Feminization (activity)

Last updated
A dominant woman and a submissive man practicing feminization Forced fem.jpg
A dominant woman and a submissive man practicing feminization

Feminization or feminisation (see spelling differences), sometimes forced feminization (shortened to forcefem or forced femme), [1] [2] and also known as sissification, [3] is a practice in dominance and submission or kink subcultures, involving reversal of gender roles and making a submissive male take on a feminine role, which includes cross-dressing. Subsets of the practice include "sissy training" and variations thereof, where the submissive male is "trained" to become feminine.

Contents

Feminization as a sexual fetish is not the same thing as being a transgender woman, and the submissive partners engaging in it are typically heterosexual men. It has been speculated that the fetish is rooted in societal pressure for men to be traditionally masculine. [4]

Practice

Feminization is a practice in dominance and submission or kink subcultures, which involves reversing gender roles, making a submissive partner – typically a man – take on a feminine role, often for humiliation-based sexual pleasure. [3] [5] This may include them cross-dressing in feminine clothing such as lingerie, makeup, jewellery, perfume, acting in a feminine manner, getting referred to by a feminine name, having anal sex as the receptive partner, [3] [4] wearing prosthetic breasts, or tucking. [6]

People participating in feminization often role-play different scenarios based around the submissive partner's femininity or feminine clothes; these may include role-playing being caught in the act of trying on panties or lipstick, being discovered to be wearing frilly lingerie under their clothes, being a princess, [6] being a "damsel in distress" and treated like a helpless woman, [7] or being hired "as a woman" for a female-coded job like a nurse, cheerleader, sex worker, or businesswoman. [6] HuffPost described one dominatrix's sissification sessions as involving humiliating the submissive by "parading them around" in high heels, make-up, and lingerie; another dominatrix does her sessions by "cheerleading" men into exploring femininity. [5]

Despite being labeled as "forced" feminization, as the role-played scenario may involve that the submissive partner supposedly is feminized against their will, it is a fantasy that is agreed upon by its participants. [4] Whereas not all participants are interested in BDSM aspects of the practice, and only enjoy dressing up, it may also include things such as spanking, pegging, bondage, [3] and humiliation such as making fun of the submissive for having a small and soft penis, and referring to it as a clitoris. [6] The feminized partner is sometimes called a "sissy", [3] and may be said to have been "sissified". [8]

Sissy training and variations

A woman applying makeup to a man during the feminization fetish. Feminization makeup.jpg
A woman applying makeup to a man during the feminization fetish.
Tranvestite Latex Maid.JPG
Cross-dresser in a maids uniform.jpg
As part of "sissy maid training", submissives wear various styles of maid uniforms.

A subset of feminization is "sissy training", wherein the dominant partner slowly over time trains the submissive in being a sissy, making them take on "ultra-feminine" behaviors and participate in feminine activities. [9] As part of this, it is common for the sissy to cross-dress; to shave their body, [9] including their genitals; wear make-up; and wear women's underwear, [8] to appear more womanly. Activities in sissy training involve non-sexual ones, such as applying make-up or cleaning the house, as well as sexual ones. [9]

A further sub-set is "sissy maid training", [9] a common scenario, [7] [10] where the sissy takes on the role of a maid, taking care of housework or serving drinks and food at a party while behaving submissively and wearing an often frilly and revealing maid uniform, [9] [10] such as a French maid or rubber maid dress. The dominant partner in a sissy maid training scenario, overseeing the sissy's housework, may role-play punishing them with things such as spanking, humiliation or bondage, [8] whether the infraction was real or made up; [6] a reward for good behavior might be allowing the submissive to orgasm. [11]

Another common sub-set is "slut training", where the submissive partner is made to wear "slutty" feminine clothing [7] that may reveal a lot of bare skin and show off the submissive's curves, [12] while being teased or chided for being promiscuous or overly sexual. [7] The training involves making the submissive – who often may be shy and embarrassed – overcome those emotions, shifting their mindset so that they instinctively act more provocatively and uninhibitedly. The training may include training the submissive to pose provocatively, such as spreading their buttocks or exposing their genitals, and making them instinctively assume certain such positions in certain situations. [12]

