by Lance H. Hegland
Members of the disability
and aging communities are often so focused on issues surrounding
health care, transportation, and employment that some of the basic
human needs—forming
friendships, dating, developing long-term romantic relationships
and exploring sexuality—remain relatively untouched. I’m
guessing the very personal, private and sensitive nature of these
topics contribute to the lack of dialogue. However, discussion-oriented
workshops in June may spark new conversation surrounding these topics.
Participation in these discussions are free and open to anyone—individuals
experiencing various effects of disability/aging, family, friends,
past/present partners, colleagues, professionals and the general
public.
The discussions are a part of the 5th annual Sexy Spring Skill-Share.
Sexy Spring is a free, radical, sex- and body-positive gathering geared
toward addressing the many ways in which sex, gender, relationships,
our bodies and our choices impact our lives. The variety of events
includes guided discussions, workshops and demonstrations. Sexy Spring
is organized by the Sexy Spring Collective, a local consensus-based
collective of volunteers dedicated to improving access to sexuality
education and helping all people, regardless of income, gender, body
type or race, create connections and intimacy in their daily lives.
Sexy Spring is June
13-15, 2008 at Blegen Hall, 269 - 19th Ave South, which is located
on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota’s
Minneapolis Campus.
The first discussion
is “Mingling Disability and/or Aging with
Dating, Romance, Relationships, and Sexuality”. The informal
and open conversation will provide everyone with an opportunity to
pose questions, portray experiences, share knowledge, describe opinions/beliefs,
and comment on dating, romance, relationships, and sexuality in light
of disability and/or aging. This workshop will offer an excellent
opportunity for individuals who do not experience or have little
familiarity with the effects of disability/aging as well as potential
future dates, lovers, and partners to share their curiosities, questions
or concerns. Potential topics may include but are not limited to
common effects, challenges, myths, stereotypes, prejudices, solutions,
resources, strategies, techniques and assistive technology.
The second discussion,
entitled “A Look at the Experiences and
Perceptions of Relationships: What Happens When Disability Is Thrown
into the Mix?”, will be an engaging open conversation discussing
the challenges, perceptions and stigmas related to entering and sustaining
an intimate relationship when one person has a disability and the
other does not.
Both discussions aim to cover both heterosexual and homosexual relationships
as well as perspectives from people with and without disabilities.
In addition, both discussions highly encourage the attendance of couples
and individuals who have first-hand experience with any of these topics
to assist provide resources, knowledge and mentorship.
Participants are welcome
to simply listen and are equally welcome to participate depending
on comfort. Participants who don’t
feel comfortable posing questions or sharing information with the
group are welcome to provide questions and information prior to the
discussion via email to lhhegland@precisainc.com or put the questions
in writing to the facilitator immediately before the discussion begins. ![end of story]()
For more information, including full workshop schedules, see the web
site www.sexy spring.org or contact the Sexy Spring Collective by email
at info@sexyspring.org or by telephone 612-435-5490.
