“Identità ad ostacoli” Identity and Obstacles National research about the relation between LGB disable persons and professionals Priscilla Berardi, Raffaele Lelleri, Ambra Guarnieri Bologna, 07 August 2013

Introduction  2007 – “Abili di Cuore” (love-able)  Nowadays: clash between growing interest (ex: Sex, Love & Disability Documentary) and neglection of disability+homosexuality  Necessity to understand how homo/bisexual disable people situation has improved  Investigate how professionals work in this field

Methodology Psychosocial qualitative research project  2 Short online questionnaires 2 target groups: - LGB people with impairments (25-55 years) - professionals (support, educational, psychological or health)  Distibution on web and social media Lasted three weeks (apr-may 2013)

Methodology Psychosocial qualitative research project  2 Short online questionnaires 2 target groups: - LGB people with impairments - professionals (support, educational, psychological or health)  Distibution on web and social media Lasted three weeks (apr-may 2013)

Cross-section LGB PatientsProfessionals Gender15 M and 7 F14 M and 29 F Age18-72 median age median age 39 Residence North West 45% North East 20% Center 20% South and Islands 15 % North East 56% North West and Center 19% South and Islands 4% Cathegory Physical Disability 75% Sensorial Disability 20% Educators, Socio- assistance, nurses 58% Psycotherapists, sexologists, psychiatrists 30%

Cross-section LGB PatientsProfessionals Gender15 M and 7 F14 M and 29 F Age18-72 median age median age 39 Residence North West 45% North East 20% Center 20% South and Islands 15 % North East 56% North West and Center 19% South and Islands 4% Cathegory Physical Disability 75% Sensorial Disability 20% Educators, Socio- assistance, nurses 58% Psycotherapists, sexologists, psychiatrists 30%

Results  It is possible to conduct researches on this issue in Italy  Optimistic perspective in professionals and LGB patients  Professionals are interested in these themes and want to know more

Results  Privacy of disable people is stressed when they are LGB: professionals that had no idea how to deal with it wanted to talk with families, colleagues, etc  LBG patients suggest LGB associations to do more: accesible places, sign language interpreters, escort services, promotion of disability culture..

suggestions “give more visibility during conferences and make campaigns with disable LGB testimonials” “smash the stigma” “involve disable LGB in associations' activities” “promote LGB disable groups and meetings”

suggestions “give more visibility during conferences and make campaigns with disable LGB testimonials” “smash the stigma” “involve disable LGB in associations' activities” “promote LGB disable groups and meetings”

“Identities and Obstacles” abstract is available! Thanks for your attention!