Society and culture

According to a HuffPost feature where sex workers were interviewed, including dominatrixes and escorts, forced feminization is one of the most common sexual fantasies among sex workers' clients: one dominatrix said that a vast majority of her clients want to be sissified. [5] In Danielle J. Lindemann's Dominatrix, about a third of a sample of 305 sex worker clients were interested in being made to cross-dress. [7] The fantasy is to a large degree practiced by heterosexual, cisgender men as the submissive partners, although Vice noted that there were also bisexual and pansexual men present at a feminization meet-up they reported on, as well as some genderfluid and transgender people. [3] In slut training scenarios, the submissive partner is most commonly a woman. [12] The dominant partner may likewise be of any gender; [4] in sissy maid training scenarios, they are typically a woman. [8]

Kinkly describes the appeal of feminization as coming from the societal pressure on men to be traditionally masculine, and how being feminine can give men a feeling of guilt. When a man who is drawn to femininity does things considered feminine as part of a scenario where he is supposedly "forced" to do them, this may provide an outlet for his feelings while also giving him a relief of the guilt, since it within the fantasy is an outside force that caused him to do it; [4] because of the stigma, it may still be difficult for either partner to bring up the subject, however, not knowing how the other will react to it. [10] Some people also use feminization as a way to explore their sexuality. [11] As a BDSM role-play practice, being feminized may appeal to the submissive through making them feel vulnerable and reinforcing their role. [8] Dominant partners may enjoy feminization for getting to bring their submissive partner's "female persona" out, [2] or for getting to erotically humiliating them for their lack of masculinity. [10]

In her book Fetish Sex, writer Violet Blue says that although the kink may seem like it is devaluing women from an outsider's perspective, submissive partners engaging in it often have a lot of respect for women. [6] In Gender Reversals and Gender Cultures, Sabrina P. Ramet writes that although the fantasy may seem contradictory in its treatment of femininity as a source of humiliation, since it is often combined with femdom – as one could assume that the submissive's feminine clothing would be a symbol of the female superiority within a femdom–feminization role-play scenario – the two fantasies are independent even within the role-play, with the humiliation coming from the cultural taboo of wearing women's clothing as a man. [13]

Visual artist Río Sofia created a series of self-portraits in 2019 themed around forced feminization, influenced by the Forced Womanhood! magazine and sharing its name. [14] Feminization was featured in an episode of the television drama series Law & Order: Criminal Intent , which was described as an unrealistic portrayal by author Helen Boyd in her book My Husband Betty. [15]

Feminization, as a sexual fetish, is very different from being a transgender woman; [6] Ana Valens, writing for The Daily Dot , still describes forced feminization as a common fantasy among trans women, as the stigmatized need of trans women to be women, through feminization fantasies, can be met before a trans woman has admitted to having that need. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BDSM</span> Erotic practices involving domination and sadomasochism

BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves to be practising BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture often is said to depend on self-identification and shared experience.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominatrix</span> Woman who takes the dominant role in BDSM activities

A dominatrix, or domme, is a woman who takes the dominant role in BDSM activities. A dominatrix can be of any sexual orientation, but this does not necessarily limit the genders of her submissive partners. Dominatrices are popularly known for inflicting physical pain on their submissive subjects, but this is not done in every case. In some instances erotic humiliation is used, such as verbal humiliation or the assignment of humiliating tasks. Dominatrices also make use of other forms of servitude. Practices of domination common to many BDSM and other various sexual relationships are also prevalent. A dominatrix is typically a paid professional (pro-domme) as the term dominatrix is little-used within the non-professional BDSM scene.

Sissy, also sissy baby, sissy boy, sissy man, sissy pants, etc., is a pejorative term for a boy or man who does not demonstrate masculine traits, and shows possible signs of fragility. Generally, sissy implies a lack of courage, strength, athleticism, coordination, testosterone, male libido, and stoicism. A man might also be considered a sissy for being interested in typically feminine hobbies or employment, displaying effeminate behavior, being unathletic or being homosexual.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual roleplay</span> Sexual and other interactions of people playing type roles

Sexual roleplay is roleplay that has a strong erotic element. It may involve two or more people who act out roles in order to bring to life a sexual fantasy and may be a form of foreplay and be sexually arousing. Many people regard sexual roleplay as a means of overcoming sexual inhibitions. It may take place in the real world, or via an internet forum, chat-room, video-game, or email—allowing for physically or virtually impossible erotic interests to be enacted.

