Sex and Nudity within the BJD Community

That reminds me of when my son was a toddler and I made him a Waldorf doll, complete with an intact (non-circumcised) penis, because he wanted a doll "just like me". Which then, of course, he had to show everyone because he was so proud of his doll.

Sometimes realism can backfire.

 

I really love your post on this subject.

It's a tricky subject, but I think that the most important aspect of looking at something you dislike is your ability to let go. You can choose to hold on to the things that bother you, or to surpass them by letting them go. My preference would always be the latter.

Ofcourse we could always complicate the subject by throwing the psychological belief in the that the way we treat our dolls is an expression of how we feel about ourselves...

 

Azami:
Oh my! I hadn't even read your post! That's adorable though

 

I am sick of hearing the word dolljoints, since more and more are aware of the existence (due largely to Rozen Maiden)
this has become a term for an anime character that has ball joints-I think there's only 7 though lol
still the amount of immaturity out there, while doesn't surprise me, annoys me sometimes

 

What are your thoughts on BJD photography showing scenes of a sexual nature or implying sexual content?
It doesn't bother me. They are only dolls, for one thing--inanimate objects! They can't REALLY have sex, they can only suggest having it. I often think people are being a bit too prudish about it. Besides, I'm an adult and can actually choose to look at or NOT to look at things. If people wish to create erotic or pornographic images, that's their business. We don't have to look. And I don't agree with censorship. When it comes to the underage-- humans or depictions of sex acts--that's another subject. Parents are the ones who need to decide for their own children--not anyone else. And I don't think it's necessarily bad when it comes to young-looking dolls (not my thing, though) since they are DOLLS, but in this climate, people need to be sensitive or they can land up in prison, even if they are just inanimate objects. I don't agree with that at all, but there are people who are very sensitive to anything that even hints at such things (like parents getting in trouble for taking pictures of their own babies taking baths, for goodness sake!).

Do you think that people who photograph their dolls having sexual intercourse is considered to be perverted or an expression of artistic form and love?
Neither. It's none of my business, really. They can be whatever and do whatever. As long as no humans are harmed (and I don't believe humans ARE harmed when it comes to using dolls), then they can do what they want and I can choose to look or not look. I'm not really into such things, personally, but as I said, I don't believe in censorship and I don't believe in dictating to others what they should or should not do, unless it is actually harmful to someone else. And if for some reason I wanted to so something with my dolls, then I should have the right to do it, I figure.

What about if the sexual scenes are of a form of rape or abuse? Should people be allowed to photograph such scenes (photographs of this content are not allowed on DOA)
There are books and films and even fashion ads that seem to depict such things. Again, these are DOLLS--no human is being harmed. And people can choose not to look at such images.

How do you feel when BJD's are reffered to as being "Sex Dolls" by people from outside the community?
People can have their own opinions, I think! Again, none of my business. It would be nice if they were more educated about BJDs in general, but there are a lot of people who aren't interested in knowing facts from fictions. Some will just have bad opinions about just about anything!

Do you believe it's wrong for them to think such things when there are dolls such as "Full nobility royma" avaliable? What about Unoa dolls being created by a famous hentai artist? Mods such as the XXXL Dollfie Dream bust? The fact BJD's are often anatomically correct? Are all these aspects which contribute to people having a negative image about BJDs?
There are people who just hate all dolls, period. There's not much anyone can do about it. And I don't think all the stuff mentioned above matters one bit. People will think what they want to think. And most people won't know about all that stuff anyway! That most dolls aren't sexy and most owners don't respond to their dolls at all sexually doesn't seem to make a difference to some people.

What about the differences in culture between doll owners. Whilst one person may have come from a society where nudity and sex are considered to be beautifull things, another may have come from a society where such subjects are considered unacceptable. Is the cultural barrier something that changes peoples opinions on sexual content in doll photography?
Probably, although the whole world is getting a bit more cosmopolitan and exposed to all kinds of cultures these days, I'm sure there are cultural norms that are still strong and still in effect with most people. That's why it's not good that one group or other has a big say in what is right and what is wrong, since those ideas will vary quite a lot. Some people will not like anatomically correct dolls. Others will cringe at the idea of emasculated boy dolls. I think--it's a DOLL, for goodness sake. No one is being exposed to a real man's penis! People should relax! But others will disagree. So it's good that neither of us can make a law and people can do what they feel is right on such issues--but leave others alone to do something different!

