Erotic target location error

Erotic target location error (ETLE) is a term coined by sexologist Ray Blanchard to describe a category of paraphilia in which the individual's sexual preferences are misdirected from the norm. This misdirection can manifest in a variety of ways, such as being attracted to the idea of oneself in a different physical form, or being attracted to inanimate objects or non-human entities.

Definition and Types

ETLE is not a universally accepted term within the field of sexology, but it is used by some researchers to describe a phenomenon where an individual's erotic focus is not on another person, but rather on a location, object, or even the individual themselves. There are two main types of ETLE:

• Autogynephilia: This is a type of ETLE where a man is sexually aroused by the thought or image of himself as a woman. It is considered a subtype of transvestic fetishism.
• Autoandrophilia: This is the counterpart to autogynephilia, where a woman is sexually aroused by the thought or image of herself as a man.

Controversy

The concept of ETLE, and particularly the subtypes of autogynephilia and autoandrophilia, have been controversial within both the scientific community and the transgender community. Critics argue that these terms pathologize transgender identities and experiences, and that they are based on outdated and harmful stereotypes about transgender people.

See Also

• Paraphilia
• Transvestic fetishism
• Sexual fetishism
• Transgender