A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

DIY Finger Amputation

Alex is a voluntary LAK, RAK, and RBE amputee* and is now also stubbing the fingers on his right hand (I mentioned the interviews a few days ago but if you want to know more, for starters read this interview with my late friend Chaz about voluntary amputationyou may also want to read this to see what kind of guy he was before you judge him and other voluntary amputees). He used ice to do the initial DIY anesthesia and then cleanly chopped it off. There was almost no bleeding, but definitely lots of pain. Click on through if you want to see the remainders.

That reminds me, if you want to see a free video of a DIY amputation, view the final Uvatiarru trailer (yeah, the movie is still in its ultra-extended production cycle, sorry).

* Left above the knee, right above the knee, and right below the elbow.

Comments

868 responses to “DIY Finger Amputation”

  1. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Akibare & Heretic – Yes you are both right, there will be people whose lines on extremities fall way below what I do and as such I would receive the same sort of commentary that I am dishing out but there are some distinct differences and hopefully I can show them here.

    The motivations behind piercing, stretching, amputating, CBT etc are varied, extremely varied. Some of those motivations are aesthetic, some psychological, some sexual, some motivated by external factors.

    What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.

  2. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Akibare & Heretic – Yes you are both right, there will be people whose lines on extremities fall way below what I do and as such I would receive the same sort of commentary that I am dishing out but there are some distinct differences and hopefully I can show them here.

    The motivations behind piercing, stretching, amputating, CBT etc are varied, extremely varied. Some of those motivations are aesthetic, some psychological, some sexual, some motivated by external factors.

    What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.

  3. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Akibare & Heretic – Yes you are both right, there will be people whose lines on extremities fall way below what I do and as such I would receive the same sort of commentary that I am dishing out but there are some distinct differences and hopefully I can show them here.

    The motivations behind piercing, stretching, amputating, CBT etc are varied, extremely varied. Some of those motivations are aesthetic, some psychological, some sexual, some motivated by external factors.

    What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.

  4. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Akibare & Heretic – Yes you are both right, there will be people whose lines on extremities fall way below what I do and as such I would receive the same sort of commentary that I am dishing out but there are some distinct differences and hopefully I can show them here.

    The motivations behind piercing, stretching, amputating, CBT etc are varied, extremely varied. Some of those motivations are aesthetic, some psychological, some sexual, some motivated by external factors.

    What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.

  5. Corky Avatar

    Giles – “Branding doesn’t impede my ability to function as a complete human being nor does it help me achieve my idea of what I believe my perfect body to be. It is purely decorative.”

    Did you ever think that he removed appendages in order to achieve what he believes his perfect body to be? As for the “complete human being” part, when that bit of flesh is burned away from a branding (or cutting, or even a punched piercing), you are removing (or otherwise destroying) part of a functioning organ. So, in that sense, someone who underwent that kind of procedure is no longer complete, either.

    And it’s not just about the decoration. That’s the fashion side of it. People are into body mods for a whole variety of reasons, each as unique as the individual person. Some do it for the spirituality. You get the point.

    So just because something isn’t what view as “decorative” and it’s not “approved” by the medical community doesn’t make it wrong. The opinions you’re reading on transabled.org hold no more weight than your own… They’re just opinions… It also says that “at the moment, most treatment courses must be self-administered as there are no medically recognised or accepted treatment protocols”

  6. Corky Avatar

    Giles – “Branding doesn’t impede my ability to function as a complete human being nor does it help me achieve my idea of what I believe my perfect body to be. It is purely decorative.”

    Did you ever think that he removed appendages in order to achieve what he believes his perfect body to be? As for the “complete human being” part, when that bit of flesh is burned away from a branding (or cutting, or even a punched piercing), you are removing (or otherwise destroying) part of a functioning organ. So, in that sense, someone who underwent that kind of procedure is no longer complete, either.

    And it’s not just about the decoration. That’s the fashion side of it. People are into body mods for a whole variety of reasons, each as unique as the individual person. Some do it for the spirituality. You get the point.

    So just because something isn’t what view as “decorative” and it’s not “approved” by the medical community doesn’t make it wrong. The opinions you’re reading on transabled.org hold no more weight than your own… They’re just opinions… It also says that “at the moment, most treatment courses must be self-administered as there are no medically recognised or accepted treatment protocols”

  7. Corky Avatar

    Giles – “Branding doesn’t impede my ability to function as a complete human being nor does it help me achieve my idea of what I believe my perfect body to be. It is purely decorative.”