With so many nude photographs of real women and men out there in the world, why should photographing inanimate objects that portray similar statue to human beings be considered wrong? Would it be acceptable for someone to photograph a naked Barbie over a naked BJD? How do you handle just plain doll nudity in photographs?
For one thing, I believe the problem is with sexualizing the human body. There should be nothing at all bad about a nude human. These are parts we all have. And they serve physical functions that can have nothing at all to do with sex (such as urinating). Are penises evil? I hope not. Come to that... is sex evil and bad? Well, it shouldn't be. We are putting lots of our own bad thoughts on body parts and certain natural acts, which is kind of sick, really. And all that should definitely not be put on a doll that is just sitting there, posed by us however it is... It cannot have sex of any kind! It's all suggested and in our own minds!

So, in short, naked dolls should just be what they are--quite innocent of anything at all.

And naked humans--shouldn't be demonized or sexualized so much, either.

Nor should the act of love be demonized so much. (Most everyone does it, after all!)

But, hey, we are human and have lots of hang-ups. And there are people who do twist very normal things around in their heads and turn it into something pathological--which is what people are actually trying to make laws against--the harming of others by doing truly bad things. But the priorities should be in the right places. Things that are actually harmful need to be prohibited... and things that actually may lead to such actions should be considered carefully. Everything else needs to be a personal choice.

When buying a doll--I definitely want to see the entire doll--with no blurred or blocked parts! I find it annoying when it seems necessary to block view of parts. It's just ridiculous. They are dolls! It's like those bizarre people who want to put clothes on statues! That behavior seems pretty sick to me. But, oh, well!

What about the need to find a romantic partner for your BJD? Whether or not they choose to engage in sexual activities or pose nude for photoshoots. Do dolls really need to have a girlfriend/boyfriend? What about same sex couples? Is it frowned upon to do such things seeing as they are "just dolls"?
I think my dolls are dolls, but still, it's fun to play around with them and think of them stories where they may have friends or lovers. Why not? I know the difference between reality and fantasy. It's like telling stories. Fiction is a wonderful thing. It's imaginative and people should have creative outlets. Sure, some people's lines between fact and fiction are blurry, but if they aren't hurting any human--or themselves--let them be, I say! Just don't look or don't participate if certain things have a personal squick-factor for you. No one is forcing anyone to look or participate, after all. I think that's fair. I think that's how it should be.

 

I think that an owner should be able to do what ever they want with their doll. And if they want to photograph doll sex or nudity they should be able to and as long as they are giving warning to the content of their pictures so that people that don’t support that kind of thing or just don’t want to see it don’t have to it should be fine.

 

I have been reading through this thread, and thought I would add my two cents worth. And it may be a little off topic, so if it is too out there please just remove it!

I personally do not see anything wrong with people taking photo's of dolls who are naked. If you have a story behind the dolls and they are in love or in a relationship, then I do not see anything wrong with it. I have always been on the more 'liberal' end of the scale when it came to nakedness and sex. As far as I see it, if you want to have your dolls in romatic relationships, or photograph them naked or in sexualised situations, then it is your choice.
I think that the main emphasis with people seeing these dolls as 'sex dolls' is that they are anatomically correct. One of the funniest things I have had the chance to read is "The Straight Girl's Guide to Sleeping with Chicks" (a hilarious book, if you see it have a squizz, you will laugh for ages). One part that I loved was that during the book she used Barbie dolls to illustrate her points on sexual positions. Some of my friends thought that was riotously funny, and others thought it was disgusting, and that it was the same as pornography. I think that dolls are a really fine line for people, because they are so similar to us, yet so different. You can have them do things that you personally wish you could do, and you can live fantasies through them. Some people are just a little more reserved than others. I think that if someone doesn't like you photographing your dolls naked, then it is their duty not to look. You can't make them look at the photos, but they can't tell you not to take them.

