This is a delicate topic but I'm extremely interested to know what the members think of the phenomenon. It's my understanding (though I have no personal experience with it sexually)that it's practiced in widely in certain facets of the gay community and among adolescent males. I have a particular reason for asking about it but I'll refrain from explaining until I see where this thread goes.
All I know about it, is that I had a friend (22, and straight) that was doing it alone (I know that sometimes people do it with someone for safety), and died.
All I know is that many people have died doing it, Stronzo. I think it's crazy and unsafe, to say the least.
Thanks both of you for your spin on this thing. I lost my only brother to it when he was twenty years old. I'm glad to see the take on it is a negative one.
Well, it wasn't my brother, so I can't even imagine... But my friend was a dear sweet guy, one of, if not THE most popular guy in school, and completely adored by everyone, and shocked the whole community.
It's pretty commonplace in men of all sexualities. One recent study of 150 cases concluded that approx. 500 to 1000 males die in the US each year as a result of autoerotic asphyxiation. Advocates argue that it's a safe practice if carried out with someone else present... but obviously, this is still a clear form of Russian roulette for the sake of a supposedly enhanced sexual 'rush'. Of course, it's that very life-or-death element which doubtless adds to the 'thrill'. It's relatively uncommon on the organized fetish scene, and most who practice it do so alone. EDIT: sorry to hear it affected you so directly, Stronzo, I was typing this while you were posting. There are links to groups supporting those who have lost loved ones to autoerotic asphyxiation as well as an insightful study here ---> http://www.silentvictims.org/
I only bring it up to bring light to the phenomenon. I realize that by-in-large we're one fine group of people in here but I have done scrutinous study on it since it was the means by which my brother, inadvertently, took his own life. If I can do no other good by being at this site I would warn any who practice it to stop doing so immediately. My brother was straight too (not that it matters). It can (and in my brother's case) went terribly wrong. The statistics surrounding its occurence are intentionally covered by coroners and families because of the sexual piece around it. But I recently had a very good friend of mine (ex-lover in fact) visiting with my boyfriend and me. I had never told him about how my brother died and one day rather off-handedly he said "do you know about choking yourself until you cum"?? I went ballistic. I lost it and shook him by the shoulders. I'm not going to go on about the lecture I gave him ... the ramifications to those left behind, etc.... but I hope I stopped him from every practicing it again. If any of you see yourselves reflected in the words written at this thread I encourage you to rethink yourselves. It's Russian Roulette and I'm living proof of what the aftermath of momentary selfish sexual gratification can do to those you choose to ignore in the act itself. ** steps, with trepidation, off his shaky soapbox.
Thanks for the sentiment and the url alex. Again, I'm not looking for sympathy. I've had over 20 years to deal with his loss. And I thought long and hard about exposing myself this overtly on here but if it can do anything positive, fuck it. I'm posting it. Maybe it's really why I'm here.
That is really sad Stronzo,I won't dwell as you told us not to. Speaking of autoerotic Asphyxiation, one of the new trends in schools is to, Get a group of students in a circle, and one person places their hands on either side of the adam's apple. pressing down and cutting off any airflow until the other students eyes flutter, and they pass out. It has been banned but kids have been doing it since I was a kid. It gives a rush, and I think they are maybe too young to receive an orgasm, but just thought this tied in with that.
Stronzo, so sorry to read about the details of your personnal connection to this fetish. It is something I believe to be very risky and not to be attempted. I, too, would have reacted the same way if someone brought up the subject.
Yes jeff. I know of it since a boy (14 years old) died of it recently in a neighboring town. It seems to me it's simply a public version of the private phenomenon. Thanks for being so kind. Promise me jeff, promise me, you'll discourage its practice if you're ever exposed to it.
Stronzo, this is terrible--beyond terrible to lose your only brother. I am so sorry to hear this. All the more reason to encourage people always to play with partners. Nothing can replace a brother, but I hope you are doing OK. Is there anything else you want to tell us about this?
No. Not really. Again, I thought for a goodly amount of time before I decided to post on this topic and I finally said that perhaps, just perhaps, some good can come from my divulging what is extremely personal information. My brother was my best friend and my best advocate. Then one day he decided to tempt fate and lost his wager. I reiterate his loss only to reinforce the reality of playing with one's own mortality be it from AEA or bareback sex. Simply be responsible; for the aftermath of what you do to those who love you is inestimable.
There was a special on one of the news magazine shows recently about this. I did not have time to catch it, though it seemed to be warning of the dangers of autoerotic asphyxiation. The closest I came to it was in junior high when I agreed to let someone knock me out by cutting off my air supply or blood supply. I never participated again. I do not like loosing control be it passing out, getting drunk or being tied up (I do not think I would do very well to be arrested as the idea of cuffs makes me cringe.) I hope that your story will show people how dangerous it can be and prevent people from taking part in such activities.