    Did you ever think that he removed appendages in order to achieve what he believes his perfect body to be? As for the “complete human being” part, when that bit of flesh is burned away from a branding (or cutting, or even a punched piercing), you are removing (or otherwise destroying) part of a functioning organ. So, in that sense, someone who underwent that kind of procedure is no longer complete, either.

    And it’s not just about the decoration. That’s the fashion side of it. People are into body mods for a whole variety of reasons, each as unique as the individual person. Some do it for the spirituality. You get the point.

    So just because something isn’t what view as “decorative” and it’s not “approved” by the medical community doesn’t make it wrong. The opinions you’re reading on transabled.org hold no more weight than your own… They’re just opinions… It also says that “at the moment, most treatment courses must be self-administered as there are no medically recognised or accepted treatment protocols”

  8. Corky Avatar

    Giles – “Branding doesn’t impede my ability to function as a complete human being nor does it help me achieve my idea of what I believe my perfect body to be. It is purely decorative.”

    Did you ever think that he removed appendages in order to achieve what he believes his perfect body to be? As for the “complete human being” part, when that bit of flesh is burned away from a branding (or cutting, or even a punched piercing), you are removing (or otherwise destroying) part of a functioning organ. So, in that sense, someone who underwent that kind of procedure is no longer complete, either.

    And it’s not just about the decoration. That’s the fashion side of it. People are into body mods for a whole variety of reasons, each as unique as the individual person. Some do it for the spirituality. You get the point.

    So just because something isn’t what view as “decorative” and it’s not “approved” by the medical community doesn’t make it wrong. The opinions you’re reading on transabled.org hold no more weight than your own… They’re just opinions… It also says that “at the moment, most treatment courses must be self-administered as there are no medically recognised or accepted treatment protocols”

  9. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Shannon-
    Though it is not my cup of tea, I respect that you post these stories and do not ask you to stop…however I really wish you’d censor these intense pictures of things like amputation and the breast skewers in the next post. It makes me sick to see it and I love ModBlog otherwise-I don’t wanna stop coming to the site.

  10. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Shannon-
    Though it is not my cup of tea, I respect that you post these stories and do not ask you to stop…however I really wish you’d censor these intense pictures of things like amputation and the breast skewers in the next post. It makes me sick to see it and I love ModBlog otherwise-I don’t wanna stop coming to the site.

  11. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Shannon-
    Though it is not my cup of tea, I respect that you post these stories and do not ask you to stop…however I really wish you’d censor these intense pictures of things like amputation and the breast skewers in the next post. It makes me sick to see it and I love ModBlog otherwise-I don’t wanna stop coming to the site.

  12. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Shannon-
    Though it is not my cup of tea, I respect that you post these stories and do not ask you to stop…however I really wish you’d censor these intense pictures of things like amputation and the breast skewers in the next post. It makes me sick to see it and I love ModBlog otherwise-I don’t wanna stop coming to the site.

  13. akibare Avatar
    akibare

    Giles says: “What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.”

    I agree with you on its not being homogenous. Enjoying the various links, BTW (plus the ones at the top of this post, too). I don’t make the slippery slope argument, though – I still think this merits its own discussion even IF there are people out there who also think stretched ears are beyond the pale.

  14. akibare Avatar
    akibare

    Giles says: “What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.”

    I agree with you on its not being homogenous. Enjoying the various links, BTW (plus the ones at the top of this post, too). I don’t make the slippery slope argument, though – I still think this merits its own discussion even IF there are people out there who also think stretched ears are beyond the pale.

  15. akibare Avatar
    akibare

    Giles says: “What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.”

    I agree with you on its not being homogenous. Enjoying the various links, BTW (plus the ones at the top of this post, too). I don’t make the slippery slope argument, though – I still think this merits its own discussion even IF there are people out there who also think stretched ears are beyond the pale.

  16. akibare Avatar
    akibare

    Giles says: “What I am attempting to do is show how the different motivating factors within body modification work and ultimately show that BodMod is not one homogenous area but rather very different and very distinct individuals areas.”

    I agree with you on its not being homogenous. Enjoying the various links, BTW (plus the ones at the top of this post, too). I don’t make the slippery slope argument, though – I still think this merits its own discussion even IF there are people out there who also think stretched ears are beyond the pale.