In BDSM, service-oriented submission is the performance of personal tasks for a dominant partner, as part of a submissive role in a BDSM relationship. The submissive is sometimes said to be in service to the dominant. Service-oriented submission is part of a spectrum of submissive behaviors, and not all submissives are service-oriented.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Male dominance (BDSM)</span> Erotic practice

Male dominance, or maledom is a BDSM practice where the dominant partner is male. A sexually dominant male in BDSM practices is also known as a maledom. Maledoms can be professional as well as non-professional. The term ProDom is used for a professional male dominant who earns money by working as a professional dominant as part of the sex industry. A maledom who role-plays a paternal figure is also known as Daddy Dom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Female submission</span> Sexual activities with a female submissive partner

Female submission or femsub is an activity or relationship in which a woman submits to the direction of a sexual partner or has her body used sexually by or for the sexual pleasure of her partner. The expression is often associated with BDSM, where submission to such activity is usually voluntarily and consensual. Submission usually involves a degree of trust by the woman in her partner. The dominant partner is usually a man, but can also be another woman, or there can be multiple dominant partners simultaneously. The submissive woman may derive sexual pleasure or emotional gratification from relinquishing control to a trusted dominant partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macrophilia</span> Sexual interest in giants

Macrophilia is a fascination with or a sexual fantasy involving giants, most commonly expressed as giant humans, as well as giant objects. In 2023, the Giantess kink was found to be the most popular kink searched for on the website Clips4Sale. Generally, depictions range from sexually explicit actions to non-sexual interactions while still providing sexual stimulation for those with the fantasy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of BDSM</span> Erotic practices involving domination and sadomasochism

BDSM is a variety of erotic practices involving dominance and submission, roleplaying, restraint, and other interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves as practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture is usually dependent on self-identification and shared experience. Interest in BDSM can range from one-time experimentation to a lifestyle.

Erotic sexual denial is a popular form of sexual activity whereby sexual gratification for one or both partners is delayed or "denied" sexual experiences in order to increase erotic arousal and/or tension. It is commonly used as sex play within the context of a mild dominance and submission relationship, though it can also be a solo practice. When used in the context of dominance and submission, the dominant partner is often encouraged to prioritize their own sexual pleasure over that of their submissive partner. The submissive partner receives gratification from providing sexual pleasure to their partner and from the feelings of vulnerability and tension that come from having their own sexual pleasure controlled by another. The prohibited sexual experience can be narrowly or broadly defined for a specific or indeterminate length of time, depending on the practitioner. The experience withheld can be any favored or desired sexual activities, such as specific acts or positions, provided it is something the practitioner wants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glossary of BDSM</span> Jargon and esoteric terms used in BDSM

This glossary of BDSM terms defines terms commonly used in the BDSM community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominance and submission</span> Erotic roleplay involving the submission of one person to another

Dominance and submission (D/s) is a set of behaviors, customs, and rituals involving the submission of one person to another in an erotic episode or lifestyle. It is a subset of BDSM. This form of sexual contact and pleasure has been shown to please a minority of people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erotic hypnosis</span> Use of hypnosis in erotic practices and fetishism

Erotic hypnosis is a broad term for a variety of erotic activities involving hypnosis. Some erotic hypnosis is practiced in the context of BDSM relationships and communities. In addition, for some people hypnosis is inherently erotic, making it an example of a sexual fetish or paraphilia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erotic humiliation</span> Consensual use of humiliation in a sexual context

Erotic humiliation or sexual humiliation is a consensual psychological humiliation performed in order to produce erotic excitement or sexual arousal. This can be for either the person(s) being humiliated and demeaned or the person(s) humiliating, or both. It is sometimes performed before spectators, including through pornography and webcam modeling. It may be part of BDSM and other sexual roleplay, or accompanied by the sexual stimulation of the genitals of one or both parties in the activity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petticoating</span> Fetishized cross-dressing activity

