

With most of our (as Persons with Disabilities) urges ignored, and almost zero access to proper education and the taboo around sexuality in our societies, how are we access information, explore our nature, and develop as “whole-selves” such that we grow into contributing individuals of the society? Would be great to hear your thoughts.