How we can sexualise disabled bodies safely - and why it matters | Emma Myers | TEDxSydney

As the co-creator & writer of the hit TV-show 'Latecomers' Emma Myers challenges the stereotypes of disabled bodies when it comes to representation on screen and sexuality. As a woman with a disability, who uses a wheelchair, Emma knows too well the impacts of a film and television industry that have essentially imposed A-sexuality on bodies like her own. This talk is a funny, brave and personal deep dive into a taboo topic many in our society don't understand correctly.
Emma Myers is a screenwriter, actor and journalist with cerebral palsy based in Newcastle, NSW. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and 1st Class Honours degree on the representation of women, disability and intimacy in contemporary culture. Emma is passionate about educating audiences about the intersection of womanhood, sexuality and disability through the medium of screen.
The critically acclaimed 2022 SBS Digital Originals’ series Latecomers, which Emma co created and wrote, gained a Series Mania nomination and won a SPA Award as well as the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2023. She is one of this year’s recipients of Screenworks Inside The Writers Room program, as well as one of the representatives recently chosen to serve on Screen Australia's Gender Matters Task Force during 2023 to 2025. Emma was also the recipient of the ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship in 2020 and has two years experience working as a Features Reporter for ABC News.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@SashaCoCo]

Ms. Meyers, you are beautiful, eloquent, and have a great perspective on life! I appreciate that you took the opportunity to broaden people's awareness with a sense of humor. Thank you!

[@manujohn99]

ughh

[@lauriehunter6310]

This is one of the most authentic and real TED talks I have heard in quite some time. Thank you

[@solidsis.621]

The humor was awesome 😂 what a great explanation. Don't listen to these comments! I hope she goes viral. This was so human. We need more humanity on stage.

[@manujohn99]

ugghh

[@sam-cn8tu]

It’s a shame how the loudest most opinionated people are often the most closed minded. So quick to speak, slow to listen. The comments sections is a great reminder of the phenomenon!

[@ericdary8041]

I don’t look like I’m disabled, but I am. I have a brain injury 🦵🧠. I just wanted to say that you look amazing.

[@user-eg7tm2di2y]

Me too

[@libidese]

this video is so important!!!! thank you for sharing your story and doing what you doing, loved it 🔥🔥🔥

[@SefinFPS]

Awesome speech and perspective to share, thank you!

[@NumbaoneGuy]

Ngl, 3 dates is more dates than me 😭

[@drem2442]

She should do stand up (no pun intended ) she's brilliant ah

[@gmarsh538]

I’m waiting for an explanation from all of the outraged people in the comments about their perplexity, I’ll be pleased to eplain everything you didn’t understand or answer any questions you guys have since the topic regards me personally despite not being the talker

[@Sinklebarn]

No one cares

[@gmarsh538]

@@Sinklebarn that would be totally legit, if it wasn’t for the dozens of “wtf” comments proving your point wrong 😂

[@owlson2527]

Yeah, the people in the comments have literally no experience of being disabled, so they cant connect, and thus they feel like they have to voice that, for some reason.

[@asidz]

Surely all of these people carefully listened through the talk and contemplated on the points that were brought up in it before sharing their thoughts!

[@void2623]

Why marry or sexualize a diabetic person when you can find a healthy one?

[@jaybee8581]

Truly awe inspiring Emma. Your honesty and telling it like it is made me cry tears of compassion and total respect. I hope this talk and your tv series inspires positive changes for all people with disabilities.

[@sherylheidecker9025]

Thank you for their talk.

[@thewindowguy43]

This is so cool, this is why i watch TED, to see things in life from a different perspective, thank you Emma 🙏❤

[@sahanigunasekera5978]

You are brave and confident!! Wishing you all the happiness in life. May your wishes come true ❤

[@sasabinz7331]

Amazing speach, great humour, important topic! Thank you so much.

[@mashaliz1641]

I’m so confused why people are pushing back to this talk… She is witty, funny, and makes an amazing point!

[@sathishsandy9323]

Overwhelmed , emotional and yes i love the way you presented.

[@coolbreeze5683]

She has such an awesome sense of humour! Very interesting perspective.

[@Phatxual]

Now that's more like it Ted. This is/was a beautifully elegant lecture😁💯🧡

[@MathewBing]

Onwards, upwards and always twirling towards freedom. Thanks for your brilliant work.

[@vickibazter3446]

We all have disabilities in different ways. Some seen. Many unseen. ❤ love your courage and presentation.

