In what represents a truly remarkable shift in medicine and human possibility, young people with life-shortening conditions are experiencing something their families once thought impossible: the chance to grow up, fall in love, and build meaningful intimate relationships.

Not long ago, diagnoses like cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and certain cancers meant that children would likely not reach adulthood. But today's story is wonderfully different. Thanks to groundbreaking advances in medical treatment, specialist care, and assistive technologies, increasing numbers of these young people are not just surviving—they're thriving well into adulthood, sometimes far beyond initial medical predictions.

This extended life expectancy has opened doors to experiences once thought unreachable: romantic relationships, sexual intimacy, and even the possibility of family planning. It's a testament to how far medical science has come and how resilient the human spirit truly is.

For the past 15 years, the Sexuality Alliance has been championing the rights and needs of these remarkable young adults. Through research co-created with disabled young people themselves, they've uncovered an inspiring truth: these young adults want exactly what their peers want—to live life fully and experience all its joys, including love and connection.

The young people interviewed shared moving insights about how relationships enhance their lives. One participant beautifully expressed that being in a relationship gave him a profound reason to live. Another explained how intimacy reduced loneliness and depression, actually helping him stay healthier. For many, discussing these topics during the research was the first time they'd been able to speak openly about this important part of their identity.

What emerges clearly is that these young people possess the same desires, agency, and rights as anyone else. They're not asking for special treatment—just the recognition that they're complete human beings who deserve access to information, support, and the opportunity to make their own choices about relationships and intimacy.

The good news continues: advocates are making real progress. New co-produced resources are now available to help young people and their caregivers have open, honest conversations about sex and relationships. These tools are helping families and professionals move past outdated assumptions and gain the confidence to provide meaningful support.

Healthcare workers, therapists, and educators are increasingly receiving training to address these topics sensitively and appropriately. The resources provide clear guidance on consent and capacity while encouraging caregivers to reflect on their own beliefs and support young people's autonomy.

This represents a beautiful evolution in how we understand disability, youth, and human rights. These young adults are teaching us that living fully means embracing all aspects of identity and experience, regardless of medical prognosis. Their courage in advocating for themselves is creating positive change not just for their own lives, but for future generations.

The message from these inspiring young people is clear and hopeful: they're here, they're living, and they deserve every opportunity to experience the connection, joy, and intimacy that make life meaningful. Thanks to dedicated advocates, progressive healthcare providers, and their own powerful voices, that future is becoming reality.