For Shane Burcaw and Hannah Aylward, love has never been defined by physical ability. But as an interabled couple—Shane has a degenerative muscle condition, while Hannah is nondisabled—they’ve had to repeatedly defend their relationship against outdated assumptions. The most tiresome myth? That they don’t—or can’t—have a sex life.
“It’s exhausting,” Shane admitted in a recent video where they addressed 19 common misconceptions. “Disabled people have been writing about this for decades. The information is out there—people just don’t want to accept it.”
Hannah opened up about the cruel comments she’s faced, including being labeled a “pedophile” simply because Shane is smaller than her. Some online critics even argued that if their genders were swapped, their marriage would be “wrong.” “The idea that disabled people can’t consent to relationships is rooted in ableism,” she said.
While they acknowledge that some disabilities may affect sexual function, they stress that it’s not the default. Shane, who’s often perceived as asexual or undesirable, takes pride in proving stereotypes wrong. Despite the ignorance they encounter, the couple remains committed to sharing their story, showing that love—and intimacy—knows no physical limits.
