#conversation: para

[scyththing]

Why should you support, or at least respect, paraphiles?

Stupid little [informational] rant on why there's nothing wrong with paraphilias and paraphilic disorders, yes that includes the bad ones, and why anti-paraphilia is technically ableist. "S-so i'm ableist for not liking pedophilia?!" shut up and listen.

Before I go all out here's some terms you should know ;

anti-contact : someone who doesn't support *practicing paraphilias, more specifically ones that cannot be consented to.

pro-contact : someone who supports *practicing paraphilias

there's also neu-contact, complex-contact, blah blah

*practicing : a paraphile who practices (acts on) their paraphilia

non-practicing : a paraphile who doesn't practice (act on) their paraphilia

okay keep reading for the actual reasons, please repost to spread awareness /nf.

To start, paraphilias are completely uncontrollable just like any other fetish or even mental condition. Their causes are mostly trauma, internet exposure at a young age, and sometimes can be passed down through genetics. Again, they cannot control any of those, so why judge them for it?

Because of the way paraphilias are looked down on, it makes it difficult for them to seek treatment or even supportive communities. Especially younger paraphiles who may not be in a good environment or feel too ashamed to tell anyone about it. Not being able to get help can lead paraphiles to harm others or themselves.

Paraphiles do not choose to be paraphiles, they do choose however, whether they act on their paraphilia or not. If you still don't understand, let me explain it in a different light. Take NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) for example, people view those with that disorder as horrible and abusive (which isn't true mind you.) NPD is also caused by trauma or genetics, and narcissists have the choice of being abusive or not, just like any other person.

So what makes it so different from other mental conditions, especially since paraphilic disorders are also a thing? They're only viewed horribly because of the stereotypes, just like almost every mental condition. Does that make them deserving of being discriminated against, for something they have no control over?

Now take anti-para and replace it with something else, like anti-PTSD or anti-hypersexual, now that doesn't sound like something you'd want to be, does it? Be support of all neurodivergent / mentally disabled people, not just some.

[wintergrofyuri]

skeptic would ask paranoid if he'd want to get married, purely thinking about the logistics and the financial aspect, Completely forgetting that this is also a very big romantic thing that most couples do when beginning their life as a family. and paranoid just stares at him slack jawed, completely dumbstruck while skeptic is just like "what. was it something i said".

it does take him a while but he does eventually realize he basically just proposed and he like. immediately starts backpedaling and trying to explain himself and then paranoid is like. torn between going "oh thank god he wasnt actually thinking abt it like that" and being kind of pissed he Wasnt thinking abt it like that.

[xmikamorris]

where: The Garden when: March 17, 2025 - St. Patrick's Day who: Mika & @narilily

Tamika was always excited with every new celebration to experience in town, as her first year living in Merrock seemed to be flying be. Dressed in green, Mika skipped her way over to Nari, looking forward to all the party bus had in store. There was already lots going on at The Garden alone. "Is this always how these celebrations go around here?"

[xcorikhang]

where: Lavender Lane when: Season of Love - February 2025 who: Cori & @docolives

Cori made herself comfortable at the table, assessing the materials that they would be working with as if she had any clue about what she was doing. After all, the point of this whole thing was to learn a new skill, right? She turned to her best friend beside her, smile wide. "If I actually figure this out, how much do you think I can save on not buying pre-made arrangements for my place?"

[xreynadel]

where: Wax & Wicks when: Season of Love - February 2025 who: Reyna & @tashamadams

Reyna held the shop door open for Natasha to walk through, the pair having ventured into the suburbs to do some shopping. As they stepped into Wax & Wicks, Reyna took a look around the store to see if anything caught her eye right away. "Any scent in particular that you're wanting to get?" she asked her friend.

[xcheriehofmann]

where: the challenge - weekend getaway when: may 2025 who: cherie & @rafaelcb

Cherie was wandering about the pavilion, in search of her next meal. Debating her options, she stood off to the side. The purpose of participation on this trip, for Cherie, was more to get time in with folks to build relationships and establish herself as a Merrockite. However, the venture into getting to know others was interrupted when the first person she spotted nearby was her ex-husband. "Hello Rafael."