  17. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky. I have never claimed it to be ‘wrong’. Different certainly but never wrong. Always to address a psychological issue but never as a result of a mental illness.

  18. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky. I have never claimed it to be ‘wrong’. Different certainly but never wrong. Always to address a psychological issue but never as a result of a mental illness.

  19. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky. I have never claimed it to be ‘wrong’. Different certainly but never wrong. Always to address a psychological issue but never as a result of a mental illness.

  20. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky. I have never claimed it to be ‘wrong’. Different certainly but never wrong. Always to address a psychological issue but never as a result of a mental illness.

  21. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    Giles: RE #119…
    The point I was trying to make there was that if I chose to amputate a limb, in my opinion it would be unfair for me to expect any level of support from the health system.

    Granted, support *would* be provided, as this is the remit of the health system, but that doesn’t necessarily make it right.

    For me, it’s about being conscientious (sp?) about how a mod would cause me to be a burden to others in an unfair way. Why should I get help for an injury I, myself inflicted over and above people who have injuries they did *not* choose.

    Of course, this argument is moot if lopping ones limb off requires no professional medical attention, but I cant see this being the case.

  22. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    Giles: RE #119…
    The point I was trying to make there was that if I chose to amputate a limb, in my opinion it would be unfair for me to expect any level of support from the health system.

    Granted, support *would* be provided, as this is the remit of the health system, but that doesn’t necessarily make it right.

    For me, it’s about being conscientious (sp?) about how a mod would cause me to be a burden to others in an unfair way. Why should I get help for an injury I, myself inflicted over and above people who have injuries they did *not* choose.

    Of course, this argument is moot if lopping ones limb off requires no professional medical attention, but I cant see this being the case.

  23. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    Giles: RE #119…
    The point I was trying to make there was that if I chose to amputate a limb, in my opinion it would be unfair for me to expect any level of support from the health system.

    Granted, support *would* be provided, as this is the remit of the health system, but that doesn’t necessarily make it right.

    For me, it’s about being conscientious (sp?) about how a mod would cause me to be a burden to others in an unfair way. Why should I get help for an injury I, myself inflicted over and above people who have injuries they did *not* choose.

    Of course, this argument is moot if lopping ones limb off requires no professional medical attention, but I cant see this being the case.

  24. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    Giles: RE #119…
    The point I was trying to make there was that if I chose to amputate a limb, in my opinion it would be unfair for me to expect any level of support from the health system.

    Granted, support *would* be provided, as this is the remit of the health system, but that doesn’t necessarily make it right.

    For me, it’s about being conscientious (sp?) about how a mod would cause me to be a burden to others in an unfair way. Why should I get help for an injury I, myself inflicted over and above people who have injuries they did *not* choose.

    Of course, this argument is moot if lopping ones limb off requires no professional medical attention, but I cant see this being the case.

  25. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Dan – I understand.

  26. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Dan – I understand.

  27. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Dan – I understand.

  28. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Dan – I understand.

  29. Corky Avatar

    Giles, perhaps you have not not outright claimed it to be “wrong”, but it seems, at least to me, to be implied by your very frequent labels (and the critiques and “observations” you make) of people, such as “copy-cat amputees”, or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness… Not to mention saying they need to go through treatment for their “psychological disorder”.

    I’m willing to bet that a large majority of self-amputees do not just remove an appendage on a whim. They have probably thought about it for some time – the risks, the “consequences”, etc. – and then decided to go through with it. Why should they open up to someone who is going to do very little but attempt to try and convince them not to go through with it? An analogy to this would be talking to your dentist about that pair of 6mm vipers you always wanted… Of course they’re going to try and talk you out of it, due to the potential damage to your teeth.

    And, just to make sure it’s clear, I’m not saying that self-amputation is the same thing as a tongue piercing – it was just an analogy.

  30. Corky Avatar

    Giles, perhaps you have not not outright claimed it to be “wrong”, but it seems, at least to me, to be implied by your very frequent labels (and the critiques and “observations” you make) of people, such as “copy-cat amputees”, or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness… Not to mention saying they need to go through treatment for their “psychological disorder”.

