SEXUALITY AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

PREJUDICES AND STIGMAS

Abstract

Sexuality is a human attribute inherent in any person, regardless of biological, psychological
or social limitations. Thus, the sexuality of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) is undeniable, even though the degree of intellectual commitment can influence the ability to manifest and experience affective-sexual bonds. Stigma is a physical, mental or social mark that
can be innate, acquired or attributed, and that puts the person who bears it in social disrepute.
However, there is the stigma which is attributed to her from the moment that something different is perceived in her and society has attributed a negative mark to this difference. Imbued
with this understanding, this study aimed to discuss the stigmas and prejudices that permeate
the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities, understanding it as an important attribute
for social inclusion. We used as methodology the review of literature and documents on this
subject, seeking re-reading, analysis and systematization in order to produce other possible
contributions to debate. The results showed that: a) the belief that people with ID are asexual
when they are not seen as infantile is still common, and b) the sexual behaviors of people with
ID are considered inappropriate and/or problematic. We conclude that most reinforcement of
prejudice about the sexuality of people with disabilities is directly related to the way society
understands and recognizes differences and to the standards that define and establish normality.