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 amputation — you 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”
doubtful after 180-something comments that I’m adding anything new here but…
After having read the article(again) I still have to say statements like “my body is an evolving work of art, which at some point will be definitive.” are unsettling since he’s now dead. does that mean Chaz finished? did he get lost in the art or become art itself?
And
He claims “I’m not satisfied totally with the look of my right foot; it seems undefined to me somehow… just musing…” Um…just musing? since I have never looked at a body part and thought it looked “undefined” I still question Chaz’s explanation-and denial of dysmorphia. But I have always said if you want to cut your hair, cut it. If you want to cut your hand off, cut it-but save your regrets and your future special needs from the rest of us. If its the lifestyle afterwards and the various restrictions that comes with it that are so alluring-I think that one should take into account that people aren’t just going to hand it over(pun intended). Do what you will, but harm none.
doubtful after 180-something comments that I’m adding anything new here but…
After having read the article(again) I still have to say statements like “my body is an evolving work of art, which at some point will be definitive.” are unsettling since he’s now dead. does that mean Chaz finished? did he get lost in the art or become art itself?
And
He claims “I’m not satisfied totally with the look of my right foot; it seems undefined to me somehow… just musing…” Um…just musing? since I have never looked at a body part and thought it looked “undefined” I still question Chaz’s explanation-and denial of dysmorphia. But I have always said if you want to cut your hair, cut it. If you want to cut your hand off, cut it-but save your regrets and your future special needs from the rest of us. If its the lifestyle afterwards and the various restrictions that comes with it that are so alluring-I think that one should take into account that people aren’t just going to hand it over(pun intended). Do what you will, but harm none.
As long as helping voluntary amputees doesnt come out of my tax dollars I don’t give a shit what they do. US income and federal tax is already robbery. I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves. I’m all for personal freedom, privacy, and self expression though.
As long as helping voluntary amputees doesnt come out of my tax dollars I don’t give a shit what they do. US income and federal tax is already robbery. I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves. I’m all for personal freedom, privacy, and self expression though.
As long as helping voluntary amputees doesnt come out of my tax dollars I don’t give a shit what they do. US income and federal tax is already robbery. I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves. I’m all for personal freedom, privacy, and self expression though.
As long as helping voluntary amputees doesnt come out of my tax dollars I don’t give a shit what they do. US income and federal tax is already robbery. I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves. I’m all for personal freedom, privacy, and self expression though.
–Do what you will, but harm none.
Does anyone else hear Crowley when these sentiments are expressed ?
–Do what you will, but harm none.
Does anyone else hear Crowley when these sentiments are expressed ?
–Do what you will, but harm none.
Does anyone else hear Crowley when these sentiments are expressed ?
–Do what you will, but harm none.
Does anyone else hear Crowley when these sentiments are expressed ?
>>I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves.
Yes you do. Those tax dollars are less descriminating than the people who contribute them.
>>I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves.
Yes you do. Those tax dollars are less descriminating than the people who contribute them.
>>I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves.
Yes you do. Those tax dollars are less descriminating than the people who contribute them.
>>I don’t need to pay for someone who voluntarily disabled themselves.
Yes you do. Those tax dollars are less descriminating than the people who contribute them.
Which is why I’m a libertarian and think all taxes should be illegal. So no, I see no need to pay for them through taxes.
Which is why I’m a libertarian and think all taxes should be illegal. So no, I see no need to pay for them through taxes.
Which is why I’m a libertarian and think all taxes should be illegal. So no, I see no need to pay for them through taxes.
Which is why I’m a libertarian and think all taxes should be illegal. So no, I see no need to pay for them through taxes.
Ahhh but there is a difference between “see”ing the need to pay and actually paying.
I too have libertarian beliefs but whilst I pay taxes I would prefer them to be spent on assisting those in need (cost to me approx .00006p) rather than subsiding conflicts I oppose.
Ahhh but there is a difference between “see”ing the need to pay and actually paying.
I too have libertarian beliefs but whilst I pay taxes I would prefer them to be spent on assisting those in need (cost to me approx .00006p) rather than subsiding conflicts I oppose.
Ahhh but there is a difference between “see”ing the need to pay and actually paying.
I too have libertarian beliefs but whilst I pay taxes I would prefer them to be spent on assisting those in need (cost to me approx .00006p) rather than subsiding conflicts I oppose.
