People who engage in exhibitionism find great pleasure from exposing their genitals for the purposes of arousal to strangers. This kind of behavior falls into kink, though it’s not considered a mental disorder in DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). What distinguishes exhibitionism from exhibitionistic disorder is that those affected tend to engage in socially inappropriate nudity while engaging in sexual acts that were not consented for and may even engage in activities without prior agreement from partners.

Some individuals indulge in non-consensual exhibitionist fantasies in ways that remain illegal under most state laws, such as flashing in public or exposing oneself at parties without consent, or engaging in sexual relations in public areas without prior consent from both partners. Unfortunately, most individuals engaging in this behavior do not realize they could be breaking the law when engaging in this behavior.

Ethical exhibitionism involves the explicit and informed consent of all parties involved, whether taking selfies, recording short videos, or engaging in Skype sex sessions. For many individuals this provides a satisfying alternative way of exploring exhibitionism safely in an acceptable environment. If you or a loved one are curious about ethical exhibitionism, consult an expert who can assist with channeling urges and fantasies into healthy sexual outlets that provide satisfaction without harm.