[@Romans15.32]

Excellent presentation. Finding a partner you fit with isnt easy. Im imagining add a handicap and its even more difficult because mostly all of us have preconceived notions about every different thing. Your presentation was excellent and you have a lovely demeanor. Im very sorry your 3 dates were so bad. Even not being physically handicapped, I had some horrendous dates before I met my husband. Someone with depth will be out there for you. I recommend a fun class like sculpture, art or some other class that you can kibitz with others while you are working. You will meet someone like minded.

[@aimeewhitehead2639]

This was fantastic. ❤

[@sydneybro4571]

I was not aware of this issue. I have a variety of disabilities, but they are not able to be seen from the outside. Thank you for talking about issue and making me aware of this issue.

[@fondasharkey-wyatt9944]

What a great speaker! Very funny.

[@hanahailu2098]

The most honest person ❤

[@Marthasfoundation]

We are in this together

[@kaylynritke]

I love this talk, thank you!

[@coofer]

she is so innocent charming and no show-off i appreciate your thougts

[@hellkatkitty]

innocent?

[@yosh7140]

My love we been loving that paralussy 🎉

[@leornoc608]

Amazing.

[@AnRodz]

Thank you for giving me opportunity to hear you, us.

[@oldmonkwins2083]

I am so proud of you Superwoman...you are my Idol and inspiration. More power to you ❤💐🌹

[@teeve1500]

Oh wow!!!! Well done, you go girl!

[@Chosengirl1]

This is beautiful ❤

[@BSPoK]

That was a great (and funny) talk 😊.. Who needs cards? … I do 😂

[@carerschoice]

👏👏👏👏👏♥️❤️

[@Moon-zj2yd]

Good ted talk 👍🏻❤

[@empresstaitu7345]

❤

[@VIDADECAMPONAPRATICA]

Bacana, te assistimos de um vale isolado cercado de montanhas com mais de 4000m de altitude, para chegar aqui só a pé ou a cavalo e vivemos como antigamente a não ser pela antena de internet por satélite! Para ir a um supermercado é necessário um dia de viagem e por mais surreal que seja o lugar onde vivemos te assistimos e curtimos seus vídeos desde uma casa ilhada por rios de águas termais com cachoeiras cristalinas no coração da selva andina!

[@bradmotoko]

Katawa Shoujo

[@captainsewerrat]

Somebody do a Ted talk on "Why we need to treat everybody with gloves." just treat everybody as bluntly as everybody else, be equal with people and there isn't an issue.

[@asidz]

did you listen to the talk

[@killertruth186]

@@asidz He did, that's just summarize some of these Ted Talks.

[@crowlowin4330]

This talk literally is about treating disabled people equally and not treating them with kid’s gloves

[@captainsewerrat]

@@crowlowin4330 I'm aware. I was generalizing. The point was it shouldn't be need to said. Either you want equality for all, or you want equality for some.

[@ElliBeenie]

@@captainsewerrat the reality doesn’t bend to your will though, or anyone else’s. If we want equality, we gotta talk about it. Which she is doing. What’s the point of complaining about people being vocal in wanting to be treated equally, when that’s what you want too, ultimately? Makes no sense to me. Or do you post a version of this comment under every TED talk, regardless of what it’s about?

[@bukurie6861]

It is pleasure to h❤️‍🔥🌺ear a eqoulent women❤Blessing to you💚😍🌍

[@Apnaintzar]

जो इस time मेरा comment पढ़ रहा है या रही है हम सब एक दूसरे के लिए अनजान है फिर भी भगवान से प्रार्थना करती हूं की आप और आपके परिवार हमेशा खुश रहें..❤❤❤

[@MissA369-5]

I was just talking about how I had special needs the other day. Hahahah Interesting how this pops up on my newsfeed. Today lmao

[@jfuriouse1234]

No, “we” don’t have to do anything! You go right ahead..

[@donnaevans7874]

Interesting.

[@o0shad0oo]

Hey! No means no! And just because the person can't say no doesn't mean they're saying yes!

[@ElliBeenie]

She absolutely can say yes though… she is not a child or a mute or mentally so severely disabled that she can’t consent. Did you even watch the talk?

[@Herlock-lv9ig]

True sad but not surprising. Ted was lost years ago

[@TheNguyenben85]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dailyreels]

wtf

[@fabiancabadas2126]

This world is going down

[@harshneema9409]

The notification of this gave me a mini heart attack

[@fabiancabadas2126]

@@MovieFan13 modern Sodom and gamorra times … The art of self is gone ..

