Over the last few years, there have been some sweeping changes in how we see sexuality. More and more people are coming out and declaring their sexual orientation and openly

discussing issues of gender. This refreshing approach to sexuality has made it easier for many people struggling to accept themselves as well as opening a whole new dialogue on sexuality in general.

While this is great in terms of empowering people and helping everyone to find support in various communities, it might be going a bit too far. Now we have people who are coming out to their family and friends to reveal their specific fetish – and I can’t be sure it’s always a good thing.

Shows like ‘My Strange Addiction’ have cropped up that encourage people to share their sexual fetish not only through the show, but directly with their family. One young man, Nathaniel, made headlines when he was featured on the show. He was comfortable discussing the love affair he’s had with his car and, during the show, he shares this information with his dad.

To his dad’s credit, he takes the news pretty well. After Nathaniel tells him that he has romantic and sexual feelings for the car – feelings he’s acted on more than once – his father nods, scratches his chin and tells Nathaniel that he loves him. His dad is clearly not entirely comfortable with it, but he accepts his son. The interaction is awkward but it’s nothing compared to more extreme examples.

That same show also featured an episode focused on Pony Play where a young woman, Nicole, comes out to her aunt about the fetish. But she doesn’t just tell her aunt about the obsession. Oh no – she comes out in full Pony Play gear – including face paint and metal bit. The exchange between these two is much more cringe-worthy and viewers can feel how awkward the exchange is.

Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think either of these people are ‘weird’ or should be considered deviants. Quite the opposite – I’ve always been an advocate of letting your freak flag fly. I do, however, wonder if spilling the beans to your family is always a good idea.

It’s not that sexuality has to be something you should hide or feel secretive about – it’s more about the idea that you don’t have to share everything with everyone all the time. After all, of you want to come out to your parents about loving adult baby play, then you’ll need to be prepared for your dad to feel like he can open up to you about the freaky stuff he and your mom get up to. And do you really want a Jerry Springer-style ringside seat to your parent’s sex life?

Being more open about sexuality and fetishes is a refreshing change. It has made it easier for people to connect with communities of like-minded people and, in many cases, has helped people feel better as they realize they are not alone. At the same time, it’s important to remember that not everything has to be shared with absolutely everyone. If you’re into coffee enemas or dressing up in rubber suits, that’s great – but think twice before you decide to tell grandpa about it over dinner. Not only could he have no interest in your sex life, he may think the coast is clear from him to share his sexual fantasies with you – and no one wants that.