The Adult Lifestyle Centre at Kogarah was approached by SBS to be the site for their Latecomers series. The location was chosen because it is a wheelchair accessible adult shop and disability-friendly adult shop in Sydney. The cast and crew from SBS were supported by our all-inclusive consultants who were eager and proud to assist.
What’s It About
Latecomers follow two strangers with cerebral palsy, Frank (Thompson) and Sarah (Diviney). After watching their carers hook up at a bar, Frank and Sarah decide to explore their own relationships with sex, and each other.
Bold, hilarious, and at times heart-wrenching, Latecomers is at once an expression and representation of the intricacies of sex and disability.
Almost the whole episode was filmed in the store.
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Why Latecomers Is Ground Breaking and Exciting?
“Latecomers is not only pure joy, it’s a story that is otherwise underrepresented on Australian screens,” said SBS Commissioning Editor, Loani Arman. “It will have viewers laughing and crying, as Sarah and Frank navigate their way through the highs and lows of love and sex.”
Co-writer and co-creator Emma Myers said “Latecomers was created to combat the assumptions people have about the intimate lives of men and women living with disabilities. Too often characters with disabilities are shown leading sexless lives. With Latecomers, Angus, Nina and I saw an opportunity to explore intimacy and disability on screen in a realistic and authentic way.
Latecomers Creaters – Keeping It Raunch But Real
Authentic, unvarnished representations of people with disability were few and far between on screens big and small when Latecomers co-creators Emma Myers and Angus Thompson, both writers with cerebral palsy, were growing up. When characters did appear, they were usually relegated to supporting roles, almost certainly had zero sex life and, more often than not, were portrayed by actors without lived experience.
“I can count on one hand how many times I felt connected to a character, and I wouldn’t even need all of my fingers,” Myers says. “Scarlett Johansson in The Horse Whisperer was about as close to feeling represented as I could get as an angry teenage girl who had to go through the reality of accepting disability while also going through puberty. I still cry at that film, but other than that, there was just nothing.”
Inspiring Story of Latecomers SBS Series and Their Portrayal of Sex and Disabilities
Breaking barriers and challenging societal norms is an important aspect of any entertainment industry. And that’s exactly what the Latecomers SBS series does with its portrayal of sex and disabilities. This groundbreaking show has captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide with its honest and inspiring stories of individuals who are breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.
The show’s unique perspective on sex and disabilities has helped to bring awareness to these often overlooked topics and has inspired many to take action and make a difference in their own lives. With its compelling storytelling and powerful message, the Latecomers SBS series is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the world of sex and disabilities.
Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of this groundbreaking series and the incredible people behind it.
Portrayal of sex and disabilities in the series
Sex and disability are two topics that are often considered taboo in society. Latecomers SBS series, however, takes a different approach by portraying these topics in a positive and empowering light. The show’s creators recognized the need for representation in media, particularly for individuals with disabilities who are often overlooked or misrepresented. This series aims to break down stereotypes and showcase the diversity of human experiences.
Latecomers is brutally honest
It does not shy away from the complexities and challenges that people with disabilities face, when it comes to sex and relationships. It also highlights the joys and pleasures that can come with these experiences. By portraying sex and disabilities in a realistic and honest way, the series helps to break down the stigma surrounding these topics and promote a more inclusive and understanding society.
The Latecomers SBS series also features a diverse cast of characters with disabilities, each with their own unique experiences and challenges. This diversity helps to showcase the breadth of experiences within the disabled community and further break down stereotypes.
Including individuals with disabilities in the production process, ensuring that the series is not just about representation but also encourages participation and empowerment.
Breaking the Barriers
Societal norms can be powerful, often limiting individuals and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Latecomers SBS series challenges these norms by portraying individuals with disabilities as complex, multifaceted individuals with their own desires, dreams, and challenges. Encouraging viewers to see beyond the disability and recognize the humanity of each character.
It also challenges societal norms around sex and relationships
Particularly for individuals with disabilities. By portraying individuals with disabilities as sexual beings, the show breaks down the stereotype that individuals with disabilities are asexual or unable to have relationships. It encourages a more inclusive and accepting society that recognizes the diversity of human experiences.
Series features female characters who are unapologetic about their sexuality and desires, challenging the stereotype that women should be passive or submissive in sexual relationships. Creating a space where women’s sexuality could be celebrated and normalized, encouraging a more open and accepting society.
Importance of media
Representation in media is crucial for promoting understanding, acceptance, and empathy. When people from marginalized communities are represented in media, it helps to break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and understanding society.
The Latecomers SBS series is a prime example of the power of representation in media, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Featuring a diverse cast of characters with disabilities, the series promotes a more nuanced understanding of disability and challenges harmful stereotypes.
Impact of Latecomers
The show’s impact cannot be understated and has brought awareness to topics that are often overlooked or stigmatized, particularly around sex and disabilities. By portraying these topics in a positive and empowering light, and has also inspired many individuals to take action and make a difference in their own lives.
The stories of the characters in the series serve as a reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable of achieving their goals and living fulfilling lives as anyone else.
Interviews with the cast and crew
The Latecomers SBS series would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of its cast and crew. In interviews, the cast and crew have spoken about the challenges and rewards of working on a show that tackles such important and often overlooked topics.
Many have also shared their own personal experiences with disabilities or sexuality, highlighting the importance of representation in media.
The cast and crew have also discussed the impact that the show has had on their own lives and the lives of others. Many have spoken about the messages they receive from viewers who have been inspired by the show and its characters. The interviews provide a glimpse into the passion and dedication that went into creating such an inspiring and impactful series.
Challenges
The Latecomers SBS series faced numerous challenges during production, including finding a cast and crew that understood the importance of representation in media and navigating the often complex and sensitive topics of sex and disabilities.
Also navigating the expectations of network executives who may have been hesitant to air a series that challenges societal norms. Despite these challenges, the show’s creators persevered, driven by their passion for promoting understanding and inclusivity.
Representation in media
The Latecomers SBS series is just one example of the power of representation in media. As society becomes more aware of the need for inclusivity and representation, it is likely that we will see more shows like this. The future of representation in media is bright, with more and more people from marginalized communities taking control of their own narratives, and advocating for change.
As we move forward, it is important that we continue to support and promote representation in media, ensuring that all individuals have a voice and a place in our society.
Recognition for Latecomers SBS Series
The show has also received critical acclaim, with many praising its honest and empowering portrayal of individuals with disabilities. The recognition that the show has received serves as a testament to the power of representation in media and the impact that the Latecomers SBS series has had on society.
We need to continue to support and promote representation in media, ensuring that all individuals have a voice and a place in our society.
Adultsmart and the Adult Lifestyle Centre in Kogarah are proud to have been part of this story.