\"Inside The Human Blood-Drinking, 'Real Vampire' Community Of New Orleans\" - Washington Post

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Morning Mix

Inside the human blood-drinking, ‘real vampire’ community of New OrleansBy By Yanan WangYanan Wang October 26October 26

John Edgar Browning met his first “real vampire” in a Gothic apparel store.John Edgar Browning met his first “real vampire” in a Gothic apparel store.

A doctoral candidate at Louisiana State University at the time, Browning had already been on the hunt for several months. He was talking to the store owner ofA doctoral candidate at Louisiana State University at the time, Browning had already been on the hunt for several months. He was talking to the store owner of

Wicked Orleans, a Gothic-style clothing and leather shop in New Orleans’s French Quarter, when a middle-aged woman and two teenage boys walked throughWicked Orleans, a Gothic-style clothing and leather shop in New Orleans’s French Quarter, when a middle-aged woman and two teenage boys walked through

the door.the door.

The store owner stopped mid-sentence. This woman, he motioned, was one of the people Browning was looking for.The store owner stopped mid-sentence. This woman, he motioned, was one of the people Browning was looking for.

Nervously, Browning approached her and started talking to her about his ethnographic study of “real vampires.” To be clear, these aren’t people whoNervously, Browning approached her and started talking to her about his ethnographic study of “real vampires.” To be clear, these aren’t people who

possess the supernatural powers that we associate with the likes of Count Dracula, but rather individuals who claim to have a medical condition that requirespossess the supernatural powers that we associate with the likes of Count Dracula, but rather individuals who claim to have a medical condition that requires

them to drink blood (human or animal) in order to sustain themselves.them to drink blood (human or animal) in order to sustain themselves.

Members of this community have chosen to identify themselves as “vampires” in defiance of the negative images that the label evokes. Did she know anyoneMembers of this community have chosen to identify themselves as “vampires” in defiance of the negative images that the label evokes. Did she know anyone

who fit that description?who fit that description?

The woman smiled, and Browning had his answer — her open lips revealed teeth that had been filed to a point, like fangs.The woman smiled, and Browning had his answer — her open lips revealed teeth that had been filed to a point, like fangs.

“I call it my ‘first time,’ ” Browning told The Washington Post of the inaugural encounter. Though the woman never did give him a call as promised, Browning“I call it my ‘first time,’ ” Browning told The Washington Post of the inaugural encounter. Though the woman never did give him a call as promised, Browning

soon found himself in the company of vampires again at a nightclub. Then, several weeks following that, he met an “elder vampire” who invited him to attendsoon found himself in the company of vampires again at a nightclub. Then, several weeks following that, he met an “elder vampire” who invited him to attend

meetings of the New Orleans Vampire Association (NOVA).meetings of the New Orleans Vampire Association (NOVA).

Browning, who has spent his entire academic life studying the depiction of vampires in film and literature, originally thought that there must be somethingBrowning, who has spent his entire academic life studying the depiction of vampires in film and literature, originally thought that there must be something

deranged about real people who identify with the characters that seem more suited to horror movies than a historic district in Louisiana.deranged about real people who identify with the characters that seem more suited to horror movies than a historic district in Louisiana.

Inside the human blood-drinking, ‘real vampire’ community of New Orleans - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/10/26/inside-the-human-blood-dr...

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Pervasive vampire lore, from the ancient tale of Count Dracula to the modern romance of “Twilight,” has assured that any mention of the mythical beingsPervasive vampire lore, from the ancient tale of Count Dracula to the modern romance of “Twilight,” has assured that any mention of the mythical beings

conjures images of bloodthirsty villains deeply rooted in the supernatural.conjures images of bloodthirsty villains deeply rooted in the supernatural.

“Until 2009, the only area of vampire studies that I hadn’t approached was real vampires,” said Browning, who is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia“Until 2009, the only area of vampire studies that I hadn’t approached was real vampires,” said Browning, who is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia

Institute of Technology. “I think I subconsciously saved it for last because I just thought what a lot of people think: that they must be crazy and have read tooInstitute of Technology. “I think I subconsciously saved it for last because I just thought what a lot of people think: that they must be crazy and have read too

much fictional work about vampires.”much fictional work about vampires.”

