Chronic Sex

Chronic Sex is a safe place to discuss and ruminate on self-love, self-care, relationships, sex, and sexuality with chronic illness.

This movement was started by Grayson Schultz of Not Standing Still’s Disease as a way to bring to light Quality of Life issues affecting those of us living with chronic illnesses.

About Grayson

Hi! I’m Grayson!

I have lived with multiple chronic illnesses since 1993. That’s a hot minute! Since these diagnoses suck, I aim to help people navigate their way through life with any disability. I bring an understanding of culture, intersecting levels of oppression, and empathy to the work I’m privileged to do.

I started Not Standing Still’s Disease in 2009 when my ex-husband noticed that I wrote more and more about health over on my first (and, thankfully, defunct) blog. I wrote that first blog to help T and I both learn about my SJIA and process my own emotions. In the process, I found my true calling – talking with and helping my fellow chronically badass peeps.

I’ve always been interested in sexuality and sexual education since high school (which is longer ago than I’d care to admit). After attending a presentation by Lucky Tomaszek of Tool Shed Toys, I realized how little was known or talked about with regards to sexuality and illness or disability. I also know from my own journey with relationships and illness, though, that illness and disability also affect these things by affecting our relationships with ourselves and others.

Chronic Sex was born shortly thereafter.

I really enjoy working most closely with those who are newly diagnosed and helping them to rediscover their lives after diagnosis. I can help people through this process by providing information & resources, coaching, education, and flexing that good old listening muscle. No topic is too taboo – as a sex educator, I’m honored to be able to help people rediscover what feels good and meaningful to them.

I’ve worked and presented with organizations all around the world, including Healthline, Pfizer, the University of Guelph, and the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, my work has been featured in articles from publications such as US News, Teen Vogue, and Everyday Health! It’s been a wild ride so far.

In 2017, I snagged an MS in Healthcare Administration from Utica College. My BA is in Religious Studies with a double minor in History and Politics – you know, the simple stuff.

What Does Chronic Sex Do?

We have a chat on Twitter on the first of the month. We also have a strong social media presence. Our podcast can be found on iTunes and SoundCloud and just about everywhere you listen to your podcasts.

Grayson has presented at a number of conferences including the Juvenile Arthritis Conference (2016), Women in Pain (2016), Medicine X (2016), University of Guelph Sexuality Conference (2017), and Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit (2017). She has also worked with a variety of companies and organizations, such as Pfizer, Janssen, Stanford University, For Grace, Arthritis Foundation, Healthline, Health Central, and more.

If you’re looking to write a piece, have information featured on the website, or want to talk about the podcast, please send an email to graysongoal [at] gmail [dot] com.

Reflexivity

Before you continue exploring the site, I’d like to offer a little bit of reflexivity.

I am a non-religious white settler-citizen who is disabled, queer, transgender. I also hold a master’s degree and am able to do a great deal of extra work in addition to my full-time job. I grew up in an abusive household. Thankfully, I have cut contact with abusers and worked on healing. My upbringing was tumultuous financially as well, with my family mostly residing in the low to the low-middle class range. While I have vastly improved my situation, being disabled and much of the extra work I do to make the world better has led to a decent amount of debt that I am currently trying to pay off. That said, I am closer to being middle class than ever before.

I hold a lot of privilege from my whiteness, my education, and the resources and support I have available to me. I also experience disadvantages from my gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and additional identities I hold or have held in the past. I acknowledge that my privileges may give me covered spots of which I am currently unaware. I also recognize and continue to do the work to uncover those spots, unpack biases, and work to be the most equitable version of myself possible.