Just by saying the word "sex’ one would probably receive either of two responses: a stifled giggle, or a slight shifting on one’s seat that signals awkwardness. From a young age we’re taught that sex, and anything to do with it, is disgusting, shameful and should never be spoken about.
SEX 360 °: The Multidisciplinary Approach to Sexuality, a day seminar that was held on Saturday, the 7th of March, 2015, addressed this issue and aimed at discussing local research and clinical experience with regard to sex and sexuality. It focused primarily on sexual relationships and the negative consequences of failure of communication within these relationships.
Needless to say, people’s comfort zones were challenged, through talks which discussed the right that people with intellectual disabilities have to sexual relationships and even parenting, as well as through a discussion on BDSM. A workshop was also held with regard to sexual discourse and its connotations. This pushed the participants beyond their level of accustomed comfort by means of a discussion on the words used with reference to sexual organs, sexuality and the menstrual cycle. It was interesting to see people’s initial discomfort with certain tasks, such as that of listing sexual euphemisms, despite us using these euphemisms on a daily basis without giving them much thought.
Overall, this seminar challenged all the participants to reflect on their opinions and beliefs, and realise why they felt that way on certain issues. The next step was a challenge to see things in a different light. Every topic was discussed in a professional and respectful manner.The speakers were all professionals in their topic of discussion and delivered the workshops and talks with a level of expertise by drawing on their own experiences and clients.
This was definitely one of the most interesting and unique seminars organized on the island, and more seminars should be centred around the topic of sex and sexuality. We hope that one day, people will feel comfortable speaking about sex, in the same way one would discuss any other topic.
