ARE OUR freshers kinkier this year? Fetish Society has exclusively revealed to York Vision that they have record numbers of sign-ups this term.
Paid membership of the society, which focuses around fetishes and kink, has skyrocketed from 45 paid members to almost 100.
We asked Philippa Garth, the Shibari Teacher and Marketing Manager of the society, whether she thought that this year’s freshers are kinkier, or whether there was another reason for the spike in membership.
She said: “I don’t think that the latest intake of freshers are inherently kinkier. I think they’re more aware of kink and less affected by the stigma that surrounds it.”
Chris Wall, YUSU Activities Officer, said: “I’m thrilled with the news that FetSoc have doubled their membership.
“It’s a real credit to all the hard work societies like FetSoc have put in around one of the biggest Freshers Fairs ever and I’m really pleased that the first years are so keen to make the most of their time at York.”
In 2013, FetSoc was nominated for Society of the Year at the YUSU Awards.
It was shortlisted alongside the Central Hall Music Society, Aerobics Society, Band Society, Maths Society and Comedy Society, but it failed to scoop the title.
FetSoc was formed a year earlier following a struggle with the students’ union.
A first-year archaeology student originally proposed the idea.
At the time, he said: “I come from much more cosmopolitan places like London and Hong Kong, and I wanted to bring some of that to York.
“I’ve been part of the fetish scene myself for a few years now, and wanted to see if I could give students in York the opportunity.”
Concerns over controversy and legality issues involving the society were originally behind its struggle after its creation was halted by bosses following an application in January 2012.