24. Sexuality and Disability: Fearlessly Breaking Chains with Melanie and Wallace Earl (Part 1)

Melanie and Wallace Earle are making an incredible splash with their initiative T6Talk, but they’re making even more incredible waives with their vulnerable straight talk about everything from sexuality to mental health, and fearlessly challenging stigma and dispelling myths.

In part 1 of this episode, we dive into childhoods, including Melanie’s journey figuring out what it meant to be feminine, her shame about having a high libido, and an internal struggle with depression amidst a “privileged” upbringing; Wallace’s Physically and emotionally abusive upbringing, the impact of his then unknown ADHD diagnosis, and his decision to distance himself from his birth name; and all three of our experiences with sexual abuse.

Then, we explore Melanie’s and Wallace’s incredible origin story, including the multiple dotted lines that connected their lives for over 20 years; what it was like navigating online dating and meeting later in life; and how age and disability status fueled their relationship dynamic.