Volunteers for Intercourse with the Disabled

Sexuality in connection with disability is still a rigid taboo. The Swiss have approached the matter in a very unique way.

We sometimes forget how fortunate we are, and this is true in particular for the people who are healthy, vigorous and don't have any major problems. I have a friend who has been confined to a wheelchair due to a car accident. Some time ago we sat in a café and chatted about sex. I couldn't help myself and blurted out: "Does your member still work?" My friend started to laugh and said that it worked better than ever before. The only problem for him was meeting women. "There has been a shortage of sex in my life for the last few years," he concluded.

I recalled this conversation when I was reading an article on one of the web sites on sexuality that I regularly visit. I was informed that a Swiss organisation was recruiting volunteers to have sexual intercourse with disabled people. The Basel-based Welfare Group for Disability and Sexuality already arranges erotic massages for the disabled.

Aiha Zemp, the group's leader, says: "It's a big taboo that needs to be broken. Having sex is a basic human need like eating and drinking and we have to fight for this right for the disabled."

It seems that in the last few years people started talking about sexual activities in a more open and relaxed way. And I have a feeling that I'll take my friend to Switzerland soon.