Sexuality and relationships. What Mencap thinks. Easy Read

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Sexuality and relationships - What Mencap thinks

A group of people with their arms around each other in front of a blank poster

People with a learning disability have sexual rights.

They should be free to express their sexuality and have safe, happy relationships.

Me - A woman in a hat pointing to herself - Easy Read

Sexuality is your feelings about yourself, your body and your relationships.

Two male friends greeting each other. A family sitting on a sofa. A young man giving a young woman a bouquet of flowers

There are different types of relationships including friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships.

A young woman in a wheelchair is pointing to the first position on a podium

All of these relationships can be very important to a person.

A young man giving a bouquet of flowers to a young woman

A romantic relationship is when two people have a close bond and care about each other a lot.

Not all romantic relationships are sexual.

Two men kissing each other

A sexual relationship means both people want to be intimate with each other.

This means they might want to kiss, touch or have sex.

A UN Disability Rights poster with three people with disabilities pointing to it

People with a learning disability have sexual rights just like everyone else.

For example:

Two couples with their arms around each other
  • Everyone has the right to understand their sexuality and have relationships if they want to.
A young man and a young woman with learning disabilities high five each other
  • People with a learning disability have the right to choose their  relationships.
A woman reading an Easy Read book about relationships
  • People with a learning disability have a right to accessible information.

    This can help them make choices about relationships.
Four people with learning disabilities in front of the LGBQT+ flag
  • People who are LGBT+ ( lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and other identities) have the right to be treated equally and with respect.
A woman and a young man with Down's Syndrome point to a flipchart which shows the back view of a naked mans body
  • People with a learning disability have the right to learn about their bodies, sexual health and healthy relationships.
A woman points to herself whilst thinking about a loving relationship

Mencap knows that a lot of people with a learning disability want to have relationships.

A woman with Down's Syndrome stands in front of a team of people who can support her

People with a learning disability should have good support to understand their sexuality and have relationships if they want to.

A woman with her head down and her arms folded looking sad

But this is not always happening.

For example, people with a learning disability may:

  • find it hard to get out and meet people.
A woman sitting all alone in a room looking sad
  • not have the opportunities to have relationships
A do not disturb sign hangs from a door knob
  • not have the privacy needed to have a sexual relationship or explore sexual feelings.
A woman with her fingers nails in her mouth looking scared
  • be worried or scared, which stops relationships from happening.
A man scratches his head whilst trying to read a book. Next to him is a question mark,
  • not get the right information they need about sexuality, sex and relationships
A man in a wheelchair looks fed up because the two people who are with him are not talking to him
  • not be asked about their feelings on sexuality and relationships at all.
A group of people with disabilities in front of a poster with a heart symbol on it

What Mencap wants

We want the sexual rights of people with a learning disability to be respected.

Two men sharing pages of information.

We want people with a learning disability to have the support and information to explore their sexuality.

Two men facing each other with their hands together

We want people with a learning disability to have the opportunities to make friends if they want to.

A young man and a young woman with learning disabilities high five each other

We want people with a learning disability to have healthy and happy relationships if they want to.

A smiling counsellor talking to a woman

This means people with a learning disability should have:

  • someone to talk to about their feelings on sexuality and relationships
A woman rests her finger on her chin thinking. Above her is a think cloud showing a man giving a woman flowers, and two women holding hands
  • support to think about who they want relationships with and what type of relationship they want.
A young woman sitting on the floor being comforted by a friend who is introducing her to three new friends.
  • opportunities to meet other people and support to keep safe
A woman standing behind a table which has condoms on it
  • good quality sex and relationships education for themselves and their families and support staff.

This Easy Read was first published 13/06/2023

Last updated 13/06/2023

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