Ahhh but there is a difference between “see”ing the need to pay and actually paying.
I too have libertarian beliefs but whilst I pay taxes I would prefer them to be spent on assisting those in need (cost to me approx .00006p) rather than subsiding conflicts I oppose.
My comment probably wont be read much out of the near 200 count already, but I do feel like saying to everyone who is trying to say “this is sick” or any other negative towards willful amputation of ones own body – you should really stop and try to see “the big picture”. My feelings are something like, what is so wrong with having a different vision for how your body should look ? Thousands of people get liposuction every single day and none of you complain about that, yet everyone knows there is a chance you could die in surgery. Dctors spend years in medical school to be able to help these people change their bodies, so if you try to say that someone who decides to amputate a part of their body is somehow “hogging” good surgeons or nurses, then what do you call people who get plastic surgery ? In the general scope those doctors dont save lives, they alter bodies. The patients go through with it to change their body to how they feel it should look. Its no different with anyone who wants to amputate one of their own limbs. Where is this..made up sort of ideal that dictates “this is what you were born with – this is what youre stuck with” ? Why should it have to be that way ? It shouldnt..and with more people who explore various aspects of amputation and modification in general, the gap is getting wider between what youre born with and what you have to “accept” and frankly, I think thats an amazing thing.
My comment probably wont be read much out of the near 200 count already, but I do feel like saying to everyone who is trying to say “this is sick” or any other negative towards willful amputation of ones own body – you should really stop and try to see “the big picture”. My feelings are something like, what is so wrong with having a different vision for how your body should look ? Thousands of people get liposuction every single day and none of you complain about that, yet everyone knows there is a chance you could die in surgery. Dctors spend years in medical school to be able to help these people change their bodies, so if you try to say that someone who decides to amputate a part of their body is somehow “hogging” good surgeons or nurses, then what do you call people who get plastic surgery ? In the general scope those doctors dont save lives, they alter bodies. The patients go through with it to change their body to how they feel it should look. Its no different with anyone who wants to amputate one of their own limbs. Where is this..made up sort of ideal that dictates “this is what you were born with – this is what youre stuck with” ? Why should it have to be that way ? It shouldnt..and with more people who explore various aspects of amputation and modification in general, the gap is getting wider between what youre born with and what you have to “accept” and frankly, I think thats an amazing thing.
My comment probably wont be read much out of the near 200 count already, but I do feel like saying to everyone who is trying to say “this is sick” or any other negative towards willful amputation of ones own body – you should really stop and try to see “the big picture”. My feelings are something like, what is so wrong with having a different vision for how your body should look ? Thousands of people get liposuction every single day and none of you complain about that, yet everyone knows there is a chance you could die in surgery. Dctors spend years in medical school to be able to help these people change their bodies, so if you try to say that someone who decides to amputate a part of their body is somehow “hogging” good surgeons or nurses, then what do you call people who get plastic surgery ? In the general scope those doctors dont save lives, they alter bodies. The patients go through with it to change their body to how they feel it should look. Its no different with anyone who wants to amputate one of their own limbs. Where is this..made up sort of ideal that dictates “this is what you were born with – this is what youre stuck with” ? Why should it have to be that way ? It shouldnt..and with more people who explore various aspects of amputation and modification in general, the gap is getting wider between what youre born with and what you have to “accept” and frankly, I think thats an amazing thing.
My comment probably wont be read much out of the near 200 count already, but I do feel like saying to everyone who is trying to say “this is sick” or any other negative towards willful amputation of ones own body – you should really stop and try to see “the big picture”. My feelings are something like, what is so wrong with having a different vision for how your body should look ? Thousands of people get liposuction every single day and none of you complain about that, yet everyone knows there is a chance you could die in surgery. Dctors spend years in medical school to be able to help these people change their bodies, so if you try to say that someone who decides to amputate a part of their body is somehow “hogging” good surgeons or nurses, then what do you call people who get plastic surgery ? In the general scope those doctors dont save lives, they alter bodies. The patients go through with it to change their body to how they feel it should look. Its no different with anyone who wants to amputate one of their own limbs. Where is this..made up sort of ideal that dictates “this is what you were born with – this is what youre stuck with” ? Why should it have to be that way ? It shouldnt..and with more people who explore various aspects of amputation and modification in general, the gap is getting wider between what youre born with and what you have to “accept” and frankly, I think thats an amazing thing.
