One of the many aims of this site is to explore the workings of the devotee mind and, as a result, hopefully reduce misunderstanding and distrust in the disabled community.

Most disabled people see their leg-braces (callipers) as walking aids - nothing more and nothing less. To the devotee they have a rather different importance - the contrast between smooth human flesh and the harshness of steel and leather together with the accompanying laboured gait of the wearer is the very height of aesthetic beauty. For many it is also sexually arousing.

Seeing someone in leg-braces triggers an overwhelming response totally beyond their control: their pulses race and they become fixated on what they see. Whilst knowing it's wrong to stare they find it almost impossible not to. These feelings really are overwhelming and appear extremely hard, if not impossible, for devotees to control. It must appear voyeuristic - and, in truth, it is. It is made worse because the devotee's behaviour is, by some social norms, considered wrong, warped, twisted, perverted or worse. It is none of these - it just is the way their minds work as a result of some accident of birth or upbringing.

As you will read elsewhere on this site, there would appear to be psychological and possibly even genetic reasons for this predeliction. It is not something a devotee chooses - it just is. It has its origins long ago in early childhood and, once there, doesn't go away. There seems no cure as such and the best outcome is accomodation and self-acceptance together with a means of dealing with it in a socially acceptable manner.

Although there are always exceptions to the rule most leg-brace devotees are harmless folk. Often they have strongly altruistic leanings with a wish to be of genuine service to the disabled community.  Most are well balanced, otherwise perfectly normal, people. Many are happily married people with ordinary families and ordinary jobs. They are as puzzled as you probably are by their off-beat predeliction. Many are deeply troubled as a result. Few have told anyone of their feelings because they feel so guilt-ridden. For those who have managed to share their secret with understanding friends or partners the relief is enormous.

Thankfully times are changing and the internet is at last allowing people to discuss this more frankly and openly. Devotees now find there are lots of people who feel just the same: they are not so odd after all. Also, there is just a hint that some disabled people are becoming a little less disturbed by the devotee phenomenon. Some are entering the debate and together disabled people and devotees are trying to explain what this is all about.

More than anything, devotees strive to understand why they feel this way and what triggered the feelings in the first place. So, this is an exploration into the unknown - a search for some answers to a psychological puzzle. All that is asked is that you join in trying to explain the mystery without feeling threatened.

Finally, devotees, like the rest of humankind, are not perfect so when they get it wrong please try to be a little tolerant with them. Tell them when they act insensitively or in ways that cause any upset. They have no wish whatever to offend disabled people. They can, and do, accept your critical feedback.