Journalist hoping to speak to some members of your community

[AdamKovac (imported)]

Hi everybody,

My name is Adam Kovac, I'm a freelance journalist based out of Montreal, Canada.

I've done some reading of literature on castration, in the past month or so, spoken to Tom Johnson and Richard Wassersug, both of whom have written academically about castration and who I believe some of you know.

I'm hoping that some of you would volunteer to speak to me about your decision to get castrated, and how it's affected your life. I'm hoping to get as wide an array of experiences, motivations and stories as possible, because obviously this is a large community, and trying to come up with some kind of prototypical member would be reductive.

I realize that this is something highly personal, and I'm asking a lot. So anything I can do to put your minds at ease, please let me know.

My motivation here is that from what Tom and Richard told me, there's been a lot of very exploitative and sensationalistic reporting around castration. I want to set the record straight. Particularly interesting is that in my conversation with Tom, he mentioned that some feel that those who have undergone castration should be welcomed under the LGBTQ banner, but feel they aren't welcome there. It seems to me that if the LGBTQ community isn't representing you, it's because your stories aren't being heard.

There is no publication at present, as this is still preliminary research, but for what it's worth, I'm hoping that The Atlantic might be interested.

All feedback is welcome, and I look forward to (hopefully!) speaking with many of you.

Thanks,

Adam

[Paolo]

Here we go again...

Be nice, LT!

[C&TL2745 (imported)]

....

I'm hoping to get as wide an array of experiences, motivations and stories as possible, because obviously this is a large community, and trying to come up with some kind of prototypical member would be reductive....

I'm concerned that the term "prototypical member" is even in your thinking.

Men who've lost their testicles (or are about to) have a multitude of quite different stories. Some didn't want to lose their testicles but have (or will) due to cancer either in the testicles or in the prostate. Some see castration as a step toward a sex change. Some simply don't want the sexual urges that they attribute to testosterone. Some are looking for a calmness that they don't think they'll find with testosterone in their blood. Some see themselves as non-male but not female and view their testicles as something foreign attached to their bodies. Some are gay; some are straight; some are bisexual; some are asexual; some aren't sure what they are. Some take hormone replacement therapy, and others don't. Still others take estrogen. Some seek doctors who will do an orchiectomy without a compelling medical reason, and others take matters into their own hands, either by self=medicating or by destroying their testicles so that a doctor will finally have a medical reason to remove them. Some have achieved castration or penectomy by indulging a fantasy that suddenly got too real by accident. Some know exactly why they did it; others are still trying to understand. There are those who have no interest in modifying their own bodies but are intensely interested in what has happened to others, either in real life or in fictional accounts and movies.

Simply put, any attempt to define a "prototypical member" is misguided. There's no such thing.

The EA is unique in welcoming all who have an interest in castration and related subjects like penectomy, urethral reroutes, chemical castration, etc., and even female superiority/dominance, regardless of the reason for their interest, and regardless of whether they're serious or just indulging a fantasy. I imagine many would welcome the support of the LGBT community, but others couldn't care less. Many simply want to get on with their lives as men (or women or nullos) with the public at large not knowing that they've been castrated. And a fair number come here to find out what they need to know and then disappear after that or after announcing that they've finally reached their goal. If you want to write about what happens to them afterward, you probably won't be able to contact them.

I applaud your stated intent to present a non-exploitative, non-sensationalized view of castration and those who've sought it or experienced it. I just think that goal may be out of your reach. I would recommend reading the forum and blogs here for a couple of years before putting even one word on paper.

Sandi

[AdamKovac (imported)]

I'm concerned that the term "prototypical member" is even in your thinking.

Men who've lost their testicles (or are about to) have a multitude of quite different stories. Some didn't want to lose their testicles but have (or will) due to cancer either in the testicles or in the prostate. Some see castration as a step toward a sex change. Some simply don't want the sexual urges that they attribute to testosterone. Some are looking for a calmness that they don't think they'll find with testosterone in their blood. Some see themselves as non-male but not female and view their testicles as something foreign attached to their bodies. Some are gay; some are straight; some are bisexual; some are asexual; some aren't sure what they are. Some take hormone replacement therapy, and others don't. Still others take estrogen. Some seek doctors who will do an orchiectomy without a compelling medical reason, and others take matters into their own hands, either by self=medicating or by destroying their testicles so that a doctor will finally have a medical reason to remove them. Some have achieved castration or penectomy by indulging a fantasy that suddenly got too real by accident. Some know exactly why they did it; others are still trying to understand. There are those who have no interest in modifying their own bodies but are intensely interested in what has happened to others, either in real life or in fictional accounts and movies.

