Disabled Dick: Sex & Cerebral Palsy
Being a Queer Cripple and a Disabled Dick on Sickboy Podcast
I had been trying to get on Sickboy Podcast for over a year. When they contacted me, initially, both the Sickboy Pod team and I were excited about the possibility of me coming on the show so that I could talk about my work as a Disability Awareness Consultant working in sex, disability and queerness. The dates were set for me to come in to the studio, until we realized that it wasn’t wheelchair accessible. My heart sank, but I understood. The team said they’d get me on eventually… I heard this before, and it usually never pans out; people get busy, plans change, etc. I didn’t expect to hear from them again.
A year later, I was opening my inbox and saw an e-mail from them, along with a voicemail on my phone saying that they had an accessible space to record, and they’d like me to come in. I was excited, because even though I host my own podcast DisabilityAfterDark (shameless plug), being a guest on other programs and being able to add a different level and understanding of diversity is so important.
When I came in, I realized that this team of people were young, but extremely willing to learn. They helped me center my wheelchair in a good place for the microphone, and made sure that I was entirely comfortable. I’ve done a few different recording sessions now, and I must say, it was one of the most enjoyable.
At one point in the recording (as you’ll hear), Jeremie says something to the effect of: “So, being confined to a wheelchair.” In this moment, I immediately corrected him and asked that he call me a “wheelchair user”. He apologized and corrected his language. What I love about this exchange, was that he openly admitted to his own ignorance and ableism. That was really refreshing.
I also loved during the podcast when Jeremie read my Scruff Profile ( a gay dating/sex app I’m on), and we laughed about my profile name being DisabledDick, and talked about how necessary it was to put my Queer Cripple identity out there.
It was an honour to be on such a program, and I really hope you enjoy the episode.
Andrew Gurza
Disability Awareness Consultant/Cripple Content Creator