One of the most important things that need to be communicated in sign language, especially for adults, is sexuality. Books are available with sexual vocabulary in sign language, and a few signs are available on the web and in regular sign language dictionaries.
Sexual Sign Language Books
One book that focuses solely on sex signs is Signs of Sexual Behavior: An Introduction to Some Sex-Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language (on Amazon) . Another book, which is out of print and available only through used book sellers, is Signs for Sexuality: A resource manual for teachers, counselors, interpreters, parents and hearing-impaired persons concerned with deafness and human sexuality (There are some copies on Amazon). ,by Susan D. Doughten, Marlyn B. Minkin, and Laurie E. Rosen. It was published in 1978 and again in 1991 by Planned Parenthood of Seattle/King County.
Sexual Sign Language Online
Here are selected sexual signs and their sources below:
ASL for beginners : takelessons.com
breast ASLPro.com
condom Handspeak.com *
Signing Savvy: signingsavy.com
intercourse: Signing Savvy direct word site
penis: Signing Savvy direct word site
sex Signing savvy direct word site
sexy : Signing savvy direct word site
vagina: Signing Savvy direct word site
* = Paid site
Sexual Sign Language Videos
The Described and Captioned Media Program has human sexuality sign language videos:
- TECHNICAL SIGNS: HUMAN SEXUALITY (TAPE 22)
- TECHNICAL SIGNS: HUMAN SEXUALITY (TAPE 28)
More Sources:
- Heiman E, Haynes S, McKee M. Sexual health behaviors of Deaf American Sign Language (ASL) users. Disabil Health J. 2015;8(4):579-585. doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2015.06.005
- Deafax and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. No sign of support.