Simply put, any attempt to define a "prototypical member" is misguided. There's no such thing.

The EA is unique in welcoming all who have an interest in castration and related subjects like penectomy, urethral reroutes, chemical castration, etc., and even female superiority/dominance, regardless of the reason for their interest, and regardless of whether they're serious or just indulging a fantasy. I imagine many would welcome the support of the LGBT community, but others couldn't care less. Many simply want to get on with their lives as men (or women or nullos) with the public at large not knowing that they've been castrated. And a fair number come here to find out what they need to know and then disappear after that or after announcing that they've finally reached their goal. If you want to write about what happens to them afterward, you probably won't be able to contact them.

I applaud your stated intent to present a non-exploitative, non-sensationalized view of castration and those who've sought it or experienced it. I just think that goal may be out of your reach. I would recommend reading the forum and blogs here for a couple of years before putting even one word on paper.

Sandi

Hi Sandi,

Thanks for your response.

I brought up the idea of the "prototypical member" because in the few mainstream media article I've found, the journalist seemed to want to establish just that. I get why they do that - it's a complex issue, and in an effort to personalize a focal character, they went too far and tried to make them a symbol for all castrated men. To me, that's lazy, and exactly what I DON'T want to do.

As I mentioned, my focus would likely be on the effort to be recognized under the LGBTQ banner, but that requires context. I'm trying to be thorough in being able to offer that, and that means putting faces on the very diverse castration community.

I see where you're coming from on skimming for a few years, but logistics and quite frankly, my need to make a living make that a bit of an impossibility.

If anybody would like to see samples of my work, I'd be happy to send them. One of my more recent pieces was a profile of Mina Caputo, the first trans heavy metal star, and I think it's a good indicator of my ability to treat sensitive topics with respect.

And just to make it clear, I can't do this without speaking to a lot of you. I won't half-ass an article, and I really think this is something that needs more mainstream exposure. Hell, my brother is a urologist, and he knew very little about castration outside of the cancer treatments you mentioned (though to be fair, he's highly specialized).

Again, thanks for letting me hear your point of view.

[Losethem (imported)]

Here we go again...

Be nice, LT!

Darn!

OK, I'll be firm but polite.

This community has seen journalists come in from time to time. Working in media myself, I get the reason behind sensationalism, etc. (It sells). That is exactly what has happened to us in the past - sensationalism. There has been NO attempt to paint us as anything but freaks, and frankly that has turned off most if not all of us that have actually had physical alterations to our bodies. We simply refuse to take part in any interviews with the media as we've been burned several times. See the Details Magazine article from 2006 - it's the reason I will NEVER speak to another journalist on the record about this subject ever again. My quotes were taken completely out of context and I was made to look like a freak.

After the Details magazine fiasco, I was approached by a TV production company from the UK. They tried to get me to go on camera about my "case" and physical changes to my body. They said I had nothing to worry about as it would never be shown in the US. Other than the fact that I know a lot of people in Europe, and they don't know this about my body, I didn't expect that a media COMPANY wouldn't sell this program to the highest bidder. I was 100% correct in that assessment. Not more than 3 months after it aired in the UK and Europe more broadly, there it was making the rounds on US cable television channels. So, I was essentially lied to by a reporter/the media yet again. I'm very relieved I did not participate.

This in no way means I want to imply you're without integrity. I personally know many reporters who have high integrity. However, those who do not have a shred of integrity have ruined your chances of getting anyone legitimate such as myself to talk to you on the record. So while I'd like to chat, I refuse to do so because of past poor treatment by people who have approached us as you have.

I really hope you'll be the exception to what we've seen in the past. Unfortunately, you have a very high mountain to climb.

--LT

[C&TL2745 (imported)]

....

As I mentioned, my focus would likely be on the effort to be recognized under the LGBTQ banner

Then your focus is wrong. I've been here for several years, and I have yet to see anyone caring much about being recognized under that banner. If you're going to write, don't start with your conclusion and then pick your "facts" to match. That's dishonest and unethical at best.

I see where you're coming from on skimming for a few years, but logistics and quite frankly, my need to make a living make that a bit of an impossibility.

Then write something else to put bread on the table. In the mean time, educate yourself by not just "skimming" but spending a few hours per week reading here. Read with an open mind, not with an agenda. Get to know the people who post by what they write here, not in an interview. Participate by asking questions in open forum. After a couple of years, you may be qualified to write something. Or not. Losethem is right about getting an interview on record. I certainly wouldn't go on record with my full name and contact information, and I'm just the wife of one who has had genital surgery.

....

And just to make it clear, I can't do this without speaking to a lot of you....

Then, in all likelihood, you can't do it.

