This resource explains common questions about sexual pleasure, including fetishes and fantasies.
These questions came from participants in our Sex Ed for Grown Ups course.
1. What is a fetish?
A fetish is when someone has strong sexual feelings about:
- an object
- a body part
- a material
- or sometimes an activity
For example, someone might have a fetish for:
- feet
- latex
2. What is a kink?
A kink is a wider word for sexual interests or activities that some people enjoy, but that are not always seen as “usual”.
For example, kinks can include:
- bondage
- role play
- power play
3. What is the difference?
A fetish is one type of kink. Not all kinks are fetishes.
4. Is it okay to have a fetish or kink?
Yes. Fetishes and kinks can be a healthy part of sex or masturbation, as long as:
- everyone agrees
- everyone feels safe
- nobody is being pressured
Useful resources
Easy-read guide to kink: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fzBJw1QtNKZ9iiUfBs3IhlUjehRD_e7d/view
Video on kinks and safety: https://youtu.be/jBuOOuqXluk
Let’s talk about sex (easy-read): https://storage.googleapis.com/axess-clinic/media/documents/Lets_talk_about_sex.pdf
About this resource
This resource is based on real questions from disabled adults who took part in Sex Ed for Grown Ups, delivered by Pillow Talk Scotland with Three Sisters Consultancy.
The programme was funded by the Agnes Hunter Trust and is part of our work to make sex and relationships education more accessible and inclusive.
If you found this helpful, you can support us to keep creating free resources like this with a donation.
All illustrations thanks to SWIRL
