Using Social and Educational Approaches to Enable a Man with Learning Disabilities to Develop his Sexual Identity and Orientation

This paper describes the obstacles encountered by a young, gay man with a mild learning disability. His referral for ‘challenging behaviour’ to the Personal Relationships and Sex Education Team initiated a one‐to‐one sex education programme. When the work had been completed his frustration grew as he could not apply his learning and he desperately wanted a sexual partner. The work took a new direction to find a gay befriender to assist our client to access his community and continue his learning. This case study highlights the need for carers and professionals to assist people with learning disabilities to break down the barriers of community resistance that prevents them from integrating and developing their chosen sexual identity.