‘I hang out with non‐Christians all the time. I just won't date them’: The role of religion in the intimate lives of adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background A limited number of studies have explored religion's role in the intimate lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. This paper illustrates how religion, both of disabled people and those around them (e.g., family members, support workers), can shape the attitudes and experiences of disabled people toward sexuality. Method This paper draws on in‐depth interviews with adults with intellectual disabilities and support workers from two exploratory projects in Canada. Results Participants with intellectual disabilities talked about how religion provided a network that served to counter their social isolation and a pool of potential intimate partners, as well as some guidance for maintaining relationships. Support workers discussed the influence of organisational values in their practices related to sexuality. Conclusions Religion shapes disabled sexualities in various ways, sometimes supporting or constraining sexual expression. This paper invites disability scholars to consider religion when researching the intimate lives of disabled people.