Sexuality and Chronic Disease-II

This past week was jammed packed with all sorts of issues pertaining to chronic disease-a doc who chose not to deal with root issues, but rather focused on lab results; anger; the need for well organized advocacy programs; and the lucky opportunity to see Dr. John Kabat-zinn, the founder of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, speak. So given all of these experiences, any one of which would make for a terrific post, why write about sex instead?

In truth, I am reluctant to use the “s” word (sex) on this blog, because when I do, I receive all sorts of junk comments. However, this is such a critical part of who we are, probably just as important as the other confrontational “s” word spirituality, that I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss it from time to time. In short, I could easily have justified writing about something else this weekend, but there is such hesitancy on so many peoples part about discussing sex that it’s important not to shy away from it.

In December 2009, I did an overview on sexuality and chronic disease, which includes some good resources and information. Just recently, I googled Dr. Betty Dodson, whose book “Sex for One,” was very empowering for many of the women I worked with who were affected by HIV/AIDS. She was very helpful in making materials affordable for these women and I’ve always appreciated her openness about the need to view sex as empowering.

Now in her early 80’s, Dodson continues to promote sex positive practice. She has joined forces with Carlin Ross, a much younger woman who left her law practice and created the website “Cherry Bomb.” The Betty Dodson with Carlin Ross: Sex Information Online website, which combined the Cherry Bomb site with Dodson’s, offers a very open forum to ask sex related questions and get very practical advise.

Scrolling through some of the responses to question people wrote, I was struck by an article from a women that was being treated for anal cancer. This really is a site where people can ask questions and get good advise. There are sections on Disability as well as Menopause and Sex after 50.

Because of the ages of the authors, as well as guest bloggers, viewpoints can be different, but the advice is very affirming.

If you are uncomfortable at seeing sexual images, you may find this site uncomfortable, as the right hand side bar features Betty’s art, dating back to the 1960s and very graphic.