[xjaylahopkins]

where: their shared home - the suburbs when: march 2025 storm who: jayla & @owenryder

Jayla had just returned to the house after checking in on Misty and the other animals at the ranch. Assured in her horse's safety and well-being, she was ready to make best of the situation at home with her roommates and anyone else who joined them. "I'm home!" she called out, loud enough to ensure that anyone home would hear, before heading into her bedroom. After changing into more comfortable house clothes, she popped upstairs to find Ryder. "We are good on everything here till the storm passes, yeah?"

[xsylcuenco]

where: their shared home - downtown when: march 2025 storm who: sylvia & @stellylee

Sylvia had scoured through her bedroom in search of items that could become useful during the storm, especially if their power went out. With a bin full of what all she had decided could come in handy on her hip, she made her way over to find Stelly. "Okay, I found a couple packs of fresh batteries, my flashlight, all of my Halloween and Christmas fairy lights, Uno, Cards Against Humanity, regular playing cards, and every CD I burned between 2002 and 2010 to put into my Barbie boombox so when can have a dance party. My black lights are also fully charged." Leave it to Sylvia to be prepared to turn their living room into a club if it got too boring being snowed in. "I also pulled out all the extra blankets."

[xwesjames]

where: Harmony Ranch when: July 2024 who: Wes & @docolives

Wesley always loved the opportunity to take some time away from work, to enjoy with friends. While he was normally out at Harmony Ranch with Arabella, today was a little different as he meeting up with Liv himself. He jumped out of his car, making his way up to the stables to find Livvy. He popped his head in, ensuring he spotted the blonde before walking in. "What's up?" he greeted his friend with a smile, walking up her way and going in for a hug once close enough.

[xespietamayo]

where: Cage and Cordelia's wedding when: October 19, 2024 who: Espie & @joshlane

Hearing a song that she quite liked come across the speakers, Espie downed the rest of the drink currently in her hand. She turned to Josh with a grin, asking, "are we ready to hit the dance floor?"

[chronicowboy]

i will never fully and completely trust the people who make watching the olympics non-stop their entire personality for the entire duration of it but then don't say a word about the paralympics

[xmikamorris]

where: the challenge - weekend getaway when: may 2025 who: mika & @nikhilmehra

Mika was preparing for a jog. Having been convinced to partake in the course, she needed to get some last minute work outs in in preparation. "I can't believe I got roped into doing this thing. It should be fun though, no? I hope."

[xcorikhang]

where: the challenge - weekend getaway when: may 2025 who: cori & @jaceeverett

Cori was running on adrenaline after the course, having yet to allow herself enough time to let the energy die down and collapse. Spotting Jace, she beelined for him. "Jason!" she called out with a grin, as she approached, stopping right in front of him up on reaching him. Finally pausing long enough to take a breath, Cori glanced around their surroundings then back at Jace. "Well, that was fun!" While she was ready to hit the shower and take a nap, she was excited for company to head back with. "Going back to the cabins?"

[xreynadel]

where: Vibrations when: Season of Love - February 2025 who: Reyna & @owenryder

Reyna had decided to venture out of the house for the evening, in the rare mood to visit the club. Upon arriving, she headed straight for the bar, needing a little liquid courage for this sort of environment. Looking to grab a bartender's attention, she made her way as close as she could get, saying 'excuse me' as she did so. That was until she recognized a familiar face that she wasn't the most excited to see. "Ryder."

[xjaylahopkins]

where: Their House when: December 2024 who: Jayla & @owenryder

There was a degree of joy that came alongside the snowfall for Jayla. Not only was she a December baby, she absolutely loved the holidays. She was also one person who didn't mind spending all the time she could outside, despite the dropping temperatures. That said, snow activities were always much better enjoyed with a friend.

After enough persuading, Jayla made her way to the door, waiting on Ryder to join her. "Hurry up!" she called back into the house, behind her, as she stepped outside.

[xsylcuenco]

where: Winter Holiday Market when: December 14-21, 2024 who: Sylvia & @monixoconnor

Sylvia had finally found some time to wander over to the pony enclosure, ready to get her photo taken with a decorated pony or horse. As she headed for the line, she spotted Monique with her daughter, seemingly taking the girl to ride a pony. "Hey!" she waved, smiling at the pair.