As long as someone eats whatever they cut off it’s legit. The cycle of nature is complete.
As long as someone eats whatever they cut off it’s legit. The cycle of nature is complete.
As long as someone eats whatever they cut off it’s legit. The cycle of nature is complete.
As long as someone eats whatever they cut off it’s legit. The cycle of nature is complete.
I, myswelf wouldn’t do any voluntary amputation, but w/e floats your boat I guess
I, myswelf wouldn’t do any voluntary amputation, but w/e floats your boat I guess
I, myswelf wouldn’t do any voluntary amputation, but w/e floats your boat I guess
I, myswelf wouldn’t do any voluntary amputation, but w/e floats your boat I guess
I have finally put the responses from Sean O’Connor from Transabled up on my Modblog for people to read.
I have finally put the responses from Sean O’Connor from Transabled up on my Modblog for people to read.
I have finally put the responses from Sean O’Connor from Transabled up on my Modblog for people to read.
I have finally put the responses from Sean O’Connor from Transabled up on my Modblog for people to read.
^^Interesting (to Giles).
And thanks Heretic. 🙂
^^Interesting (to Giles).
And thanks Heretic. 🙂
^^Interesting (to Giles).
And thanks Heretic. 🙂
^^Interesting (to Giles).
And thanks Heretic. 🙂
Giles pointed me to the discussion, coming in late, hope you guys and gals are still reading 🙂 I’m Sean, from http://transabled.org. I’d like to address a few of the comments made throughout 🙂
> 125 Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
I’m glad to hear that. Though I ought to point out that having a mental illness is in no way, shape or form synonymous with being mentally defficient. I think it shows a poor understanding of mental illnesses to think so (or it was a poor way to word things).
> 133 or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness…
Errr, again, a misconception of the “general public” about mental illnesses. While psychosis falls under the general umbrella of a mental illness, it is *far* from true that everyone who has a mental illness is psychotic.
The few reliable studies that are out there show that people with BIID are not delusional, nor psychotic.
> 138 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.
Well… Yes. There have also been noises made about how Dr. First went about recruiting the participants for the study. That said, while the number is relatively low, one should also take into account that, while the actual numbers are unknown, the total number of people who have BIID is unlikely to be particularly high.
Also, that study only had two individuals who required anything other than an amputation, which led to an “official” definition of BIID being biased and including only amputations as required impairment. Dr. First is about to conduct a follow up study which is likely to result in an expension of the definition to include other impairements (such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, etc)
>140 Other info (BIID Site and Transabled) claim that those who seek amputations often carry out further ‘work’ afterwards.
I do? Where? I am not aware of anyone who has BIID that has carried on further amputations after they had received the amputation they required. I would not have made those claims on transabled.org.
> 142 He’s PERMANENTLY HARMING HIS BODY.
Looking at it purely from a concept of “health is only the body”, then, yes, he’s harming his body. But from the point of view where health encompasses both body and mind, harming the body is a relatively minor negative, for the greater positive of health and welfare of the body/mind combination. BTW, I make no statement as to whether or not I believe the person in the shots above have BIID.
> 147 I have a couple nice interviews on this subject as well that I’ll try and post shortly
I am looking forward to this. I realise you’re busy, but could you please drop me a note when they are put out? Thanks [email protected]
> 152 I do wonder what Sean would say on the subject of his desires vs. the concepts of body modification generally (and definitions) – it’d be interesting to read his take on it.
This is an entry I’ve been wanting to write for a while. It would take longer to write than a comment here would allow. But… In short, and in general, I think that there is a major difference between BIID and Mods. Some might self-amputate from the perspective of Mod, but it would be a mistake to assume that because one’s modifying one’s body they are doing it from a Mod perspective. In fact, i find the comparison dangerous (to BIID), in that there is an element of *choice* for those who are into Mods. Whereas for those of us with BIID, there is no choice. The risks of associating Mod and BIID in the public’s mind is that they will think we have control over how we feel, which we don’t. OTOH, I can understand those of us with BIID who would take the “mod route”, as a means to an end, in the hope of maybe finding an experienced extreme mod practitioner to assist in getting where we need to go.
>153 Who is paying for this person to continue a ‘functional’ life?
Poor understanding of disabilities there. People with BIID aren’t in this for the “benefits”.
> 166 I find it so offensive when people assume being an amputee you are helpless or that it is the worst thing on earth to happen.
Hear hear!
