Love Abilities International Virtual Festival 20th to 22nd of October — Scope | Disability forum
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Love Abilities International Virtual Festival 20th to 22nd of October

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Richard_Scope
Richard_Scope Posts: 3,648 Scope online community team
edited September 2021 in Dating, sex, and relationships

In 2020 the very first Love Abilities Virtual Sexuality and Disability festival took place. Its mission? To change the belief that people with disabilities have no desire for love, sex, and intimacy. Originally organised by Dr Martha Lee, a relationship counsellor, sexologist and sexuality educator from Singapore – the 2021 festival is being co-organised by Dr Mitchell Tepper, Sexuality Educator and Coach from the U.S., and Lorraine Stanley, Disability and Sex Training Consultant from the UK, together with a collective of volunteers that attended the original festival. 

The 2021 team continues to believe that everyone deserves pleasurable and fulfilling lives. This festival will empower people with disabilities with the skills, knowledge and resources to lead the fullest lives possible, and for their caregivers, lovers and allies to help support or be part of their life.

Throughout this festival, we will work to change the belief that intimate relationships, pleasurable sensations, orgasms and ecstatic states are not possible for those with physical disabilities. In addition, we will equip participants with an array of tips, techniques and tools so as to enjoy sex and express their sexuality with confidence and ease. We seek to fill the gaps in the lack of sexual education and positive role models when it comes to sexuality and disability.

The online nature of our festival allows participants from all over the world to connect with others easily. To ensure that the sessions are dynamic and interactive, our speakers and facilitators are all experts in their field. 

Come join us and embark on a new learning journey!

HOW IT WORKS

People who purchase a ticket will be invited to join a closed Facebook group – where you will get the link to attend sessions LIVE, or choose to access the recordings for up to 30 days! We are currently finalising this year’s 3-day programme, which will take place on 20-22 October 2021

FOR TICKET UPDATES:

https://www.loveabilities.org/about/

Tickets will be on sale shortly via Eventbrite.  "Save the dates" of 20 to 22 October 2021, 

Scope
Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.' 

Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
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Comments

  • tru88le
    tru88le Posts: 201 Courageous
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    Am i right in thinking this is to help prove wrong those beliefs, by having disabled people prove them wrong by giving a public display of  their sexuality, in a closed group?
    How will it change beliefs if its private?
    Its demeaning in principle to encourage people into a porn fest where they could be exploited in many ways.
    It seems a rum way to gather material for a website.

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  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,492 Disability Gamechanger
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    I don't know much about the event beyond what Richard has included in the post @tru88le, but that's not my understanding of it. 

    I imagine that it's a series of talks, and perhaps workshops, around raising awareness of the fact that disabled people have sexualities and sexual desires, and around empowering disabled people to live the life they choose in regards to sex, intimacy, and relationships. There also seems to be an aspect of ensuring disabled people's carers and loved ones are equipped with the knowledge they need to be positive allies.

    Does that makes sense? If you'd like some more information about the event, you can email contact@loveabilities.org.
    National Campaigns Officer, she/her

    Check out our Playground Accessibility Map
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  • tru88le
    tru88le Posts: 201 Courageous
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    Dont uou think they already know that?
    Thanks but I dont need information because i dont have the beliefs they are trying to change.
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  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,492 Disability Gamechanger
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    Unfortunately, some disabled people do experience feelings of their sexual desires and needs being repressed due to public attitudes and practical barriers @tru88le. I'm glad that's not something you've experienced :)
    National Campaigns Officer, she/her

    Check out our Playground Accessibility Map
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  • tru88le
    tru88le Posts: 201 Courageous
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    I though too how it would be a productive idea to be a part of the recent  Pride events, that would show the public. Although I believe people who get grants for this type of action couldnt stand to hand over the reins.
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  • tru88le
    tru88le Posts: 201 Courageous
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    I still think if people feel some people cause them to be repressed by the public then those who do that should not be excluded  as how will they learn what they are doing is wrong?
    It seens like your supporting the idea that in order to stop this repression they are simply putting up a wall and hiding rather than re-educating they are repressing themselves further, or rather someone rls3 is on their behalf due to having a cash grant to spend on the product of their skewed conception of  the matter.
    Like to stop people being negative about the sexuality of disabled people we'll simply not invite them to our online orgy and then they'll never know how wrong they were...
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  • SWAD_Goddess
    SWAD_Goddess Community member, Scope Member Posts: 5 Listener
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    For clarity : I have just sent this message to  Richard_Scope

    Thanks for taking the time to mention this year's Love Abilities Festival on the forum, it is much appreciated! I, Lorraine Stanley, am Co-Chair of this year's festival, along with Dr Mitchell Tepper. Unfortunately, the page from our website you shared, was an earlier version.

    Please could you edit your post to reflect the newest version? https://www.loveabilities.org/about/

    Tickets will be on sale shortly via Eventbrite. I will let you know when people can book their place! For the moment, if people could "save the dates" of 20 to 22 October 2021, that would be great.

