let's talk about sex (and disability)

Yes, disabled people have sex. And we want to talk about it together.

Too often discussions around sex and disability, and representations of disabled people having sex is ignored, policed or misunderstood. 

let’s talk about sex (and disability) is a one -day relaxed, accessible day of discussion and creativity hosted by Birds of Paradise Theatre Company (BOP) and partners (PillowTalk Scotland, Luke+Jack), created to open up honest, sex-positive conversations around disability, intimacy and desire. 

Inspired by our upcoming production, (We indulge in) a bit of roll play, this event offers disabled people and those engaged in sex education, advocacy and creative practice a space to talk, listen and question. Panel discussions will be led by a range of professionals and artists who will explore the taboos and assumptions that still surround disabled sexuality; and explore how disability and sexuality is represented, experienced and talked about (both on stage and media, and everyday life). 

The morning will begin with a relaxed and lively panel discussion, featuring those working in fields relating to sex and sexuality, as well as disabled artists with lived experience. 

Following a bring-your-own-picnic lunch, the afternoon will have the opportunity to stay on if you wish to reflect on our discussions, taking time and space to record your own thoughts and experiences, and share with others if you wish.  

How will you manage privacy?

We will be very clear on where discussions and contributions will sit in the public space (captured for record / evaluation) and where it will sit in the private space (remaining only within the day itself) so that you are able to make informed decisions on what you are willing to share publicly and privately. 

Whether you want to listen quietly, ask questions you’ve never felt able to ask before, or make something new, this day is an invitation to talk about sex and disability on our own terms.

When and where?

Saturday 7th February;

11:00am (doors open at 10:30) - 3:30pm

The Boardwalk; 105 Brunswick St, Glasgow G1 1TF

MORNING

11AM - 12PM: PANEL 1: Professionals working in fields relating to sex and sexuality

This panel brings together professionals from across sex-positive fields to explore how disability, desire, and access intersect in their work. Through open and reflective conversation, panelists will share where disabled people show up in discussions of sex, where they’re missing, and how ideas of desirability, expertise, and pleasure are shaped by industry norms. We will discuss the importance of access (physical, emotional and informational), and together we will ask how sex-positive spaces can better support disabled communities, and consider what inclusive, thoughtful practice can look like moving forward.

12:00 - 12:15PM: BREAK

12:15 - 1:15PM: PANEL 2: Disabled Artists with lived experience

This panel brings together disabled artists, allowing them to share their own experiences of desire, intimacy and pleasure. Through personal reflection and creative insight, the conversation will explore how disability shapes sexuality, access and care; and how artists navigate boundaries, power and connection in relationships. We will reflect on myths that need to be unlearned, the impact of pain, fatigue and access on intimacy, and why it’s vital for disabled people to tell their own sexual stories.

This panel will be grounded in lived experience and artistic practice, celebrating disabled pleasure as a site of creativity, resistance and possibility to imagine a more sex-positive future shaped by disabled voices. 

1:15PM - 2:15PM: LUNCH

This will be a Bring-You-Own-Lunch Picnic, allowing attendees to meet and chat in a relaxed, informal setting. 

2:15 - 3:15: Reflection Period 

A separate room will be available throughout the afternoon for those who wish to sit, reflect and record their thoughts and experiences. This space will stay open after lunch for those feeling inspired by the day, there will be prompts available for you to take a moment and express your reflections creatively. 

3:15PM - 3:30PM: Closing Phase 

The day will end with a gentle, collective moment, designed to help everyone transition out of the space. This will allow the opportunity to share any final thoughts, and invites connection as we carry these conversations forward beyond the day.

Do I have to attend the whole day?

No, you do not have to attend the whole day. You can attend just one panel, both panels, or the whole day if you wish.

How do I book? 

Please use the booking function here to book a place. At this stage we will not ask you for any further information so if you have any questions about the day or access please see below and contact us directly.  

After booking we will stay in touch with updates to programming information, plans for the day and any access updates.

The event is FREE and has LIMITED PLACES - if at any time you can no longer attend we would ask you to please let us know.

If you feel you would like to contribute to the cost of the day and the access provision there is a pay what you decide option.

When and where?

Saturday 7th February; 11:00am (doors open at 10:30) - 3:30pm
The Boardwalk; 105 Brunswick St, Glasgow G1 1TF

How will it be accessible?

True to the BOP ethos, we aim to make this event as accessible as possible. We will have various access tools, which include:

• British Sign Language Interpreters: Rachel Wilson & Janice Murdoch

• A remote live captioner for the panel discussion

• A quiet space

• Clear signage

• Sensory Bags available

• Masks and hand sanitiser provided

• Accessible bathrooms available in the building

• An emphasis on pacing, choice and comfort

After booking, we will email you directly with an access requirements and attendance preference form to make sure your access needs can be met.

Please let us know about any additional access requirements by 5pm on Tuesday 3rd February. Please note we will do our best to support individual’s access and explain clearly what we can and cannot do in the case of this event.