A Conversation with QThree on International Fetish Day

January 17th is International Fetish Day. According to a 2016 survey of 2,300 people, 75% of people have a fetish of some sort, also known as paraphilia. Although fetishism includes a range of preferences, the most prevailing is sexual attraction to feet, or podophilia. In fact it’s so common that ordinary people, like working mothers and college students, are increasingly tapping into the fetish market to earn extra income by selling photos of their feet. To highlight the holiday I asked Philadelphia-bred artist QThree, who has an unabashed foot fetish, some questions pertaining to the sometimes misunderstood fixation.

MindBodySex: When did you first realize you were attracted to feet?

QThree: The earliest I can remember was about 7 years old.

MBS: Does your fetish stem from a particular experience or is it innate?

Q3: I really can’t remember why or how it happened. I can just remember [feet] being a sexual trigger for me.

MBS: Are you or have you ever been embarrassed about being into feet?

Q3: When I was younger I was definitely slightly awkward about taking the initiative of speaking on it. But I never denied it when questioned, and I never felt embarrassed about it when confronted.

MBS: How do you incorporate feet into your sex life?

Q3: Feet have always been more of a visual appreciation. They really stimulate me visually as much as a sexual organ. Touching, rubbing, and kissing during foreplay is definitely a thing but not every time. I’ve definitely had foot jobs though, haha. 

MBS: When dating someone new, how soon do you tell your partner about your fetish?

Q3: Even when I am not dating someone I make sure my fetish is known, haha. I appreciate well taken care of feet, even if it isn’t in a sexually appealing way. When it is someone I’m dating I make sure it’s known immediately as an ice breaker. 

MBS: How have your past girlfriends reacted to learning about your fetish?

Q3: I never received negative feedback. 

MBS: Describe what you consider perfect feet.

Q3: Delicate and soft features. Even complexion. Nude nails are appreciated but a pedicure is a must. Proportionate toe length. All sizes are appreciated. No corns or bunions. No overly wrinkled soles. And a nice, deep arch. 

MBS: Do you watch fetish porn? Is that a thing?

Q3: Fetish porn is the biggest profit in the porn market. There’s shit that I wouldn’t even watch, haha. But, specifically, foot fetish porn — yes, there is and I indulge. There’s foot worship (toe sucking) and foot jobs (a hand job but with the arches of feet). My favorite are foot JOIs (Jerk Off Instructions). There’s something about a woman using her seductive power to tease and allure you in to what you desire.

MBS: Do you personally know anyone else with a foot fetish?

Q3: Having a foot fetish is so common I pretty much hardly look at it as anything bizarre. So many of my close homies visually or physically indulge and it’s something we are all comfortable enough to converse about.

MBS: What are some stereotypes or assumptions people make about you or your fetish? 

Q3: Some stereotypes are that it’s strange and weird or we’re freaks of nature. And that’s the only way we can get off or whatever. None of that applies to me personally. 

MBS: What’s something you wish more people knew about having a fetish?

Q3: Having a fetish isn’t weird and strange and wild. It’s actually an ability that enables you to tap into your sexuality without traditional visual and/or physical sex-related activities. 

QThree is on Instagram @q3whocares. His art page is @anatomzm.