June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor their contributions to society, uplift queer voices, and highlight the continued fight for equity. In this blog post, we take space during Pride Month to explore the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability. Specifically, we examine the experiences of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who identify as LGBTQ+.
In a recent research review, LGBTQ+ adults with IDD describe what it is like to hold two stigmatized identities (Ramasamy et al., 2021). Many express that their IDD causes people to view them as asexual or childlike, despite having a well-developed sense of their LGBTQ identity by adolescence. Unsupportive professionals and family members often automatically assume them heterosexual or incapable of holding LGBTQ+ identities, dismissing their LGBTQ+ identities entirely (Smith et al., 2022). In addition, many individuals report being treated differently by the LGBTQ+ community due to their IDD. This double marginalization can lead to experiences of abuse, isolation, depression, internalized stigma, and a lack of fulfilling romantic relationships (Ramasamy et al., 2021).
Fortunately, research also highlights the positive impact that meaningful community membership can have for LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD. For instance, support groups can offer opportunities to strengthen and celebrate their multiple identities, gain confidence, reach self-acceptance, and support others (Ramasamy et al., 2021). One such support group is the Rainbow Group, which offers monthly meetings for LGBTQ+ adults with developmental disabilities across Massachusetts. The support of caregivers and loved ones is also essential in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD. For more resources and information, visit the Administration for Community Living, Respectability.org, or the Massachusetts Resources Guide on Healthy Relationships, Sexuality, and Disability.
By Staci Ballard, Graduate Assistant at the Center for Social Development and Education