Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Annaliese Knop, mental health professional, and Laura Millar, public health expert—co-founders of the Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)—for a deep, empowering discussion about safe online dating, boundaries, consent, and healthy connections in the blind and low-vision community.

They unpack the “Be Nice and Educate” mindset often taught to blind individuals, showing how it can unintentionally suppress autonomy. Annaliese and Laura explain the FRIES model of consent (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific) and offer concrete tools to identify red flags, build confidence in saying “no,” and create emotionally and physically safe dating experiences.

The episode also explores reactive independence vs. interdependence, how internalized ableism can affect relationships, and how to reframe blindness as strength rather than limitation. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace joy, agency, and dignity in dating—online and offline.

Contact Info

Guests & Organization

Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)

Website & Facebook: Search “Blind Sexuality Access Network”

Aftersight Contact

📞 (720) 712-8856

✉️ [email protected]

🌐 aftersight.org

Producer

Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight

Show Credits

Host: Kim Wardlow

Guests: Annaliese Knop & Laura Millar

Production: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Introduction

00:26 — Safe Online Dating Overview

01:00 — Origins of the Blind Sexuality Access Network

02:45 — Combining Sex Positivity and Blind Positivity

05:00 — Personal Journeys and Motivation

07:35 — The “Be Nice and Educate” Problem

10:00 — Trauma, Boundaries, and Consent Culture

12:15 — The 5C Framework for Responding to Harm

14:40 — The FRIES Model of Consent

17:05 — Empowerment in Online Dating

19:27 — Learning to Say “No” with Support

21:50 — Red and Green Flags in Online Profiles

26:14 — Trusting Gut Feelings (Interoception)

28:39 — Disclosure and Internalized Ableism

31:02 — First Date Safety Strategies

35:19 — Communicating Access Needs

37:39 — Independence vs. Interdependence

41:53 — Reactive Independence and Toxic Perfectionism

43:53 — Closing Advice and BSAN Invitation