Sandi

[Wellesley (imported)]

No option to "send private message"

Do you have questions? Survey? etc

What is it you want to know exactly in simple terms? Not everyone on here has English as a first language.

[EvilAvertSword (imported)]

They may seem vindictive, but understand that trust is hard earned in many communities, not just this one.

[Riverwind (imported)]

What LT said, and I might add I also was duped and lied to so no thank you, I wish you will but NO.

[Paolo]

Adam,

What it comes down to is that every time in the past that this has happened (someone wants to do a show/write a story), the community here and those who participate are made out to look like freaks for the sideshow.

The travesty that was "American Eunuchs" comes readily to mind.

Now, while you've done nothing wrong as far as the Boards here, I'll tell you this: It's up to the Staff to protect the Members. Please don't pester anyone. I'm not trying to start a fight, just be respectful please.

The Staff WILL defend the Members here, up to and including IP banning.

I'm also a bit concerned with your statement that this story is very important to your job.

I'd recommend to your superiors that they find something else to get interested in, or they're likely to have one of those folks whom LT loves so dearly (the fantasy wankers) filling their databases with utter bullshit.

Watch out for that.

As the old saying goes, "Fool me once..."

Well, too many have fooled already. Just so you know.

[jcat (imported)]

We need the media to change the perception of us as 'freaks' and 'nutcases'. Ultimately, this is already being done by the likes of Tom Johnson and Richard Wassersug and others and the word is getting out to some of the medical community at least.

My problem with all this journo stuff is that it wants to put a label around our necks and put us in a defined box at every level.

The plain fact of the matter is that labels and binaries do not work at any level in society, let alone in this community.

The only way you will get any real insight is to read through some of the threads from beginning to end and look at the people in a completely open and non judgmental way. My journey has been interesting, dangerous and eventful, along the way, I have changed my whole way of thinking about what it is to be in this community.

I have made many mistakes and posted some stupid things and done some even crazier things. I might have said a few wise things too! All of which have moulded me.

What I can say, and this applies to all humanity is that everyone of us needs to balance how we feel inside with how we see ourselves in the world. For some they need a bigger or smaller nose just to be able to live. It matters not a jot to their inner being that the rest of the world perceives their existing nose to be cute. What matters is how they connect their inner being with their outer being. Our perception is irrelevant.

It is the 'norm' to accept cosmetic surgery for a whole range of body parts..... It is Ok for Angelina Jolie to remove her breasts for 'fear' of cancer, why won't they remove my bowels because I have so much bowel cancer on both side of my genetic tree and I probably will get it? Would I do it and live with a stoma? Maybe, surely the choice should be mine. I have used this as a very real example in my life.

So why can I not get my genitals removed because all my life it has felt wrong to have them. Do I want a vagina? No I don't. "Have a vagina and we will take the male bits away!" So you will replace one lot of bits with another lot I don't want? "Yes'". Are they fucking crazy or what? I don't anything there!

This is all about perception.

What does it matter if John Doe wants to have horns? Or have his testicles removed and his penis.

What matters is that whoever we are that there is a psycho aesthetic balance between our inner being and our outer one.

No labels, no groups, no clubs or binaries or boxes just freedom to be.

It does not matter whether it is the testicles or the nose. This is what has to be communicated to the media.

[want2bfixed (imported)]

I would like to share how I came to this with u how do I get in touch?

[Quillman (imported)]

Darn!

OK, I'll be firm but polite.

This community has seen journalists come in from time to time. Working in media myself, I get the reason behind sensationalism, etc. (It sells). That is exactly what has happened to us in the past - sensationalism. There has been NO attempt to paint us as anything but freaks, and frankly that has turned off most if not all of us that have actually had physical alterations to our bodies. We simply refuse to take part in any interviews with the media as we've been burned several times. See the Details Magazine article from 2006 - it's the reason I will NEVER speak to another journalist on the record about this subject ever again. My quotes were taken completely out of context and I was made to look like a freak.

After the Details magazine fiasco, I was approached by a TV production company from the UK. They tried to get me to go on camera about my "case" and physical changes to my body. They said I had nothing to worry about as it would never be shown in the US. Other than the fact that I know a lot of people in Europe, and they don't know this about my body, I didn't expect that a media COMPANY wouldn't sell this program to the highest bidder. I was 100% correct in that assessment. Not more than 3 months after it aired in the UK and Europe more broadly, there it was making the rounds on US cable television channels. So, I was essentially lied to by a reporter/the media yet again. I'm very relieved I did not participate.

