Bob Flanagan and Robert Andy Coombs : The Reclamation of Disabled Sexuality through Art

Abstract

Disabled people have a long history of marginalization. Their bodies have been criticized, belittled, and even dehumanized for deviating from the normal, productive body. Dehumanization is often reflected in lack of access to sexual education and experiences. This paper argues that Bob Flanagan and Robert Andy Coombs’ artwork expresses their deviance from social norms through their disability and through sexual practices. These artists reclaim their bodies and their sexuality by depicting their disabled bodies practicing sadomasochism (SM). By sexualizing themselves, these artists bring light to disabled people’s sexualities and work to fight against the desexualization they face as disabled people.