We also respect that for the young man on TV3 using sex workers is not his ultimate desire, but meets a very human need. Where we differ with him is we don’t agree his need should be funded by the Government.

CCS Disability Action believes this idea sends some negative messages.

First, that paying for sex is the only way any disabled person can have a physical connection. We know this is not true.

Many disabled people have partners and loved ones in their lives, including people who have high support needs.

Secondly, this call for government funding of a personal issue goes against the demand by many disabled people to have the “same lives” as others – to get the same rights but also have the same responsibilities.

Some of them will question why they should not have to pay for sex as others do. I’d also like to point out that while Story’s emphasis was on a “red-blooded young male” wanting sex, it did not explore the needs of disabled women when it comes to sex. As far as I’m aware (and I admit to not being too knowledgeable here) there aren’t a lot of male sex workers available to disabled women.

So, when we’re talking fairness, disabled women can be seen as more disadvantaged in terms of accessing sex than disabled men.

And is it really sex we’re talking about, or intimacy, relationships and love? It’s been argued that our view of sex and intimate relationships as a human right is ridiculous.

Perhaps it would be better to say that the desire for love, companionship and intimacy (including physical intimacy) is a very human and basic need most people experience.

And most people don’t have to pay for it if they don’t want to.

If they do, however, pay for it we are clear the Government shouldn’t be asked to fund this. That to us is a personal decision. That said, perhaps it’s time the issue of sexuality and disabled people was discussed more openly.

Perhaps only then will we have acceptance of disabled people as people who want the same things others have, including sexual relationships.

Curated by Erbe
Original Article