Push for a ‘Bachelorette with a disability’
PHD neuroscience student Jerusha Mather is seeking a new formula to help people with disabilities find love.
The 27-year-old dreams of searching for love on TV as The Bachelorette and has even considered applying for controversial reality show Married At First Sight.
“We need to build a more inclusive society,” she said. “Having a Bachelorette with a disability would be a great starting point and I wouldn’t mind doing it.”
Ms Mather, who has cerebral palsy, said people with disabilities longed for and deserved inclusion.
“We need to redefine the norms and include others with diverse experiences because diversity is so beautiful and it’s what makes the world more exciting and attractive,” she said.
The Victoria University student is also campaigning for dating websites to be more inclusive. She has started a petition to encourage sites such as eHarmony, Tinder and Bumble to be more inclusive and called on them to offer more support for people with disabilities. She has gathered 2800 signatures in support of her campaign.
“People with disabilities have the potential to become great partners,” she said. “We bring love, care and passion to our relationships just like anyone else. We want to be lovers, parents and experience fulfilling relationships.”