Navigating intimacy can be tricky enough, but throw in chronic illness like ME/CFS or Long COVID, and things can get seriously complicated. Thankfully, CrashPadSeries.com and certified sex educator Byrd are stepping up with a groundbreaking new course designed to help folks figure it all out.
A Match Made for Meaningful Convos
CrashPadSeries.com, known for showcasing diverse queer sexuality, has officially partnered with educator Byrd to launch a unique online course tackling intimacy, relationships, and life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID. Dropping right on ME/CFS Awareness Day (May 12th), this go-at-your-own-pace, pre-recorded course will be available on Byrd’s website, SexEdWithByrd.com.
Why the team-up? A representative from CrashPadSeries explained, “Several performers on the site are outspoken about having ME/CFS and discuss challenges and considerations when creating adult content.” They added, “By partnering and promoting Byrd’s course, CrashPad seeks to increase awareness and further education for its community of adult film performers and audiences alike.”
Tackling the Tough Stuff
Living with conditions like ME/CFS and Long COVID often means dealing with debilitating symptoms like intense fatigue after exertion (PEM), chronic pain, brain fog, and nervous system issues. These challenges can understandably throw a wrench into intimacy, impacting everything from libido and physical comfort to the emotional energy needed for connection. As Byrd points out, medications sometimes used to manage symptoms can also play a role.
This new course aims to provide accessible, affirming guidance for a community that often feels overlooked – specifically disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill adults looking for trustworthy, low-energy ways to enhance their connections.
“Sex and intimacy with ME/CFS or long COVID require patience, creativity, and self-compassion,” Byrd shared in an article on KevinMD. “It’s OK if things look different than they used to. You are still deserving of connection, love, and pleasure—on your terms.”
Meet Byrd: Educator & Advocate
Byrd (they/them) isn’t just talking theory; they bring both professional training and lived experience to the table. As a certified sex educator specializing in intimacy, chronic illness, disability, and queer sexuality, Byrd focuses on helping people troubleshoot pleasure, improve communication, and navigate relationships with empathy. Their background includes training from respected institutions like the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment (ISEE) and the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA).
You can follow Byrd’s work on Instagram and Bluesky.
CrashPadSeries: More Than Just Porn
CrashPadSeries has carved out a space celebrating diverse queer sexuality, often featuring performers who openly discuss their experiences with disability and chronic illness. This collaboration fits into a larger trend of creators and platforms focusing on authentic representation and addressing specific community needs. Their commitment extends to accessibility, with initiatives like providing transcripts for some content.
Check out their work at CrashPadSeries.com and follow them on Instagram and Bluesky.
Redefining Intimacy, Together
This course represents more than just sex education; it’s about fostering connection, understanding, and self-compassion within a community often navigating complex health challenges. It acknowledges that intimacy is possible, even if it looks different from conventional expectations.
As Byrd eloquently stated, “Together, we can redefine what intimacy looks like in your life.”
The course promises to be a valuable resource, offering practical strategies and empathetic support for anyone looking to explore intimacy while managing ME/CFS, Long COVID, or similar conditions. Be sure to check it out starting May 12th!
Questions and Answers
What is this new course and who is it for?
This is a new online course developed by CrashPadSeries.com and certified sex educator Byrd. It's designed to help people navigate intimacy, relationships, and pleasure while living with chronic illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID. The course specifically aims to support disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill adults.
Who is leading the course and what is their expertise?
The course is led by Byrd (they/them), who is a certified sex educator with a specialization in intimacy, chronic illness, disability, and queer sexuality. Byrd brings both professional training from institutions like ISEE and SHA, as well as lived experience, to the material, focusing on practical strategies for communication, pleasure, and relationships with empathy.
How does living with ME/CFS or Long COVID impact intimacy?
Living with ME/CFS or Long COVID can significantly impact intimacy due to debilitating symptoms like post-exertional malaise (PEM), chronic pain, brain fog, nervous system dysfunction, and fatigue. These symptoms can affect libido, physical comfort, emotional energy for connection, and can sometimes be exacerbated by medications. The course addresses these challenges directly, offering ways to redefine and achieve intimacy on one's own terms.
