www.incontinentsupport.org

Hello everybody,
So, I want to introduce myself, my name is Enrique and I'm a 25 year old writer. Recently I wrote a superhero book with an incontinent character, an incontinent superhero. I'm part of a project in which we great out-of-stereotypical superheroes and I decided that my hero should be incontinent to raise awareness of this issue. Now, I'm not incontinent myself, so I can just understand a 10% of what you guys and girls go through. That's what I would like some insight on it by asking some questions that I hope some of you can answer.

The first novel was very well acclaimed by reviewers that I'm writing a sequel in which the incontinent sidekick evolves into a full fledged hero. But I want to portray him well. So I would like you to help me understand this condition so I can portray the character as true as I can.

So, he's a teenager, 16 years old in high school. So first off, the questions that you could help me understand are the following.

How does a sixteen year old in high school deals with having to wear diapers?
How does he feel when he's been constantly harassed in school?
How does he deal with intimacy with a significant partner (girlfriend)?
How does social stigma affects him?
Wearing diapers all the time, what does it feel like?
What does he do when he leaks in public? How would someone his age react?

Those are the questions I'd like to know to understand incontinence. And final question: If you were a superhero, what kind of diaper would you wear for long stakeouts?

Thanks you in advance. I would really like to do justice to this community with this character and make sure he's well portrayed. And last, I want you to know that I admire you for going through this condition and keep standing. You're brave and role models.

Peace out!
Thank you,
Enrique

Enrique, I wish you a satisfying and prosperous writing career, however, it bothers me that you and your collaborators have focused on the subject of incontinence when in fact you are not. Are any of the other people involved in your "project" incontinent? I'm guessing that the answer is no, as you wouldn't need to ask the questions otherwise. Also, I'm a bit confused, as you told us that you have already created an incontinent superhero.

In addition, I find a couple of your questions to be disturbing, i.e., those asking what it feels like to wear diapers all the time, and about leaking in public. I'm sorry, but I personally can't be of help to you. If other people on the forum want to participate in your efforts, they are certainly free to do so, but please keep in mind that this forum provides support and resources for people dealing with incontinence. It's not a side show or a destination/vehicle for diaper fetishists. That tyoe of interest isn't supported here.

W.

Hi Wetters,

I understand where you're coming from. The idea of this project is to make heroes that stand out of the norm, so we are not focusing just in incontinence. Not in any way. He have hispanic, LGBT, mentally challeneged characters. This is just one of the characters I decided to focus on because I saw once a post on a support group (of various stigmatized communties) asking "Where are the aspenger superheroes? Where are the depressed heroes? Where are the disabled superheroes" And one that struck me was: "Where are the incontinent superheroes?" so that's where the idea came from. I'm sorry if I offended you in anyway, truly I am, I just want to do a good job with this character.

The questions may be "off" but it is because I don't understand how you guys live your lives. And I want to understand to make me feel a little more educated on the subject matter. The superhero was created for the first book, but his incontinence issues are not explored until the second (which we're writing right now)

Once again, my apologies if I was rude or anything.

Kbl,
Like Wetter Im going to sit this one out. But I will answer one question for you. When your protection is full and the area you need to get to is to far, it is a gut wrenching experience. There isn't any super hero going to come and save you from what's about to happen.

As much as one can understand making more human of superhero, to come here like this, really leaves bad taste in my mouth.

Flagging this for Schoppy to look over, and decide on what to do with this person here, and this thread.
Personally, thinking close thread, and um, well, the old ban-hammer, but that's just my opinion.

_________________
Hello, my name is Scott, and physically, I am 40 years old. However, thanks to abuse, and being special needs, mentally and emotionally, I am equal to about 6-10 years old.

Guys, lets not be too hasty here. Perhaps we are being overly sensitive. In the context Enrique has stated, those are legitimate and even insightful questions.

Provided that Enrique's motives are what he has stated, he should be commended for trying to do some research for his character rather than working with stereotypes.

Rather than rushing to ban Enrique, perhaps Schoppy can try to verify Enrique's "credentials?"

--John

I became incontinent as the result of a surgical misadventure when I was 14 years old. It was during the 1950's. So the only kind of diaper available was cloth with plastic pants. Going to high school in diapers was an extremely traumatic experience that caused me seriously to contemplate suicide. I was no superhero, but I managed to realize that I didn't have to let incontinence ruin my life. There is a saying to the effect that anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I determined to manage my incontinence instead of letting it manage me. I went to university and graduate school and have had a moderately successful professional and personal life. All the issues that you mention in your original post are serious matters that must and can be dealt with. But a comic book format is probably not the best way to handle these matters in an appropriately sensitive way.

Thanks for your input, Scott - I agree with you in total.

Inconinmiss, I'm so very sorry that you experienced those extremely dark days, and that you were subjected to that outrageous lot at such a young age. The careless disregard for a living being makes me angry, but it is so very heartwarming to know that you emerged from that crucible as the person you are. Thanks for being here.

W.

If you believe this post should be deleted, then please do so. I truly apologize if this caused discomfort, I really do. This was just as a manner of research, but I understand it is a sensitive subject.

I apologize, again.

As a published author I can appreciate the need for character research and I applaud the interest. But, like wetters, a couple of things bother me, though they are different. First of all why did he have to join? All of the questions and I dare day a heck of a lot more, could be answered by some serious lurking on this site for first hand experiences, and from a plethora of other sites on the internet for the more medical reasons. Secondly, it would have been nice to know where we could read the first book to get a concept of the character. He could have sent wetters a copy.

KBL: As writers we have to very careful when approaching medical conditions in our books whether fiction or non fiction. I think your intentions to show someone with an incontinence in a positive light is admirable. If we seem sensitive to the issue though, it is from......experience. I would advise not to make your characters IC a major part of who he is. It is certainly not a major or even a minor part of who I am. It is just another thing I have to deal with.

Just my two cents worth