Definitions of pervert on the Web:

• corrupt: corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; "debauch the young people with wine and women"; "Socrates was accused of corrupting ...
• twist: practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive; "Don't twist my words"
• a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior
• change the inherent purpose or function of something; "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
  wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
• Perversion is a term and concept describing those types of human behavior that are perceived to be a deviation from what is considered to be orthodox or normal. ...
  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pervert
• To cause to turn away from what is right, proper, or good; corrupt.
• To bring to a bad or worse condition; debase.
• To put to a wrong or improper use; misuse. See Synonyms at corrupt.
• To interpret incorrectly; misconstrue or distort (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pervert)

There has been a great deal of debate as to whether or not the word "pervert" should be used in conjunction with National Fetish Day. While some people in minority sexuality groups use the word to refer to eachother in a friendly manner, others strongly disagree with the use of the word. There are basically two main schools of thought on the word.

The first school of thought is the 'reclaimation' concept. These supporters of the word "pervert" would like to remove the negative connotations of the word "pervert" in a manner similar to the way that homosexuals 'reclaimed' the word "queer" (which is still a matter of debate in some circles). The 'reclaimation'-ists think that by using the word "pervert" to describe themselves in positive ways would help remove the negative connotations of the word.

The second school of thought focuses on the negative connotations of the word "pervert". They argue that the word "pervert" is used to describe any activity (especially sexual) that is considered wrong or immoral. Typically, the string goes, "perverts like rapists, paedophiles and sadomasochists". To refute the 'reclaimation'-ists, they argue that while "queer" might have been an insult, its original meaning was quite neutral, simply meaning "odd". "Pervert", as the definitions above show, does have some definitions that say that when something is "perverted" is is "not good"; the word is not as neutral as the word "queer". These anti-"pervert" people would like to see the word "pervert" as far away from them as possible.

These two sides are often the only way that people view the Great Pervert Debate, either you're a "pervert" or you're not a "pervert". I, however, wonder if there is a third option.

Nowhere in the definition of pervert does it say what exactly a pervert does. Ideas about what is "wrong", "immoral", or "unacceptable" have changed throughout time. While there are still some people who balk at having sex with the lights on, and others easily have oral sex, still others think nothing is wrong with bringing a vibrator, blindfold and handcuffs into the bedroom. Anyone who masturbates, has sex for pleasure, or has sex outside of marriage, is in at least someone's eyes, perverted. Everyone is a pervert.

When someone says "You are a pervert", they are esentially saying "You are doing wrong and immoral things". But such a statement is completely subjective: what is immoral for me may not immoral for you. Add to this the shifts in morality throughout time, and you have one confusing ball of accusations and absolutes.

I challenge not the meaning of the word "pervert", but instead I challenge your morality. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. If you have never masturbated, you can call me a pervert. If you have never bought sexy lingerie, you may call me a pervert. If you have never had thoughts about sex with someone outside your relationship, you may call me a pervert. If you choose to call me a pervert, I choose to call everyone perverts. We are all perverted. And we should be proud to be so.