Hello, everyone. I don't have R.A. myself, but I'm working on a literary/theatrical project and seeking input from anyone who identifies as having a disability (or chronic illness) of any kind, including R.A. Inner Glow contacted me and suggested that some members of this forum might like to participate. Read on!
I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair and electric
scooter. I'm also a writer and editor with training in teaching and the
performing arts, and recently all of this has intersected with my
young-adult concerns about my own love-life. The result is my
inspiration to begin something I'm tentatively calling...
The finished product might turn out to be a nonfiction book, a performance piece, and/or something else entirely; the form(s) it takes, months or years from now, will depend upon the amount and kinds of input and help I receive from you and others.
I do know that I intend to give individuals with disabilities, and those who care about us, a chance to think and talk about ourselves as physical, social, romantic, and sexual beings.
My first step in this project is to ask people with disabilities to fill out this questionnaire so I can gather your ideas, opinions, and stories. It includes questions
about identity, body image, sexuality, relationships, and associated
topics. (Eventually, I hope to gather input from our nondisabled
relatives, friends, and lovers, but that step will come later in the
project.)
It's very long, but don't worry: you're NOT expected
to answer every question-- you may pick and choose the questions you
want to answer. And there are no wrong answers.
Many of the
questions are very personal in nature, but your participation can be
anonymous. I will not share your full real name with anyone in
connection to your specific answers (in fact, you don't even need to
share it with me), and I won't share your contact information.
To
open the questionnaire, click here and then copy,
paste, and save it into a Word document. Then send your answers to me in one of the
several ways described in the Introduction and Guidelines.
Please read the Introduction and Guidelines carefully before responding to the questionnaire.
I've also started a Facebook group for The Kissability Project. Please join and invite your friends!