The fifth edition of the Sexon Conference - a nationwide and largest event in Poland dedicated to the sexuality and parenting of people with disabilities - is ahead of us. This year, the Conference will focus on the various dimensions of intimacy and relationships, emphasising their role in fulfilling social and parental roles, and in the sphere of intimate experiences.The event will take place on 14-15 October at CIC Warsaw in Warsaw. As in previous years, it will be held in a hybrid mode, stationary and online - this year for the first time using the Gridaly platform providing a range of facilities for participants. Participation in the Conference is completely free of charge, in order to take part in the event you need to complete the registration form.
Proximity and relationships as basic needs of every human being
During the 5th Sexon Conference, proximity will become the starting point for discussions about relationships: social, parental, sexual. In the context of people with disabilities, intimacy is of particular importance, yet encased in a wall of social taboo. Created in 2019 by the Avalon Foundation, the Sexon Project has now been running for five years, #switchedatabu and #switchedthought. For the fifth time, the organisers want to create a space for conversation, education and the exchange of ideas strengthening the sense of agency, independence and empowerment of people with disabilities.
When we set up the Sexon Project five years ago, we set ourselves the goal of changing the perception of sexuality and parenting for people with disabilities. It is satisfying to see how social attitudes are changing in this area, but we are also aware of how much more needs to be done.
says Żaneta Krysiak, manager of Project Sexon.
We observe that in the social discourse, people with disabilities are very often denied the right to intimacy and relationships. That is why at this year's Sexon Conference we want to shatter another taboo and show that people with disabilities can and should build fulfilling relationships. This process starts with building a relationship with oneself, which is why we will touch, among other things, on bonding theory and intimacy parenting, forming acceptance and relationships with disabilities, building assertiveness and boundary-setting skills. We will also talk about attitudes to the body, sexuality, the need for touch and the consequences of a lack of it.
he adds.
Disability and relationship building
Is disability a challenge in building relationships and intimacy? How does the experience of disability affect the permanence of relationships? Is it more difficult for people with disabilities to be intimate with themselves and others?
We have invited eminent experts and self-advocates to the event, with whom we will talk about the benefits of intimacy in terms of sexual, emotional and physical health. Proximity is the basis of every relationship: sexual, parental, partnership, friendship. During the Fifth Sexon Conference, together we will consider how to build this closeness, how to care for it and develop it, also in the context of the challenges that the experience of disability may pose.
says Żaneta Krysiak.
At this year's Sexon Conference, participants will be treated to two days filled with lectures, panel discussions, workshops, competitions and numerous attractions. Relationships and intimacy will be discussed from many different perspectives - psychological, sexological, physiological and even - technological. A lot of space will be devoted to language - media representatives and self-advocates will talk about how the way we talk about disability is changing. Among other things, participants will have the opportunity to practice setting boundaries and take part in a practical workshop on dating.
Speakers and presenters will include: Wojciech Sawicki (Life on Wheelz), Beata Dadla, Aleksandra Poplawska, PhD, Krzysztof Kurowski, PhD, Alicja Długołęcka, PhD, Piotr Paweł Świniarski, PhD, Kaja Gołuchowska, PhD, Agnieszka Wołowicz,Marta Lorczyk and Paweł Garstka, Martyna Zachorska (Ms from Feminatives).
For the full list of speakers and the programme of the Sexon Conference, please visit here.
Sekson & Gridaly - technology for even greater accessibility
This year's Sexton Conference will be held for the first time using the Gridaly platform, making it even more widely accessible to both in-person and online attendees of the event. Those attending the Conference will be given access to a free app enabling them to, among other things, check the programme, set reminders for interesting speakers, receive notifications from the organisers and receive an electronic ticket. A novelty will be the possibility for participants present online to also take part in workshops, which in previous editions were only available stationary. Thanks to the use of modern technology, the organisers have planned integration meetings in chat rooms, as well as a number of attractions and competitions based on the mechanism of gamification. In order to take full advantage of the functionality of the Gridaly platform, it is necessary to fill in the registration form, both by stationary and online participants. This can be done today here.
Schedule and patrons of the 5th Sexon Conference
For a detailed schedule of the 5th Sexon Conference - about intimacy and relationships of people with disabilities, seeat the link. Places for the Stationary Conference are limited, so pre-registration is required.