I’ve often said that it should be refreshing to people with disabilities that those of us with BIID say “better dead than able bodied”, whereas most people tend to say “better dead than disabled”…
>166 With all the comparisons going on i’m suprised no one is comparing this to people who are transgendered.
Yes, there are strong similarities between the two conditions, certainly in terms of life experiences. One can take the “typical” transsexual story and replace gender with disability and you’d have the “typical” transabled story. In fact, my coining the term transabled to balance BIID is a direct reflection of the pairing of transgendered vs GID.
For anyone interested, we have just launched a new site providing information about Body Integrity Identity Disorder. We’re still expanding content, but you can find it such as it is here: http://biid-info.org
Giles pointed me to the discussion, coming in late, hope you guys and gals are still reading 🙂 I’m Sean, from http://transabled.org. I’d like to address a few of the comments made throughout 🙂
> 125 Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
I’m glad to hear that. Though I ought to point out that having a mental illness is in no way, shape or form synonymous with being mentally defficient. I think it shows a poor understanding of mental illnesses to think so (or it was a poor way to word things).
> 133 or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness…
Errr, again, a misconception of the “general public” about mental illnesses. While psychosis falls under the general umbrella of a mental illness, it is *far* from true that everyone who has a mental illness is psychotic.
The few reliable studies that are out there show that people with BIID are not delusional, nor psychotic.
> 138 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.
Well… Yes. There have also been noises made about how Dr. First went about recruiting the participants for the study. That said, while the number is relatively low, one should also take into account that, while the actual numbers are unknown, the total number of people who have BIID is unlikely to be particularly high.
Also, that study only had two individuals who required anything other than an amputation, which led to an “official” definition of BIID being biased and including only amputations as required impairment. Dr. First is about to conduct a follow up study which is likely to result in an expension of the definition to include other impairements (such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, etc)
>140 Other info (BIID Site and Transabled) claim that those who seek amputations often carry out further ‘work’ afterwards.
I do? Where? I am not aware of anyone who has BIID that has carried on further amputations after they had received the amputation they required. I would not have made those claims on transabled.org.
> 142 He’s PERMANENTLY HARMING HIS BODY.
Looking at it purely from a concept of “health is only the body”, then, yes, he’s harming his body. But from the point of view where health encompasses both body and mind, harming the body is a relatively minor negative, for the greater positive of health and welfare of the body/mind combination. BTW, I make no statement as to whether or not I believe the person in the shots above have BIID.
> 147 I have a couple nice interviews on this subject as well that I’ll try and post shortly
I am looking forward to this. I realise you’re busy, but could you please drop me a note when they are put out? Thanks [email protected]
> 152 I do wonder what Sean would say on the subject of his desires vs. the concepts of body modification generally (and definitions) – it’d be interesting to read his take on it.
This is an entry I’ve been wanting to write for a while. It would take longer to write than a comment here would allow. But… In short, and in general, I think that there is a major difference between BIID and Mods. Some might self-amputate from the perspective of Mod, but it would be a mistake to assume that because one’s modifying one’s body they are doing it from a Mod perspective. In fact, i find the comparison dangerous (to BIID), in that there is an element of *choice* for those who are into Mods. Whereas for those of us with BIID, there is no choice. The risks of associating Mod and BIID in the public’s mind is that they will think we have control over how we feel, which we don’t. OTOH, I can understand those of us with BIID who would take the “mod route”, as a means to an end, in the hope of maybe finding an experienced extreme mod practitioner to assist in getting where we need to go.
>153 Who is paying for this person to continue a ‘functional’ life?
Poor understanding of disabilities there. People with BIID aren’t in this for the “benefits”.
> 166 I find it so offensive when people assume being an amputee you are helpless or that it is the worst thing on earth to happen.
Hear hear!
I’ve often said that it should be refreshing to people with disabilities that those of us with BIID say “better dead than able bodied”, whereas most people tend to say “better dead than disabled”…
>166 With all the comparisons going on i’m suprised no one is comparing this to people who are transgendered.
Yes, there are strong similarities between the two conditions, certainly in terms of life experiences. One can take the “typical” transsexual story and replace gender with disability and you’d have the “typical” transabled story. In fact, my coining the term transabled to balance BIID is a direct reflection of the pairing of transgendered vs GID.
