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Experience the birth of the first support group for sexual minorities with developmental disabilities!
Reflecting an unprecedented development in the disabled and sexual minority communities, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Retardation: Stories of the Rainbow Support Group describes the founding, achievements, and history of a unique group providing support for people with developmental disabilities or mental retardation (DD/MR) who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. In this pathbreaking book, group founder John D. Allen describes the Rainbow Support Group's beginnings in 1998 at the New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community Center in Connecticut and the ways in which it has been shattering myths and stereotypes surrounding people with mental retardation ever since.
From the author: Not only are people with DD/MR full human beings with the same needs and desires for intimacy and healthy sexual expression as people without intellectual disabilities, but the group is evidence that some people with DD/MR have an understanding of sexual orientation as well. Acknowledging that people with mental retardation are sexual is a new development in the human service field, but one that is still in the pre-Stonewall days regarding those who are gay. Although people with mental retardation are given unprecedented freedom to make personal vocational decisions, there is an unfounded expectation that they do not have a sexualitylet alone a homosexuality. Members of the Rainbow Support Group discuss the same concerns as other gay people, but in a support system that recognizes their unique perspective.
This insightful book shows how membership in the Rainbow Support Group addresses the very real fears and concerns of its members, including:
being forced into heterosexual social situations, since that is the only available option for socialization
dealing with being outed to peers and staffsince many DD/MR people are not their own legal guardians, this can lead to removal of privileges, various kinds of abuse, and other negative consequences in their day-to-day lives
being ridiculed by unsupportive staff
being excluded from family functions because of their sexual orientation
It also illustrates the purely positive aspects of membership in the group, which provides:
a place to learn appropriate ways to meet others, hear messages about safe sex, and feel empowered to advocate for their own intimacy needs
an increased chance of finding a like-minded partner (although the group is certainly not a dating service)
an avenue for members to connect with others like them and with the larger gay community in the area
events to participate in, such as holiday parties, field trips, movie nights, and gay pride celebrations
The author continues: What is exciting are the positive outcomes displayed once an individual enters the group. Members quickly develop a sense of ownership and wear rainbow-emblazoned clothing to meetings. Everyone has joined the host community center to begin receiving regular mailings and event discounts. Supervising staff report that members perform better at work, have fewer behavioral issues, and experience a greater feeling of contentment. For people with mental retardation, just to be able to say the words 'gay,' 'lesbian,' 'bisexual,' and 'transgender' in an affirming environment is a cutting-edge breakthrough. What the group has accomplished and will hopefully continue to illuminate is the understanding that people with DD/MR are entitled to a whole life experience, including discovering and enjoying their sexuality.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Section I: Background
Chapter 1. Reflections at Four Years: A Brief History of the Rainbow Support Group
Chapter 2. Professional Perspectives: Observations by Support Staff
Section II: The Members
Chapter 3. Andrew
Chapter 4. Joe
Chapter 5. Ron
Chapter 6. Andy Loves Joe Loves Ron Loves Andy Loves Ron Loves Joe Loves Andy
Chapter 7. Pam and Dana
Chapter 8. Steven
Chapter 9. The Quiet Guys: Daniel, Will, Allen, Bob, and George
Chapter 10. Bill
Chapter 11. Tim
Chapter 12. Ben
Chapter 13. Lisa
Section III: The Leaders
Chapter 14. Facilitator, Maureen Thomas
Chapter 15. Founder, John D. Allen
Conclusion
References