 

serious answers;

What are your thoughts on BJD photography showing scenes of a sexual nature or implying sexual content?
it is a bit weird, not something I would do (but then again I am considered bananas like most people) it doesn't bother me, though I am not a fan

Do you think that people who photograph their dolls having sexual intercourse is considered to be perverted or an expression of artistic form and love?
here, artistic, most elsewhere, perversion
I say that because people here naturally care for their dolls and aren't going to do immature stuff like some people out in the world.

What about if the sexual scenes are of a form of rape or abuse? Should people be allowed to photograph such scenes (photographs of this content are not allowed on DOA)
No cause that's a bit heavy, and could upset people

How do you feel when BJD's are reffered to as being "Sex Dolls" by people from outside the community?
I don't like it! I get called a lot of names for owning a doll (being a guy)-I shant bore you with the list but it really starts to annoy you after awhile.
I could never be open with having dolls IRL, cept at a meet lol.
I'm different enough you know lol

Do you believe it's wrong for them to think such things when there are dolls such as "Full nobility royma" avaliable? What about Unoa dolls being created by a famous hentai artist? Mods such as the XXXL Dollfie Dream bust? The fact BJD's are often anatomically correct? Are all these aspects which contribute to people having a negative image about BJDs?
just an immature one-and its always adults who are the most immature I find lol
I don't think it would matter if a hentai artist created a doll...as long as it doesn't have tentacles or...interactive parts, then I'm fine

What about the differences in culture between doll owners. Whilst one person may have come from a society where nudity and sex are considered to be beautifull things, another may have come from a society where such subjects are considered unacceptable. Is the cultural barrier something that changes peoples opinions on sexual content in doll photography?
I would imagine so

With so many nude photographs of real women and men out there in the world, why should photographing inanimate objects that portray similar statue to human beings be considered wrong? Would it be acceptable for someone to photograph a naked Barbie over a naked BJD? How do you handle just plain doll nudity in photographs?
doesn't phase me, they're dolls. Though I am still new to the whole BJD thing so it sometimes makes me look again to make sure what I just saw

What about the need to find a romantic partner for your BJD? Whether or not they choose to engage in sexual activities or pose nude for photoshoots. Do dolls really need to have a girlfriend/boyfriend? What about same sex couples? Is it frowned upon to do such things seeing as they are "just dolls"?
Well the fact Clover looks like 5, even though her character is many hundreds of years old (being a Faerie).
Besides her character doesn't seem the type to fall in love and stuff.
(Subject I know nothing about so couldn't write it into my character lol)
dolls don't need one, I don't need one
having a partner isn't a necessary thing-same sex is fine everywhere
love is hard to find, be happy with who you want to be

 

I think CT says it well. Nicely done.

 

I'll throw answer too. Most likely I'll be saying same things again as many other have earlier, but since this is interesting subject for me, here it goes anyways

· What are your thoughts on BJD photography showing scenes of a sexual nature or implying sexual content? Do you think that people who photograph their dolls having sexual intercourse is considered to be perverted or an expression of artistic form and love? What about if the sexual scenes are of a form of rape or abuse? Should people be allowed to photograph such scenes (photographs of this content are not allowed on DOA)

I personally take alot of erotic pictures with male dolls. That's because I love erotic/sexually charged male photography (and by this, I mean the real photography, not yaoi art. I hate yaoi)
Whether the outcome is perverted or artistic, depends actually very much how it's portrayed. It is possible to take erotic/sexual photos in really bad taste that makes you eyes hurt, but also in the way that makes you just go like "wow, awesome!".
I have actually no idea how I am viewed by people because I take such photos. I hope that people see me as simply artistic photographer, because that's the attitude that I take my photos with. That is just one way of art for me with no perverted thoughts.

Rape or abuse scenes are not my thing at all in any kind of form, but if such things belong into some doll's storyline, then why not, it's their thing. I deal with lots of different painful, difficult and generally non-acceptable things in my stories. But it still doesn't mean that I would actually support those acts. It just belongs into characters storyline and growth as a person.


· How do you feel when BJD's are reffered to as being "Sex Dolls" by people from outside the community? Do you believe it's wrong for them to think such things when there are dolls such as "Full nobility royma" avaliable? What about Unoa dolls being created by a famous hentai artist? Mods such as the XXXL Dollfie Dream bust? The fact BJD's are often anatomically correct? Are all these aspects which contribute to people having a negative image about BJDs?

