Supporting people with learning disabilities who identify as LGBT to express their sexual and gender identities

The aim of this paper is to develop an understanding of supporting people who identify as LGBT and who have a learning disability through alignment of lived experiences and an exploration of the existing literature. Evidence indicate barriers to people with learning disabilities obtaining and maintaining loving relationship, this is particularly the case for those identify with an LGBT community. A twitter chat, and subsequent exploration of the literature indicate themes in UK policy and legal frameworks, influenced by series of complex ethical issues, pertaining to concept of intersectionality – that of unique discrimination experienced by those who identify with a combination of minority groups. The results prompt considerations for further research to underpin practice development and education programmes to support people in developing their sexual identity, linked to further research to document this progress