neophyte
Est. Contributor
- Messages
- 2,021
- Role
- Diaper Lover
An ongoing topic,
The ABDL lifestyle has made leaps and bounds over the past ten or so years in terms of participation, volume of products, access to adult baby products, and vendors. Unfortunately there is a gap with public awareness and ABDL image.
ABDL, a safe and enjoyable lifestyle, remains somewhat underground and only through awareness can dormant ABDLs and the general population learn about this lifestyle, that there is a market for it, that they can enjoy that side of them if they choose to, and that there is nothing to be afraid of.
Some community members are against growing awareness to this lifestyle, but the majority of ABDLs would like for the public to become more aware, understanding, and somewhat accepting.
The main issue for us is that many ABDLs develop mild mental health issues caused by the stigma and misunderstanding of our lifestyle. Symptoms often include shame, binge/purge cycles, depression, unrealistic feelings of guilt, and many other demeaning feelings that arise from having to constantly hide their lifestyle and sneak around.
Is it time for the community and vendors to get a bit more involved with bringing clean and positive awareness to the public? Many vendors are involved and making efforts, Tykables gets an honorable mention for their public awareness and involvement, DayniteCare also works hard to build the community, build a good image, and hold events such as BBQs at their retail store. Northshore and many others are working hard and getting involved.
Why bother? People tend to react negatively to things which they do not understand and which are unusual.
Look at it this way, just 15-20 years ago adults would be shamed and humiliated to be caught...
Years ago childish underwear and pajamas were only for kids under ten years old; now they are on the shelf in supermarkets available for adults, and not one thinks twice if a grown man is wearing super mario underwear. 'Kidulting' is catching on.
So here we are, dressing up and acting like a baby sounds absolutely absurd, just as absurd as the things I mentioned above once did... though we must admit that ABDL is a bit more extreme, but there is an opportunity for it to be more acceptable. Wearing diapers for enjoyment is a whole other category and likely tops the list of weird things people do.
Before you quickly comment saying "Wearing diapers for fun will never become mainstream, common, or normal" I encourage you understand that it is possible to bring more awareness and understanding, even it it's just a small improvement remember that these things are done in baby steps and we can do more to help reduce the amount of suffering many members are dealing with.
I'd like to hear ideas on what can be done to help improve awareness and get involved. What would it take for AR (Age Regression) to get recognized by the LGBTTQQIAAP community which is no longer JUST about sexual preference but more about lifestyle and how one identifies.
Can vendors like Rearz and Tykables do more to advertise their products publicly? Do they need our support, even if that means funding? Rearz should not be prevented from advertising just because some users of their product consider it sexual. If Depends can advertise then so should Rearz.
Also important, one does not need to be ABDL to prefer or enjoy ABDL incontinence products which blow depends and TENA out of the water in terms of reliability and enjoyment.
The ABDL lifestyle has made leaps and bounds over the past ten or so years in terms of participation, volume of products, access to adult baby products, and vendors. Unfortunately there is a gap with public awareness and ABDL image.
ABDL, a safe and enjoyable lifestyle, remains somewhat underground and only through awareness can dormant ABDLs and the general population learn about this lifestyle, that there is a market for it, that they can enjoy that side of them if they choose to, and that there is nothing to be afraid of.
Some community members are against growing awareness to this lifestyle, but the majority of ABDLs would like for the public to become more aware, understanding, and somewhat accepting.
The main issue for us is that many ABDLs develop mild mental health issues caused by the stigma and misunderstanding of our lifestyle. Symptoms often include shame, binge/purge cycles, depression, unrealistic feelings of guilt, and many other demeaning feelings that arise from having to constantly hide their lifestyle and sneak around.
Is it time for the community and vendors to get a bit more involved with bringing clean and positive awareness to the public? Many vendors are involved and making efforts, Tykables gets an honorable mention for their public awareness and involvement, DayniteCare also works hard to build the community, build a good image, and hold events such as BBQs at their retail store. Northshore and many others are working hard and getting involved.
Why bother? People tend to react negatively to things which they do not understand and which are unusual.
Look at it this way, just 15-20 years ago adults would be shamed and humiliated to be caught...
- Men wearing women's panties
- Cross dressing / transgender
- Gay/Bi-Sexual
- Men wearing printed underwear or pajamas
- Adults wearing printed/animal onesie pajamas
Years ago childish underwear and pajamas were only for kids under ten years old; now they are on the shelf in supermarkets available for adults, and not one thinks twice if a grown man is wearing super mario underwear. 'Kidulting' is catching on.
So here we are, dressing up and acting like a baby sounds absolutely absurd, just as absurd as the things I mentioned above once did... though we must admit that ABDL is a bit more extreme, but there is an opportunity for it to be more acceptable. Wearing diapers for enjoyment is a whole other category and likely tops the list of weird things people do.
Before you quickly comment saying "Wearing diapers for fun will never become mainstream, common, or normal" I encourage you understand that it is possible to bring more awareness and understanding, even it it's just a small improvement remember that these things are done in baby steps and we can do more to help reduce the amount of suffering many members are dealing with.
I'd like to hear ideas on what can be done to help improve awareness and get involved. What would it take for AR (Age Regression) to get recognized by the LGBTTQQIAAP community which is no longer JUST about sexual preference but more about lifestyle and how one identifies.
Can vendors like Rearz and Tykables do more to advertise their products publicly? Do they need our support, even if that means funding? Rearz should not be prevented from advertising just because some users of their product consider it sexual. If Depends can advertise then so should Rearz.
Also important, one does not need to be ABDL to prefer or enjoy ABDL incontinence products which blow depends and TENA out of the water in terms of reliability and enjoyment.