Photo by Unaihuiziphotography on iStock
Photo by Unaihuiziphotography on iStock
I teach Disability, Theology, and Human Care at the college and seminary level. As the parent of an adult child with a disability, it strikes me that far too often the topic of sex and disability is often avoided, particularly in faith contexts. This post is an attempt to dispel some of the myths and fears around the topic and to relay some of my thoughts in this regard, as I consider the impact these approaches may have on my own family.
Our Bodies
All of the Abrahamic faiths recognize that our bodies are sacred and have dignity. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; My frame was not hidden from you.” (Psalm 139:14-16). The text tells us that our bodies act: “Be fruitful, increase, fill and care.” (Genesis 1:28).
“Our lives are experienced in bodies: Love, joy, peace, and patience are acts of the body and we cannot escape our bodies!”
People of faith say this is God’s work and that the body is not to be an impediment: Our lives are experienced in bodies: Love, joy, peace, and patience are acts of the body and we cannot escape our bodies! We don’t want to! One does not have a body; one is a body. To be human is to exist in a body. Sex is from the body.
Creativity, a central aspect of human life, is expressed through our bodies. The narrative has no concept of “normalcy” or predefined abilities. The human body is portrayed as a precious gift and the conduit through which we engage with creation. Our bodies mediate every interaction with the world, whether it’s the miracle of birth, the bonds of family, the trials of struggle, the reality of pain, or the enduring hope.
The significance of our actions with our bodies is underscored, regardless of their form or capabilities. Each body, regardless of its unique attributes, is regarded as a divine blessing. This truth holds especially for people like my son, who lives with a developmental disability.
“Each body, regardless of its unique attributes, is regarded as a divine blessing. This truth holds especially for people like my son, who lives with a developmental disability.”
This is my understanding of the body. What follows flows out of that assumption.
Challenges
Stigma and Discrimination: People with developmental disabilities often confront societal stigma and discrimination, fostering feelings of shame and inadequacy regarding their sexuality. These negative attitudes perpetuate myths and misconceptions, further isolating people from supportive communities. People with various developmental disabilities may be capable of expressing themselves sexually. The limits we encounter in faith and non-faith communities must be respected and applied with dignity and respect for each person.
Limited Access to Education and Resources: Comprehensive sex education is essential for everyone, yet people with developmental disabilities often encounter barriers to accessing accurate information and resources due to institutional obstacles and misconceptions about their capacity to understand and engage with such materials. Caregivers also face a scarcity of available resources. Materials must be made available that engage with a wide range of developmental disabilities.
“…people with developmental disabilities often encounter barriers to accessing accurate information and resources due to institutional obstacles and misconceptions about their capacity to understand and engage with such materials”
Vulnerability to Exploitation and Abuse: Lack of awareness and support can render people with developmental disabilities susceptible to exploitation, abuse, and coercion in sexual relationships. Power imbalances and communication barriers exacerbate these risks, underscoring the need for advocacy and protective measures.
Restrictive Legal and Policy Frameworks: Legal and policy frameworks governing sexuality frequently fail to account for the rights and autonomy of people with developmental disabilities. Issues of consent, guardianship arrangements, and sterilization laws may infringe upon sexual freedoms and reproductive rights.
Addressing Misconceptions and Promoting Inclusion
Promoting Sexual Agency and Autonomy: Recognizing the inherent dignity of people with developmental disabilities is crucial in promoting their sexual agency. Supportive environments that nurture open communication, self-determination, and empowerment are vital for fostering healthy sexual development.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Implementing inclusive sexuality education programs catering to diverse learning needs and abilities is essential. We must equip people with developmental disabilities with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices and navigate relationships safely. People with developmental disabilities need to understand, as much as possible, the sexual act and the biology of sex and birth control. They must be taught about their bodies, what they are for, and how a body works. They must respect their bodies and the bodies of others.
Training and Support for Care Providers: Care providers, including healthcare professionals, educators, and support staff, require specialized training on issues related to developmental disability and sexuality. This encompasses understanding diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, recognizing signs of abuse, and promoting inclusive practices.
Legal and Policy Reforms: Advocating for legal and policy reforms that uphold the rights and dignity of people with developmental disabilities is essential. This includes ensuring access to supported decision-making models, safeguarding against involuntary sterilization, and enhancing protections against sexual exploitation and abuse.
Community Engagement and Peer Support: Building inclusive communities and support networks where people with developmental disabilities can connect with peers, share experiences, and access resources is vital for combating isolation and promoting social inclusion.
“The church cannot be the church without addressing what it means to have a body.”
All of these issues can be addressed in both religious and non-religious environments. Transparency regarding this issue is crucial. We all possess bodies and utilize them, and we must refrain from shaming our developmentally disabled friends and family members. Establishing and respecting boundaries are integral components of human existence that must be taught and practiced.
Conclusion
The intersection of developmental disability and sexuality represents a complex and often disregarded aspect of the human experience. The church cannot be the church without addressing what it means to have a body. This includes people of all abilities. By combating stigma, promoting education, advocating for rights, and fostering inclusive communities, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for people with developmental disabilities who may wish to express themselves sexually.
People with developmental disabilities deserve the dignity, autonomy, and education afforded to other members of society.
About the Author:
About the Author:
Dr. Andrew Barron is a nice Jewish boy from New York who follows Jesus. He is a writer, teacher, preacher, evangelist, and martial artist.
Andrew heard the gospel in 1980 while studying Astronomy at Florida Institute of Technology. He worked as a crew activity planner and orbit design officer for the US Space Program for two years but left in 1983 when he felt the call to serve with the international mission agency, Jews for Jesus. Andrew helped plant the Jews for Jesus South Africa branch in 1989 and served as director there until 1996 when he took on the role of director of Jews for Jesus Canada, where he served until his retirement.
Andrew Barron was adjunct faculty at The Centre for Spirituality, Disability, and Care at Martin Luther University College, federated with Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. He has previously taught disability and theology at Tyndale University in Toronto and Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto where he graduated with his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2016. Barron lives in Toronto. He is married to Laura and is the father of Rafael, Ketzia, and Simona.
Dr. Andrew Barron is a nice Jewish boy from New York who follows Jesus. He is a writer, teacher, preacher, evangelist, and martial artist.
Andrew heard the gospel in 1980 while studying Astronomy at Florida Institute of Technology. He worked as a crew activity planner and orbit design officer for the US Space Program for two years but left in 1983 when he felt the call to serve with the international mission agency, Jews for Jesus. Andrew helped plant the Jews for Jesus South Africa branch in 1989 and served as director there until 1996 when he took on the role of director of Jews for Jesus Canada, where he served until his retirement.
Andrew Barron was adjunct faculty at The Centre for Spirituality, Disability, and Care at Martin Luther University College, federated with Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. He has previously taught disability and theology at Tyndale University in Toronto and Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto where he graduated with his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2016. Barron lives in Toronto. He is married to Laura and is the father of Rafael, Ketzia, and Simona.
