Self-Determination in Sexual Health – Empowering Autonomy and Inclusion, by Natalya Mason
Speaker: Natalya Mason
Sexual health is a fundamental part of being human, yet for individuals with disabilities, it’s often misunderstood, ignored, or actively restricted. At the Gentle Teaching Conference, Natalya Mason, a sexual health educator and social worker, delivered a powerful session on the intersection of sexuality, disability, and human rights, challenging us to reframe our biases and support self-determination.
What Is Sexual Health?
Natalya opened with the World Health Organization’s definition, emphasizing its holistic nature:
•Sexuality includes pleasure, identity, intimacy, and relationships, shaped by biological, social, and cultural factors.
•Sexual health goes beyond risk prevention (STIs, unwanted pregnancy) to focus on ensuring everyone has access to ideal sexual experiences—rooted in autonomy and choice.
Key Takeaway: Sexual health is not a privilege—it’s a human right.
The Barriers: Ableism and Assumptions
Natalya outlined how ableism perpetuates myths about people with disabilities:
- They are seen as non-sexual or incapable of understanding sexuality.
- Decisions about their bodies and relationships are often made without their input.
- Sexual health education frequently excludes disabled individuals entirely.
These biases deny people with disabilities their right to explore, learn, and define their sexuality on their own terms.
Promoting Self-Determination and Autonomy
Natalya emphasized that individuals with disabilities know their bodies and needs best. Supporting them means:
- Providing accessible sexual health education tailored to their experiences.
- Offering tools and resources that tackle topics like:
- Consent and boundaries.
- Navigating relationships and intimacy.
- Sensory sensitivities during sexual experiences.
- Ensuring they see themselves reflected in sexual health resources and media, affirming their identities and desires.
“Disabled youth are not just passive learners—they are experts of their own experiences.”
Reproductive Justice: A Framework for Inclusion
Natalya drew on the reproductive justice framework developed by Sistersong, highlighting three core rights:
- The right not to have children, with access to contraception and abortion.
- The right to have children, with access to services that support healthy pregnancies.
- The right to parent children in safe and healthy environments.
This framework underscores the importance of autonomy, dignity, and support for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Shifting the Narrative to Sex Positivity
Sex positivity is the foundation of inclusive education—it celebrates sexuality as a natural, enriching part of life. Rather than focusing solely on preventing harm, Natalya advocated for creating spaces where disabled individuals can:
- Explore their desires safely.
- Develop relationships and intimacy.
- Experience sexuality as a source of joy, connection, and empowerment.
Quote to Reflect On:
“Sex positivity isn’t just about avoiding the bad. It’s about striving for the good.”
The Path Forward: Supporting Inclusion and Rights
Natalya called on educators, caregivers, and policymakers to:
- Recognize and challenge their own ableism.
- Prioritize inclusive, accessible sexual health education that centers the voices of disabled individuals.
- Provide tools and resources that support autonomy, choice, and self-determination.
Conclusion: Centering Voices, Celebrating Rights
Sexual health and self-determination are universal human rights, and individuals with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to explore, express, and define their sexuality. By promoting inclusion, representation, and autonomy, we create a world where everyone is seen, heard, and empowered to live as their full, authentic selves.
Natalya’s message was clear: It’s time to listen, learn, and ensure that no one is left out of the conversation about sexuality.
Call to Action: Reflect on your own work or organization:
- Are you providing accessible sexual health resources?
- Are disabled individuals involved in shaping programs that impact them?
- How can you challenge biases and promote autonomy in your community?
By shifting our perspective, we can create inclusive spaces that affirm sexuality as a right for all.
