At the moment there is another case of a “eunuch maker” in the news; it’s on the BBC website: ‘Eunuch-maker’ case: Male escort jailed for removing man’s genitals.

A journalist from a TV documentary production company has been doing some investigation into it. A good friend in the community has been talking to him to help raise awareness of a need for a right to body modification – particularly castration. Apparently, a number of eunuchs and nullos who were aware/affected by the case also reached out to this journalist.

This chap wanted to interview somebody who was going to Mexico to be operated on. My friend was originally going to be interviewed for this, but his operation was before the journalist chap was ready. Since I’m now committed to the surgery (surgery and flights now booked and paid for), he directed him to me.

I’ve had two 30 minute conversations with this chap. The first was a whirlwind overview of my journey. The second was more question based; he was interested in the community and how I found out and the kind of support I have had. I mentioned that my entry to the community was through Reddit, and that my first encounter to asking what the “gay bros” thought of voluntary castrated guys was brutal to say the least. However, it was within Reddit that I discovered the Discord “Dog House” community, which is my happy place. I discovered the Eunuch Archive via Google. I also have groups and contacts on a couple of other platforms that I found out invited into when searching for “eunuchs” and “castration”. But the Discord server is best.

I have a number of online friendships that have helped support me, amongst them are a number of eunuchs, a nullo, a gay ally, and a trans woman.

I have discussed a possible interview with my husband; he has asked that I protect his anonymity. He also pointed out that as yet neither my brother nor my dad know anything. I do intend to tell my brother, but I think it’s probably a bit much too tell my dad (he’s 80). A number of my friends know, as do a couple of work colleagues. In all, I’d say I’m pretty open about what I am and what I want. I’m open to an interview, if he’ll have me!

I do have to ask myself why do I feel I want to do this? My husband did ask whether I wanted to be notorious. I think that thought was put into his head from what I told him of the Erving Goffman book “Stigma”. Interesting question. When I was thinking about the question when it was first asked me by My Learned Friend, I reflected that I missed the edginess of the early days when I first came out as gay; I’m also feeling empowered by what’s been happening for me – I can get angry and use that anger for good and on others behalf.

But as for the reason why I will do this, if asked, is simple: I owe people. I have received a lot of love and support from the community I find myself a member of. There are many people there who struggle with exactly the same identity issues. Many of these people are using unsafe means to effect self-castration, and they may also suffer from shame or embarrassment, all of which threatens their health, and maybe their life!

I want to do my bit too, I want pay forward the support and make transitioning to eunuch safer, and helping this journalist might be a way to do that.

I’ll see what happens if it and let y’all know …