Our Mission

A mission statement should be concise, focused, and direct, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Our aim is to advance three key areas:

  1. Public perception of BID: Educating the public to dispel misconceptions and foster empathy and understanding of the condition.

  2. Medical knowledge of BID: Expanding awareness within the medical community about the nature of BID and its implications, while promoting research to improve clinical approaches.

  3. BID community engagement with official medical stakeholders: Encouraging active participation of the BID community in discussions with healthcare professionals to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

Our Objectives

Public Perception of Body Integrity Dysphoria

Our project is committed to correcting widespread misconceptions about Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID). Too often, BID is falsely linked to sexual desires, fetishes, or mental disorders, leading to sensationalised and harmful portrayals. This misrepresentation fuels stigma and alienates those affected.

BID is a legitimate condition recognised by the ICD-11, where individuals experience a disconnect between their physical body and internal body image. It is not a paraphilia or deviant behaviour.

We aim to replace these myths with accurate, scientifically grounded information, fostering empathy and understanding. By shifting public perception, we create a supportive environment where those with BID can seek help without fear of judgment.

Medical Knowledge of Body Integrity Dysphoria

A significant focus is to raise awareness about Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID) within the medical community, where understanding of the condition is often limited or misinformed. Despite being a recognised condition, many healthcare professionals remain unfamiliar with BID, leading to uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment. This lack of awareness contributes to a critical dilemma regarding the most appropriate intervention.

Currently, amputation of the affected limb seems to be the only option that can relieve the severe psychological distress associated with BID. However, medical professionals face a difficult decision: should they perform an amputation now to alleviate suffering, despite the risk of potential future regret and medical complications, or refrain from intervening, leaving the individual to endure ongoing psychological torment? The latter option often drives individuals toward unsanctioned, black-market procedures that can result in severe harm.

It is crucial that the medical community engages in informed discussions about BID and considers the ethical implications of delaying treatment. The current impasse only increases the risks for those affected. Neutrality does not exist, and silence is not an option.

BID Community Engagement with Medical Stakeholders

A crucial step in advancing the understanding and treatment of Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID) is the active engagement of the BID community with medical professionals and researchers. Too often, individuals with BID remain within underground or isolated communities, hesitant to participate in open dialogue due to fear of stigma or misrepresentation. However, it is essential for the BID community to step forward, make their voices heard, and take a definitive stance.

By distancing themselves from categories often confused with BID, such as paraphilic disorders or body dysmorphic conditions, individuals with BID can help clarify public and medical understanding of their unique experience. Their personal testimonies are invaluable in fostering the development of the scientific groundwork necessary to tackle the complexities of BID. Without their participation, the discourse surrounding BID remains stagnant, limiting awareness of the condition's true prevalence and impact.

Moreover, disengagement perpetuates reliance on the black-market economy, where unsanctioned medical practices often result in dangerous and life-threatening outcomes. By engaging openly with medical stakeholders, the BID community can contribute to shaping safe, ethical, and evidence-based treatment options, driving progress in both clinical research and societal acceptance. Ultimately, this collaboration is key to moving away from harmful underground practices and toward a future where individuals with BID are treated with the care, dignity, and understanding they deserve.