Disability and sex
24 August 2017
One thing which always perturbs me is the, usually covert, prejudices people have against each other—often for no or very little reason.
In the modern day, by the very nature of our society, most prejudices remain covert as, to be openly prejudicial against someone, can bring immediate criticism and comment on the internet or via the myriad of social media many people use. Yet, sadly, even this still does not stop people criticising or commenting or making judgements on others owing to their skin colour, the way they dress or their sexual preferences or lifestyles.
Often it’s worse for people with disabilities as, unfortunately, a lot of people tend to take a condescending or patronising attitude towards such people. Such disabilities may be a result of a genetic defect, from birth.. Or from an accident or injury. Whether it is perhaps being born without a limb or part limb.. or from an accident where either part of a limb is missing or the person, perhaps, can’t walk properly after having suffered broken leg, torn cartilage or had a new hip.. or may be in a wheelchair and unable to walk unaided.
A disability may be less physically noticeable, such as a mental or cognitive disability. It may involve some mental affliction which translates into not being able to speak coherently or fluently, or occasionally, but not frequently, have fits or seizures—or maybe the person in question has some permanent respiratory difficulties and has to be hooked-up to a respirator for hours on end.
Whatever the disability a person has, it certainly does not mean that such person is incapable of feelings of happiness, tenderness or giving or receiving love; it does not mean that such person does not have sexual needs and long for physical contact with others.
Still, it saddens me to see that so many other people pre-judge those with disabilities and treat them as if they have no emotional or physical or sexual needs. In most ways, people with disabilities are just the same as you and me; in fact, in many cases they are far more competent and able as have had to overcome whatever their disability is to live as near a normal life a possibly. Indeed, you only have to think about all of the para-athletes out there who probably live a far better, more fulfilling life than most of us!
And people with a disability should be able, and are able, to enjoy a rich and fulfilling sex life.
Just because they have some form of disability, why shouldn’t they be emotionally and physically/sexually fulfilled?
It is important to remember, that a disability does not define someone. Disability is not inability!
People with disabilities of any kind deserve the same respect and rights that all of us deserve. Thank goodness this is becoming more and more noticed, so that people with any and all types of disabilities are being treated more fairly.
And just to repeat… It is important to remember, that a disability does not define someone. Disability is not inability!
