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Advancing the Discourse: Disability and BDSM

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Abstract

Reproduction and sexual functionality have been the primary focus of existing research on sex and disability. Exploring sexual satisfaction in the disabled population is often overlooked by researchers, where discourse on alternative sexuality within this population is almost non-existent. Furthermore, the historical pathologizing and continuing stigmatization of bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, and sadomasochism (BDSM) practices in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) creates a unique population of people that are cast out from the public and academic dissertation. This not only further disregards the sexual freedom and satisfaction of persons with disabilities, but halts the forward progression of research to better understand and work with alternative sexuality and disability. This paper aims to bring together the literature on disability and BDSM to highlight their unique characteristics and demonstrate the need for further involvement in the exploration and legitimacy of this population.

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  1. University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI, USA

    Stephanie Tellier

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  1. Stephanie Tellier
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Correspondence to Stephanie Tellier.

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Tellier, S. Advancing the Discourse: Disability and BDSM. Sex Disabil 35, 485–493 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-017-9504-x

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