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Beyond Single Labels: An Introduction to Understanding Intersectionality in Disability and Sexuality
Beyond Single Labels: An Introduction to Understanding Intersectionality in Disability and Sexuality
We know what sexuality is, we know what disability is. What happens when both exist at the same time, in the same person?
Let’s take a walk. Imagine yourself at the heart of a bustling city. Skyscrapers tower above and roads stretch out in many directions, each leading to communities with their own cultures, histories, and experiences. This city is a metaphor for society, and each road represents a different aspect of identity—race, gender, sexuality, ability, and more. At the intersections, where these roads meet, you'll find the concept of intersectionality. This is where we start our journey today, exploring the crossroads of sexuality and disability.
Body Talk: Reinventing Life and Embracing Disability
As we journey through life, our connection with our bodies moves and shifts with time. The intricate dance becomes more challenging as we age, especially when faced with chronic illness or disability. We may encounter physical constraints and emotional and mental limitations that come along. Coming to terms with our circumstances can be daunting, but embracing self-love amidst bodily struggles is truly beautiful. In this heartfelt post, I delve into the complex relationship we have with our bodies during adversity, the accompanying grief, and the profound joy we can find in accepting our new reality.
Disability Pride Month and THIS is happening!?
The disability community is second to none. We understand each other's struggles and triumphs, supporting each other through tough times, and celebrating victories. This bond, formed from shared experiences, is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of.
However, right now, our community is facing some internal tension…
Disability as a Fetish: The Challenges of Online Sexual Harassment for Disabled Content Creator
As a woman on social media, I am no stranger to the reality of online sexual harassment. As a disabled content creator and model I am subjected to an even darker side - disability as a fetish. Every day, I am bombarded with unsolicited messages and misogynistic comments from men who seem to think that my mere existence online is an invitation for their unwanted advances.
For disabled women who are trying to build a career in the online space, the issue of harassment and abuse can be overwhelming and even deter some from starting out on what can be a fabulous, inclusive career choice. The fear of being targeted by weirdos, trolls and harassers can make it difficult to focus on creating content and engaging with an audience.
It’s crystal clear that the issue of harassment and abuse faced by disabled women on social media is a serious one that needs to be addressed. While there is no easy solution, it is important to at least HAVE the conversation and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive online community. Failure to address this issue may very well result in the further marginalisation and exclusion of groups, such as the disabled community, and continue to perpetuate harmful biases.
“How very dare she?” - Yes, I’m a 50+ swimwear model & I’m fighting back!
We of the older generation, do not have a sell-by date, we do not become surplus to requirements when we stop being able to reproduce - as if that’s a woman’s sole function. We are not worth less because our bodies change, or our skin wrinkles. Women are worthy - always - but most definitely as we age. We have a richness, a texture, a depth that only comes from a life lived, experiences had, adversities grown though and risks taken.
Let’s get uncomfortable
Let’s get uncomfortable
How often do you treat yourself, put yourself first, think of yourself before someone else?
Have you ever looked deeply into the eyes of a partner and told them how much you love and appreciate them? Yes? Me too.
Ever done that to your own reflection? And I’m not talking about a passing “hey, cutie” as you pass a mirror. I’m talking that deep soul-connecting gaze, a long lingering look as you say “I love you”.
Is it making you feel uncomfortable even reading this, are you squirming a bit?…
Disability & Segregation
Disability and segregation
I wanted to write something deep and meaningful and ultimately something that connects-with-with-the-reader but I’m lost in my feelings.
After the circus that surrounded the lack of access at the COP26 Summit for Karine Elharrah, Israel’s Minister for Energy, the comments across social media made my heart ache with how far we still have to go.
Interview on BBC Radio Glos on lack of accessibility
Talking with the lovely Anna King on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 02/11/2021 about the lack of accessibility after Karine Elharrah, Israel’s Minister for Energy was unable to attend the COP26 Summit due to a lack of accessible transport. All this on Purple Tuesday, a programme that encourages organisations to make changes to improve the customer experience for disabled people, that work 365 days a year.
A Scary Case of Comparis-Itus
My name is Sandie and I suffer with Comparis-Itus.
It’s hit me hard this week. I forgot to stay in my lane. I got so focused on what was going wrong in my life that I got easily distracted and started looking around me at the successes of others and comparing their curated perfection to the skewed version of my own reality.
Performative Love in the Body Confidence Arena
As a disabled person, and someone with multiple chronic illnesses, I have become somewhat wary of the seemingly helpful trend to love your body for its performance instead of its looks.
I did it! Winner of the PourMoi Ambassador Scheme, 2021
What happens when you leap? When you take the chance and focus on the goal and not on whether or not there is a net underneath you? When you stop letting other people’s judgement of you get in the way of what you want to do and start to really believe in yourself?
What happens then? Magic, that’s what.
Hey, Trauma? The party’s over you can leave now, ok!
It’s occurred to me, as I try to minimise the impact of this latest re-traumatising event, that no matter how much we heal we might just have to accept that our past may always creep into our present and sit on our chest stealing our breath away like a childhood monster from under the bed. And this may not be news to you but it is for me because I thought that I’d done it, you know, healed that trauma. Ticked it off the list and moved on. So it came as a bit of a shock to find that it still had the power to bring me to my knees.
Welcome, it’s so good to see you here
Well, I talked about it long enough and finally it’s here, my lovely little blog. I hope you’ll enjoy this space, where we won’t be constrained by word count or “grid aesthetics” and we can be free to talk about the things that matter most to us, in the way that we need to.