For anyone interested, we have just launched a new site providing information about Body Integrity Identity Disorder. We’re still expanding content, but you can find it such as it is here: http://biid-info.org
Giles pointed me to the discussion, coming in late, hope you guys and gals are still reading 🙂 I’m Sean, from http://transabled.org. I’d like to address a few of the comments made throughout 🙂
> 125 Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
I’m glad to hear that. Though I ought to point out that having a mental illness is in no way, shape or form synonymous with being mentally defficient. I think it shows a poor understanding of mental illnesses to think so (or it was a poor way to word things).
> 133 or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness…
Errr, again, a misconception of the “general public” about mental illnesses. While psychosis falls under the general umbrella of a mental illness, it is *far* from true that everyone who has a mental illness is psychotic.
The few reliable studies that are out there show that people with BIID are not delusional, nor psychotic.
> 138 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.
Well… Yes. There have also been noises made about how Dr. First went about recruiting the participants for the study. That said, while the number is relatively low, one should also take into account that, while the actual numbers are unknown, the total number of people who have BIID is unlikely to be particularly high.
Also, that study only had two individuals who required anything other than an amputation, which led to an “official” definition of BIID being biased and including only amputations as required impairment. Dr. First is about to conduct a follow up study which is likely to result in an expension of the definition to include other impairements (such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, etc)
>140 Other info (BIID Site and Transabled) claim that those who seek amputations often carry out further ‘work’ afterwards.
I do? Where? I am not aware of anyone who has BIID that has carried on further amputations after they had received the amputation they required. I would not have made those claims on transabled.org.
> 142 He’s PERMANENTLY HARMING HIS BODY.
Looking at it purely from a concept of “health is only the body”, then, yes, he’s harming his body. But from the point of view where health encompasses both body and mind, harming the body is a relatively minor negative, for the greater positive of health and welfare of the body/mind combination. BTW, I make no statement as to whether or not I believe the person in the shots above have BIID.
> 147 I have a couple nice interviews on this subject as well that I’ll try and post shortly
I am looking forward to this. I realise you’re busy, but could you please drop me a note when they are put out? Thanks [email protected]
> 152 I do wonder what Sean would say on the subject of his desires vs. the concepts of body modification generally (and definitions) – it’d be interesting to read his take on it.
This is an entry I’ve been wanting to write for a while. It would take longer to write than a comment here would allow. But… In short, and in general, I think that there is a major difference between BIID and Mods. Some might self-amputate from the perspective of Mod, but it would be a mistake to assume that because one’s modifying one’s body they are doing it from a Mod perspective. In fact, i find the comparison dangerous (to BIID), in that there is an element of *choice* for those who are into Mods. Whereas for those of us with BIID, there is no choice. The risks of associating Mod and BIID in the public’s mind is that they will think we have control over how we feel, which we don’t. OTOH, I can understand those of us with BIID who would take the “mod route”, as a means to an end, in the hope of maybe finding an experienced extreme mod practitioner to assist in getting where we need to go.
>153 Who is paying for this person to continue a ‘functional’ life?
Poor understanding of disabilities there. People with BIID aren’t in this for the “benefits”.
> 166 I find it so offensive when people assume being an amputee you are helpless or that it is the worst thing on earth to happen.
Hear hear!
I’ve often said that it should be refreshing to people with disabilities that those of us with BIID say “better dead than able bodied”, whereas most people tend to say “better dead than disabled”…
>166 With all the comparisons going on i’m suprised no one is comparing this to people who are transgendered.
Yes, there are strong similarities between the two conditions, certainly in terms of life experiences. One can take the “typical” transsexual story and replace gender with disability and you’d have the “typical” transabled story. In fact, my coining the term transabled to balance BIID is a direct reflection of the pairing of transgendered vs GID.
For anyone interested, we have just launched a new site providing information about Body Integrity Identity Disorder. We’re still expanding content, but you can find it such as it is here: http://biid-info.org
Giles pointed me to the discussion, coming in late, hope you guys and gals are still reading 🙂 I’m Sean, from http://transabled.org. I’d like to address a few of the comments made throughout 🙂
> 125 Can I just clarify here that I have never used the term “mental illness” and that I do not see those who practice self amputeeism as being mentally deficient in any way.
I’m glad to hear that. Though I ought to point out that having a mental illness is in no way, shape or form synonymous with being mentally defficient. I think it shows a poor understanding of mental illnesses to think so (or it was a poor way to word things).
