Secret Loves, Hidden Lives?: Exploring Issues for People with Learning Difficulties Who Are Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual

by David Abbott, Joyce Howarth

Secret loves, hidden lives? draws on first-hand accounts to explore the lives of gay, lesbian and bisexual people with learning difficulties. The views and experiences of staff in a range of learning disability services are also featured in the study.Based on a three year, qualitative research project carried out across the UK, the report describes people's experiences of 'coming out', relationships, discrimination and abuse. It also looks at responses from staff and services, meeting other lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and dreams for the future. Staff also reflect on these issues and discuss the importance of policy, training and creating services which promote cultures of equality. The report highlights examples of good practice and contains practical recommendations for staff and services.

72 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2005

About the author

David Abbott (born ca. 1938) is a British advertising executive who founded Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO.

Abbott started as a copywriter at Mather & Crowther and then at DDB, London. In 1966, he was sent to their New York office, then returned to London as a director.

In 1971, he founded French Gold Abbott. In 1978, he founded Abbott Mead Vickers (AMV), handling clients including Volvo, Sainsbury's, Ikea, Chivas Regal, The Economist, Yellow Pages, and the RSPCA.In 1991, BBDO acquired a stake in AMV and appended their name.

The One Club for Art and Copy inducted Abbott into its Creative Hall of Fame in 2001. His first novel, The Upright Piano Player, was published in 2010 by MacLehose Press. He is married with four children and eight grandchildren.