Chapter 1: The State of Transgressive Fiction

I don’t often delve into discussions about Medium, but I can’t help but wonder about its recent shifts.

My primary focus is on transgressive fiction, often infused with erotic elements. It’s a genre that many readers find exhilarating. In fact, some readers are so engrossed that they revisit these stories multiple times. Throughout 2022 and into the middle of 2023, my narratives consistently garnered hundreds, even thousands, of views. However, that trend has changed.

In January 2024, Medium revised its quality standards regarding sensitive content. From what I gather, this means that any content deemed “sensitive” will now be nearly invisible unless readers actively search for it with intense scrutiny. It’s their platform, after all, and they’re entitled to set their own rules.

Yet, one has to wonder: don’t they aim for profitability? Furthermore, isn’t Medium meant to embody a spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness? If there’s an audience eager for transgressive narratives, why not cater to them? Is it truly that difficult to adjust the algorithms to promote stories from publications like Tantalizing Tales and Redemption, which I frequently contribute to, to the right audience?

I extend my gratitude to May More and Paul Mansfield for nurturing spaces where every voice matters, including those of individuals on the margins.

It's clear that Medium doesn't want to expose everyone to such narratives. After all, we wouldn’t want to make headlines again, like in 2021, when Medium suggested erotica to Joe Biden.

Nonetheless, there has to be a compromise between overwhelming the President with erotica and completely obscuring it.

While I commend Medium for its commitment to a standard of care within its community, akin to a considerate host, we must remember that some guests are unconventional, adventurous, and unique.

Let’s not forget to acknowledge and care for them.

Here’s a lyrical exploration that captures the essence of transgressive themes:

Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker