Cover Image: A Quick & Easy Guide to Sex & Disability

A Quick & Easy Guide to Sex & Disability

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Member Reviews

I am a fan of the Quick and Easy Guides because they present information in a very accessible way. This was not exception. In 72 pages the author manages to portray different body types, gender expressions, and sexualities.

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Concisely educational and conversational in tone, this little comic is exactly what it says on the tin. I did find that compared to the other Quick & Easy Guides I've read (Queer & Trans Identities and They/Them Pronouns) this one felt even shorter and less packed with information. While no book can cover everything, and certainly not in 72 pages, I felt like more specificity in the information given wouldn't have gone amiss. A lot of time is spent emphasizing communication with sexual partners and others, which yes is important! But that's also pretty general sex advice; that page space could have been used for more specific advice on navigating scenarios unique to disability.

I also wish there'd been even a mention that asexuality exists among disabled people, too... While it's very important to crush the myth that all disabled people are unable or uninterested in having sex, it's also important to acknowledge that asexuality and disability can and do sometimes coincide, and it doesn't mean you're "broken" or have less value or are a poor example of disabled representation. Relatedly, masturbation is advised in the book purely as a tool to discover what one enjoys sexually for the purposes of communicating those things to a sex partner. Sometimes, masturbation is all someone might want... which is also okay!

The artwork is friendly and inclusive. I appreciated the general tone of, "Talking about sex is awkward. Having sex is awkward! It's normal if it's awkward!" and emphasis that sex should be fun and enjoyable and silly sometimes, and ultimately whatever you want it to be and what feels good to you. There were bits of good specific information, like the pages that touched on incontinence, spasticity, and positioning tools.

Obviously this little book can't cover everything, and even for my critiques it's definitely still worth the short time it takes to read. But I would sooner call this a Quick & Easy Introduction than I would a Guide.

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I love these Quick and Easy Guides! It's just what the title says, but a good introductory point to the topic. It covers multiple things worth considering like communication, lubes, sex toys and aftercare which are not always discussed in sex ed. I found the what to say instead of... advice also very helpful. Wish this was translated into multiple languages and distributed in classrooms, libraries, doctor's offices etc. Everyone needs to read this!

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This book has a friendly, comfortable tone that will appeal to a wide audience, including those considering a sexual relationship with a partner who has one or more disabilities. The book is positive about sex, particularly the right of people with disabilities to have sex and enjoy sexual pleasure. Art is a bit rough but the casualness adds to the breezy, comfortable style and relevant items & body parts are clearly and sensibly (not voyeuristically or fetishistically) displayed. A much needed book.

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I love the Quick & Easy guides and this is another great addition to the series. It's really inclusive of people with all kinds of bodies and abilities. The author knows only too well how dehumanising the conversation around disability and sex can be. Sex education in the US (where the author lives) and the UK (where I live) is often poor, and people with disabilities are even less likely to receive adequate sex education than able bodied people. The book deals with myths around disability and sex, body image, communication, boundaries, consent, self-care, safer sex and autonomy. All in less than 80 pages!

I would highly recommend this book to people with disabilities as it's written by a disabled person who wants to change the narrative around sex and disability and reclaim their agency. I'd also recommend it to people without disabilities; partly because you never know who you will meet/sleep with in the future; partly to normalise discussions around sex and ability; and partly because the book is really good and has lots of relevant advice for everyone.

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Like the other two books that I've read in the "Quick & Easy Guide" series, this served as an excellent introduction to the topic. This was, however, the first of the guides that was not describing one or more elements of my identity as a queer person, which definitely required more of me than for those pertaining to they/them pronouns and nonbinary identities. (And therefore, I suppose, gave me a taste of what reading *those* guides are like for those who are not in-community. Which is cool.) The artwork was great, the information was presented in a format and sequence that was easy to understand, and the overall tone was a good fit with the others in the series. I would say that these books are the kind of books I keep on my bookshelf to give away; they're not designed to be read primarily by the people described in it! I could see high schoolers making use of these as well as adults. I think most teens receive extremely poor sex-ed in all the countries I've lived in, particularly the USA, and are likely to have access to only two main narratives: the conservative parental take ("Save it for the one!") or the ... for lack of a better expression, the Tumblr take (a grab-bag of memes and fanfiction). Books like this one are vital bridges to further reading and research on the topic for those who are likely already grappling with related issues within their friend groups.

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This is a guide that goes there with all the humor and honesty it takes to make an uncomfortable subject accessible and helpful. Lovely illustrations and information.

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I was happy when, at 24 years old, I fell in love. This was something I had always desired yet I was most concerned about my possible partner’s reaction to my body and scars from multiple brain surgeries.
For me, living with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus as well as severe eyesight difficulties and being a wheelchair user held enough challenges but I was accepted without question for who I am.

14 years later, and at the time of this review, we are in the year we celebrated our first wedding anniversary.

I gained confidence in sexual matters because of my husband’s acceptance of me early on.
The book is a comic book but luckily my iPad VoiceOver had no problem reading out. Other formats of comic books did not work.

The approach to the subject matter is mature yet straight talking and laid back. I think it’ll certainly help many people (with and without disabilities) feel more at ease with their bodies and sex.

5 stars

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This book embraces the “quick” and “easy” approach of the series. The art style is in the simple, reader-facing format of the first, although this time, in color, which is welcoming.