    I’m willing to bet that a large majority of self-amputees do not just remove an appendage on a whim. They have probably thought about it for some time – the risks, the “consequences”, etc. – and then decided to go through with it. Why should they open up to someone who is going to do very little but attempt to try and convince them not to go through with it? An analogy to this would be talking to your dentist about that pair of 6mm vipers you always wanted… Of course they’re going to try and talk you out of it, due to the potential damage to your teeth.

    And, just to make sure it’s clear, I’m not saying that self-amputation is the same thing as a tongue piercing – it was just an analogy.

  31. Corky Avatar

    Giles, perhaps you have not not outright claimed it to be “wrong”, but it seems, at least to me, to be implied by your very frequent labels (and the critiques and “observations” you make) of people, such as “copy-cat amputees”, or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness… Not to mention saying they need to go through treatment for their “psychological disorder”.

    I’m willing to bet that a large majority of self-amputees do not just remove an appendage on a whim. They have probably thought about it for some time – the risks, the “consequences”, etc. – and then decided to go through with it. Why should they open up to someone who is going to do very little but attempt to try and convince them not to go through with it? An analogy to this would be talking to your dentist about that pair of 6mm vipers you always wanted… Of course they’re going to try and talk you out of it, due to the potential damage to your teeth.

    And, just to make sure it’s clear, I’m not saying that self-amputation is the same thing as a tongue piercing – it was just an analogy.

  32. Corky Avatar

    Giles, perhaps you have not not outright claimed it to be “wrong”, but it seems, at least to me, to be implied by your very frequent labels (and the critiques and “observations” you make) of people, such as “copy-cat amputees”, or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness… Not to mention saying they need to go through treatment for their “psychological disorder”.

    I’m willing to bet that a large majority of self-amputees do not just remove an appendage on a whim. They have probably thought about it for some time – the risks, the “consequences”, etc. – and then decided to go through with it. Why should they open up to someone who is going to do very little but attempt to try and convince them not to go through with it? An analogy to this would be talking to your dentist about that pair of 6mm vipers you always wanted… Of course they’re going to try and talk you out of it, due to the potential damage to your teeth.

    And, just to make sure it’s clear, I’m not saying that self-amputation is the same thing as a tongue piercing – it was just an analogy.

  33. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Alan – You asked “Shannon, how close to suicide does a mod have to be before you’re willing to consider that mental illness might be at work?”

    I always consider that. I certainly consider it in large facial tattoos or anything that profoundly affects someone’s life, and while I am supportive of people’s decisions, I also encourage people to work to be VERY sure that they know what they’re getting themselves into, which means among other things, taking these things out of the closet and giving them a place to talk about them. Also, when it comes to legal issues (ie. the state committing people against their will, etc.) I strongly fall on the side of the rights of the individual to control themselves, even to their own detriment, rather than the State stepping in and taking authority over someone’s life.

    Giles – You asked “where do you draw the line?”

    In simple terms, I don’t draw lines for anyone except myself, and I frequently cross those in time. I would certainly not be arrogant enough to tell someone else where that line lies for them. I understand that some people feel that it’s a societal responsibility to stop people from “harming” themselves, but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.

    Re: “Intelligent people have studied it extensively”, I simply do not believe that is true in the context you’re presenting it. It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.

    Re: “Body Integrity Identity Disorder”, certainly all people involved in all forms of heavy modification should do some serious self-searching and be very sure of who they are, but just because for some people it’s a sickness doesn’t mean it is for everyone… a la the differences between cutting in terms of self-harm and cutting in terms of ritual and cutting in terms of aesthetics (and the many combinations thereof).

  34. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Alan – You asked “Shannon, how close to suicide does a mod have to be before you’re willing to consider that mental illness might be at work?”

    I always consider that. I certainly consider it in large facial tattoos or anything that profoundly affects someone’s life, and while I am supportive of people’s decisions, I also encourage people to work to be VERY sure that they know what they’re getting themselves into, which means among other things, taking these things out of the closet and giving them a place to talk about them. Also, when it comes to legal issues (ie. the state committing people against their will, etc.) I strongly fall on the side of the rights of the individual to control themselves, even to their own detriment, rather than the State stepping in and taking authority over someone’s life.

    Giles – You asked “where do you draw the line?”

    In simple terms, I don’t draw lines for anyone except myself, and I frequently cross those in time. I would certainly not be arrogant enough to tell someone else where that line lies for them. I understand that some people feel that it’s a societal responsibility to stop people from “harming” themselves, but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.