His skepticism waned soon after he embarked on a class project that would turn into five years of His skepticism waned soon after he embarked on a class project that would turn into five years of field studyfield study among the real vampires of the French Quarter. among the real vampires of the French Quarter.

Surveys conducted by the Surveys conducted by the Atlanta Vampire AllianceAtlanta Vampire Alliance have found that there are at least 5,000 people in the United States who identify as real vampires. Browning have found that there are at least 5,000 people in the United States who identify as real vampires. Browning

said there are about 50 living in New Orleans alone — a figure that he guessed is common for most major cities and said there are about 50 living in New Orleans alone — a figure that he guessed is common for most major cities and corroboratedcorroborated by sociologist DJ Williams to by sociologist DJ Williams to

the BBCthe BBC..

These communities have largely kept to themselves, knowing enough about public perception to not want to attract prying eyes. Browning, aware of the visceralThese communities have largely kept to themselves, knowing enough about public perception to not want to attract prying eyes. Browning, aware of the visceral

disgust that his research is likely to provoke, seldom brings it up in everyday conversation. disgust that his research is likely to provoke, seldom brings it up in everyday conversation. But his own initial belief that there was something wrong with theseBut his own initial belief that there was something wrong with these

people faded after he started getting to know them.people faded after he started getting to know them.

“After a short period of time,” he said, “I realized that they weren’t crazy. At least, they weren’t any crazier than your Average Joe.”“After a short period of time,” he said, “I realized that they weren’t crazy. At least, they weren’t any crazier than your Average Joe.”

According to Browning, symptoms of vampirism start to manifest around puberty, when those who later become reliant on ingesting blood find themselvesAccording to Browning, symptoms of vampirism start to manifest around puberty, when those who later become reliant on ingesting blood find themselves

physically “drained” for no discernible reason. They usually discover accidentally that blood offers a remedy: They might bite their lip, for instance, and realizephysically “drained” for no discernible reason. They usually discover accidentally that blood offers a remedy: They might bite their lip, for instance, and realize

that swallowing the metallic liquid between their teeth gives them an instant burst of energy.that swallowing the metallic liquid between their teeth gives them an instant burst of energy.

Not every vampire must drink blood to survive (those who do are called “sanguinarians”). Some simply derive strength from taking the “psychic energy” ofNot every vampire must drink blood to survive (those who do are called “sanguinarians”). Some simply derive strength from taking the “psychic energy” of

others. This can be accomplished through intimate human touch, like giving someone a massage.others. This can be accomplished through intimate human touch, like giving someone a massage.

The community has adopted terms to describe their unorthodox habits. To “feed” is to drink blood, while those who give their blood are called “donors.” BeingThe community has adopted terms to describe their unorthodox habits. To “feed” is to drink blood, while those who give their blood are called “donors.” Being

“awakened” and “coming out of the coffin” are ways to talk about becoming aware of one’s vampiric identity. “Elder vampires,” then, are those who have been“awakened” and “coming out of the coffin” are ways to talk about becoming aware of one’s vampiric identity. “Elder vampires,” then, are those who have been

awakened for some time and can in turn advise others on how to cope.awakened for some time and can in turn advise others on how to cope.


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One year into his study, Browning decided to try being a donor himself. During one of NOVA’s holiday charity events, where members of the vampireOne year into his study, Browning decided to try being a donor himself. During one of NOVA’s holiday charity events, where members of the vampire

community come together to make food for the homeless, he met with one vampire who left the turkey he was cooking to feed.community come together to make food for the homeless, he met with one vampire who left the turkey he was cooking to feed.

“Each of them have a particular method,” Browning said. This person used a disposable scalpel to make a tiny prick on Browning’s back, then used his fingers“Each of them have a particular method,” Browning said. This person used a disposable scalpel to make a tiny prick on Browning’s back, then used his fingers

to squeeze the area until blood came out. He put his mouth directly over the warm liquid and lapped it up, repeating the process two or three times beforeto squeeze the area until blood came out. He put his mouth directly over the warm liquid and lapped it up, repeating the process two or three times before

cleaning Browning’s wound.cleaning Browning’s wound.

