Cripping sexualities: An analytic review of theoretical and empirical writing on the intersection of disabilities and sexualities

Abstract

This paper provides a review of some of the literature addressing the juncture of disabilities and sexualities and invites sociologists to build on this work and take part in this important intersectional field. First, I discuss the central relevance of an intersectional lens for making sense of the unique experiences of queer people with disabilities who are located at the crossroads of various stratified systems. Then, I discuss some of the many unique challenges that queer disabled people face when exploring their sexuality, establishing relationships, and remaining sexual. The invisibility, marginalization, and discrimination of queer people with disabilities in both queer and disability communities are the focus on the third section. The fourth section speaks to current theoretical dialogues between disability studies and queer theory that have illuminated new pathways for theorizing the intersection of disabilities and sexualities, “cripping” sociological theories, and reimagining disability within sociology. As I demonstrate, this literature is growing; however, myriad exciting opportunities for empirical and theoretical sociological exploration remain and I will conclude with a discussion of possible directions for future research.

‘I hang out with non‐Christians all the time. I just won't date them’: The role of religion in the intimate lives of adults with intellectual disabilities

“…The concern is that some organisations may, for example, exclude certain sexualities and sexual practices. Service delivery may be delivered in ways that perpetuate cisgender and heteronormative expectations that erase lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender+ disabled people and their needs (Santinele Martino, 2017). Even support workers' sexual orientation may be the target of surveillance and termination in certain religious‐based organisations.…”

Disabilities and sexual expression: A review of the literature

“…These smaller, more in-depth studies are extremely valuable contributions in terms of the richness of detail, insight, and level of sophistication that they offer. Yet the use of small sample sizes within the literature has led to a greater number of small-scale microlevel studies, while more quantitative, large-scale macroanalyses of disability are lacking (Martino, 2017). In light of the prevalence of small samples within the literature, when possible, researchers should attempt to incorporate larger sample populations and make use of mixed methods (Jungels & Bender, 2015;Martino, 2017;Shakespeare, 2000).…”

“…For instance, there is more research on heterosexual, cisgender people with disabilities than on people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ or asexual (Caldwell, 2010;Noonan & Gomez, 2011). As noted by Martino (2017), "queer people with disabilities have generally been invisible and marginalized in both the queer and disabled communities" (p. 1), and the "pervasive heteronormativity" within the literature has "obscured the rich array of sexualities among individuals with disabilities" (p. 6). Incorporating insights from queer theory and adopting an intersectional approach can help researchers to further understand how intersecting and compound forms of discrimination impact opportunities for sexual expression and sexual satisfaction, and ultimately will help to rectify this dearth within the literature.…”

“…Additional research involving people with "significant" impairments is important, because as Kulick and Rydström note that these individuals are often "the ones who need the most help in exploring their sexuality" (Kulick & Rydström, 2015, p. 3). Although research involving people with intellectual disabilities and people with no mobility and/or little verbal speech is increasing (see Fish, 2016;Hamilton, 2002;Kulick & Rydström, 2015;Löfgren-Mårtenson, 2004Shuttleworth, 2000;Turner & Crane, 2016), this tendency has left people with these types of impairments relatively under-studied when compared to people with other impairments (Block et al, 2012;Martino, 2017;Noonan & Gomez, 2011).…”

“…Scholars who have made use of queer theory in their analyses of disability and sexuality such as Butler (1997Butler ( , 2004, Butler (1999), Clare (2001), Samuels (2003), Kafer (2003), McRuer (2003, Guter andKillacky (2004), McRuer andMollow (2012), and Noonan and Gomez (2011) have also made several novel contributions to the field through various critiques of conventional theories of sexuality that neglect alternative expressions of gender performance, sexualities, and embodiments. Through challenging widely held presumptions regarding the "naturalness" and "normalcy" of heterosexuality and "able"-bodiedness, theories from disability and queer studies often complement and reinforce one another (Cheng, 2009;Martino, 2017;McRuer, 2003McRuer, , 2006McRuer & Mollow, 2012;Wilkerson, 2002).…”