The Additional Marginalization of the Currently Marginalized

The Additional Marginalization of the Currently Marginalized

Take a minute to imagine yourself in high school again. You have two basic groups of students: the popular kids and the not so popular kids. Now, imagine not being accepted by either of these groups of kids. How would you feel? Now apply this example to our vast society. This example portrays how life is for many people with disabilities who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT). I will focus on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of people with disabilities who are GLBT.

Disability and Sexuality

One type of disability is a chronic illness. Leslie R. Schover said,

men and women with a chronic illness are at heightened risk for having sexual problems. Chronic illness is a risk factor both because of the physiological changes from a disease or its treatment and because of the psychological impact. Decreased frequencies of sex as well as high rates of sexual dysfunction have been documented in patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurological disease, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic pain. (2000)

Many people with disabilities due to the nature of their disability may have some type of sexual dysfunction that could impair their relationships or prevent them from forming a lasting relationship. The biological, or physical, feature of a disability is one element of a person that can have an effect on their sexuality. K. L. Parish said,

pain can interfere with desire and ability to engage in sex, but sexual behavior may help reduce pain; arthritis may require finding different positions for sexual intercourse; frequent hospital visits can cause separations from partner; sexually transmitted diseases create the need for safer sex and have a deeper impact on the relationship; medications can cause fatigue or body changes [e.g. erectile dysfunction]. (2002)

Chronic illness can bring about many unexpected side issues that directly or indirectly influence a person’s sexuality. I live with a chronic illness, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). There are days when I feel fatigued, or I feel malaise, and do not have the desire, nor the physical energy, needed to be intimate with another person.

A disability can also affect a person’s social world. According to Parish,

cultural norms encouraging the bearing of children are problematic for couples with genetic or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission concerns; excessive school absences may lead to fewer social outlets, friends, and reduced chance of developing relationships; conversely, support groups may lead to more social activity and networks that can increase one’s sense of sexual desirability and worth; improving social skills can facilitate attempts to form connections. (2002)

As an individual living with ESRD since my birth, the social attribute of disability and of sexuality has affected me directly. I missed quite a lot of school during my elementary school years including junior high school. I had very few friendships because I was socially stunted. When I was at school, I was not allowed to participate in any sports and had to be careful in physical education classes. I lacked the social skills that most children acquire during their formative years because I was not in school enough to learn them like the other children were learning them. Since that time, I am constantly trying socially to catch up from what I lost during my childhood.

Living with a disability may cause psychological or mental health issues to develop. These psychological issues may affect a person’s sexuality too.

Immaturity and poor judgment can contribute to poor decision-making under pressure (and failure to use a condom); feeling ‘different’ and inadequate can lead to depression and withdrawal from relationships; sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others can enhance relationship success and sexual satisfaction even when there are physical limitations. (Parish, 2002)

Psychologically, living with a chronic illness has lead to depression and anxiety for most of my life. I take an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety medication daily to help myself maintain optimal levels of performance. Depression can lead to a low feeling of self-worth for a person with a disability.