BJD's are anatomically correct because they represent realistic humans (bit overboard sometimes though, like certain Dollmore females for example). And humans often do have bits and things : P Ofcourse it's wrong if people see those as sex dolls because that's not the reason why BJDs have been made. I don't personally care if some of my dolls would have been designed by some hentai etc. artist, as long as the doll looks good.

· What about the differences in culture between doll owners. Whilst one person may have come from a society where nudity and sex are considered to be beautifull things, another may have come from a society where such subjects are considered unacceptable. Is the cultural barrier something that changes peoples opinions on sexual content in doll photography?

Ofcourse. Same thing happens in real world too with real humans. Probably after my post most people think that I'm totally twisted and perverted person :'D But seriously, even kissing in public places is forbidden in some countries, so...

· With so many nude photographs of real women and men out there in the world, why should photographing inanimate objects that portray similar statue to human beings be considered wrong? Would it be acceptable for someone to photograph a naked Barbie over a naked BJD? How do you handle just plain doll nudity in photographs?

In my opinion it shouldn't be considered as wrong thing.
I see Barbie and BJD as totally different things. BJDs often have personality and character, while Barbie is... well, so far I haven't seen a Barbie doll which would have so deep charasteristics and background as most BJDs do and I simply see those "just" as a toy, while I think BJDs as a doll-person (meaning that somebody has created a character with life, feelings, background and stuff and the bjd is it's 'shell'. In simple words, visible form of the imaginative character).

· What about the need to find a romantic partner for your BJD? Whether or not they choose to engage in sexual activities or pose nude for photoshoots. Do dolls really need to have a girlfriend/boyfriend? What about same sex couples? Is it frowned upon to do such things seeing as they are "just dolls"?

Dolls are dolls and they are not like "omg, now get me some gf/bf or I'm gonna unstring myself >: ("

It's the characters that need somebody, if they are into that kind of stuff, that is. Nobody forces you to get your doll a mate if you aren't comfortable with that : P So no, they don't need a companion unless you decide that ...or doll characters storyline starts to live its own life and it decides the thing kind of by itself, like it's happened to me many times... I've thought a good, solid storyline but then the stories and stuff have been starting to feel like that there really, really should be some other decision than what I first thought.
I don't personally have a problem with same sex couples (there's two couples in my storylines and bunch of single characters longing for same gender), but I do know that some people do have problem with that, so... If you like it, fine. If you don't like it, well that's fine too as long as you don't come to me to tell how wrong it is in so many levels in your opinions because I've heard that way too much from real life.

 

wow interesting theard looks like alot of opions on this subject. I am not sure what I think is right and wrong yet.

 

Great thread and well introduced by the OP.
It's interesting to hear what other people think, and how I measure up to the average DOAer in my reactions. ^^
· What are your thoughts on BJD photography showing scenes of a sexual nature or implying sexual content? Do you think that people who photograph their dolls having sexual intercourse is considered to be perverted or an expression of artistic form and love? What about if the sexual scenes are of a form of rape or abuse? Should people be allowed to photograph such scenes (photographs of this content are not allowed on DOA)
I'm not into gratuitous sexual content but if it's done well then I think it's great. It's just as valid as any other content. Of course people should be able to photograph whatever they want, they just need to have a sense of discretion when posting it.
· How do you feel when BJD's are reffered to as being "Sex Dolls" by people from outside the community? Do you believe it's wrong for them to think such things when there are dolls such as "Full nobility royma" avaliable? What about Unoa dolls being created by a famous hentai artist? Mods such as the XXXL Dollfie Dream bust? The fact BJD's are often anatomically correct? Are all these aspects which contribute to people having a negative image about BJDs? They're not sex dolls, it just so happens that some people use them in a sexual way. Sex comes into most forms of human expression and most forms of expression come into human sexuality. I think most nerd culture is saturated with sexuality and bjds are no exception, but for those BJD hobbyists who don't want sexualised dolls (and they're probably AT LEAST 1/2) that's perfectly possible too. It's a wide market and lots of tastes are catered to, you can't really generalise BJDs but it doesn't worry me when outsiders do.

