Occurring every third Friday of January (which will be this year 1/19/2024), people the world over will recognize, celebrate, destigmatize, and even engage in non-vanilla sexual practices and sexcapades. Or engage in something we might have always wanted to try.
According to a historical timeline printed on the https://nationaltoday.com/ website, the word ‘Fétichisme,’ was first used in an “erotic context” by French psychologist Alfred Binet in 1887. Jump ahead just a scant few years; in 1983, fetishes related to clothing wear, a studied love (some would say obsession) with body parts, and other actions became readily studied in a modern context. Then, in 2008, National Fetish Day was first held, becoming an international event the very next year to battle against draconian UK laws against “extreme pornography.”
And we all know, from too many times in history (and even presently) that too many safe and sane consensual non-vanilla sexual acts can fall under an umbrella term like this defined by people who are afraid of sexual acts.
The website above suggests “organizing fetish training classes,” “watching a fetish-themed move with a partner,” and “sharing info about fetishes.” All actions Chris and I completely condone, but always caution taking to by agreeing on a safe word, making sure all parties are consenting (if it’s just you, doing stuff to you, make sure you have a very long talk with you) not sharing implements with others, using ties that are as easily secured as they can be loosened, and having plenty of lube on hand.
Enjoy the day and all that you desire during it an for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
illustration: Joe Swarctz
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