Megan from our fundraising team chatted with Blind Naked Calendar creator, Josephine, to find out about her life as someone who has combined sight and hearing loss, and why she created the calendar.
Click here to read more about the calendar and each month’s model!
Why did you decide to create the calendar?
Well, I’d had the idea for a couple of years, really. It was one of those things that just sat in the back of my mind, waiting for the right moment. I remember being away at Butlin’s for an adults-only weekend with my sister and some friends. We were all dressed up in fancy dress, having a laugh, and I was scooting along on my little mobility scooter, just enjoying myself. Then someone patted me on the shoulder and said, “Well done you. You enjoy yourself.” And I knew what he meant, I really did – but it was so patronising. It was like he was surprised I could have fun.
That moment stuck with me. I thought, “Why do people see us like that? Like we’re fragile, or somehow not part of the everyday world?” I wanted to change that. I wanted people to see us as just normal, everyday people who do normal things. We’re not made of glass. We’re not going to shatter if you ask us about the football or a film we watched. We’re just people. So I thought, what can we do that’s different? Something that hasn’t been done before. And then it hit me – let’s do a calendar. Something that says, “Here we are.”
Why did you decide to do it for Deafblind UK?
I’ve been a member of Deafblind UK for years, and I’ve always appreciated the monthly calls. They’d ring up and ask, “Is there anything you need? Can we help?” And I’d usually say, “No, I’m fine, thank you,” but it was lovely to know someone was checking in.
Then my sister died. And everything changed. I stopped answering the phone – not just to Deafblind UK, but to most people. It wasn’t personal. One day, I was out and the sun was shining on my phone screen, so I couldn’t see who was calling. I answered, thinking it might be one of the kids or my husband. But it was someone from Deafblind UK. She said, “Hi, we haven’t spoken to you for a while. Can we help?” I said, “You can’t give me what I need.” She asked, “What do you need?” And I said, “Bereavement counselling. I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing.”
We are three sisters, incredibly close. Losing one of them, it wasn’t like losing a mate or a grandparent. Even now, nearly two years later, it still makes me feel physically sick. But Deafblind UK didn’t hesitate. They said, “We can do that.” And they did. They connected me with Claire, a wonderful counsellor. She was amazing. Just being able to talk about my sister, to say her name, to laugh about the silly things she did; it meant everything.
That’s why I wanted to do the calendar for Deafblind UK. They gave me something when I needed it most. No waiting lists, no criteria, no hoops to jump through. Just help. And I wanted to give something back.
What was doing the photoshoot like?
Oh, it was brilliant! We were all nervous, of course, but it turned out to be so much fun. The hotel was lovely; they sorted everything for us. We had music playing, tea and coffee, jugs of water. The photographer wasn’t due until half past twelve, so we had time to get ready and relax.
I remember asking James and Anna, who own the hotel, to open the bar. It was only quarter past eleven, but I said, “James, is that bar open yet?” He said, “No, but I can open it.” And he did. I went to the ladies and said, “I’m going to the bar,” and they all said, “Oh yes, please!” I had a pint of wine – well, half a pint really, because I mix it with lemonade. They didn’t have glasses big enough for the amount I wanted!
Everyone was so supportive. Each model went out, had their photo taken, and came back to a round of applause. I went first – not because I was brave, but because if I didn’t go first, I might not have done it at all! I pretended I was leading by example, but really I was just trying to get it over with.
We brought our own lunch, had a glass of wine afterwards, and chatted. The photographer, makeup artist, hairdresser, hotel staff – everyone was amazing. No one made anyone feel uncomfortable. It was such a liberating experience. I don’t even wear a swimming costume in public, so to think I’d be taking my clothes off for a photo shoot – well, it was a big deal. But it really boosted my confidence. I showed my family and friends the photos and said, “Look what I did!”
I was proud. Really proud.
What is your favourite part about the calendar?
The hardest part was convincing people to do it. I kept saying, “Come on, ladies!” I even tried to get a couple of men involved, but they weren’t having it. I joked, “I’ll get you a twig from the garden to cover you up!” Most of the people who ended up modelling had already agreed before I’d even arranged anything. They’d say, “You’re mad,” and I’d say, “Would you do it?” And they’d go, “Yeah, I suppose.” Then when it actually happened, they were like, “Oh no! We said yes!”