· What about the differences in culture between doll owners. Whilst one person may have come from a society where nudity and sex are considered to be beautifull things, another may have come from a society where such subjects are considered unacceptable. Is the cultural barrier something that changes peoples opinions on sexual content in doll photography?
Yeah, I think it is. It's easy for me to forget to censor or warn about artistic nudity or adult content because it doesn't shock or offend me (not that I've ever created and rude doll content). Still I'll always do my best not to offend others in the hobby, especially as there are a lot of younger users on DOA. I may think it's silly and actually quite weird to pixellate out a doll penis in a non-sexual situation but I'm not going to tell people to get over it if it clearly bothers them.

· With so many nude photographs of real women and men out there in the world, why should photographing inanimate objects that portray similar statue to human beings be considered wrong? Would it be acceptable for someone to photograph a naked Barbie over a naked BJD? How do you handle just plain doll nudity in photographs? Doll nudity isn't the same as human nudity, dolls have all different connotations but I feel that both are fine. Nudity of dolls/humans can be either benign, worthy and tasteful or it can be salacious, challenging and rude. Both are totally valid and acceptable. I think barbies symboilse childhood toys and a characture of womanhood so you're getting to a whole other area with photgraphing naked barbies, it's more of a social issue with them. BJDs dont have the specific public consciousness attatched to them so they're a lot more versatile.

· What about the need to find a romantic partner for your BJD? Whether or not they choose to engage in sexual activities or pose nude for photoshoots. Do dolls really need to have a girlfriend/boyfriend? What about same sex couples? Is it frowned upon to do such things seeing as they are "just dolls"? Not at all if it's what the owner wants to do. I dont think anything is off-limits.

Yeah, there are things I dont necessarily want to look at but I totally believe in freedom of expression for those who do want to depict such things. There's a massive difference between sexual content and obscenity, I'd be more disturbed by non-sexual content if it was cruel or ethically repugnant than sexual content that was tasteful.
And while censorship is right in some environments, it can't be applied universally. I've been a yaoi and BL fangirl for over a decade and I love reading explicit mxm manga but het still squicks me. I'm more put off by bad artwork or bad photography than adult content tbh! XD

 

So, how many of us have lifted up a dolls' dress to see if she had on panties? Really! We all came into this world nude and will be nude to dress and undress. Maybe we don't love our bodies enough to be "natural". I take the Scandinavian thought on nudity.

 

I can see "artist nude" because in someways the human body is beautiful so i can see why photography of them would reflect that. Because photography is an art form and the dolls are an art form in a sense, and it can sometimes be very tasteful. But when it goes as far as dolly porno, which i have seen i find it horrible.

Especailly with the Unoa "O" face there is this guy on DA who ends up in most popular and he poses her having sex and he has pictures of her looking beaten up and bruised, and really messed up stuff like that. In my country if i saved that picture to my computer i could be on the same register as a pedophile because i would come under a sex offender act for having pictures of extreme pornography where there is bruising like that.

It does really freak me out, i know sex is natural but i think there is a difference between artistic and crude dolly porn. I have seen pictures of dolls almost looking like they could be making love, but it is done in a way where you don't really see genitals or a is super obviously looking like something you would see in a porn film. But when you can see the dolls nude and being close but the sex is almost "out of the shot" i think it is much more artistic.

Plus i have heard some really creepy horror stories too! I mean i heard this one story of pubic hair on the dolls, i mean actually hair not just painted on! I mean why!? Surly if it was art, then just painted on as a mod would be good enough.

I think like all things, it depends how far the person goes, i mean there is such a thing as too far i think. I think my problem is more when people make it public, as someone said no actual human is being hurt which is good. But i have seen these pictures on the internet just plan browsing! Plus if someone who really do crazy things like that to a doll what must the metal state me like!

