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The Intersections of Kink and Autism
This event has now finished.
LMB/037X, Law and Sociology Building, Campus East, University of York (Map)
Event details
There is a growing body of research demonstrating that kink subcultures are appealing to neurodivergent individuals, in particular autistic people, with rationales highlighting the importance of rules and boundaries within kink alongside the how kink spaces are welcoming for marginalised and queer individuals.
This talk draws on three studies to provide further insight into the overlaps between autism and kink, with a particular focus on a particular kink subculture – pup play. Drawing from online surveys with people who engage in pup play, and people who engage in kink more generally, the studies outline a high preponderance of autistic traits in the different kink samples. Follow on qualitative research highlights why kink is so appealing for autistic people, with kink providing a welcome structure for intimacy and sex allowing individuals to explore social and sexual interactions with ease.
This talk highlights the importance of researching the intersections between sexuality and neurodiversity from a mixed method perspective, arguing how research can be enhanced with increased possibilities through a more inclusive approach.
To book your place, please respond to the calendar invite. If you are not on the invitation and would like to attend please contact Edmund Coleman-Fountain at edmund.coleman-fountain@york.ac.uk.
About the speaker
Liam Wignall
Liam Wignall is a senior lecturer in Psychology at the University of Brighton. Liam's work primarily focuses on the impact of the internet and the role of community participation for non-heterosexual individuals who engage in kink practices.
Specifically, he has published on how the internet is used by kinky gay and bisexual men as a way of generating kink identities, connecting with others, and forging communities online and offline. He has also documented the development of the kink subculture of pup play, demonstrating how the internet is embedded into origin narratives and serves as a tool for connectivity.
Venue details
Wheelchair accessible
No hearing loop