People with disabilities face barriers that limit their sexual lives. In Portugal, some individuals with physical impairments have shown interest in resorting to sexual assistance provided by trained professionals, according to the client’s preferences and needs. However, in Portugal, sex workers lacking any formal training represent the only way to access commercial sex services. Thus, this study analyzes the experiences of sex workers that provide services for disabled clients. The interviews of thirteen sex workers were analyzed using the thematic analysis method proposed by Braun and Clarke. The key findings show that men seek out sexual and emotional satisfaction from sex work. Additionally, specificities inherent to the lack of training and the relationships established tend to embarrass professionals. Finally, we conclude that training coupled with sexual education and popular awareness about gender differences in the pursuit of sex is fundamental to improve the sexual health of those who choose sex services as a way of sexual expression.

Despite growing interest in the sexuality and gender identity of people with disabilities (PWD), this topic remains underexplored in both research and institutional policies, owing to prevailing views that ignore PWD sexual life. This contributes to the invisibility of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) and to inadequate attention to the specific needs of LGBT people with disabilities (LGBT PWD). Background/Objectives: Given the lack of Portuguese studies that examine the intersection of LGBT and disability identities, this study aimed to understand professionals’ attitudes and practices toward PWD regarding sexuality and LGBT belonging. Methods: We conducted qualitative research using semi-structured interviews with eleven professionals (two psychologists, three occupational therapists, and six personal assistants). We analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Key findings highlight professionals’ limited knowledge, prevailing cis-heteronormative attitudes, and emerging affirmative practices. Conclusions: Training and institutional changes are needed to make services more inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBT PWD.

Introduction: Sexuality is a fundamental dimension of life, yet people with disabilities often face systemic oppressions that hinder their sexual agency. This study addresses the lack of formal sexual assistance in Portugal by exploring the insights of a disability rights collective regarding the implementation, challenges, and empowerment potential of such services. Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted with “The DEFiants” (As DEsaFiantes), an anti-ableist Portuguese feminist collective. Data collection occurred between October 2023 and July 2024, involving three stages of exploratory and semi-structured interviews with two representative members to capture the collective’s public stance. The data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results: The findings identified six key themes: the need for broad and flexible definitions of sexual assistance, the transition from theory to practice, the potentialities of sexual assistance for self-knowledge and empowerment, ethical challenges (particularly regarding intellectual disabilities), the strategic distinction between personal and sexual assistance, and the necessary alliance with the sex work movement. Conclusions: The study concludes that sexual assistance should be framed as a human right that prioritizes pleasure, autonomy, and self-determination. The participants advocate for a model that moves away from medicalized perspectives and instead embraces a “body revolution” that empowers non-normative bodies. Policy Implications: To operationalize sexual assistance in Portugal, policies must focus on the decriminalization of sex work to provide a legal framework for the service. Additionally, the study suggests utilizing existing mechanisms, such as the Social Benefit for Inclusion, to fund these services, thereby ensuring equitable access while protecting the privacy of people with disabilities.

Hegemonic masculinity constitutes a relevant tool for understanding the genderization processes prevailing in men’s sexualities. Hence, we deployed this concept as a resource to analyse how sexual fluidity might apply to the sexuality of non-heterosexual men and how they experienced this. We carried out semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, ranging from 20 to 53 years old, who all reported having experienced sexual fluidity. This article presents experiences of sexual fluidity as a shifting identity amidst flexible sexual activities and concerns over normativity through personal and social reactions taking place in a heterostable social world. These results exhibit the negotiations of sexual fluidity with hegemonic masculinities, both reproduced and questioned.

The purpose of this study is to understand social representations of the Portuguese population regarding sexual assistance services for people with physical disabilities. A questionnaire collected sociodemographic information and attitudes concerning sexual assistance from 167 Portuguese participants over 18 years of age. Results suggest most participants agree with legal recognition of sexual assistance services, expressing their agreement that it should require training, be remunerated, be aided by the availability of a list of professionals who provide these services, and attribution of public funds to make access possible to anyone. Contact with sex workers and perception of people with physical disabilities' interest in sexual assistance are associated with higher acceptance of these services. These findings showed positive social representations toward sexual assistance, emphasizing a need for further debate between people with disabilities, sex workers, academia and policymakers regarding training for providers of sexual assistance, creation of a list of sexual assistants, public funding to make these services accessible, and legal recognition of sexual services, to ensure the rights of people with disabilities and sex workers. The findings underscore the importance of advancing public discourse on key issues related to sexual assistance, including the development of specialized training programs for sexual assistance, the establishment of a list of qualified sexual assistants, the provision of public funding to enhance service accessibility, and the legal recognition of sexual assistance. These measures are essential to safeguarding the rights of both people with disabilities and sex workers.