Masculinidade, sexualidade e as relações de poder: uma análise do filme “as sessões” a partir da perspectiva de um homem com deficiência visual

Abstract

This Course Completion Work addresses the social barriers faced by men with disabilities in the context of masculinity, sexuality and power relations with an emphasis on the stigmatization found in society. The research was born from reflections on how sociocultural factors and ableism can influence the way we are perceived and treated, making inclusion difficult in different aspects of life, especially in the full exercise of sexuality and the affirmation of our masculinity. To this end, a film reception methodology was adopted for the feature film "As Sessões" (2012), which was divided into three moments: watching the film with my wife, with a disabled friend and alone. At the same time, an approach was made to sociological literature on masculinity, sexuality and power relations in the context of men with disabilities. The results are: a reflection on my experience as a blind man, highlighting the limitations imposed by society on the experience of sexuality. The experience of watching the film with different interlocutors enriched and reaffirmed the importance of recognizing people with disabilities as full individuals. Barriers evidenced in power relations were observed, where masculinity is often associated with strength and independence being denied to men with disabilities, while our sexuality is infantilized or made invisible. Finally, this work reinforces the need to reflect on people with disabilities as individuals who have the right to social participation, accessibility, and the right to express themselves in their sexuality and masculinity.