As a sociologist, Sarah is fascinated by what makes individuals, families, and policymakers tick. She’s worked with federal, regional, and local governments in 6 countries to shift how policies are made and measured. She holds a Doctorate in Social Policy from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar, and a Masters of Education from Stanford University. In 2015, Sarah became a Metcalf Foundation Innovation Fellow. Fun facts: Sarah was once a sting agent. And she’s a mediocre tap dancer.
An affirmation that all people have a sexuality
Adults with cognitive disabilities are experiencing their own sexuality, but may not be getting information or acknowledgement about this experience.
Every human being – whether sexually active or not – has a sexuality. It’s part of being human. Sexuality can bring connection, isolation, joy, trauma, pleasure, guilt, excitement… often it’s a combination of things.
What if we affirmed this experience instead of avoiding the subject?
A conversation about dating, love, relationships and sex
Open communication about sex and relationships improves interpersonal skills, increases the chances of positive romantic relationships for those who want them, and reduces the risk of STIs and sexual abuse.
Sexualized imagery is prevalent in our society, but real talk about sexuality is often absent. What if we started talking?
A celebration of the sexuality of adults with cognitive disabilities
Often the subject of sexuality arises for adults with cognitive disabilities because a problem occurs – perhaps someone is acting in ways that bother people, or perhaps abuse has happened. What message are we sending by waiting until a problem arises before talking to people with cognitive disabilities about sexuality?
What if information on the topic was provided proactively?
What if instead of being a problem, it was framed as a celebration?
What People Are Saying…
“It’s really cool that it’s happening because then hopefully we’ll get the sense of what people with disabilities have in our hearts and shoulders. And have a voice for us to talk about this stuff. And I think it’s very powerful.”
-CD, Real Talk Attendee
“Since Real Talk launched, I’ve noticed more conversation from people we support, families and staff around dating and relationships. They’ve started to surprise us with their open attitude and willingness to engage in conversation around this. More people are talking about dating and relationships in general, staff seem more open and curious, and it seems less taboo.”
-JC, BACI Staff
Meet the team
John Woods
John Woods has worked in the community living sector since 1992, and with Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion since 1997. He is also a Certified Sexual Health Educator. John currently works managing Real Talk, and with Options for Sexual Health in their Clinical Services department. John holds a BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time he enjoys running, biking, and composing music.
Kelsey Savage
Kelsey Savage began her training in sexual health education in 2014. Since then, she has become a Certified Sexual Health Educator, and worked independently in elementary schools, high schools, and international schools across the Lower Mainland. She has been managing the Options for Sexual Health Vancouver Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital since 2017, and has been part of the Real Talk team since its inception in 2018.
kelsey@real-talk.org
Dee Stacey
Dee is a Certified Sexual Health Educator with over 5 years’ experience as a Youth Care Counsellor at an alternate high school in Vancouver, and holds a BA in Psychology. Dee is passionate about empowering people through education that is inclusive, relatable and free of judgment. More information on Dee can be found at:
Sharon Lillian
Sharon has been a workshop facilitator with Real Talk since 2019. They have completed their Certified Sexual Health Educator curriculum, and are working towards completing their practicum hours. Sharon also works as a Community Connector for Building Caring Communities and posAbilities.
Larissa Gunkel
Hi, My Full Name is Lara Nadeszna Gunkel. Common Name Larissa. I am on Disability. I am a Part Time Peer Facilitator for Real Talk. I have a Sweet, Caring, Creative Personality and Other Freelance Part Time Jobs. I’m Creative and I’m Part of Dating and Social Events Committees within the Inclusion Community!
Dr. Sarah Schulman
Rheanna Toy
Rheanna is a video producer, videographer, and editor. Her career began after she graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BFA in Film Production, after which she worked in documentary post-production. From there, she began creating videos for a wide range of organizations, businesses, and artists. Rheanna has worked with Real Talk since its conception, and feels strongly about Real Talk’s goal to spread information about relationships and sexual health from a variety of perspectives. She’s excited to continue to work on Real Talk videos. See her work.
Ashley
Ashley (they/them) is a sexual health educator and performance artist. Combining the two fields, they use humour and play to create inclusive, sex-positive, informative content and interactions.
Ashley is a graduate of the course component of Options for Sexual Health’s Sexual Health Education Certification program. They are working with Real Talk as a Facilitator as they work towards their certification.
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