Two Old Sexperts: Talking Sexuality & Disabilities Shawn McGill

In this episode, we (Shawn and Sharon) talk about autism and offense-related issues.  Through the chat, we explore and openly discuss a lot of gaps and missing components that could lead us to better solutions to prevent brushing up on the criminal justice system, at least as it relates to sexual offenses.

Registration for the Sexuality Practitioner Program is now available. We will be starting with two cohorts beginning May 2nd. One option is each Thursday during the 12-1 pm lunch hour, or another option is each Thursday in the evening from 7-8 pm. For more information, please visit www.shawnmcgillmsw.com and click on the events page.

What is the Sexuality Practitioner Program? This is a professional development program designed to prepare the student to serve individuals with complex needs related to sexuality. The scope of this training prepares the student to complete various sexuality assessments, and train on abuse prevention & safety, and work with team members to address and support these complex needs. All students receive consultation with Shawn McGill and Sharon Potter, both of whom will be mentoring you through the training.

Why is this training being offered? People with disabilities are incarcerated at an alarming rate. Of those incarcerated in Pennsylvania, 56% have a non-psychiatric disability. People with disabilities are sexually assaulted nearly three times the rate of people without disabilities. More than 90% of people with developmental disabilities will experience sexual abuse at some point in their lives. It has been nearly two decades since the Safer Options Train-the-Trainer was developed and held in Pennsylvania. One pivotal person behind this was Sharon Potter. She also served as the Sexuality Consultant for the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). Safer Options provided pivotal information related to the treatment, supervision, and support for individuals with ID/DD and problematic or offending sexual behaviors. Since this program, we have learned a great deal more about sex offender screening and treatment.

More importantly, we have recognized and learned to educate and support before offending (or victimization) problems arise. It’s critical to address issues on the front end before it becomes a crisis or issue of criminal offending. Those in our service system are faced with many complexities and challenges. Aspects related to sexuality are simply one challenge, but the pool of providers to address these issues is still very limited. This may be due to our comfort level, access to the information, or various other factors. Regardless, we want to provide a real opportunity for successful and lasting change and want to build capacity within the service system. Our podcast “Two Old Sexperts” began production in September 2022. We have over 1200 regular listeners in 19 countries. The feedback we have received, either in writing or through conversation, has been very positive. While this started as a fun collaboration, the short ride-in has shown us a lot more time and attention needs to be given to these areas of concern, and we want to be a support and a possible part of the solution. In response to the podcast, Shawn completed a small book entitled “Neurodiversity, Sexuality, and Gender Identity.” The book is now available, free of charge, to those who may need all of it or just parts of it. However, this is still not enough.

For more information, please visit www.shawnmcgillmsw.com.

Sharon and I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with Dr. Michele Angello. Dr. Angello is an educator, therapist, consultant, and author who has paved the way to spotlight gender non-conformity and challenge our constructs related to gender. An issue so misunderstood and seemingly seen as so complex by many, Dr. Angello has tackled it head-on.

Best said by Dr. Angello herself, "My dream is for all gender non-conforming kids, youth and adults to be understood not as unusual or pathological, but, viewed through a lens of reverence and respect, as valued members of the human race." And, of course, we all agreed that we want this same dream applied to those who have a range of disabilities and neurodiversity.

This brief episode notes what has been discovered while creating this podcast and why a slight shift in talks focusing on sexuality will be underway. When supporting fellow human beings, we must see the whole picture. When faced with challenges, we must be willing to evaluate ourselves and amplify any discrepancies or barriers that may be impeding progress.

The term "sex toys" seems to hold a negative connotation still. When we think about pleasuring the body or meeting physical and sexual needs, we must "think outside the box" and push our comfort zones. People with disabilities are not exempt from the very exact basic human needs.

Mason Luke joins us to discuss how his two worlds, disability support and pleasure products, collide. More importantly, he guides us in challenging our taboos and openly thinking about and exploring how we can do more to support people with disabilities in finding their sexual pleasure.

To find out more about Mason and his products, please visit www.pleasureallies.com.