Comments on: Sex Workshops Can Be For Everyone

By: Clarisse Thorn

Clarisse Thorn — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:53:59 +0000

Hi! I’m just another voice saying that I think the BDSM community is good about this stuff. I mean, I’m biased — I’m a pro-BDSM activist, in fact — but I really think that the fact that the BDSM community (generally speaking, of course) has spent such a huge amount of time discussing and analyzing different types of desires, and in making space for the many many different kinks that fit under our wide umbrella, has driven us in exactly the direction you’re seeking. Actual BDSM workshops may not be for you, but on the other hand, why not check around and see what your local BDSM community offers?

By: Charlie Glickman

Charlie Glickman — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:29:36 +0000

Hi-

Thanks for the post. I run the workshop program at Good Vibrations and I’m always glad to get feedback about it. Cleo is an amazing presenter and I’m glad that you enjoyed the workshop.

I’ve tried to book classes about sex and disability a few times and they’ve never gotten much of a response. I know that that’s partially due to various challenges in promoting them within disability communities. But even when we were able to get the word out (or when the presenter was very connected to those circles and did a fair amount of promotion), the number of people who actually came was pretty low.

Making it a bit more complex is that many of the presenters who I was able to find certainly knew a lot about various disabilities, but they didn’t know as much about sexuality. I’ve been asking around, looking for someone who is knowledgeable in both arenas, with little success. Do you have any suggestions? Is there anyone who you think I should contact? If you prefer, feel free to pass my name and email along to anyone who might be suitable, or who might have recommendations.

Thanks again,

Charlie Glickman

By: kaninchenzero

kaninchenzero — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:56:39 +0000

When I lived in Seattle Toys in Babeland was one of my favorite places in the world to spend time in. It’s a very good store.

The BDSM community (the queer/leather-oriented parts that I mostly hang out in anyway) in Dallas does a pretty good job of being accessible to people with disabilities. National Leather Association Dallas does workshops on sex and BDSM play for disabled folk — and not just from the disabled-person-as-bottom perspective. Local weekend events usually have workshops along those lines.

Sometimes the venues for weekend events aren’t the most accessible but it’s because of discrimination against freaky people in leather by other hotels that don’t want our money. I’ve been part of the venue selection process and accessibility to people with mobility impairments was part of the discussion and brought up by folk without mobility impairments. We’ve wound up having to hold events in less than optimal places because no one else would take us. Sign interpreters work all the opening/closing/keynote things at the events and are available to accompany people to workshops.
.-= kaninchenzero´s last blog ..Out of Focus =-.

By: amandaw

amandaw — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:15:45 +0000

I’m required to plug Come As You Are again They have substantial disability content and run an awesome sex shop. I’ve only been in one brick-and-mortar sex store in my life, so I can’t speak to that experience, but their web shop is top notch.
.-= amandaw´s last blog ..Do you REALLY trust women? =-.