My favourite part was seeing it all come together. I’d had this idea in my head for years, and suddenly it was real. Megan said to me, “I really understood your vision when I saw the photos. They express the idea so well.” And I thought, “Yes! That was the plan.” I hope when people see it, they feel the same.
We did side-by-side shots with [sight condition] filters and without, and it was so impactful. People always ask, “What can you see?” And I never know how to answer. But with the calendar, I can say, “Here, look. This is it. Buy a calendar for £15 and you won’t need to ask me anymore.”
Have you had any crazy reactions?
Oh yes. Lots of “What did your husband think?”, “Does he mind?” And I say, “First of all, my husband and I have an amazing relationship. We don’t tell each other what to do. Second, he’s proud of me. He said, ‘I can’t wait to show everyone the calendar. That’s why I married you.’” Best compliment ever.
People who know me were shocked. “You don’t even wear a swimming costume!” I know! I’m not body confident. I know how to dress to cover myself up, not how to dress to show myself off. But I did it. And I’m proud.
Why is understanding more important than sympathy?
Sympathy has its place, like when someone dies or you lose a pet. It’s important. But understanding is different. We just want people to understand that we might do things differently. Like when I’m chopping vegetables, my husband has to leave the room because he can’t watch. It’s silly, but it’s real.
I’m nearly 50. I run a house, raise a family, I’m educated. I don’t need sympathy. I need understanding. I need people to know that I might need help with something, or I might do it differently. That’s all.
People say, “Oh, I couldn’t cope with that, I’d kill myself.” And I say, “You don’t have a choice.” You either sit on the sofa and feel sorry for yourself, or you get up and live your life. That’s the difference.
I was at Butlin’s last weekend, dressed as Mother Christmas, with my red and white cane. Some lad kicked my cane. I said, “Don’t be an idiot.” He did it again. I said it again. Then he realised it wasn’t part of my outfit. He was mortified. I consoled him. It was a genuine mistake. But I’ve had people come right up to my face and say, “Are you blind?” And I just say, “Yep.”
If we can help people understand that we live our lives in a good, positive way, maybe they’ll treat us like everyone else. That’s all we ask. A bit more care, a bit more consideration. We’re capable. Just give us the chance.
What’s your favourite thing about having dual sensory loss?
Honestly? Getting away with things! If I see someone I know and I don’t have time to chat, I just keep going on my scooter. If they mention it later, I say, “Did you really see me? Oh, I’m sorry. You know what I’m like.” Most people don’t get away with that!
And using my cane to get to the bar first! They say “Oh, there you go, love.” And I go “Are you sure? Oh, you’re kind.” You’ve got to use what you’ve got!
Least favourite thing?
The little things. My hearing loss was from childhood, so I got used to it. But the sight loss, that was harder. When it started people would say, “You must go travelling, see the world.” And I’d say, “I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. I know what the Pyramids look like. What I want to see is my children graduate, my daughter walk down the aisle.”
The worst part is the frustration. When something’s moved just a few inches and I can’t find it. I’ll call my husband at work: “Did you move the cheese grater, have you taken it to work?”, “Why would I take the cheese grater to work?” And it’s right there, just slightly to the right. It ruins your day.
I’m getting a new kitchen soon, and I’m dreading it. Everything will be in a new place. I’ll have to learn it all again. I’ll be asking, “Where’s this gone?” My favourite saying to the kids is, “I need your eyes.”
I meet my blind friends every month. We have wine, a meal, a chat. We share tips. One lady struggled with getting toothpaste on the toothbrush. I said, “Put it between your finger and thumb.” “So it’s along your finger and then you can feel it with your other hand” “So it’s not falling onto the stink.” It’s a silly tip, but because she didn’t know, she wouldn’t know. Talking to each other, that’s how we learn.
Anything to add?
Just that I’m glad we did it this year. I’m 50 next month. I thought, “Let’s bite the bullet. It’s now or never.” And when I’m old and grey, I can say, “Look what I did. Look what I achieved.” I’m proud. Proud of everyone who helped make it happen. I hope people enjoy it. I didn’t get my kit off for nothing!
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