Sins Invalid is a short film exploring a performance piece put on by disabled artists based in San Francisco. The performances vary in a range of unique expression but relate to the idea of sexual freedom, beauty in identity, and loving different bodyminds in different ways. Viewers get insight on the stage performance itself as well as behind the scenes. Co-Founder of Sins Invalid, Patricia Bearne, is shown speaking to her artists and reacting to their performances before they go on stage. This BTS footage is a clear showcase of how close the entire cast can be, and how special the art is to everyone involved. The addition of various types of art forms from each artist is something refreshing for the whole audience.
A common important theme, and dare I say tone for this show, was that of an intimate one between artist and audience. While not every piece related to sexuality or sex itself, it dealt with the human body. A different bodymind than what is mostly represented in society. With that, expect to see nudity, stories of sexual encounters, and a brief tragic history lesson on euthanasia. While some might want to steer clear of that for personal reasons, I was able to admire the honesty. It did not just feel like being an audience member, it felt like performers truly got to be themselves possibly for the first time. That is not something I think many people in general get to experience nor are willing to for that matter. As s.e. Smith said, it felt as if “All the barriers between us have fallen away” (Pg. 271) once it began and all throughout.
One performer by the name of Matt was on stage while audio of ableist and violent statements were thrown at him. He dodges, fights back, and bleeds on stage as if the voices were assailants attempting to kill him. This one in particular stands out the most to me. The point of his work may be obvious, but I feel it can go a step further if analyzed deeper. In that moment Matt was a victim of normalization as many people are. Normalization being a set standard of what bodies should be able to do and what they should like as well as expected behaviors associated with the bodymind. I think his performance showcased this well because of the different voices in different settings that were abusing him. Normalization is a disease. There will always be one group in power enforcing it, but that groups members can be switched out from time to time. You might be thinking why that is and author Tim Dean can explain. “Normalization does not exclusively bolster the interests of the so-called normal, since it also puts them at risk” (Pg. 144). Normalization may not switch continuously, but people do change. Even if you fit into “normal” you may not always.
The first performer we see on stage is seen taking off her prosthetic legs and washing herself in bed. During this, she remembers a love-fling and goes into great detail about their sexcapades. This was yet another favorite of mine because it begins our show with the ultimate closeness and in my opinion, empowerment. You could tell from her movement and voice it was a happy memory for her. Two parts of this I found the most important. One, the fact that someone from the disabled community was able to display their sexuality free of judgement. And two, normalizing different types of relationships such as a casual sexual one where the woman was not degraded or shamed. I believe this opening felt powerful enough to be an example of someone from the disabled community “actively owning” a space as Smith writes (Pg. 272), and I could not be more encouraging of that energy.
Overall, this show earns a 4/5 star rating from me. One main point of emphasis felt related to the idea of de-sexualization of those with a disability. Often people wrongly assume they are asexual or call them asexual which is not only the wrong terminology (asexual an identity a part of the LGBTQ+ community is not equivalent to de-sexualization) but a false, ignorant narrative. Many people may wonder how people with physical and mental disabilities have sex to begin with. If you are one of those people, I recommend reading some literature on relationships within the disability community. Additionally, there is such a thing as medically assisted sex. Vice recently put out a piece on this titled “Inside The World of Medically Assisted Sex.” The purpose is to encourage sexual freedom and desires of those who have been restricted from it physically and socially through payment of another person to service someone. Once you’ve done some light education, then I advise you to watch this beautiful art performance if you’re into some abstract thinking.