Disability & Sexuality Lab Podcast

Episode 3 - Crip Theory and Disrupting Norms

In this powerful episode of the Disability and Sexuality Lab podcast, Dr. Alan Martino and undergraduate student Eleni Moumos sit down with Dr. Robert McRuer, a professor in the Department of English at George Washington University, to explore the intersection of disability, queerness, and sexuality. Dr. McRuer, renowned for his work in crip theory and cultural studies of disability, offers insights into the complex ways compulsory able-bodiedness and heterosexual normativity act as forms of social control.
The discussion delves into the importance of disrupting these norms, the reclamation of "crip" as a defiant identity, and how disability studies and crip theory can challenge and reshape dominant narratives about sexuality and embodiment. Dr. McRuer also highlights the need for more authentic media representations of disability and sexuality, discussing groundbreaking works such as the Spanish documentary Yes, We Fuck. The conversation underscores the necessity of intersectionality, collaboration, and solidarity between marginalized communities in advocating for social change.
Tune in to hear an engaging exploration of how embracing stigma, reclaiming marginalized identities, and dreaming of a world beyond ableism can open up transformative possibilities for disabled and queer individuals.
Join us as we disrupt normative narratives and push the boundaries of how we think about disability, sexuality, and pleasure.

Episode 2 - Navigating Accessibility, Relationships, and Desexualization

In this thought-provoking episode of the Disability and Sexuality Lab podcast, Dr. Alan Martino and undergraduate student Rachel Trung dive deep into the complexities of disability and sexuality with Dr. Julia Bahner, an Associate Professor at Lund University in Sweden. Dr. Bahner shares insights from her extensive research, where she interviewed individuals with diverse disabilities to explore their experiences with sexuality, relationships, and societal attitudes.
From the challenges of navigating intimacy with personal assistance services to finding one's identity in a world that often desexualizes disabled bodies, this episode explores the importance of recognizing and validating disabled people's sexual desires, boundaries, and diverse relationship forms. Dr. Bahner also discusses the nuances of sex work and sex surrogacy, the impact of societal norms on the perception of disabled bodies, and the necessity of comprehensive and inclusive sex education.
Tune in to hear about the innovative ways people with disabilities are reclaiming their sexual identities and desires and the importance of creating a more inclusive society. This conversation challenges conventional narratives, emphasizing the need for open communication and a personalized approach to sexuality for all individuals.
Join us as we delve into the intersections of accessibility, pleasure, and sexuality, providing a platform for these crucial yet often overlooked conversations.

Episode 1 - Disability and Sex Education

Join Dr. Alan Martino and undergraduate student Eleni Moumos as they welcome two incredible guests, Dr. Chelsea Jones, an Associate Professor in Child and Youth Studies at Brock University, and Fran Odette, a Professor in the Department of Social and Community Services at George Brown College. Together, they tackle the state of sex education in Canada, the importance of including disabled individuals in discussions on sexuality, and how we can 'crip' sex education to make it more accessible and inclusive for all.
Our guests shed light on the obstacles within current educational systems and discuss the transformative potential of a pleasure-centered, permission-based approach. This episode challenges conventional narratives, discusses the missing discourse on disability and pleasure, and explores creative ways to disrupt ableist and normative scripts around sex education.
Whether you're an educator, student, or advocate, this episode provides valuable insights into the urgency of reshaping sexual education to be more inclusive, diverse, and empowering for disabled communities.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to create safer spaces for open, honest conversations about sex, sexuality, and disability.