Browning said only the pricking hurt, but mostly because he’s a “needle-phobe.”Browning said only the pricking hurt, but mostly because he’s a “needle-phobe.”

Someone might become a donor for a number of reasons, from being a close friend of the vampire’s to doing it for financial compensation and sometimes evenSomeone might become a donor for a number of reasons, from being a close friend of the vampire’s to doing it for financial compensation and sometimes even

sexual favors. Vampires approach these potential donors after having observed them for some time, and only if they’re fairly certain they’re the kind of peoplesexual favors. Vampires approach these potential donors after having observed them for some time, and only if they’re fairly certain they’re the kind of people

who won’t “freak out.”who won’t “freak out.”

The vampires whom Browning spoke with claim they can’t control their urges, which amount to a need for around two or three feedings a week. If ample bloodThe vampires whom Browning spoke with claim they can’t control their urges, which amount to a need for around two or three feedings a week. If ample blood

is on offer, they might refrigerate it and later combine it with other ingredients, like tea.is on offer, they might refrigerate it and later combine it with other ingredients, like tea.

Kinesia, a woman who identifies as a blood drinker, told the Kinesia, a woman who identifies as a blood drinker, told the BBCBBC that she isn’t a vampire by choice. “Many of us would rather not go through the cyclic that she isn’t a vampire by choice. “Many of us would rather not go through the cyclic

symptoms and just be happy to live life like a normal person,” she said.symptoms and just be happy to live life like a normal person,” she said.

A real vampire in Britain, Alexia, echoed the sentiment: “If the cause could be identified, I would most certainly take a pharmaceutical pill.”A real vampire in Britain, Alexia, echoed the sentiment: “If the cause could be identified, I would most certainly take a pharmaceutical pill.”

Most vampires have kept their condition from their doctors because they are wary of stigma. But those who are known to have disclosed their habits haven’tMost vampires have kept their condition from their doctors because they are wary of stigma. But those who are known to have disclosed their habits haven’t

been given a medical explanation.been given a medical explanation.

“This could very well be in our heads,” a vampire who calls herself “CJ!” admitted to the “This could very well be in our heads,” a vampire who calls herself “CJ!” admitted to the BBCBBC. Yet, those vampires who have tried to stop drinking blood have. Yet, those vampires who have tried to stop drinking blood have

met scary consequences.met scary consequences.

When Kinesia went four months without feeding, she found herself in the emergency room with a low heart rate that would shoot up to 160 when she stood upWhen Kinesia went four months without feeding, she found herself in the emergency room with a low heart rate that would shoot up to 160 when she stood up

or walked around. This would be followed by a massive migraine, and sometimes a loss of consciousness.or walked around. This would be followed by a massive migraine, and sometimes a loss of consciousness.


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Browning said he knows of a woman who found herself unable to go to work or even walk after a period of not ingesting blood. When her husband came to seeBrowning said he knows of a woman who found herself unable to go to work or even walk after a period of not ingesting blood. When her husband came to see

her in the hospital, she fed from him in her room and immediately felt better.her in the hospital, she fed from him in her room and immediately felt better.

Tomas Ganz, a medical doctor and professor at UCLA, told the Tomas Ganz, a medical doctor and professor at UCLA, told the BBCBBC that the “cure” offered by blood in these cases may very well be psychological. that the “cure” offered by blood in these cases may very well be psychological.

“There is likely a strong placebo effect, akin to ingesting bitter powders, brightly colored liquids or other substances that do not look or taste like conventional“There is likely a strong placebo effect, akin to ingesting bitter powders, brightly colored liquids or other substances that do not look or taste like conventional

foods,” he said. “This effect can be further enhanced if there is a ritual component associated with the ingestion, and if the individual feels a sense of some kindfoods,” he said. “This effect can be further enhanced if there is a ritual component associated with the ingestion, and if the individual feels a sense of some kind

of exclusivity (such as drinking a very expensive and rare wine).”of exclusivity (such as drinking a very expensive and rare wine).”

Though the habits of modern vampires may seem frightening to most, Browning insisted that the ones he met in New Orleans were incredibly friendly.Though the habits of modern vampires may seem frightening to most, Browning insisted that the ones he met in New Orleans were incredibly friendly.