This in no way means I want to imply you're without integrity. I personally know many reporters who have high integrity. However, those who do not have a shred of integrity have ruined your chances of getting anyone legitimate such as myself to talk to you on the record. So while I'd like to chat, I refuse to do so because of past poor treatment by people who have approached us as you have.

I really hope you'll be the exception to what we've seen in the past. Unfortunately, you have a very high mountain to climb.

--LT

I had wondered what became of that film what ten years ago and in the UK, I was involved with the initial setting up but other better individuals took it up, and I thought the result was most interesting and useful, although it did attract adverse criticism especially in the US. Sadly the law took my copy away (as they also took Mary Poppins and The Sound Of Music) but I stand by what I remember, and only sorry that I had not been more involved.

Quillman UK

[Hash (imported)]

Please feel free to read all of my comments/blogs here on the EA, under the name Hash. I am a recent nullo. No nothing, no testicles and no penis. You can send me a private message.

[kristoff]

Please feel free to read all of my comments/blogs here on the EA, under the name Hash. I am a recent nullo. No nothing, no testicles and no penis. You can send me a private message.

For him to send a private message, he will have to have 5 posts to gain the privilege, just like everyone else.

[AdamKovac (imported)]

First, sorry for the delay in answering. It's been a busy few days on other projects.

Just to be clear: the LGBTQ thing came from a conversation with Tom Johnson, who I understand is one of the premiere researchers on the field of castration. If what he told me was wrong, it's important for me to know and hear it from you guys. It's one thing to speak to an academic, and something else entirely to talk to people who are living it. So I'm glad you told me that - if it's an angle that's not worth pursuing, that's important to know.

My question is, what is the major objection to talking to me? I want to write about the community because I feel there isn't a lot of accurate information out there. Wouldn't a story that is accurate be beneficial? I'm working under the assumption that being better understood by the vast majority of people would be a good thing?

[AdamKovac (imported)]

First, sorry for the delay in answering. It's been a busy few days on other projects.

Just to be clear: the LGBTQ thing came from a conversation with Tom Johnson, who I understand is one of the premiere researchers on the field of castration. If what he told me was wrong, it's important for me to know and hear it from you guys. It's one thing to speak to an academic, and something else entirely to talk to people who are living it. So I'm glad you told me that - if it's an angle that's not worth pursuing, that's important to know.

My question is, what is the major objection to talking to me? I want to write about the community because I feel there isn't a lot of accurate information out there. Wouldn't a story that is accurate be beneficial? I'm working under the assumption that being better understood by the vast majority of people would be a good thing?

[AdamKovac (imported)]

Darn!

OK, I'll be firm but polite.

This community has seen journalists come in from time to time. Working in media myself, I get the reason behind sensationalism, etc. (It sells). That is exactly what has happened to us in the past - sensationalism. There has been NO attempt to paint us as anything but freaks, and frankly that has turned off most if not all of us that have actually had physical alterations to our bodies. We simply refuse to take part in any interviews with the media as we've been burned several times. See the Details Magazine article from 2006 - it's the reason I will NEVER speak to another journalist on the record about this subject ever again. My quotes were taken completely out of context and I was made to look like a freak.

After the Details magazine fiasco, I was approached by a TV production company from the UK. They tried to get me to go on camera about my "case" and physical changes to my body. They said I had nothing to worry about as it would never be shown in the US. Other than the fact that I know a lot of people in Europe, and they don't know this about my body, I didn't expect that a media COMPANY wouldn't sell this program to the highest bidder. I was 100% correct in that assessment. Not more than 3 months after it aired in the UK and Europe more broadly, there it was making the rounds on US cable television channels. So, I was essentially lied to by a reporter/the media yet again. I'm very relieved I did not participate.

This in no way means I want to imply you're without integrity. I personally know many reporters who have high integrity. However, those who do not have a shred of integrity have ruined your chances of getting anyone legitimate such as myself to talk to you on the record. So while I'd like to chat, I refuse to do so because of past poor treatment by people who have approached us as you have.

I really hope you'll be the exception to what we've seen in the past. Unfortunately, y

ou have a very high mountain to climb.

--LT

First, sorry for the delay in answering. It's been a busy few days on other projects.

Just to be clear: the LGBTQ thing came from a conversation with Tom Johnson, who I understand is one of the premiere researchers on the field of castration. If what he told me was wrong, it's important for me to know and hear it from you guys. It's one thing to speak to an academic, and something else entirely to talk to people who are living it. So I'm glad you told me that - if it's an angle that's not worth pursuing, that's important to know.

My question is, what is the major objection to talking to me? I want to write about the community because I feel there isn't a lot of accurate information out there. Wouldn't a story that is accurate be beneficial? I'm working under the assumption that being better understo

od by the vast majority of people would be a good thing?