    Re: “Intelligent people have studied it extensively”, I simply do not believe that is true in the context you’re presenting it. It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.

    Re: “Body Integrity Identity Disorder”, certainly all people involved in all forms of heavy modification should do some serious self-searching and be very sure of who they are, but just because for some people it’s a sickness doesn’t mean it is for everyone… a la the differences between cutting in terms of self-harm and cutting in terms of ritual and cutting in terms of aesthetics (and the many combinations thereof).

  35. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Alan – You asked “Shannon, how close to suicide does a mod have to be before you’re willing to consider that mental illness might be at work?”

    I always consider that. I certainly consider it in large facial tattoos or anything that profoundly affects someone’s life, and while I am supportive of people’s decisions, I also encourage people to work to be VERY sure that they know what they’re getting themselves into, which means among other things, taking these things out of the closet and giving them a place to talk about them. Also, when it comes to legal issues (ie. the state committing people against their will, etc.) I strongly fall on the side of the rights of the individual to control themselves, even to their own detriment, rather than the State stepping in and taking authority over someone’s life.

    Giles – You asked “where do you draw the line?”

    In simple terms, I don’t draw lines for anyone except myself, and I frequently cross those in time. I would certainly not be arrogant enough to tell someone else where that line lies for them. I understand that some people feel that it’s a societal responsibility to stop people from “harming” themselves, but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.

    Re: “Intelligent people have studied it extensively”, I simply do not believe that is true in the context you’re presenting it. It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.

    Re: “Body Integrity Identity Disorder”, certainly all people involved in all forms of heavy modification should do some serious self-searching and be very sure of who they are, but just because for some people it’s a sickness doesn’t mean it is for everyone… a la the differences between cutting in terms of self-harm and cutting in terms of ritual and cutting in terms of aesthetics (and the many combinations thereof).

  36. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Alan – You asked “Shannon, how close to suicide does a mod have to be before you’re willing to consider that mental illness might be at work?”

    I always consider that. I certainly consider it in large facial tattoos or anything that profoundly affects someone’s life, and while I am supportive of people’s decisions, I also encourage people to work to be VERY sure that they know what they’re getting themselves into, which means among other things, taking these things out of the closet and giving them a place to talk about them. Also, when it comes to legal issues (ie. the state committing people against their will, etc.) I strongly fall on the side of the rights of the individual to control themselves, even to their own detriment, rather than the State stepping in and taking authority over someone’s life.

    Giles – You asked “where do you draw the line?”

    In simple terms, I don’t draw lines for anyone except myself, and I frequently cross those in time. I would certainly not be arrogant enough to tell someone else where that line lies for them. I understand that some people feel that it’s a societal responsibility to stop people from “harming” themselves, but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.

    Re: “Intelligent people have studied it extensively”, I simply do not believe that is true in the context you’re presenting it. It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.

    Re: “Body Integrity Identity Disorder”, certainly all people involved in all forms of heavy modification should do some serious self-searching and be very sure of who they are, but just because for some people it’s a sickness doesn’t mean it is for everyone… a la the differences between cutting in terms of self-harm and cutting in terms of ritual and cutting in terms of aesthetics (and the many combinations thereof).

  37. Corky Avatar

    I should add that my statement refers only to the vast majority of psychologist/psychiatrists… I’m sure there are a very small number of whom would fully support your decision to self-amputate.

  38. Corky Avatar

    I should add that my statement refers only to the vast majority of psychologist/psychiatrists… I’m sure there are a very small number of whom would fully support your decision to self-amputate.

  39. Corky Avatar

    I should add that my statement refers only to the vast majority of psychologist/psychiatrists… I’m sure there are a very small number of whom would fully support your decision to self-amputate.

  40. Corky Avatar

    I should add that my statement refers only to the vast majority of psychologist/psychiatrists… I’m sure there are a very small number of whom would fully support your decision to self-amputate.

  41. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky – BIID and Self Harm are both Psychological Disorders in that they fall outside the sphere of normative behavioural patterns. There is no real argument with that. What I have argued is that both need to be treated through more psychiatric therapeutic methods rather than the extremities being shown here. They are not ‘normal’ as in they are not practised by over 99.99% of the population however clearly they are normal to those involved.

    There are copy-cat amputees out there (even on this list) and sites such as Transabled and BIID confirm this. Those who seek to copy the acts are (I would argue) wrong to do so.

