Realities of LGBTQ + people with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review of the literature through the lens of recognition theory

Abstract

This article presents the results of a narrative review of the literature on the realities of LGBTQ + people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Twelve papers were analyzed. The data were extracted and interpreted through the lens of Honneth’s recognition theory. This review shows that more situations of contempt are experienced by LGBTQ + people with ID than situations of recognition. Experiences of violence, infantilization and discrimination, among others, are reported by those who participated in the surveyed studies. The analysis of the results made it possible to better understand their reality and to make recommendations. In particular, it is suggested that sex education programs for persons with ID be optimized so that issues relating to sexual diversity and gender plurality are addressed. It is also necessary to equip carers to increase their openness and comfort level in addressing these issues.

Keywords:

• Intellectual disabilities
• LGBTQ+
• narrative review
• recognition theory
• support needs

Acknowledgments

A big thanks to all the staff members of the Conseil québécois LGBT who contributed to this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.