Apparently, that’s a fetish

There is a whole subgroup of people out there who are particularly attracted to amputees and or/ their residual limbs. A fetish, if you will. I know we never talk about this, but I think it's time to tell you what it's like to be on the opposite end of those individuals' unique interests.

Before becoming an amputee, I wasn't super active on social media and didn't typically interact with strangers online. Then I lost my leg and decided to start a blog as an emotional outlet and a resource for others like me. Naturally, I created social accounts tied to the blog and, over the last three years, have shared more openly than I ever imagined my experiences living with limb loss. During that time, I have regularly received messages from people, some of whom claimed to be amputees themselves, to ask for photos and videos of my residual limbs under the guise that they wanted to make sure they were healing normally. I learned rather quickly that is not why they wanted photos, and they were, in fact, not amputees. Others were more direct in their interests and offered me money for photos and videos. (Although I was not interested in their offer, I did appreciate them being upfront about their intentions.) These messages have only increased in frequency over the last three years as I have shared more and more of my journey.

I have at times, felt uncomfortable after reading certain comments or messages about my body or disability in general. So much so that I have questioned if I should share less. But here's the thing; there will always be circumstances or people that make you uncomfortable in life. I want to be the reason another amputee feels confident despite the stares, the DM's, and the lack of adaptive clothing options. I want you to be proud of who you are, how you look, and what makes you different, and that's where my focus shifts anytime I want to stop sharing.

The internet is a wild and unfiltered place. But it's also a place of deep connection and understanding. May you find your special little space within it, your corner of companionship. And should some unwanted attention ever enter that space, don't be afraid to kindly say, "thanks but no thanks!" and block/ report anyone who doesn't take no for an answer.

Footnote: This is written from my personal perspective and experience and is not meant to pass judgment on anyone who participates in consensual exchanges.