“After a while, I felt more comfortable being at a NOVA meeting than I would be sitting in a coffee shop,” he said. “That’s just how non-abnormal they came“After a while, I felt more comfortable being at a NOVA meeting than I would be sitting in a coffee shop,” he said. “That’s just how non-abnormal they came

across. Being marginalized, they’re more in tune with their self-identity and much more aware of the world around them.”across. Being marginalized, they’re more in tune with their self-identity and much more aware of the world around them.”

A gay man, Browning said he’s been able to sympathize with and believe that the vampires’ condition is real even though there seems to be no scientificA gay man, Browning said he’s been able to sympathize with and believe that the vampires’ condition is real even though there seems to be no scientific

explanation.explanation.

“None of the people I interviewed gave me any reason not to believe what they’re saying,” Browning said. “Being a gay man myself, it’s not like people can take“None of the people I interviewed gave me any reason not to believe what they’re saying,” Browning said. “Being a gay man myself, it’s not like people can take

my blood and see that I’m gay, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real.”my blood and see that I’m gay, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real.”

He found the vampire community in the French Quarter to be predominantly Caucasian and to a lesser extent Latino. They ranged in age from 18 to 50,He found the vampire community in the French Quarter to be predominantly Caucasian and to a lesser extent Latino. They ranged in age from 18 to 50,

identified with a range of sexualities and religions and were split almost evenly between men and women.identified with a range of sexualities and religions and were split almost evenly between men and women.

Williams, a sociologist at Idaho State University, has conducted research on how vampire stigma has Williams, a sociologist at Idaho State University, has conducted research on how vampire stigma has affectedaffected the quality of the individuals’ health care. In his the quality of the individuals’ health care. In his

studies, Williams has found no evidence of psychiatric issues in self-identified vampires.studies, Williams has found no evidence of psychiatric issues in self-identified vampires.

For Browning’s part, he believes that making people more informed about the real vampires in their midst will encourage important conversations about howFor Browning’s part, he believes that making people more informed about the real vampires in their midst will encourage important conversations about how

normalcy is defined by the mainstream.normalcy is defined by the mainstream.

“I think what the [vampires] are doing is good, because it helps put into perspective what our conception of ‘normal’ is,” Browning said. “Them doing what“I think what the [vampires] are doing is good, because it helps put into perspective what our conception of ‘normal’ is,” Browning said. “Them doing what


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they’re doing isn’t a problem. … It’s our preconceived notion of what normal is that’s the problem.”they’re doing isn’t a problem. … It’s our preconceived notion of what normal is that’s the problem.”

Over his five years of study, Browning found that most of the vampires were otherwise normal in the eyes of society. They had spouses, friends and jobs; manyOver his five years of study, Browning found that most of the vampires were otherwise normal in the eyes of society. They had spouses, friends and jobs; many

of them had children from whom they hid their practice. While some have taken to wearing Gothic attire and prosthetic fangs, others have no physical markersof them had children from whom they hid their practice. While some have taken to wearing Gothic attire and prosthetic fangs, others have no physical markers

to indicate their vampirism.to indicate their vampirism.

When Browning started his research, he was most surprised to discover that most of the community members didn’t have an extensive knowledge of howWhen Browning started his research, he was most surprised to discover that most of the community members didn’t have an extensive knowledge of how

vampires are portrayed in popular culture. Once, when he mentioned an episode of “True Blood,” he said, “no one knew what I was talking about.”vampires are portrayed in popular culture. Once, when he mentioned an episode of “True Blood,” he said, “no one knew what I was talking about.”

This lack of awareness indicated to him that the vampires weren’t super-fans who had simply taken their obsession with fantasy narratives to an extreme.This lack of awareness indicated to him that the vampires weren’t super-fans who had simply taken their obsession with fantasy narratives to an extreme.

Rather, they were normal people with routines no different from everyone else.Rather, they were normal people with routines no different from everyone else.

No different, that is, with the exception of one grisly drinking habit.No different, that is, with the exception of one grisly drinking habit.

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Yanan Wang is a reporter on the Morning Mix team.Yanan Wang is a reporter on the Morning Mix team.

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\"Inside The Human Blood-Drinking, 'Real Vampire' Community Of New Orleans\" - Washington Post