Hi everyone,
I had some reservations in responding and adding my two cents, but I think my comments are in keeping with the general consensus of the topic. First, it would be appropriate to provide some background foundation on how I viewed this entire AB/DL lifestyle.
My own problems in the early 1970's with incontinence were emotionally devastating for me. I was lost in my own world for several years until I met up with a newly formed self-help group in Chicago. My life took a turn for the better, and I took steps to put these incontinence issues behind me. I beleive I said in an earlier post that I was instrumental in bringing this organization in to Canada, and I sat on its first Board of Directors for many years. I also did a lot of peer counselling, and media presentations in Canada and the U.S. The peer counselling opened my eyes with the AB/DL crowd, which is predominantly male, but also includes females and same sex relationships.
While I have tried not to be judjmental or accusing in other ways, I have at times felt exploited by some of the questions that I have been asked which I considered to be very private, and have to do with involvement of my own family members. In time, I learned to perceive that these people were "getting off" on the discussions, which were not on the internet like today, but by phone, and sometimes face to face.
I had wondered what the difference was in regards to AB and DL. I think that with at least one of them there is a regression factor and a need emotionally to regress.
I need to say that there are those that are genuinely incontinent who have learned to like their diapers or coping mechanism. I have met this type as well. This is a learned accepted process as opposed to those that are triggered by something at birth or early in their developement.
Whatever, in my opinion both are acceptable unless another person is exploited and made to fell they have been taken advantage of. Most of us go to great lengths to conceal our need to wear protection, and personally unless I am asked I keep it private. Many of my colleagues know that I have this condition, but very few of them know how I deal with it or what I wear on a day to day basis.
Another thing, I don't see anything wrong with being picky and choosy with what you wear for protection. We all like to look good, and before I had incontinence that included looking good with fashionable under clothes.
I am very close friends with the Founder of the U.S. organization and sit on many Panels related to incontinence and it's management. In Canada, I work in a medical clinic, but in a legal capacity. My name on this Board is confidential, but if a memeber is interested in knowing who I am send me a private email and you can do the google thing to learn more.
So, what this guy did was trashy, but we should not judge a entire community by the actions of a few uncontrolled perversions. Like many of the posts here, it does appear the AB/DL crowd and their numbers have influenced the incontinence market, which is something the genuine support groups continue to do as well.
My 2 cents!
