Understanding Disability Discrimination in Relationships: Breaking the stigma

Jhana's Writing Journey
3 min readOct 3, 2024

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Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. Sorry for not being consistent with my blogs, articles, and vlogs. I’ve been busy with school, and it’s been taking up most of my time lately. Last month was particularly crazy — my teacher was rigorous and took a lot of my time. I’m also worried I won’t pass this class because I didn’t clearly understand what needed to be done. Now that that class is over, I am starting a new one, which I’m very excited about.

That said, I want you all to know I am working hard to keep my blogs going regularly. I plan to write my blogs and articles on Saturdays and publish them on Thursdays. I’m also working hard every week on my articles for another platform called Unwritten. But as I said before, it’s tough coming up with topics to write about. I continually look for articles and topics on HubSpot that can help me. So far, it is working!

Now, let’s get into today’s topic. People with disabilities face many challenges. One of them is navigating their partner’s feelings of uncertainty and discomfort with how to support them.

Common Misconceptions About Disabilities in Dating

The misconception in the nondisabled community is that people with disabilities can’t or don’t want to be in a committed relationship. In reality, those with disabilities are capable of being in meaningful relationships and connecting just like everyone else. The only difference is that people with disabilities may do things a little differently, and their sex drive may not be like everyone else’s. They sometimes are able to have sex, but other times, their bodies are too sore, or they’re simply not interested anymore. I’ve learned that saying no is okay, even if some guys don’t like hearing it.

Another misconception is that people with disabilities require constant care and won’t be independent in relationships. It isn’t true and hinders people with disabilities. It affects those with physical disabilities more, as it can cause unnecessary feelings of hurt and doubt.

Strategies for Building an Inclusive and Supportive Partnership

The best relationships require open communication and honesty about your and your partner’s needs, wants, and desires. People with disabilities should conquer the fear of expressing their wants and needs without judgment.

When discussing someone’s disabilities, it’s always important to talk about what they are and aren’t able to do. Communication is key to having a strong relationship.

Real Stories: Overcoming Stigma in Relationships with Disabilities

Many people with disabilities may share inspiring stories about love and what they like or don’t like. These often highlight the importance of resilience and self-advocacy.

For example, couples may reflect on how they face judgment while growing stronger and fighting against being judged.

Advocacy and Awareness: Creating Change for Future Generations

When you’re in a relationship, it’s crucial to advocate for people with disabilities to create change and more possibilities for other healthy relationships. It’s also important to know that people with disabilities deserve equality. It can help spread awareness and empower those who also want to be in a committed relationship.

You should support and educate people with disabilities by informing nondisabled individuals that people with disabilities can be in a relationship — they just have to do things a little differently.

People look at me and think that because of my physical disability, I am incapable of having an intimate relationship with someone. That’s yet another stigma I have to face. My advice is to never let anyone tell you who you are and who you can become. Don’t let others tell you you’re not able to be in a relationship because of your disability. You deserve to be happy.

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