Showcased Fetish Writers and Poets, Beyond Erotic Fiction
Taboo Magazine has been publishing erotica since the late twentieth century, but that was not its only focus. It also featured poems and short stories inspired by fetishes beyond sexual intercourse, which were more experimental than most mainstream literature. This paper will explore these lesser-known works and their place within the magazine's cultural legacy.
The early issues of Taboo showcased writers such as Anais Nin, who included elements of bondage and domination in her work before those terms became popularized. Her story "Little Birds" tells the tale of a woman tied up and left alone while her lover goes to buy cigarettes; she finds herself growing increasingly aroused by the experience, leading to an orgasmic climax when he returns. Other authors, such as Jean Genet, wrote about sadomasochism and power dynamics without any mention of sex at all. His play The Maids depicts two female servants turning against their mistress through ritualistic violence, exploring themes of control and submission.
These works challenged readers' expectations of what constituted literary merit, pushing boundaries with shocking imagery and language. For example, one poem from 1985 described a man being flogged for his transgressions against a powerful goddess, leaving him covered in welts and bruises afterward. Another piece told the story of a woman being forced into prostitution due to financial hardship, revealing the horrors of this profession through vivid detail. While some critics derided Taboo for its focus on fetish culture, others praised it for giving voice to marginalized desires that could not be expressed elsewhere.
As time passed, more poets joined the ranks of Taboo contributors, including Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath. Their poetry focused less on explicit acts than on the psychology behind them, delving into questions of sexuality, identity, and trauma. Sexton's "The Fury of Avarice" examines a woman who feels trapped in her body due to her large breasts, while Plath's "Daddy" uses dark humor to explore her father's abusive behavior. These writers showed how fetishes can exist beyond simple physical actions, existing within complex emotional landscapes.
In recent years, Taboo has continued publishing erotic writing alongside work dealing with kink and power dynamics. Poems by Eileen Myles and Mary Oliver explore gender roles and power imbalances within queer relationships. Other pieces examine race relations and social justice issues through a lens of dominance and submission. Although they may not reach the same level of popularity as mainstream literature, these works offer readers a unique perspective on human desire.
Overall, Taboo magazine's commitment to showcasing non-traditional authors helped push boundaries and challenge assumptions about what constitutes artistic merit. Its dedication to exploring taboos remains relevant today, providing space for underrepresented voices to be heard. While some may criticize its content as gratuitous or exploitative, others appreciate it as an important part of cultural history. Regardless of one's opinion, there is no denying that this publication has had a lasting impact on literary history.