National Sexual Health Week 2020: Let's talk about sex.
What is National Sexual Health Week?
This week (14 – 20 September 2020) is National Sexual Health Week. This special event, organised by the people at Brook, aims to increase public awareness about sexual health.
For easy read information about sexual health, contraception and smear-tests, visit Central Sexual Health’s website.
Why is National Sexual Health Week important for disabled people?
Sexual health is a topic that can be taboo in relation to disabled people. This is because there are misconceptions that disabled people are unable to have sex or don’t want to. These are old stereotypes that overlook the reality of disabled people having sexual desires, just like non-disabled people!
Sexual Health Week then gives us an opportunity to talk more about disabled people’s access to fulfilling sexual relationships and reduce this taboo.
This BBC video speaks with a group of disabled people about their thoughts on sex. Please note the video contains some explicit language.
What support is available for disabled people around sex?
Sexual relationships are different for each person and there is support available to help you express your sexuality however you choose.
This section gives a list of online places to visit that are dedicated to supporting disabled people have access to safe, pleasurable sex.
General information
- The Love Abilities website has resources around sexual aids and how to deal with impairment-related problems you might face when having sex.
- Enhance the UK have an ‘Undressing Disability’ campaign that aims to raise standards in education about disability and sexual health
- Disability after dark is a no-holds barred podcast that discusses the many different aspects of disability and sexuality.
- Sexuality and disability is a website created by disabled women that explores various topics from relationship issues, to sexual confidence and harassment.
- Mencap’s sexuality – research and statistics webpage has detailed information about the barriers people with learning difficulties face in starting a sexual relationship
- @ChronicSexChat is a Twitter account that provides regular updates about sex and disability.
Sex aids
- Hot Octopuss are an online retailer who specialise in sex toys and aids designed for disabled people.
- Pleasure Garden Shop and Spokz also sell sexual aids to help disabled people have more enjoyable, comfortable sex.
Sexual services
- The TLC Trust are a non-profit organisation who help disabled people find professional sexual services.
- Adult work is a website that provides access to a range of sexual services including sexual surrogates.
Dating
- The Outsiders is a socialising and dating club run by, and for, disabled people.
- The Gay Disabled website is a match-making service to help gay, disabled people meet each other.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex (LGBTQI) support
- Regard are a national organisation who offer information to support LGBTQI disabled people.
- The LGBT Foundation also provide support services to people who identify as non-binary and organise regular social events.
Over to our community
What obstacles have you faced in starting sexual relationships?
Do you think any other kind of support could be provided to help disabled people with sex?
Tell us your story! Do you have a significant other and what first attracted you to them?
Comments
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Really interesting post, thank you for sharing @cher_scope!0
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Amazing post @Cher_Scope thanks for sharing. I have cerebral and this will help me and my wife massively I wasn't even aware of all these amazing services for disabled people around sex and sexual health etc my wife and i had been wondering what was out there for disabled people like me to help improve mine and our sex life
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That's really great to hear @HunrerHenners!0
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Hi
I had back surgery that left me with no feelling. After 10 years I finally approached my doctor about it. Firstly, I could tell that my doctor was embarrased, secondly his talk was all about trying new things......At the end of it, I felt like my GP had no understanding of the implications my spinal surgery has had and secondly I felt like he was telling me that I wasn't doing it right.0 -
Hi @invisibledisability, sadly some medical professionals have not caught up with the disability community when it comes to sex or even physical affection.
There are plenty of potential solutions around now so please do not feel defeated. Perhaps we could help you find solutions?0 -
hi my name is Lee i wont too know why there no clubs for disabled
0
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