Disability and Sexual Expression Research
Research conducted by Queer Out Loud (QOL) in collaboration with We Are The People and funded by the Wellcome Trust.
Who are we?
The project is being led by:
- Mimi Jones ()
- Stu Watson ()
- Dr Nina Worthington (Postdoctoral Research Assistant)
- Dr Stuart Read (We Are The People)
is a queer network offering local support in areas of business, social and wellbeing, based in Plymouth.
What are we aiming to do?
The research aims to explore experiences of intersectionality between sex, disability and queerness, and to understand obstacles and successes for queer disabled people in experiencing sexual pleasure and accessing formal and informal sexual health support within the community.
The research aims to deepen understanding of day-to-day lived experiences of sexual expression among queer disabled people living in the Southwest. We hope that the study will help raise local awareness about the intersection of sex, disability and queer identities, normalise these conversations, and develop safe spaces where discussions around sex and disability can occur without fear or stigma.
This project will explore important questions, including:
What are the day-to-day experiences of sexual expression among queer disabled people living in the South-West?
What specific issues around sexual expression are most important to this community?
How do you have a positive relationship with sex when it feels like your mind-body is working against you?
How are we conducting the project?
QOL will draw on its existing community networks to invite participants who identify as queer and disabled or neurodivergent to take part in the study. We appreciate that ‘queer’ is a broad term that includes straight trans people and asexual people, all are welcome to take part regardless of whether they are sex-experienced or not.
Methods of data collection and dissemination will include:
- An introductory online survey exploring issues surrounding sexual expression that are most important to this community.
- A series of four in-person or online focus group workshops with open discussions guided by community survey responses. Topics may include individual experiences of sex education, sexual healthcare or advice from GPs, and access to spaces that freely enable informal support/advice from peers, for instance, what this looks like between individuals with differing health conditions, neurodivergences, impairments, and sexual experiences. The workshops will include a short information and Q and A session led by QOL and experienced relationship and sex educators.
- Participant and researcher journals for self-reflection and preparation of thoughts or questions for the workshops.
- Use of stim-toys, creative, and participatory activities to support individuals with regulation, self-expression, and non-verbal contributions.
- An accessible comic book created by a local artist will visualise key themes from the research to help raise awareness of the intersection of sex, disability, and queer identities and experiences.
Project outcomes
Comic 'Disability Queerness and Me: An exploration of sexual experiences'
A comic book visualising key themes from the research. To help raise awareness of the intersection of sex, disability, and queer identities and experiences. It was created in collaboration with illustrator and designer
Disclaimer: This comic contains nudity and themes of a sexual nature, and is not suitable for children. The comic is currently available in the following formats:
- Printed comic - If you're interested in a printed copy, please email us at WeAreThePeople@bathspa.ac.uk.