Channel 4’s new documentary Sex on Wheels causes controversy

Channel 4 will explore the lives of four disabled individuals and their sexual experiences in a new documentary airing tonight.

These include the experiences of Pete, a man with cerebral palsy who can use a hoist for sexual purposes and wishes to become the UK’s first disabled porn star.

The documentary also explores the life of John, a 26 year old man with learning difficulties who, with the help of his mother, has decided to pay for an escort in order to enable him to lose his virginity.

While many have labelled the documentary controversial, opinion has remained divided with many arguing that everyone is entitled to a fulfilling sexual experience if that is what they choose.

The website People on Wheels contains posts saying that many concerned parents phone helplines because their disabled children “desperately need an outlet” and that “hiring a sex worker is one option”.

They go on to say that this can actually be very beneficial, explaining that “if a disabled person loses their virginity with a sex worker in a way that teaches them about their body and how to please a partner, it can set them up to become a confident, knowledgeable and sexually skilled individual who can proceed to finding a partner.”

In a short preview clip of the programme, John described how his lack of a sex life was “frustrating” making him feel “jealous, left out” and “lonely”.

His mother added: “It’s very heart-breaking to see your son so lonely and wanting what everybody else has”. Of her decision to help him hire an escort she explained: “yes, he needs to have sex, how do we do that? Safely. So that’s what we’re doing.” 

The documentary aims to open people’s eyes to the way in which these four individuals cope with the restrictions they face with a disability when trying to have sexual experiences.

Molly Kersey