Learning about and navigating sexuality when you are young is hard. When you’re a disabled youth it is even harder. Because our society depicts people with disabilities so rarely—and depictions of sexual pleasure are nearly non-existent, disabled youth can be left at a serious disadvantage as they seek to explore dating, relationships and sexuality.
Saturday September 14th
11:00am-9:00pm
Oasis Aqualounge
231 Mutual St., Toronto
What is the focus of the Rose Centre?
What types of sexual expression does The Rose Centre address?
The Rose Centre aims to make information and resources regarding sexuality and dating accessible to its members. This is done through a series of workshops, discussions and events. A great example of this is their discussion series, ‘Pleasure and Disability: A Sexxx Discussion,’ which addresses disability, the concept of pleasure and what feels good to the senses. This discussion occurred on Thursday Sept. 5 at Ryerson University. Past initiatives have included a ‘Relaxation and Mediation Workshop’ that occurred on June 4th and a discussion on ‘Interdependence and Independence,’ which addressed topics such living independently and the positive points of depending on others. While these events were held in different locations, all of these activities included female/male attendants, ASL interpreters and on-site accessible washrooms.
What obstacles do disabled youth encounter when it comes to learning and exploring sexuality?
Adolescents and young people with disabilities face particular issues with regards to dating and sexuality. Upon researching the Centre and reading from personal online accounts, both emotional issues and cultural issues play a role in entering the dating scene and expressing one’s sexuality. This person may be dealing with changes to their sense of self and body image, especially if their physicality has been drastically altered in a short period of time. Meeting others in a social setting may pose difficulties if facilities are not equipped to deal with one’s specific needs. I have included a great link by Charlotte Gerber, who blogs about her own experiences after being challenged with a disability in 2004. Her blog includes a section on Children and Teens and Dating Advice. I think it is important to listen to the needs and perspectives of those living with a disability and her blog is insightful and helpful. http://disability.about.com/od/DisabilitiesAndRelationships/a/DatingWithADisability.htm
How did Oasis become involved in this initiative?
Oasis Aqualounge is interested in giving back to organizations that are in-line with our values as a non-judgmental, female-owned sex club. We want to reach out and assist not-for-profit groups through our own events and initiatives. Although we do recognize that our venue is not wheelchair accessible, we still feel that this is a worthy cause and we want to help organizations that make sexuality and dating accessible. We believe that management, staff and guests want to support The Rose Centre and we are using Oasis as a platform to raise money and awareness
What types of special events will you have at the fundraiser?
We have some exciting plans in store for this event! On Saturday September 14th, from 11:00am-9:00pm, we will have a silent auction with donated gifts available for guests to bid on. We will also have our Oasis Kissing Booth on-site with volunteers providing kisses with a contribution to The Rose Centre. We would like to extend a special thank you to Northbound Leather, Great Canadian Burlesque Come As You Are, Seductions and Peter Anthony Salon for providing us with gifts. We have been in communication with other businesses and people who are also willing to donate and we appreciate their support.
The evening portion will host a live auction of Oasis community members being auctioned off for dates, which will be subject to negotiation. We are still requesting volunteers and donations towards this event and those interested may contact: fatima@oasisaqualounge.com for further details.
