As a woman with a disability, I’ve always known that while many people think of my condition as profoundly unsexy, there are some who totally get off on it. They call themselves Devotees, and as their name suggests, they have a near obsessive interest in all things disability.
I haven’t personally crossed paths with a Devotee, at least to my knowledge, but they are out there. In my search for understanding, I came across an article in the Daily Mail which summarizes the findings of Emily Yates, a young woman with Cerebral Palsy who interviewed Devotees for a documentary. She received various answers when she asked anonymous respondents to describe their disability kink. Here’s just a small sample of what she discovered about devoteeism and the disability fetish.
What Attracts Devotees to People with Disabilities
Disability Fetish is All About the Struggle
Lots of Devotees cream their jeans simply from watching someone with a disability go about the tasks of his or her daily life. Wheelchair transfers and the completion of arduous tasks, like getting dressed or eating, seem to be at the top of their lists.
Hell, I bet I could film myself taking out the trash from my third floor walk-up and never have to work another day in my life! I would feel insulted if it wasn’t so tempting. Mind you, I’m not here to judge.
The Back Story is Crucial
When questioned further, some Devotees reluctantly admitted that part of what they find hot about someone with a disability is the knowledge that something bad must have happened to put them in that situation. At first the idea seemed kind of gross to me, but I wonder if it’s any different from getting off on inflicting pain or humiliation as a dom?
As long as everyone consents to the interaction, what’s the harm? So some guy wants to jack off to thoughts of the car crash that put you in a wheelchair? So be it, provided you’ve made your own peace with it, right?
Asymmetry and Amputation is Sexy
For some Devotees, the very fact that people with disabilities are “lopsided” is a huge turn on. Just from a purely aesthetic perspective, difference is compelling to these people. Amputees seem to be a particular draw, with some Devotees confessing an amputee fetish, or attraction to stumps and certain types of prostheses. Leg braces are also a popular interest.
Yates interviewed some people who spoke of experiences in childhood that sparked a fascination with disability. One man had a crush as a boy on an older girl in his school who had walked with a limp. Because of the higher prevalence of childhood disability prior to the development of the polio vaccine, Devotees and those with disabilty fetish, on average, tend to be of an older generation.
Devotees Think Helplessness is Hot
Perhaps this ties into the whole damsel-in-distress thing, but for some, the thought of someone with a disability being unable to care for themselves is the sexiest thing ever. Maybe it’s related to power dynamics, or simply the thought of being needed.
I would be interested to delve deeper into the motivations and thought processes behind Devoteeism. As yet, I’m not sure if I consider it a compliment or an insult. All I can say is that I’m in no hurry to set up my webcam. Sorry guys.
Watch the documentary Meet the Devotees:
Got a fetish and want to meet play partners? Check out our listings of the Best Fetish Dating Sites For Every Kink.
What are your thoughts on disability fetish and devoteeism? Care to share?
Tell us what you think