[@owlson2527]

You people need to grow up lmao

[@fabiancabadas2126]

@@owlson2527 nah , come to the dark side w us . It’s real ..

[@SkateTube]

I believe in prayers to God in all forms. Your mind is living being. You believe in something based on all technical details and You seem to search for answers due the informational age. That occupies Your mind to have seemable answer. God has answers to all of them, it's Your own soul he values the most. The more You talk good about other people or try to bless them with kindness the more it could change Your own situation, even in after life, if that seems to exist. It's socialisation issue, people seem to forget, cause I think they were seemingly focused on idealization of finding seeming fast answers from sources. It's the inside, and You got it, atleast if You believe so. Before You judge, You have to know half of somebody's story thought.

[@derekbrown464]

Why?

[@Exxperiment626]

What happened to TED-Talk.

[@FlamingBeret]

They were bought up by the zionist a few years back... lies, propaganda, and this social engineering madness like the above ever since...

[@SpicyCreamyPotatoChips]

Its been freakin' liberalized

[@owlson2527]

It’s always been outspoken and inclusive of all ideologies, belief, and experiences! You are not required to engage with the videos you disagree with ❤.

[@Exxperiment626]

​@@owlson2527Fair point.

[@evilbetty99]

To be fair it was conquered by shitlibs and commies years ago

[@ryanb01]

But wait I thought we were told not to objectify? 🧐

[@ElliBeenie]

It says “sexualize”, not “objectify” … there’s a difference

[@ryanb01]

@@ElliBeenie yeah sure there is 🤣, when it’s convenient then?

[@YeetBomb]

they just let anybody on ted talk huh

[@owlson2527]

If they’re qualified, and enough people want to hear what they have to say. Which this woman obviously had many people to hear what she had to say. It’s a public forum in a way.

[@cecilingram6018]

I'm really looking forward to seeing your Ted Talk soon 😅😂

[@owlson2527]

@@cecilingram6018 lmao, finally a funny reply

[@Romans15.32]

If you have an interesting presentation like hers.

[@chrisk1180]

Why is this a Ted Talk?

[@owlson2527]

It’s a unique perspective, from an interesting individual! I’m curious as to what she has to say. If you’re not, you don’t have to click on the video, that’s your own choosing

[@ravenomega2443]

Ted talks are owned by liberals and the weirdos now. Im out🤣🤣

[@cecilingram6018]

Good bye 😊

[@noahfields6509]

What’s happening to Earth

[@nelsona9381]

Respect, love and care are most important but sexualising that's far different. we understand 'we can' but we don't need to, this is too much.

[@mr._joshi02]

WTF IS THIS!?

[@senzomajola6805]

This feels like nonsense, not sure if I should watch/listen🚶🏿‍♂️

[@owlson2527]

If you feel that way, you don’t need to watch, friend. It was an interesting perspective from an interesting person.

[@aaronshields8135]

....said the 'able-bodied'.

[@owlson2527]

@@aaronshields8135 I don’t know what you’re meaning?

[@Romans15.32]

​@@owlson2527Probably was commenting to the first rude person, like you were. There was nothing wrong with what you said. It was kind.❤

[@COD5Dust]

Wtf

[@mukeshsoni4125]

Hmm

[@SobaOfPulaski]

Ah yes TED talks are a joke these days. I remember back when they made meaningful talks with ideas ACTUALLY worth sharing. Seek Jesus and avoid the lust of the flesh.

[@Traytriunetheomnist]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@manujohn99]

She is talking as if this is the only thing missing to be filled to make it a perfect world😒

[@dyltru]

wtf is this 😭

[@void2623]

Why tho

[@thatsTylerDurden]

I saw this title in my notifications. Lol I’m out. Sam Hyde was the best Ted talk anyway.

[@broadusmaximus]

Are they running out of topics?!

[@IslamLak]

Wtf is that?

[@oroville12345]

Wtf..,😂

[@syedtalibhussainn]

Bruh

[@luqmanjawara5921]

She needs to be loved and cared for loved cherish the world got to much foolish people if I were living in here country I am brave enough to ask her for marriage

[@luqmanjawara5921]

I would marry to her and take care of her out of love and affection not petty

[@luqmanjawara5921]

She is very beautiful I will not mine making her my wife she is human

[@Nadia-ky5mi]

No….clearly she is robot

[@yosh7140]

Hello miss how could I earn your consent? How would we make it cute and proper 🥹🥺💗💖✨️

[@shin-ishikiri-no]

You have to pay me, then I'll get her in touch with you.. Close touch.

[@aitorgallegobereziartua4798]

Wtf