The author, A, is a queer, paraplegic cartoonist who wants to increase communication around sex and intimacy. They aim to cover all types of bodies, and the visual language here supports that goal. They also want to move past academic discussions and clinical language to something more approachable that supports enjoyment of sex.

A acknowledges the wide variety of types of disabilities, and given the topic, this book focuses most on “physical accessibility needs and considerations in sex.” A’s also got a wicked sense of humor, as when expressing their dismay at the attitude that this topic is unnecessary, with the repeated image of a slamming door.

Topics covered include myths about disabled bodies, the importance of communication, self-care techniques, and how to prepare (tools and techniques). Throughout, A keeps a realistic but encouraging and optimistic attitude that’s a great model for everyone, no matter their physical body, in how to deal with sex and intimacy.
This is a more specialized topic than the previous, but it’s a valuable read that provides lessons for anyone about accepting themselves, maintaining a positive sense of self-worth, and seeking pleasure realistically.

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Brief and comprehensive, it reviews sex and sexual topics in a frank way and with full respect and acknowledgement of those with differing abilities. The art is a bit lack luster but the content makes up for it. A staple for libraries that wish to provide comprehensive and inclusive sex education in their collection.

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While this guide is brief, it contains an abundance of important information that is presented in an encouraging manner. Both disabled and non-disabled people can reference this book for an improved understanding of sexual health and boundaries. Andrews primarily stresses the importance of communication with one's partner to maintain a healthy and reaffirming relationship when having sex. They also mention that all individuals can benefit from having conversations about sex with their health professionals, but disabled people may need to discuss worries about sexual health that are specific to their bodies.

Andrews also gives advice on practices that can make sex more emotionally and physically pleasurable with consideration to a disabled person's needs. They also include a page for the reader to consider crucial questions about their own wants and boundaries during sex. I feel this guide can definitely help disabled individuals who experience anxiety about approaching sex with their partner or worry that they'd struggle to enjoy it because certain acts may be uncomfortable. The book does not contain explicit images and functions mainly as an opportunity for disabled adults to think about sex in a positive and empowering light.

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As a budding sex educator and therapist, this is a wonderful resource that I will keep in my back pocket for future clients! I love the simple introduction that explains the need for this book and providing specific sex education to be inclusive of this large minority group. This guide adopts a spirit of playfulness and curiosity, and emphasizes healthy communication, self-exploration, and accommodation to lead to healthy sexual expressions and experiences! It is also all-inclusive of diverse types of disabilities and individuals all along the gender and sexual orientation spectra. On top of all that, it's a quick read; it only took me about 20 minutes to digest these 70 pages. Thank you NetGalley for the eARC, I'll be keeping it around for future use!

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This graphic novel is perfect for both disabled and non-disabled communities. I love the upbeat nature, and the perspective of LGBTQIA in the disabled community. The emphasis on communication is wonderful, and the idea that sex is what you want it to be was essential. Truly perfect!

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This was charming, engaging, and informative. A lot of what's covered in here wasn't covered in my high school health class, which seemed to be mostly aimed at my abled peers, but it's especially important to think about these things with regards to disabled people. This was well done and a good reminder that disabled people aren't inherently asexual (not that there's anything wrong with not wanting sex. For some people, myself included, they might not want it, whether because they just don't experience attraction or because of religious reasons or whatever the reason).

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A friend told me that it was Read Now on Netgalley so I swooped in there to read it myself cause WE NEED MORE MEDIA THAT IS FOCUSED ON AND INCLUSIVE OF DISABLED PEOPLE.

I appreciated the fact that this was OwnVoices and I loved that the book addressed everything in a comfortable and simple way.

I loved the art style and I loved how inclusive the art was as well. Also the tips.

SO yeah, check it out - a quick important read for anyone and EVERYONE.

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I am so happy this book exists. The pacing, dialogue, drawing, and colloquial voice make the discussion of sex topics much more accessible. I appreciate that the dialogue consistently points out that communication is the underpinning of a healthy relationship for bodies of all abilities. I learned a few things I might not have considered before and feel confident that I have a wholesome resource to suggest for my patrons.

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This book is beneficial for everybody, it's just nice as a disabled person to be included and considered for a change, in a subject that's ridiculously often seen as taboo by abled people. The title gives a good description, it is a quick and easy read that's written in a very friendly and approachable manner without the innuendos you often find in books about sex, which I appreciate. For such a short book, there's a lot of practical information, some of which is really simple but possibly things that are often overlooked such as how important communication is and the actual way we communicate about sex and intimacy. It covers topics I didn't expect to be included like handling rejection and aftercare of sex. It's a very inclusive book, all disabilities are taken into account (although the author does make it clear that these tips are primarily aimed at people with physical disabilities and that makes sense), it's also gender and racially diverse which is great. I'm glad I read this and would recommend it.

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Such a good and clear guide. Great information with good advice for people with disabilities of all types. Also a good information for people without disabilities. Absolutely no fetishization involved. The other quick and easy guides are more teen friendly than this one. The diversity is still on point in this one.

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Another informative guide where there goal is to knock down myths and misconceptions. It really provides an open conversation about a topic that most of a society feel uncomfortable talking about.

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This is a very interesting and needed comic book. The illustrations are great and they show many types of disabilities. It also talks about and has illustrations of sex toys and products as well as pictures of people with missing limbs, colostomy bags, gay, heterosexuals, and everything in between when discussing the topic of disabled people having sex. It is a must read for anyone who could learn about this. Whether you are disabled or dating someone who is disabled, you can learn a lot about what the author is talking about and you never know when it might come in handy.

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