  42. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky – BIID and Self Harm are both Psychological Disorders in that they fall outside the sphere of normative behavioural patterns. There is no real argument with that. What I have argued is that both need to be treated through more psychiatric therapeutic methods rather than the extremities being shown here. They are not ‘normal’ as in they are not practised by over 99.99% of the population however clearly they are normal to those involved.

    There are copy-cat amputees out there (even on this list) and sites such as Transabled and BIID confirm this. Those who seek to copy the acts are (I would argue) wrong to do so.

  43. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky – BIID and Self Harm are both Psychological Disorders in that they fall outside the sphere of normative behavioural patterns. There is no real argument with that. What I have argued is that both need to be treated through more psychiatric therapeutic methods rather than the extremities being shown here. They are not ‘normal’ as in they are not practised by over 99.99% of the population however clearly they are normal to those involved.

    There are copy-cat amputees out there (even on this list) and sites such as Transabled and BIID confirm this. Those who seek to copy the acts are (I would argue) wrong to do so.

  44. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Corky – BIID and Self Harm are both Psychological Disorders in that they fall outside the sphere of normative behavioural patterns. There is no real argument with that. What I have argued is that both need to be treated through more psychiatric therapeutic methods rather than the extremities being shown here. They are not ‘normal’ as in they are not practised by over 99.99% of the population however clearly they are normal to those involved.

    There are copy-cat amputees out there (even on this list) and sites such as Transabled and BIID confirm this. Those who seek to copy the acts are (I would argue) wrong to do so.

  45. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Shannon “but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.”

    Possibly but I would argue it is a luxury rather than a right. Ultimately all of our actions have consequences whether we accept them or not. Whilst we may like to believe we are individuals free from responsibility with the options to do as we please unfortunately we are part of a whole and what we do has consequence for others.

    Shannon – “It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.”

    Have you read this http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf

  46. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Shannon “but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.”

    Possibly but I would argue it is a luxury rather than a right. Ultimately all of our actions have consequences whether we accept them or not. Whilst we may like to believe we are individuals free from responsibility with the options to do as we please unfortunately we are part of a whole and what we do has consequence for others.

    Shannon – “It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.”

    Have you read this http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf

  47. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Shannon “but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.”

    Possibly but I would argue it is a luxury rather than a right. Ultimately all of our actions have consequences whether we accept them or not. Whilst we may like to believe we are individuals free from responsibility with the options to do as we please unfortunately we are part of a whole and what we do has consequence for others.

    Shannon – “It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.”

    Have you read this http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf

  48. Giles Wallwork Avatar

    Shannon “but I feel that risking harming oneself is a fundamental right.”

    Possibly but I would argue it is a luxury rather than a right. Ultimately all of our actions have consequences whether we accept them or not. Whilst we may like to believe we are individuals free from responsibility with the options to do as we please unfortunately we are part of a whole and what we do has consequence for others.

    Shannon – “It’s barely been studied, and as I said earlier, the studies cover a very non-representative sample group.”

    Have you read this http://www.biid.org/bladerunner.pdf

  49. Corky Avatar

    Giles, nothing is “normal” when your standard of normal is whether or not 99.99% of the population practices it. Hell, not even that many people bathe regularly, brush their teeth, or even wipe their ass after they shit! Do I need to seek therapy because I do those things? I doubt it.

    I understand very well that BIID and Self Harm are psychological disorders, but you’re making a very blanket statement that everyone who wants to remove an appendage suffers from this. This is not true.

    And, about this article that you keep referencing back to on biid.org. This study was based on only 52 people… That is a VERY small number. The responses from just those 52 people in the study were so varied that one cannot even derive objective statements about the study group as a whole, let alone the larger group of people who desire amputation.

  50. Corky Avatar

    Giles, nothing is “normal” when your standard of normal is whether or not 99.99% of the population practices it. Hell, not even that many people bathe regularly, brush their teeth, or even wipe their ass after they shit! Do I need to seek therapy because I do those things? I doubt it.

    I understand very well that BIID and Self Harm are psychological disorders, but you’re making a very blanket statement that everyone who wants to remove an appendage suffers from this. This is not true.

    And, about this article that you keep referencing back to on biid.org. This study was based on only 52 people… That is a VERY small number. The responses from just those 52 people in the study were so varied that one cannot even derive objective statements about the study group as a whole, let alone the larger group of people who desire amputation.

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