'Sexual vices are kept within a very limited compass'

Sexual understandings and expression in Australia's largest institution for people with learning disabilities, 1887-2007

Drs Corinne Manning and Lee-Ann Monk
La Trobe University, Australia

Our paper explores the conference theme from a historical perspective, using Kew Cottages - Australia's first specialised institution for people with learning disabilities - as a case study. We focus on two different eras in the history of the Cottages.

In the first of these, the early twentieth century, many in Australian society were seeking to restrict the sexual rights of people with learning disabilities. Within the Cottages, medical staff viewed residents' sexuality negatively and sought to repress it. Despite this, residents did seek to take control of their sexual lives, to express themselves sexually and establish relationships.

In contrast, in and after the 1970s more liberal attitudes to the sexual rights of people with learning disability prevailed. From this time, people with learning disability were seen to have a right to express themselves sexually. However, even though these new rights were recognised, in the Cottages staff continued to control residents' sexual relationships and expression.