I appreciate your courtesy. And I want to assure everybody, because it seems to be a matter of concern, I want to be as respectful to you and your experiences as possible. You guys have been burned before - I get it, and the last thing I would want to do is repeat that. For those who are willing, please tell me what you want from me to prove that I'm coming at this from a place of respect.

For those of you who would like to get in touch with me, you can reach me via email: [email protected]

If it's ok with you, I'm going to stick around and keep reading. This is your place, and I don't want to violate it, so I'm not sure if I am allowed to post in other threads to ask questions. Please tell me to piss off if I make anyone uncomfortable.

-Adam

[C&TL2745 (imported)]

....

If it's ok with you, I'm going to stick around and keep reading. This is your place, and I don't want to violate it, so I'm not sure if I am allowed to post in other threads to ask questions. Please tell me to piss off if I make anyone uncomfortable.

-Adam

I don't think anyone's going to object to your hanging around and asking honest, appropriate questions in any thread.

The one common factor tying all of us together here is an interest in men losing their genitals or the use thereof. Beyond that, this is a very diverse community of men, women, and those who don't feel the terms "man" and "woman" really apply to them. Many are gay, but many are not. Some want to disable their genitals without losing them. Some want what they perceive as foreign parts removed from their bodies. Many want to know how to proceed safely, either with chemical castration or surgery, given that very few doctors will perform the operation when there is no medical necessity. Some just come to seek validation of their feelings. For others, the subject is all fantasy, and they're turned on by stories of men losing their genitals. Some are transgendered or want to be or are in the process of being while others simply don't want to belong to either sex. In my own case, I initially came to better understand my hubby's fascination with the idea of losing his penis, and I've stuck around to share his journey and learn from others here.

In short, there is no "typical' member here. Remember that if you end up writing your article.

If anyone wants to respond to your questions, that's strictly up to them. I think you'll find that many would be willing to answer any question you have about them with the exception of their full name and address. As long as the world in general perceives men who've lost their genitals--or want to--as freaks or perverts, few will want to go on record with their identifying information in a published article.

Sandi

[Paolo]

Wouldn't a story that is accurate be beneficial?

Therein lies the problem.

Yes it would.

And many have heard it before.

It's not happened yet, either. That is why you may have a hard time earning anyone's trust here.

Of course, you're welcome to try.

[Frida G Cavic (imported)]

Sandi you´re right we are extremely diverse, I´d dare to say that each case is unique. However I think that we all have some things in common. That´s why we are subscribed to this site.

Adam sounds honest and I really appreciate you interest.

[kristoff]

Therein lies the problem.

Yes it would.

And many have heard it before.

It's not happened yet, either That is why you may have a hard time earning anyone's trust here.

Of course, you're welcome to try.

There was/is a Philadelphia Weekly (don't remember the name) that did an article on us in about 2006 (if my memory serves at all). They did a fair job of accurate reporting. Look them/it up, get an idea of the only half way decent article ever done.

[Losethem (imported)]

Adam,

While I understand your desire to write about this community, I would ask you to put yourself in my shoes. I am a castrated, soon to be nullified man (nullified = complete removal of external male genitals). I have interviewed with people in the past and while I was directly quoted, and I did say those exact words, what I said was taken so horribly out of context it completely changed the meaning. Since the folks I have spoken with in the past have done this to me, I'm not inclined to speak on the record to any reporter ever again.

I'm sure you're a charming and respectable person. However the only way I have to protect myself from a repeat of past horrible treatment by the media is to simply not talk to any member of the media, no matter how well intentioned they are.

I really do hope you can write a fair article about us, I'm unfortunately going to have to decline to assist with that effort.

--LT

[SplitDik (imported)]

I think there is a need for more media attention to the diversity. I think there are some here who are interested in the LGBT community (as well as the medical community and government) recognizing "eunuch" as an orientation.

One way to succeed in this (i.e. to get participation) is to protect the identities. Of course for journalistic integrity your publisher will need to verify the sources, but generally can't you write the article with pseudonyms? While LoseThem and others have had trouble in the past, much of the pain caused is that there was some identification. Twisting words is bad, but publicly being named in context of being a freak is just wrong.

If you're doing this more like research, it is quite common for research publications to use "Subject A" to identify the individuals to protect privacy. Can you write it that way?

[Losethem (imported)]

Nope, the word twisting made it subject closed for me. Sorry.

My real first name was used, fortunately my last name was not part of it. Since my first name is sufficiently common, it's not caused me any grief beyond the word twisting. Unfortunately we eunuchs have been burned more than once, so we're incredibly hesitant to take part.

--LT