Tomorrow (monday 24th) is "Sexual freedom for disabled people" day in both the UK and USA. I think it's an important event and a subject close to my heart after trying to help a disabled friend get help with sexual issues. The wall of silence and disapproval she encountered was disgusting and shameful. This is a thread for people to discuss any issues they might have encountered to do with disability and sex.
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You learn something new each day I never knew that x
Avrielle_Aniko wrote:
Had no idea of such a day, or any organizations who specifically deal with such issues, but I do know that physical impairment can have a big impact on sexual health, which in turn can cause problems in relationships, leave you emotionally damaged and other disturbances. A small thing like finding sex uncomfortable or painful can bring on a whole chain reaction, and in turn this can lead to things like depression or a self-hate of your disability that you thought you had come to terms with.
It's a massive topic and really, very important. Especially these days where sex is everywhere you turn and there is a significant amount of pressure by being told everywhere to enjoy sex and how it is good for you when done right, etc.
I'm disabled and have sexual issues. I shan't go into detail and bore you, but I know how tough it can be and if there were specific help/support groups out there that can help with sexual health rather than focusing on the 'media stance' and help on how to improve your sexual health rather than your sex life.
There are a lot of groups and courses out there - in the UK and US. Some are more professional seeming and others more fun and friendly, most are very helpful =)
I'm currently working on a project which helps make sex toys more accessable to people with disabilities, the main focus is on how to offer advice based on the individuals condition etc. Hopefully, once it's complete, it'll be helpful.
This website is pretty good:
http://www.accessiblesexuality.org.uk
There are also various retailers who's main focus is on helping people with disabilities with sex toys. One of them hosts courses on how to use your sex toys if you suffer from a disability which may make it difficult - I'm not sure if I can link it here as they do sell a few sex toys. But I spoke with them the other day, and their team seems to know what they are doing =).
I'm disabled. My only real sexual issues are other people's attitudes. So what if I can't manage every position, there are plenty of other great ones. And if someone's doing it right, I will find a way to work around the fatigue. :-) Maybe not right now, but soon.
The problem is finding someone who's willing to see the positives in me instead of the negatives.
I would be interested in learning how to promote better attitudes in healthcare workers as part of my business plan for doing some consultancy work in carehomes. This is where I have come across very bad attitudes in the main, although the community was very patchy as to how good it was. It's good more people are talking about it, mainly disabled people who live independantly in the community as these people have more of a voice and can advocate for those who are somewhat institutionalised.
Woman's hour on the BBC not long ago had an interview with a female prostitute who specialized in being serviced by disabled men, she sounded very level-headed and also a nice person. She said you shouldn't have to suffer sexual deprivation just because you are disabled, very true.
lilac_vix wrote:
Tomorrow (monday 24th) is "Sexual freedom for disabled people" day in both the UK and USA. I think it's an important event and a subject close to my heart after trying to help a disabled friend get help with sexual issues. The wall of silence and disapproval she encountered was disgusting and shameful. This is a thread for people to discuss any issues they might have encountered to do with disability and sex.
http://www.outsiders.org.uk/node/500
https://www.facebook.com/events/391099104285880/
I'm a day late but wanted to add my support anyway.These issues need to be discussed so people can realise how daft thier preconceptions are.