Sexual Uncertainties and Disabled Young Men: Silencing Difference Within the Classroom

Abstract

This paper reflects upon and connects the findings of two research projects that examined the sexual inequalities experienced by disabled young gay men. Using some of the data for illustrative purposes, we explore the consequences of the dominant heteronormative discursive practices that they experienced within sex education classes. Drawing on Foucault, we explore how the many silences within the particular version of sex education that these young men received resulted in internalized feelings of difference. Furthermore, we argue that such educational experiences construct 'certainties' that do not reflect the realities of young disabled gay men.

Comparing Sexual Risk Behaviors Between Sexual Minority Men Living With and Without a Chronic Illness/Disability (CID)

“…Additionally, after controlling for age, sexual minority men living with CID endorsed higher average scores of sexual risk behaviors as measured by the SRS. These findings are especially important to consider given stereotypes of persons with disabilities as being asexual [2,8]. Moreover, our findings are consistent with other studies reporting similar results [5,[11][12][13], and indicate that sexual minority men living with CID may be more vulnerable to compromised sexual health outcomes, such as HIV/AIDS and other STIs [7].…”

“…It is possible that the stigma and stress attached to a CID, or the intersection of possessing a marginalized sexual identity in conjunction with a CID, are related to a propensity to engage in more risky sexual behaviors. Furthermore, because there are fewer safe-sex educational opportunities for persons with disabilities and sexual minorities, it is possible that they receive inadequate or deficient information about safe sexual practices [1,2].…”

“…Persons living with CID conditions are at risk for encountering compromised sexual health outcomes, such as vulnerability to sexual abuse, sexual assault [8,10], and fewer sexual educational interventions [1,2]. Disability scholars have also indicated that individuals living with CID conditions may be engaging in risky sexual behaviors.…”

“…Sexual minority men living with CID conditions may be especially at risk given their multiple minority status; they are simultaneously denied sexuality, while also being told that heterosexuality is normative and the only acceptable form of sexual behavior. Such messages may limit their access to sound information about safe sexual practice [2]. One small qualitative study conducted in Canada found that sexual minority young adults (including women and transgender persons) living with intellectual disabilities were at risk for having unprotected sex and making fewer safe-sex decisions [13].…”

“…Persons living with chronic illness/disability (CID) conditions are often viewed as though they lack sexuality [2], despite repeated efforts by disability scholars that report the contrary [8]. Persons living with CID conditions are at risk for encountering compromised sexual health outcomes, such as vulnerability to sexual abuse, sexual assault [8,10], and fewer sexual educational interventions [1,2].…”