JULY 1976

SEX AND THE PARAPLEGIC

HIGH GEAR

NO MATTER

WHAT SIGN THEY ARE ALL

AT

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Page 15

DISCO

Little attention is ever given to the

sexual needs of the thousands of physically disabled in our society. Most paraplegics and quadriplegics are inaccurately viewed as "pathetic" sexless or asexual creatures. Yet daily, there are both gay and straight people of all age groups who may lose use of either their arms or legs or contract a spinal injury from some unforeseeable mishap. Surely, these people do not suddenly lose their sexual desires.

In order to dispel current myths and inform paraplegics of vast sexual resources available to them, three men, Thomas Mooney, Theodore Cole and Richard Chilgren compiled a journal entitled, Sexual Options for Paraplegics and

Quadriplegics.

The disabled suffer under stereotypes that have oppressed gays and others for centuries: "Of course they wouldn't want to talk about it; they'd be embarassed."

"It's rather unsuitable; doesn't do to raise false hopes." Liberation for the physically disabled comes, as with all groups in deprogramming their archaic brainwashing and in militancy-demanding that their sexuality be openly and fairly discussed. In short, the disabled demand their right to be sexual. Sexual Options provides paraplegics practical methods for developing sexual competence as well as suggestions for overcoming any feelings of sexual ineptness. Some of the advice presented is universal to all those with sexual hang-ups:

"No one is going to think of you as a sexual being if you do not think of yourself as one."

experience a physical orgasm, sensory amplification is suggested (the act of thinking about a physical stimulus, concentrating on it. and amplifying the sensation in your mind to an intense degree. Thus, it is possible to achieve a higher level of satisfaction and possibly a mental orgasm through the feelings of an arm, the neck, breasts, buttocks or around the anal area).

It is significant that Sexual Options does not deal directly with homosexual behavior. Although the journal pays lip service to the various means of sexual expression, it almost consciously avoids tips to the gay paraplegic. Nonetheless, the book is beneficial. As all gays spend a lifetime doing, a gay paraplegic can mentally redesign his perspective to make the information pertinent.

Illustrated with instructive photographs Sexual Options runs the gamut from how those with an ileostomy can maneuver their urine-collection bags to how the use of vibrators can substitute for hands which lack

dexterity.

to

Those confined wheelchairs will find that lovemaking while situated in the wheelchair can be a pleasurable experience.

And those who do not have access to a bed or a place where they can be alone are shown how effective positioning can be attained in a car. Sexual implements and scenarios are also explored. And the authors emphasize: "Remember, satisfying your partner should add to your satisfaction; it should not become your only goal to the exclusion of your own satisfaction."

Sexual Options for Paraplegics and Quadriplegics is a book long overdue. Its effort

"The importance of good personal hygiene for a better self-image. and to appealing appearance cannot be stressed enough."

"Communication is the essence of all relationships." "Let them see you, not the wheelchair."

"You do not have to have a physical orgasm to achieve sexual satisfaction."

The book proceeds from these general assumptions to methods and techniques. For those who for whatever reasons cannot

provide the physically disabled with sexual dignity should be applauded. If you or anyone you know has any contact with the physically disabled, you might be interested in obtaining this book for them. Further information may be obtained by writing the Little, Brown and Company, Boston, Massachusetts 02106. The book is also available in the

Library of Congress, catalog card no. 75-14875.

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