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As part of the gay community, the topic of fisting has probably crossed your path before—whether in discussions, in porn films, or even on dates. The history of fisting doesn’t stretch too far back, but it is fascinating because it is closely connected to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s and the LGBTQIA+ community. And of course, there are plenty of myths surrounding the topic of fisting.
Michelangelo wasn’t the inventor of fisting!
Sometimes it’s claimed that Michelangelo depicted a man reaching for another man’s fist in one of his paintings in the Sistine Chapel. Such an image does exist, but despite the creative and intellectual freedom of this great artist, it should be clear that this depiction has absolutely nothing to do with fisting. Whatever prompted Michelangelo to make this depiction, he certainly had other things in mind than illustrating a version of anal intercourse, which may have already been practiced at that time.
Another argument against the practice of fisting during Michelangelo’s time is the hygiene conditions back then. There was neither lube nor gloves, and running water for thoroughly cleaning the “playing field” during fisting was rare. Moreover, the religious context of that era cannot be ignored. For the all-encompassing, dominant religion of the time, the sexual act was solely for reproduction. Therefore, any suggestion of a particular sexual practice in Michelangelo’s paintings is likely wishful thinking. The beginning of the “fist-f*cking” practice must be placed much later.
Crisco – A fat that changed everything
The history of fisting probably begins, as one might expect, in the United States. A fat called Crisco plays an important role in this. Sometime in the 1960s, someone discovered that the fat could not only be used for baking and frying but also for f*cking. This discovery was gratefully embraced by gay men, and Crisco found its way into bedrooms and clubs, particularly those of the gay leather community. As a result, the first fist clubs in the U.S. emerged, such as “The Catacombs” or “Handball Express.” From the beginning, there was a close connection between the leather community and fisting, which had far-reaching consequences during the AIDS crisis.
Especially in the 1970s, the queer community gained confidence, which also manifested in openly expressed sexuality. The community became more visible, organized, and created niche spaces where cultural and sexual preferences could be explored. People celebrated themselves and their identity in every possible way. For the classic gay community, saunas and bars emerged, and those who enjoyed specific sexual practices created their own meeting places in clubs or associations. Entire neighborhoods developed as gathering points for various groups. What the Castro district with its cafés, restaurants, and bars was for traditional gays in San Francisco, the South of Market area was for the leather community and their lust for fisting.
fisting history: AIDS and HIV in the 1980s
This development was abruptly interrupted when AIDS spread, especially among gay men. Sexual contacts and practices were immediately blamed for the rapid spread of the new disease. Many sexual practices, including fisting, were quickly abandoned out of fear of contracting the HIV virus, and unfortunately, the gay community itself vilified fisting as a cause of the AIDS crisis. This was partly because the community was never completely unified. There were internal divisions, and internal prejudices against the leather community contributed to stigmatizing their “unnatural” fisting practices as partially responsible. In reality, fisting was heavily targeted in medical statements during the first decade of the AIDS crisis, despite the fact that this practice carried, and still carries, a very low risk of infection.
Since little help was initially expected from the government, the LGBTQIA+ community took it upon itself to educate, study the virus, and understand it. As a result, helpful safer-sex manuals were created that informed about the virus and offered ways to have safe sex. Over time, sexual practices once considered risky were practiced again. Despite medical findings on the very low infection risk associated with fisting, this important point went unaddressed in community writings for almost ten years. One reason was the community’s aversion to fisting. AIDS was not the real reason, but it gave fisting opponents more legitimacy.
However, despite all the hostility, combined with demands to close related establishments, the community of fisting fans was not defeated, and many clubs, bars, and associations survived that period. What impacted the South of Market leather community more than AIDS were demographic changes that significantly altered the district. According to scientists like Dr. Harvey Rubin, it was ultimately the principle of free, liberal sex in the leather community that affected all gay men of that time.
Fisting as a fixed part of modern sexual practices
In the decades following the AIDS shock, it was, among others, the leather community that became highly engaged in supporting those affected by AIDS. Despite hostility from within their own community, the leather community became one of the most active parts of the larger group, founding initiatives like the AIDS Emergency Fund and raising money to ensure that those in need could access the extremely expensive medical care, particularly in the U.S. To date, the fund has distributed more than 30 million US dollars.
Today, fisting is still not a universally practiced but much more accepted sexual activity, even beyond the queer community. Heterosexual couples are also known to practice it. The leather community’s efforts have certainly helped reduce the prejudice against fisting. There are now associations worldwide where men and women enjoy fisting.
Then and now: What to consider when fisting
In essence, not much has changed when it comes to the practice of fisting. The number one rule is thorough preparation, such as deep enemas for cleanliness. Properly trimmed fingernails help prevent injury, and special fisting gloves not only make fisting safer but also provide a more intense experience. Through the ages, it has been somewhat of an unwritten rule that fisting should only be practiced when all participants truly want it. After all, fisting involves extreme penetration, reaching deep into the body of the passive partner. Without their consent and trust in the skills of the active partner, the necessary relaxation won’t occur, making fisting difficult, painful, or even impossible.
One important prerequisite for making fisting a pleasurable experience for the passive partner is a thorough stretching of the anus and sphincter muscles, which can be done as part of foreplay. First, individual fingers are inserted, with gradual progression. A large FF dildo can also be a helpful toy for preparation. These are typically not shaped like fists but more like one or two flat hands. Unlike the female vagina, the anus is less elastic and therefore requires much more stretching if it is later to accommodate a whole hand or even one or two arms. If injuries occur, it is essential to see a doctor immediately. Nowadays, doctors in emergency rooms are used to seeing unusual injuries and even more unusual objects being removed from patients’ rectums. Recently, there was a report of a live eel that had apparently been used as a sex toy by a man in Vietnam.
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