    Many thanks,

    Lorraine
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  • SWAD_Goddess
    SWAD_Goddess Community member, Scope Member Posts: 5 Listener
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    Tori_Scope said:
    I don't know much about the event beyond what Richard has included in the post @tru88le, but that's not my understanding of it. 

    I imagine that it's a series of talks, and perhaps workshops, around raising awareness of the fact that disabled people have sexualities and sexual desires, and around empowering disabled people to live the life they choose in regards to sex, intimacy, and relationships. There also seems to be an aspect of ensuring disabled people's carers and loved ones are equipped with the knowledge they need to be positive allies.

    Does that makes sense? If you'd like some more information about the event, you can email contact@loveabilities.org.
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  • SWAD_Goddess
    SWAD_Goddess Community member, Scope Member Posts: 5 Listener
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    Hi Tori, 

    You have hit the nail on the head with your understanding - spot on!  Ticket sales will be launched on Eventbrite soon. The festival is primarily aimed at disabled people, and we prioritised people with disabilities as invited speakers. The Facebook group mentioned will be in addition to any details, hyperlinks etc that will be within the Eventbrite booking site. 

    This event is NOT intended to be one of those health and social care professionals conferences (although they are welcome to attend) - it's focus is very practical and disability-led. It is by US, for US (as a Disabled Community).

    Hopefully that shines some light on the matter.  :)
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  • SWAD_Goddess
    SWAD_Goddess Community member, Scope Member Posts: 5 Listener
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    tru88le said:
    Am i right in thinking this is to help prove wrong those beliefs, by having disabled people prove them wrong by giving a public display of  their sexuality, in a closed group?
    How will it change beliefs if its private?
    Its demeaning in principle to encourage people into a porn fest where they could be exploited in many ways.
    It seems a rum way to gather material for a website.

    Hi there! 

    The festival is primarily aimed at disabled people, and we prioritised people with disabilities as invited speakers. The Facebook group mentioned will be in addition to any details, hyperlinks etc that will be within the Eventbrite booking site. 

    This event is NOT intended to be one of those health and social care professionals' conferences (although those professionals are welcome to attend) - it's focus is very practical and disability-led. It is by US, for US (as a Disabled Community). Anybody who is interested in the topics covered will be able to buy a ticket, even if they have no disability or long term health condition - so it's a very welcoming event. 

    Balancing information about sexual expression, with responsibilities in protecting against exploitation can be a challenge. Although there are two sessions on porn-related topics within the festival - it is by no stretch of the imagination a "porn fest". Topics were chosen based on feedback from last year's festival and current issues facing us as people with disabilities.

    I'd also like to reassure you we are not "gathering material for a website".

    Hopefully that shines some light on the matter.  

    Lorraine Stanley, Co-Chair, Love Abilities Festival 2021
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  • ellieflower3
    ellieflower3 Community member Posts: 186 Courageous
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    Richard_Scope said:

    In 2020 the very first Love Abilities Virtual Sexuality and Disability festival took place. Its mission? To change the belief that people with disabilities have no desire for love, sex, and intimacy. Originally organised by Dr Martha Lee, a relationship counsellor, sexologist and sexuality educator from Singapore – the 2021 festival is being co-organised by Dr Mitchell Tepper, Sexuality Educator and Coach from the U.S., and Lorraine Stanley, Disability and Sex Training Consultant from the UK, together with a collective of volunteers that attended the original festival. 

    The 2021 team continues to believe that everyone deserves pleasurable and fulfilling lives. This festival will empower people with disabilities with the skills, knowledge and resources to lead the fullest lives possible, and for their caregivers, lovers and allies to help support or be part of their life.

    Throughout this festival, we will work to change the belief that intimate relationships, pleasurable sensations, orgasms and ecstatic states are not possible for those with physical disabilities. In addition, we will equip participants with an array of tips, techniques and tools so as to enjoy sex and express their sexuality with confidence and ease. We seek to fill the gaps in the lack of sexual education and positive role models when it comes to sexuality and disability.

    The online nature of our festival allows participants from all over the world to connect with others easily. To ensure that the sessions are dynamic and interactive, our speakers and facilitators are all experts in their field. 

    Come join us and embark on a new learning journey!

    HOW IT WORKS

    People who purchase a ticket will be invited to join a closed Facebook group – where you will get the link to attend sessions LIVE, or choose to access the recordings for up to 30 days! We are currently finalising this year’s 3-day programme, which will take place on 20-22 October 2021

    FOR TICKET UPDATES:

    https://www.loveabilities.org/about/

    Tickets will be on sale shortly via Eventbrite.  "Save the dates" of 20 to 22 October 2021, 

    still time to sign up?
    Lilly Josh  <3
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  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,648 Scope online community team
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    Yes, still time. :)
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.' 

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
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  • ellieflower3
    ellieflower3 Community member Posts: 186 Courageous
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    Richard_Scope said:
    Yes, still time. :)
     :) 
    Lilly Josh  <3
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