> 133 or that they’re suffering from psychosis, which certainly is a symptom of mental illness…
Errr, again, a misconception of the “general public” about mental illnesses. While psychosis falls under the general umbrella of a mental illness, it is *far* from true that everyone who has a mental illness is psychotic.
The few reliable studies that are out there show that people with BIID are not delusional, nor psychotic.
> 138 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.
Well… Yes. There have also been noises made about how Dr. First went about recruiting the participants for the study. That said, while the number is relatively low, one should also take into account that, while the actual numbers are unknown, the total number of people who have BIID is unlikely to be particularly high.
Also, that study only had two individuals who required anything other than an amputation, which led to an “official” definition of BIID being biased and including only amputations as required impairment. Dr. First is about to conduct a follow up study which is likely to result in an expension of the definition to include other impairements (such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, etc)
>140 Other info (BIID Site and Transabled) claim that those who seek amputations often carry out further ‘work’ afterwards.
I do? Where? I am not aware of anyone who has BIID that has carried on further amputations after they had received the amputation they required. I would not have made those claims on transabled.org.
> 142 He’s PERMANENTLY HARMING HIS BODY.
Looking at it purely from a concept of “health is only the body”, then, yes, he’s harming his body. But from the point of view where health encompasses both body and mind, harming the body is a relatively minor negative, for the greater positive of health and welfare of the body/mind combination. BTW, I make no statement as to whether or not I believe the person in the shots above have BIID.
> 147 I have a couple nice interviews on this subject as well that I’ll try and post shortly
I am looking forward to this. I realise you’re busy, but could you please drop me a note when they are put out? Thanks [email protected]
> 152 I do wonder what Sean would say on the subject of his desires vs. the concepts of body modification generally (and definitions) – it’d be interesting to read his take on it.
This is an entry I’ve been wanting to write for a while. It would take longer to write than a comment here would allow. But… In short, and in general, I think that there is a major difference between BIID and Mods. Some might self-amputate from the perspective of Mod, but it would be a mistake to assume that because one’s modifying one’s body they are doing it from a Mod perspective. In fact, i find the comparison dangerous (to BIID), in that there is an element of *choice* for those who are into Mods. Whereas for those of us with BIID, there is no choice. The risks of associating Mod and BIID in the public’s mind is that they will think we have control over how we feel, which we don’t. OTOH, I can understand those of us with BIID who would take the “mod route”, as a means to an end, in the hope of maybe finding an experienced extreme mod practitioner to assist in getting where we need to go.
>153 Who is paying for this person to continue a ‘functional’ life?
Poor understanding of disabilities there. People with BIID aren’t in this for the “benefits”.
> 166 I find it so offensive when people assume being an amputee you are helpless or that it is the worst thing on earth to happen.
Hear hear!
I’ve often said that it should be refreshing to people with disabilities that those of us with BIID say “better dead than able bodied”, whereas most people tend to say “better dead than disabled”…
>166 With all the comparisons going on i’m suprised no one is comparing this to people who are transgendered.
Yes, there are strong similarities between the two conditions, certainly in terms of life experiences. One can take the “typical” transsexual story and replace gender with disability and you’d have the “typical” transabled story. In fact, my coining the term transabled to balance BIID is a direct reflection of the pairing of transgendered vs GID.
For anyone interested, we have just launched a new site providing information about Body Integrity Identity Disorder. We’re still expanding content, but you can find it such as it is here: http://biid-info.org
Having been exploring self-scarification and branding, I feel some of the call and felt certain yearning.
For me, it has to do with my great ambivalence toward my body and the world I inhabit. When talking to the “straights” I call it decoration, but it is much more ritualistic taking of control…
Peace be on him and good fortune.
Having been exploring self-scarification and branding, I feel some of the call and felt certain yearning.
For me, it has to do with my great ambivalence toward my body and the world I inhabit. When talking to the “straights” I call it decoration, but it is much more ritualistic taking of control…
Peace be on him and good fortune.
Having been exploring self-scarification and branding, I feel some of the call and felt certain yearning.
For me, it has to do with my great ambivalence toward my body and the world I inhabit. When talking to the “straights” I call it decoration, but it is much more ritualistic taking of control…
Peace be on him and good fortune.
Having been exploring self-scarification and branding, I feel some of the call and felt certain yearning.
For me, it has to do with my great ambivalence toward my body and the world I inhabit. When talking to the “straights” I call it decoration, but it is much more ritualistic taking of control…
Peace be on him and good fortune.