This autumn, the third Sekson conference organized by the Avalon Foundation took place. Interest in the subject grows every year. The event was held in Warsaw’s Praga district, and throughout the two days, conference participants could take part in lectures and workshops. This year, not only people who were able to attend the event in person could participate; those who, for various reasons, had to stay at home could also join thanks to the online broadcast.
Both guests attending the event in person and those participating online had equal opportunities to take part in the competitions. One competition was organized by the Avalon Foundation, while the other was organized by one of the foundation’s partners, the erotic boutique N69, which, in addition to its partnership, together with the Satisfyer brand, also sponsored the prizes and gifts received by event participants.
Sexuality and Physical Disability
On the first day of the conference, the main focus was the sexuality of people with physical disabilities. The event’s speakers included both specialists and people with disabilities who shared their stories and experiences. Among those invited to the conference was Prof. dr hab. Zbigniew Izdebski, who discussed his research on the sexuality of Polish people and changes in interpersonal relationships during the pandemic and quarantine, which proved to be a real test for many relationships.
Dr n. med. Dariusz Świniarski also appeared at the conference; in his lecture, he focused on male erections and healthy ways to improve them. We also had the opportunity to meet Professor Remigiusz Kijak, who actively works to develop the sexual activity of people with disabilities. Specialist in Sexology Barbara Płaczek, one of only three sexologists in Poland specializing specifically in the sexuality of people with physical disabilities, was also present. Barbara focuses on how parents and caregivers perceive the sexuality of adults with disabilities and actively adapts available sexual accessories to the needs of people with disabilities.
Sex among People with Disabilities
In addition to attending interesting lectures and workshops, participants could also gain knowledge at the stands available to them throughout the two-day conference. One of the stands belonged to the erotic boutique N69.pl, whose representatives were available to participants throughout the conference, gladly answering their questions and talking about erotic products intended for people with physical disabilities.
In addition to running the stand, the boutique’s representatives also conducted a workshop on increasing sexual activity with the use of assistive equipment. Both their workshop and stand attracted considerable interest among conference participants.
At one of the stands, visitors could also meet Program Stacja, which has worked for years to promote sex education. The project’s representatives handed out condoms and educated participants about preventing diseases such as AIDS and HIV. They also reminded everyone how important it is to use protection during intercourse.
During the two-day conference, guests could also admire a photographic exhibition decorating the pillars of the entire auditorium where the event was held. The exhibition was one of the Avalon Foundation’s projects, titled "Fully Able in Love." Its purpose was to challenge all stereotypes and myths about people with physical disabilities. The photographs showed them smiling in the company of their partners or entire families. It was impossible not to notice that everyone paid attention to the photographs and admired them with curiosity on their faces.
Parenthood among People with Physical Disabilities
The second day of the conference was devoted to a topic connected with the photographic exhibition mentioned earlier, focusing on parenthood from the perspective of people with limited mobility. During that day’s lectures, we heard about the experiences of people with disabilities who have children. It was an emotional day, as some of the experiences shared by participants were deeply moving. This topic certainly helped some people dispel any doubts or concerns related to having children, or fears that it might be impossible in their case.
This conference was an incredible experience. The mission pursued by the Avalon Foundation is admirable and certainly deserves support, which is why it is so important to speak about it openly. For many of us, sexuality is still a taboo subject, but it should not be, because sexuality is part of who we are and accompanies us every day.