Fetish Friday: Autoplushophilia
While ‘fetish’ defines the object of someone’s sexual fantasies (whether that’s a living being or an inanimate object), ‘kink’ refers to the ‘non-conventional’ practices that a person fantasizes about or takes part in. When considering either of these definitions, both are typically considered to deviate from conventional social norms.
In recent years, however, we have thankfully seen the world become increasingly sex-positive; thus, many fetishes and kinks are regarded as being ‘normal.’ Still, though, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood by everyone. This may be partly due to the number of subcultures that can branch from a single fetish or kink, potentially leaving outsiders uncertain of what it entails.
Today, we’ll be speaking about autoplushophilia to help remove any misperceptions and uncertainties on the paraphilia. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish, as well as what someone who takes part in it might be into.
What is autoplushophilia?
Autoplushophilia describes folx who experience sexual arousal when imagining themselves as being made of plush, such as a plush toy. This paraphilia may involve the person role-playing the part during sexual encounters with their partners or enjoying their own company while envisioning themselves as plush. Either way, these scenarios may or may not involve the individual wearing a plush suit to emulate the vision they have created in their mind.
Common misconceptions
Just like autoplushophilia does not always tie into the furry fandom, not all folx with this paraphilia are interested in being furries. As well, despite autoplushophiliacs often emulating plush animals in their role-plays, it does not mean that they are interested in bestiality (sexual encounters with live animals). In fact, it’s the plush aspect that is arousing to them.
That said, these folx don’t necessarily experience plushophilia, either (the sexual attraction to stuffed animals).
How to talk about it with your partner
If there is something that causes sexual arousal for you — regardless of how ‘taboo’ it may seem — you should always feel comfortable talking about your kinks and fetishes with your partner. In an open dialogue, you can discuss what you find enticing about this paraphilia and how they can interact with you (sexually or platonically) when you envision yourself as plush.
Your significant other may have some questions that, if you feel comfortable answering, may help them get a better understanding of how they can take part in your fetish with you!
Things to try
Because autoplushophilia simply involves a person experiencing sexual arousal while imagining themselves as a plush toy or creature, this is quite a versatile fetish. The human-identifying partner may engage in sexual intercourse with the ‘plush’ as if they were a toy, or the autoplushophiliac may want to enjoy solo masturbation while envisioning themselves (or dressed up as) as plush. Folx may also want to engage in other kinks or fetishes simultaneously, such as BDSM, temperature play, and so forth.
Are there risks to consider?
Upfront, there are inherent risks when imagining oneself as a plush, nor with dressing up as plush; the same goes for the autoplushophiliac’s sexual partners. However, once folx begin engaging in any sexual activities, they need to worry about the potential transmission of STIs and pregnancy risks (if that is a concern to anyone involved). In these scenarios of a more sexual nature, practise safe sex by using protection and exploring all of your birth control options.
How can I learn more?
To learn more about autoplushophilia, including how it can relate to other kinks and fetishes, we highly recommend visiting websites and online communities explicitly dedicated to this paraphilia. In some cases, these can direct you to in-person meet-ups with others who enjoy the same fetish, which offers the opportunity to share ideas with like-minded folx in a face-to-face setting. Keep in mind, though, that this is still possible virtually (and, if you prefer, anonymously)!
After reading this, we hope you have developed a greater understanding of what it means to have autoplushophilia as a paraphilia and fetish. The next time the topic comes up in conversation, we are confident that you will feel encouraged to speak about it, whether it be to learn more about the kink from someone who practices it first-hand or to educate someone who may be closed off to the idea. With your help, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place!
Is autoplushophilia something you’ve experienced, personally? Do you achieve sexual arousal through a partner role-playing as a stuffed animal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
