As more non-disabled people experience isolation, sex and disability activists say it’s peak time to form a collective.

Last month, the Disability and Sexuality Access Network (DASAN) held an online meeting to discuss growing the social justice organization. In total, 18 participants from around the world attended.

DASAN was formed in 2016 by Caz Killjoy and Amber DiPietra with the aim of breaking the taboo against the sexuality of disabled people. The community is comprised of disabled folks as well as allies “who believe that access to sexuality, pleasure, and intimacy is a fundamental human right.”

During the meeting, speakers explained why the collective project would benefit the disabled community. First of all, it would help to create a culture of care and support and a united voice in advocacy.

Secondly, it could create the opportunity to take online classes and webinars taught by the members of the collective, to help disabled people with their professional development.

Lastly, it would solve the problem of regional organizing within the community. 

Sharing sex ed resources

During the pandemic, many sex educators embraced digital ways of spreading their message. DASAN would like to distribute them further on its site and social media channels to promote knowledge about sex with a disability.

In addition, the association is working on the site’s dedicated resource section. The organization also says the DASAN blog will soon start offering a regular roundup of news related to disabled sexuality. 

Anyone in the disabled community working in an area related to sexuality issues is welcome to join the collective: bloggers, students, artists, and so on. There is no need for professional qualifications or degrees. 

Image credits: DASAN