Disability & Sexuality, a photo project by Marina Adam
When Marina contacted me to be involved in her photography project exploring disability and sexuality, I was at first hesitant. Not because I wasn’t interested in the project (far from), but because I didn’t think I was ready to celebrate my body in this way. It’s because previous narratives have been pretty one dimensional, with representation not quite going as far enough to see different body types in settings that we are so used to with able-bodied models.
It still feels so fresh, 4 years of acquiring this new body. I am a different person, only for the better. I have learnt so much, with still so much to learn, similarly to the world and how we see disability. I’ve been so lucky with the opportunities that I’ve had, and feel lucky to even be doing what I do playing a tiny part of helping the wider representation. I’m so grateful for all the work I’ve done so far, from a big brand campaign to a small test shoot (often actually my favourite days). But until this particular shoot, I’d never really thought it would be an option to explore my vulnerability in such a setting. This is perhaps down to being busy fitting into previous roles expected for a model with my disability. Be it a sports brand, activewear, general ‘inclusive’ commercials etc. No shade to any of those btw, there is definitely a separate discussion of brands ticking the inclusion box and how bad it is if we are being included in the first place. But I’ll save that ramble for another day. But it was personally just super revolutionary to be seen in something completely different. Hopefully one day it won’t seem so revolutionary, and feel like just another person being celebrated for their sexy human body.
To be honest I hardly recognise that girl in the photo. This was shot 6 months ago, and in this time I feel I’ve grown a lot as a person. I was fresh out of a breakup, and also just mentally a bit lost! I’d like to give her a hug- I feel lucky to have that period of time documented so beautifully. I’ve never felt more empowered as I did on set this day. It helped trigger a real shift in my self growth, massively helping my confidence. I realised I don’t have to always be put in the same ‘box’ every time, as a model with a disability. Instead we too can also explore the many ways we see ourselves through media. It might sound obvious, but it took for a project like this to show me!
It’s so important to keep involving us in the conversation for we are not our disabilities, not just to tick a box, but we are people who have layers and range just like any able bodied person. There is still so far to go with inclusion in the editorial sphere, but I believe it’s finally moving out of just one token category and we’re recognised for being so much more. It’s photographers like Marina who are challenging the past stereotypes. Thank you so much Marina for having me a part of your incredible project alongside such beautifully talented people.
Q&A as part of Marina’s photograph project ‘Disability&Sexuality’:
How has your disability affected your body image and self-esteem when it comes to sexuality?
As I only gained this disability around four years ago, I have been able to experience being both able bodied and not. When I first was coming to terms with my new disability, I remember thinking no one would find me sexy. As I went on my new journey to being secure in my new body, I learnt that it only matters when I find myself beautiful and comfortable in my skin, not what anyone else thinks.
What misconceptions do people have about disability, sexuality and sex?
I guess sadly, it still is not the ‘norm’ in society to associate sexuality and disability together. First hand as a model, I will be cast for many active-wear commercials, highlighting strength and power. Which I definitely love to embody, but we also have a more demure side which should be explored more, perhaps in more editorial form. Just because we do not have ‘normal’ bodies, does not mean we lack the sexual nature that comes with the human form.
In your opinion, is there sufficient representation of disabilities in general and specifically in relation to female sexuality, within mainstream media and fashion? If not, what do you believe are the contributing factors?
The mainstream media is on an upward trajectory many different forms. We now have incredible and diverse people to look up to, plus-size, all genders, sexualities, races. Unfortunately, the inclusion of disabled people is only still relatively new, with inclusion finally growing in the last few years. Therefore, there is a lot of room for more than one category to put us in, such as being more sexy and playful.
What changes need to be made in society to better address and support the sexuality of disabled individuals?
For the people in charge of content that goes out in mainstream media, to not be afraid to include us in the conversation of showing all sides of us. Our bodies should be celebrated just as much as the next person. And to help further our community feeling seen and beautiful.
What advice would you give to someone with a disability who is struggling to feel confident in their sexuality?
To block out all the noise telling you you’re anything less than amazing. Tell yourself everyday how beautiful you are! And sexy! And strong! Ignore everyone else, focus on you and your relationship with your own body. Once you feel confident in yourself, everyone else will see it too.
What does this project mean to you?
When Marina invited me to be a part of this project I knew it was going to be very special to me. As I said earlier, it is rare to have opportunities that highlight sexuality, as a model with a disability. I felt so inclined to be a part of it as I wanted to show myself, and everyone else, that I am beautiful in my body! Thank you for having me part of your vision.
