What is Counterpublic

Global perspectives on sexuality are changing, with “deviancies” that were once considered entirely taboo occupying newly uncontroversial roles in society. However, one subsect of erotic expression remains largely unacceptable: kink. This totalizing demonization of alternative desire has led many to hide their sexuality from others, creating a crisis of shame rooted in the prohibition of open discourse. Thankfully, research indicates that kinky podcasts might provide a solution to this problem. This chapter examines six such shows—The Dildorks, Why Are People Into That?!, Dudes Spankin' Dudes, The Big Little Podcast, the Brat Perversions Podcast, and Diaper Girl Gossip—and explains how their rhetorical choices help kinky listeners gain an alternative sexual education, improve their interpersonal communication and community building skills, and achieve personal affectual liberation.