Petticoating or pinaforing is a type of forced feminization that involves dressing a man or boy in girls' clothing as a form of humiliation or punishment, or as a fetish. While the practice has come to be a rare, socially unacceptable form of humiliating punishment, it has risen up as both a subgenre of erotic literature or other expression of sexual fantasy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uniform fetishism</span> Sexual fetishism relating to uniforms

Uniform fetishism is a particular type of clothing fetishism in which an individual is sexually aroused by uniforms. It is a form of sexual fetishism. Uniform fetishism has been associated with a variety of different uniforms, including schoolgirl and cheerleader uniforms, French maid uniforms, and uniforms associated with police or military organisations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BDSM in culture and media</span> Stories, books and media about bondage

BDSM is a frequent theme in culture and media, including in books, films, television, music, magazines, public performances and online media.

Financial domination is a fetish lifestyle in which a financial submissive desires to give gifts or money to a financial dominant.

A cuckquean is the wife of an adulterous husband, and the gender-opposite of a cuckold. In evolutionary biology, the term is also applied to females who are investing parental effort in offspring that are not genetically their own. Similar prying within a family is called wittoldry. The term is derived from Early Modern English dating back to AD 1562 and is composed of the terms cuck "someone whose partner is unfaithful" and quean "disreputable woman".

Small penis humiliation (SPH) is a form of verbal erotic humiliation involving the penis where a dominant person usually consensually degrades a submissive's penis. The practice may involve sexual acts or just the verbal humiliation itself; it may take place in public or in private.

References

  1. ↑ Parks-Ramage, Jonathan (2016-08-08). "Das geheime Leben von Crossdressern". Vice (in German). Vice Media. Archived from the original on 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  2. 1 2 Fischer, Nancy L.; Seidman, Steven (2016). Introducing the New Sexuality Studies (3rd ed.). Routledge. p. 351. ISBN   9781317449188.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Parks-Ramage, Jonathan (2016-07-28). "'I Cross-Dress. Do You Still Love Me?': The Secret Lives of Sissies". Vice . Vice Media. Archived from the original on 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Forced Feminization". Kinkly. 2019-10-28. Archived from the original on 2019-11-07. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  5. 1 2 3 Borresen, Kelsey (2018-10-24). "6 Of The Most Common Sexual Fantasies, According To Sex Workers". Huffington Post . Archived from the original on 2020-04-24. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Blue, Violet (2006). "7: Cross-Dressing and Sissies". Fetish Sex: An Erotic Guide For Couples. Daedalus Publishing. pp. 119–140. ISBN   1-881943-23-2.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Lindemann, Danielle J. (2012). Dominatrix: Gender, Eroticism, and Control in the Dungeon. University of Chicago Press. pp. 167–169. ISBN   9780226482569.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Maid Training". Kinkly. 2017-05-09. Archived from the original on 2020-06-28. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sissy Training". Kinkly. 2017-10-02. Archived from the original on 2019-11-07. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Varrin, Claudia (1998). The Art of Sensual Female Dominance: A Guide for Women. Carol Publishing Group. pp. 53–61. ISBN   1-55972-447-1.
  11. 1 2 Boyd, Helen (2003). My Husband Betty: Love, Sex, and Life with a Crossdresser . Seal Press. pp. 176–179. ISBN   978-1-56025-515-4.
  12. 1 2 3 "Slut Training". Kinkly. 2017-09-04. Archived from the original on 2020-07-07. Retrieved 2020-07-07.
  13. ↑ Ramet, Sabrina P. (1996). Gender reversals and gender cultures: anthropological and historical perspectives. Routledge. pp. 12–14. ISBN   978-0-415-11482-0. Archived from the original on 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  14. ↑ Walker, Harron (2019-04-25). "Making Work in Her Own Image". Out . Pride Media. Archived from the original on 2020-05-28. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  15. ↑ Boyd, Helen (2003). My Husband Betty: Love, Sex, and Life with a Crossdresser . Seal Press. pp. 33–34. ISBN   978-1-56025-515-4.
  16. ↑ Valens, Ana (2020-02-28). "Trans/Sex: Kink is affirming—and complicated—for trans women". The Daily Dot . Archived from the original on 2020-05-24. Retrieved 2020-07-02.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.