Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in People w

Authors: Cheryl Bedard Hui Lan Zhang Kenneth J Zucker

Publish Date: 2010/03/20

Volume: 28, Issue: 3, Pages: 165-175

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Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to survey and compare A sample of 32 people who have a developmental disability were asked to complete five questionnaires ie demographics sexual orientation sexual history recalled childhood gender identity and adult gender identity Comparisons were made regarding their sexual orientation and gender identity as well as differences based on their diagnosis that may not have been related to their developmental disability One case study was presented to aid in better understanding of a transgendered individual Research results showed that most subjects perceived themselves as heterosexual 87 followed by those that saw themselves as bisexual or questioning 97 and lastly those that reported that they were interested in same sex partners 32 No differences were found for diagnostic category Four subjects scored within the range to indicate that they had gender identity dysphoria GID Again no differences were found for diagnostic category Interesting findings resulted when comparisons were made to other measures and to other studies It is proposed that it is good practice for professionals to rule out the possibility of ambivalence about gender and sexual issues caused by social and life experiences especially regarding abuse and the lack of information/education However their identities gender identity and/or sexual identity must be honored as we do with the general population

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