Scope asks Brits to 'Kiss the awkward goodbye' on International Kissing Day
To celebrate International Kissing Day (Monday 6 July) Scope has released a heart-warming film of disabled people and their partners kissing in a bid to break down barriers and challenge assumptions about disability.
The film, created by Grey London and directed by Nabil, stars real-life couples Ollie Hancock, who was born with the lower part of his right arm missing, and Jen Shersby; visually impaired Diane Noella and Anthony Pike; and wheelchair user Michael Buckley and his wife Claire.
Of the work, which forms part of Scope’s wider ‘End the Awkward’ campaign, Buckley said: “End the Awkward has an important message – some people don’t know how to handle some situations, treat or even speak to disabled people. The film shows we are just people too.”
Richard Lane, head of campaign at Scope, commented: “We made this film to show that when you get down to it – literally – we’re all the same and it’s about personal connection and chemistry. Sex and relationships are meant to be fun and passionate. The couples in our film show that disability doesn’t change that.
“We want people to relax and not let their assumptions about disability and sex get in the way of what could be a special connection with another person. Disabled people say the most important thing is to focus on the person and the connection, not the impairment. So let’s kiss the awkward goodbye.”
The film comes in response to Scope research that found just seven per cent of people have been on a date with, or asked out, a disabled person.