“The Right to Sexuality” — The Atlantic, 2019, 13:28 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPFV4EQ0mgw
This video profiles Paul and Hava, a couple with intellectual disabilities who fought to have their union recognized. Too often our society (mis)constructs those with disabilities as asexual and/or aromantic. Perhaps this is indicative of ability privilege in the areas of love, family, and sexuality. We learn about the legal and institutional parameters which marginalize these relationships, as well as strategies to empower these individual’s sexuality. New York State law mandates they receive sexual education including topics on consent, safe sex, and pregnancy prevention. Unfortunately, the same state also decided group homes have no obligation to house married couples.
From the video’s description: Paul and Hava met at a performing-arts social event for people with intellectual disabilities. With the assistance of their parents, they went on a few successful dates. The connection was immediate. After some time, they decided to make their strong, loving bond official. The couple made each other so happy that their parents saw no good reason to deny the proposal. The group homes where Paul and Hava lived, however, stood in the way of the couple’s union. “They want us not to get married—not to live together,” says Paul in a new short documentary.