Gay down syndrome person

Too often, misconceptions and societal stigma create barriers, limiting opportunities for open discussions about relationships, dating, and self-discovery. Sexuality is very important and interesting to people with Down syndrome.

It is about who we are and every way we define ourselves. Sexuality is not just about sex. Here are some tips on how to talk about sexuality: Start early. People with Down syndrome are visual learners so picture books, cards, and games will help facilitate the conversation.

Keep the talks simple.

It is attraction, sexual orientation, reproduction, sensuality, intimacy, pleasure, decision making, and setting boundaries. People with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities are often assumed to be uninterested in sex and sexuality, to not be having sex or physical intimacyand that their interests should match their cognitive age or abilities, not their biological age.

The topic of sexuality can be difficult to discuss with your loved one with Down syndrome, as it can feel awkward or taboo depending on your own education with the subject. As part of this exploration, they sat down to talk with some people affected by it.

Here are some tips on how to talk about sexuality:. Importance of Sexuality Education Sexuality education empowers people to make informed and healthy choices about their bodies and their. Sexuality is our values and our experiences and how they have been influenced by our culture, families, and faith.

Primary Care for Women with Intellectual Disabilities. It is our gender, how we identify, and how we express it. Use the anatomically correct names for body parts, start talking about public and private spaces in your home, and model asking for and giving consent around touch right from the beginning.

Learning about sexuality and relationships can help your loved one feel confident and supported as they build close connections with others. Comprehensive sexual health education, which encompasses these topics plus the thoughts and feelings that accompany them, is important for everybody.

Sexuality can be ingrained in our self-care and important to our safety. Many people with Down syndrome are wrongly assumed to be. LGBTQIA+ individuals with Down syndrome navigate a world that often fails to recognize their right to love, express their identities, and access inclusive sexual health resources.

It is our appearance, body image, confidence, attitudes, and behaviours. It is our relationships with others, including our families, friends, romantic partners, paid helpers, people in our community and strangers and especially our relationship with ourselves.

Individuals with Down syndrome can have many kinds of relationships, including romantic and intimate ones. It is commonly thought that sexuality is not a concern for people with Down syndrome. See some of our favourites listed under resources.

Relationships Sexuality Down Syndrome : Issues of sexuality in Down syndrome Don Van Dyke, Dianne McBrien, and Andrea Sherbondy As human beings, individuals with Down syndrome have the right to emotionally satisfying and culturally appropriate sexual expression

They may be seen as asexual, eternally young, or too innocent to be concerned with sexuality or to need sexual health education. However, that is a myth. Use visuals. Do a little bit, often. In the video below, Mic editor Elizabeth Plank talks with Paul, a young man from Brooklyn, who has Down syndrome and also happens to be gay.

Look for the teachable moments. Issues of sexuality in Down syndrome.