Social inclusion of LGBTQ and gender diverse adults with intellectual disability in disability services: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and gender diverse adults with intellectual disability experience exclusion within disability services.Objective: This review explores the experiences of social inclusion/exclusion of this cohort in the context of disability services. Search Method: A systematic search was conducted of peer-reviewed research published between January 2014 and April 2019. Five databases returned 66 articles plus three from hand searches. Appraisal and Synthesis: Nine articles were included in this review. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to assess the quality of the research. NVivo 12 was used as a tool to organise the articles. Results: Marginalisation of LGBTQ adults with intellectual disability in western societies is mirrored in disability organisations. There remains a dearth of research into experiences of transgender people with intellectual disability who use disability services. Conclusions: Research into interventions that support the inclusion of this cohort in disability support services is needed.

Contextual Navigation: Towards a Holistic Conceptualization of Negotiating Sexual Identity in Context

“…Such limitations in our positionality influenced the interview and focus group questions, as they did not thoroughly address the identity negotiation experiences of those with multiple marginalized identities. For example, individuals with disabilities are often not viewed as sexual beings in society and, therefore, are not included in discussions of LGBTQ+ identity negotiation research (Smith et al, 2021). Future work should more explicitly explore identity negotiation among LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities or LGBTQ+ people of color to better understand identity negotiation among LGBTQ+ people with multiple marginalized identities.…”

“Lost in the literature.” People with intellectual disabilities who identify as trans: a narrative review

“…The majority of research has focused on trans women (Alexander, 2006;McClelland et al, 2012;Newman et al, 2018;Parkes and Hall, 2006;Tu ¨rko glu and Tu ¨rko glu, 2016;Wilson, 2006;Wood and Halder, 2014) and non-binary people with intellectual disabilities (Alexander, 2006;Duke, 2011;Griffiths et al, 2010;McClelland et al, 2012;Newman et al, 2018;Parkes and Hall, 2006;Ramasamy et al, 2017Ramasamy et al, , 2021Smith et al, 2021;Tallentire et al, 2020;Thompson, 2014;Tu ¨rko glu and Tu ¨rko glu, 2016;Wilson, 2006;Wood and Halder, 2014;Wylie et al, 2014) and there is a marked lack of representation of trans men.…”

Commentary on: “Lost in the literature”. People with intellectual disabilities who identify as trans: a narrative review

“…By not identifying characteristics and comments made by trans participants, authors reduce the risk that they will be identified by people around them. Smith et al (2021) identified that the experiences of transgender people are missing from the available literature on LGBTQþ identity, claiming that this may be due to difficulties with recruitment due to marginalisation and lack of visibility within society in general. However, the evidence in the previous sections and the experiences of Jennifer and Ms A as out trans women accessing disability services, suggests that lack of support for this population may have resulted in "fewer people with intellectual disabilities affirming their gender than there may otherwise be" (Smith et al, 2021, p. 1).…”

“…T here are calls for more research into the experiences of transgender people with intellectual disabilities to address a paucity of literature on this group (Smith et al, 2021;Newman et al, 2018;Dinwoodie et al, 2020). "Transgender" (henceforth trans) refers to "people who move away from the gender they were assigned at birth, people who cross over [.…”

“…In Bjo ¨rnsd ottir et al's (2017, p. 301) study, a participant with intellectual disabilities claimed that "[being] gay is only for famous people", emphasising the perceived unavailability of non-heterosexual identities to this group. Further, because people with intellectual disabilities are already managing the stigma of intellectual disabilities they may attempt to pass as "normal" (Bjo ¨rnsd ottir et al, 2017;Wilkinson et al, 2015;Smith et al, 2021). According to Smith et al (2021, p. 12) for "those who do identify with diverse genders and/or sexualities, coming out is a continual process which requires various skills that may need to be actively taught and supported", as was the case for Ms A.…”