 

They are only dolls, so I guess it doesn't really matter THAT much.
Personally I am not into any art that sexualizes dolls, I don't see dolls as something sexual, because they are dolls.
In my case, I will not strip my dolls naked, or make them go any further than cute hugs and sweet kisses. One thing does bother me; when sex and nudity is portrayed on a doll that looks extremely young, as if it is supposed to be a child. It just feels wrong to me, even tho they are just dolls. And as mentioned before, some things are better left private. I'm sure it is possible for dolls to have a hot private life, one that does not need to be showed off.
You can be sexy without going naked ya know ;P

 

I say let people do as they wish, be who they are, as long as it doesnt physically hurt anyone.
If you dont like it, then dont click on it. If that type of display is not your thing, then dont look.

 

Well said! I think some things should be private too!

 

I don't have a lot to post here as I have 0 interest in any thing to do with sex as it relates to dolls (or real life either, actually) but I just have to agree with whoever said one must wonder about the psychology of a person who does 'sexy' things with dolls. they're dolls. When one does these kinds of sexy things, one is making them, DOLLS, sexually attractive to humans. which is just... kinda.. weird.. I mean, I love a boy doll that is cute or handsome as much as the next person, but thats not the same as feeling sexually stimulated by them. I feel similarly about hentai... while I despise real life porn, at least it makes a bit more sense.

Why does someone want to feel sexually stimulated by things that are not human?

 

I don't think that people are necessarily being "sexually stimulated" by dolls. These dolls look so real that you can do almost any kind of photgraphy with them, and thats what makes it so fun for people to shoot them. They can push the boundaries and take more "Suggestive" or "sexual" photos. Sex is a natural part of life, there is nothing wrong about it and its nothing to a be afraid of. I think people should stop being so judgmental about sexual photos with dolls. Also, everyone tries to like cover sex up, or hide it. Like it isn't there, Well it is. I read the "Am I a Pedophile?" Thread too, and some people are actually just nuts. I think taking sexual photos of dolls makes you creative and comfortable with sexuality. Express yourself! Its an art form.

I get kinda pissed when people call BJD's "Sex dolls" They aren't! Especially now with those life size ones you can actually have sex with that started in Japan. BJDs are NOWHERE close.

Although, I can respect the fact of people taking it too far. There are some things that should be kept private. Especially if it involves sexual content with a child or baby doll. Also Rape is incredibly inappropriate.

 

· What are your thoughts on BJD photography showing scenes of a sexual nature or implying sexual content? Do you think that people who photograph their dolls having sexual intercourse is considered to be perverted or an expression of artistic form and love? What about if the sexual scenes are of a form of rape or abuse? Should people be allowed to photograph such scenes (photographs of this content are not allowed on DOA)

It depends. Tastefully done, it is excellent. (Cue Alessandro and Mauzi, somewhere on DOA) Untastefully done, it makes you see stars. Really, its about HOW you do the pictures!

· How do you feel when BJD's are reffered to as being "Sex Dolls" by people from outside the community? Do you believe it's wrong for them to think such things when there are dolls such as "Full nobility royma" avaliable? What about Unoa dolls being created by a famous hentai artist? Mods such as the XXXL Dollfie Dream bust? The fact BJD's are often anatomically correct? Are all these aspects which contribute to people having a negative image about BJDs?

No, atomically correct is fine. I, personally, have a problem with the Dolfie Dream bust, and "Full Nobilty Royma" but some people like them, so to each his own. Things like this, I believe, contribute to the problem.

· What about the differences in culture between doll owners. Whilst one person may have come from a society where nudity and sex are considered to be beautifull things, another may have come from a society where such subjects are considered unacceptable. Is the cultural barrier something that changes peoples opinions on sexual content in doll photography?

Nuh-uh. I believe art unites people. As such, I don't think that the cultural barrier should play a large part.

· With so many nude photographs of real women and men out there in the world, why should photographing inanimate objects that portray similar statue to human beings be considered wrong? Would it be acceptable for someone to photograph a naked Barbie over a naked BJD? How do you handle just plain doll nudity in photographs?

Why should it be considered wrong?

· What about the need to find a romantic partner for your BJD? Whether or not they choose to engage in sexual activities or pose nude for photoshoots. Do dolls really need to have a girlfriend/boyfriend? What about same sex couples? Is it frowned upon to do such things seeing as they are "just dolls"?

Meh, Elis has a boyfriend (Albel). I do it because Elis and Albel are a couple in my picture. I don't frown upon same sex couples, i think its freedom, things like that XD