but you might find the topic a little uncomfortable.
If that's the case, you might prefer to ignore this post.
Will he will win his 9 years 100m race? We wonder whether Dexter will ever run.
Will he travel the world, meet someone in a far off country and never come home again? We wonder whether he will live independently. We hope he can travel!
Will he give me grandchildren? Yeah, we wonder about that. But, we probably wonder about it in a slightly different way to most parents.
And, what about sex?
Will Dexter ever get a girlfriend? We know he's gorgeous. We know he has a gentle heart. We know he is incredibly patient and loving... but, will his cerebral palsy stop him from forming a beautiful relationship with a woman? (or man)
We wonder about this.
If Dexter didn't have cerebral palsy, we would probably shudder and shrink away from thoughts of our son having sex. But, Dexter does have cerebral palsy, so we've already had several conversations on this topic.
And, we'll make sure that Dexter does have opportunities to enjoy sex.
Have you heard about 'Touching Base'?
Touching Base is in Sydney.
It's been active since October 2000.
Touching Base is a charitable organisation. It helps people with disabilities and sex workers find each other.
Touching Base is an organisation that ensures people like Dexter can enjoy sex.
No surprise, this organisation receives no government funding.
Touching Base was established when a disability advocate, a film maker, a sexual health professional and a sex worker got together for a bunch of conversations.
The topic was people with special needs, and sex.
These special needs may arise in people with disability, adults recovering from sexual abuse and clients referred by other health professionals for hands on sexual therapy. More here
They acknowledged their potential clients may have intellectual or physical disabilities, or could be able bodied people.
It was noted that people with disabilities were already relying on the sex industry, so a safe service would assist with this.
People with homosexual tendencies are also catered for.
Training sessions are provided.
These sessions aim to teach sex workers how to best cater to their clients with disabilities, and also help carers and family members explore issues they may face when utilising the services.
Her's is a lovely story. She has cerebral palsy.
“Having sex with John for the first time was awesome. I was so happy and excited that he had made me a proper woman. We have had a lot of sex since then and it has continued to be awesome. John is such a professional and a sweet man."
Read more of Leanne's story here.
(More on the Touching Base website)
- Prostitution has been decriminalised in NSW.
- Sex workers in NSW may work in brothels, privately, the street, escort or in esoteric work (eg: Bondage & Discipline).
- Male, female and transgender people work in the sex industry.
- Prices may vary according to the service. The client needs to find out what the service involves.
- Sex workers have health & safety rights and responsibilities – supported byNSW Workcover Authority and Department of Health.
- If sex workers believe a client may have a sexually transmitted infection they have a right to refuse to see the client.
- Condoms, Glyde dams, water based lube and gloves are used to protect the client and worker.
- Assault in the sex industry is a crime. If a client assaults or rapes a sex worker, the client can be charged and taken to court.
1. Beating Odds - Living Life to the Fullest: an article about Gav, with cerebral palsy.
"People think of a brothel and think of filth and it's just not like that," (his mother) says. "Gav wants to let other disabled people know you can do this if you want."
2. "We need to talk about Sex Work... and Disability"- published by MamaMia.
3. High Court judge turns patron for sex workers - published by Australian Women's Weekly
While he's far too young to even be wondering about being a client, knowing the services are there, should he need them, is reassuring.
He may end up in a happy relationship, but if he needs it... we will know where to send him!
Postal Address: PO Box 523 NEWTOWN NSW 2042 Australia |
Read more about Touching Base
Who is Dexter?
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