From Taboo to Trendy: A Look at the Crossover of Fetish (XBIZ)
Read the full article by Colleen Godin, Alex Henderson and Ariana Rodriguez at XBIZ.com
Steel metal sounding rods, electrodes and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units for electrostimulation, chastity penis cages and the like aren’t typically where one would start exploring for pleasure. Torture isn’t something that most people will openly say they enjoy sexually. Nevertheless, with its dedicated customer base, the extreme fetish category is blossoming and maturing along with more curious consumers all over the world that are demanding for top quality and more options.
The path to extreme fetish play isn’t always linear — where people begin their sexual journey varies, as well as which products they start with.
“Some people stay very much in the ‘beginner’ realm, if that’s what we want to call it, and do not move into other kinds of play or gear,” Good Vibrations staff sexologist Carol Queen said. “Others are avid explorers and want to try it all, or almost all. Having said that, no matter where someone is on this spectrum of experience, it’s always worth getting the best-made gear you can afford. It may last longer. It may be more aesthetically pleasing, and that’s a not-unimportant factor in many peoples’ sex lives — in particular, fetishists. It may even be safer. I would advise this even for a first-time shopper, if they are enough into the fantasy to want to try it out.”
Joel Tucker, the founder and CEO of Stockroom, says that beginners should approach their experimentation consciously, safely and consensually — “which requires some reflection and communication, and probably accepting some educational opportunities,” he said.
“I see a lot of inexpensive, almost disposable beginner gear on the market, and I guess that type of product can be appropriate for light, experimental play. But like most hobbies or sports, having better equipment and the right tools for the job can make it more fulfilling and enjoyable as time goes by.”
Tucker also points out another negative effect of poorly constructed BDSM gear — a bad experience that can bring one’s exploration to a halt.
The kink craze isn’t new; it’s just finally burst forth from the depths of candle-lit dungeons after decades of being shoved into gothic dive bars and underground gay clubs.
“I’d say that more people in general, especially vanilla people, have a much more open mind now, and are more willing to try new stuff and don’t see BDSM as something so dangerous and weird anymore,” says Tottis Crossler, store manager at Stockholm’s Chambers of Love boutique. “This is definitely positive for sales, as people want to try more stuff outside the box, and their open attitude also seems to make them understand that you usually get a better experience with better quality toys.”