The film Sins Invalid is a contemplation of performances from a show by different artists in the disability community. Poets, dancers, musicians, and actors come together on the stage to create a raw and pure performance of emotion. Expressing, not only their identity, but their sexuality, race, and experience as being disabled in an honest way. Between performances, there was commentary on the creative process and experiences the performers had while creating and performing their acts on the stage for live audiences.

Something I made a connection to between the film and the Keywords for Disability Studies books was sexualization. In the chapter about race the author writes, “For instance, the public’s morbid fascination with the sexualized bodies of Saartjie Baartman, the South African woman known as the “hottest Venus.””(146). It was common in the past for people of race or disability to be sexualized in a negative, unwanted way by the public. In this film, we see people of different race and disability reclaiming their sexuality and how they feel about their bodies, despite the opinions and misconception of others. The other connection I made was to the chapter about the topic of the word queer, “”Queer” opposes not heterosexuality but heteronormativity-the often unspoken assumption that heterosexuality provides the framework through which everything makes sense.” (143). Not only does the film challenge misconceptions of disability but it breaks down heteronormativity, opening our eyes to other people’s sexuality, sex, and experience that should be but is not viewed as ‘normal’ due to the concept of heteronormativity.

I really enjoyed watching this film. To watch people own their identities, to stand on a stage and listen and watch them proclaim their truths and who they are was incredibly powerful and inspirational to me. Each performer told their story, their experience and how they see themselves and their body. It just felt so raw and honest to me and I really loved that. I think this film is also incredibly powerful because it changes the perspective of the viewers. It breaks through the misconceptions and stereotypes that media and society have created about the sexuality and lives of people with disability. I find that incredibly impactful.

4.5/5 Stars