Gender and Sexual Self-Determination

Oscar E. Hughes, PhD

Rhode Island College

Gender and sexuality are important facets of self-determination. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should have choice and control over how they express their gender and sexuality. Rather than asserting our own beliefs, we can support people with IDD to understand their feelings and to determine how they want to live their lives.

Unfortunately, some youth and adults with IDD who are LGBTQ+ have faced barriers to gender and sexual self-determination. LGBTQ+ people with IDD have shared compelling stories about the importance of expressing their identities and forming valued relationships. The LGBTQ+ community has also advocated for greater acceptance and improved access to accurate, inclusive information about gender and sexuality. Connections with others in the LGBTQ+ community can further support self-acceptance and a sense of belonging.

As caregivers or supporters, we can promote gender and sexual self-determination by listening to people with IDD, sharing information about gender and sexual diversity, and facilitating community connections.

Jennifer Kurth, PhD, to Receive the Barbara R. Trader Leadership Award at the 2026 TASH Conference

Sue Swenson, MA, to Receive TASH's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 TASH Conference