Blood fetishism (or Hematolagnia) is a context used to describe the sexual interest or paraphillia for blood as defined by Renfield's syndrome, or as a sexual interest for blood within BDSM or Vampire lifestyles (not always). Within the BDSM lifestyle the acts of using blood for sexual arousal are known as bloodsports or bloodplay which in themselves are considered a form of edgeplay due to the risks involved such as the spread of blood borne diseases.

Blood fetishism is also an anthropological term used to describe the belief within a society or culture that blood in itself (as a material substance) possesses powerful and magical properties.^[1] There is a substantial community centered around the fetish, however it is mostly "underground" due to its controversial nature. It is partly linked with the vampire subculture, however most blood fetishists do not consider themselves "vampires", though some may have a vampire fetish - blood fetishism has a history of being referred to as "vampirism" in psychiatric literature and articles.^[2]

Hematolagnia has gained wider exposure in recent years from the popularity of the TV-show "Dexter". A new subculture appears to be emerging known as "Dexterism". Dexterism embraces a more satirical approach to Hematolagnia and incorporates not just blood but blood substitutes (paints, wax, and other body fluids).

Desterism branding, paraphernalia and references are gaining increased exposure in popular culture

[edit] References

• Patrick Califia: "Shiny Sharp Things", in Speaking Sex to Power (Cleis Press, 2002). ISBN 1573441325