Intersectionality Between Disability and Sexuality - Victor A.
Description:
My artifact beautifully captures a bride and groom and they both appear to be physically disabled in wheelchairs. They are holding hands and facing forward with joyful expressions. Their wedding attire, his in dark and hers in bright clothing, reflects the romantic mood of the artifact.
Significance:
I chose this artifact because it beautifully illustrates that having a disability does not hinder individuals from experiencing love, intimacy, or meaningful partnerships. Society often perceives physically disabled individuals as sexually oppressed, desexualized, or incapable of engaging in “real sex” (Dailey 1981; Silverberg, Kaufman & Odette 2007). However, this artifact boldly challenges these misconceptions by showing the beauty, strength, and equality of love between two individuals who defy these limiting beliefs. It serves as a vivid reminder that love and sexuality are fundamental aspects of human life, regardless of physical ability.
If, as Wilkerson (2002) describes, "sexuality is a vital means of pleasure, interpersonal connection, personal efficacy, and acceptance of one's body and of self more generally," then the couple in this image exemplifies this description perfectly. Their bond transcends societal expectations, offering an important reminder of the universal human need for intimacy, connection, and emotional fulfilment. In doing so, the artifact underscores the unique intersectionality of sexuality and disability, moving beyond rigid social models that seek to confine disabled individuals to narratives of dependence, asexuality, or disempowerment. This artifact invites everyone to reconsider their assumptions and embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding of love, desire, and humanity.
Positionality:
I am interested in disability, sexuality and their intersection because they are both unique and fundamental aspects of individuals' identities, often overlooked or misunderstood. Disability and sexuality exist on complex spectrums, yet they are frequently constrained by societal biases, taboos, and misconceptions that lead to various forms of marginalization and oppression (Erickson 2007). This intersectionality carries untold stories of resilience, diversity, and the complexity of human experience, stories that rarely garner attention in mainstream narratives (Liddiard 2017). Understanding these narratives is essential, not only for challenging the systemic barriers that disabled individuals face but also for acknowledging their full humanity.
As an aspiring social worker, it is important for me to develop a detailed understanding of these intertwined concepts. This knowledge will empower me to interact with clients in a way that is free of prejudice and bias, ensuring that my approach is grounded in empathy and respect. By grasping the intersection of disability and sexuality, I can better advocate for clients. Also, I can promote an environment of inclusivity and offer interventions tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and needs (Areskoug-Josefsson, Rolander & Bülow 2019).
Impact:
This subject has impacted me by expanding my understanding of the deeply ingrained societal biases surrounding disability and sexuality. It has challenged me to critically reflect on my own beliefs and values, especially the unconscious biases I may have held regarding these topics. By confronting these preconceptions, I have gained a more compassionate and inclusive outlook on human experiences. The "gem" I am taking away is a better understanding of sex, sexuality and disability, their impact on individuals and society and their relevance in social work.
Moreover, this project has also increased my awareness of the need for advocacy in disrupting stereotypes and misconceptions that persist around disabled individuals and their sexual identities. As a future social worker, this understanding will be important in promoting meaningful, non-judgmental connections with clients who may face these challenges. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I have learned to navigate complex and sensitive conversations with a greater sense of empathy and professionalism. In conclusion, this subject has deepened my commitment to promoting inclusivity, empathy, and respect in all aspects of my personal and professional life.
Wish List:
I hope my artifact inspires viewers to reconsider and challenge their preconceived notions about the intersection of disability and sexuality. By reflecting on this image, I want people to see sexuality and disability through a more inclusive, humanizing lens and to question the societal narratives that often marginalize disabled individuals. This artifact should promote meaningful discussions that embrace inclusivity and recognise people with disabilities as sexual beings, entitled to love, intimacy, and bodily autonomy like anyone else. I also hope my artifact empowers those who have remained silent about their experiences with disability and sexuality to express themselves
openly.
By promoting an environment that encourages these conversations, we can contribute to breaking down the stigma and shame surrounding these identities. My hope is that the image sparks a shift toward recognizing the inherent right of all individuals to care for their bodies and maintain a positive, empowering connection with
themselves (Shuttleworth 2007; Silverberg, Kaufman & Odette 2007). Finally, I want this artifact to encourage society to embrace the full humanity of disabled individuals and their right to sexual agency and personal autonomy.
Scholarship:
I realised that the discussion surrounding sexuality and disability is grounded in the detailed examination of societal perceptions and systemic barriers that disabled individuals face. Silverberg, Kaufman & Odette (2007) and Shah (2017) describe the belief that disabled people are asexual, which not only limits their sexual knowledge but also results in inadequate sex education compared to abled people. This lack of education renders disabled individuals more susceptible to exploitative relationships. This can severely impact their sexual citizenship and agency (Liddiard 2017). In contrast, Ruiz, Mainella, and Rosenthal (2023) examine how women with physical disabilities navigate intimacy, showing that their attitudes towards relationships are often shaped by external factors, their partners' perceptions, and their own disability identities.
Moreover, Erickson (2007) and Neille, McEwen, & De Andrade (2024) narrated the lived experiences of disabled individuals, describing how societal stigma results in negative experiences, including internalized ableism and exploitation in romantic encounters. Their studies emphasize that the denial of sexual rights is a fundamental aspect of the social exclusion faced by people with disabilities. In conclusion, these studies emphasize the need for sexual education and advocacy to empower disabled individuals, hence, enabling them to assert their sexual rights and navigate relationships safely. Also, these studies highlight the roles of social workers in addressing sexual citizenship for disabled individuals which is not only about education but also about breaking societal stigma and promoting inclusivity.
3 Comments
This artifact is indeed beautifully and unique, it has inspired me a lot after reading
Your reflection on the artifact is very insightful and illuminating. It’s been really well-described, you’ve said, what the image means to us – it’s about pushing back against societal stereotypes of disability and sexuality. I especially liked how you linked the artifact to larger social stories and invoked research for your arguments. We can see how you are very passionate about inclusivity, and how you want to use your future position as a social worker to support respect of minorities. Perhaps a suggestion would be to give a bit more depth to the impact the picture made on you as a person. Overall, great job!
Victor, your piece was outstanding, conveying a powerful message with remarkable clarity. The artifact was exceptionally well crafted, a truly impressive achievement overall.