BDSM

BDSM stands for "Bondage, Domination, Sadism and Masochism" (see below for fuller explanation), and describes a form of human sexual behaviour involving amongst other things sexual sadism and masochism in a context that is 'safe, sane and consensual'. That is to say, BDSM is not sexual abuse, which is nonconsensual.

BDSM activities are practiced by individuals of all sexualities: male and female, gay or straight. Many practice their BDSM activities exclusively in private, and do not share their predilections with others. Others socialize with other BDSM practitioners. The BDSM community can be regarded as a subculture within mainstream society.

Some sources estimate the prevalence of BDSM behavior in countries such as the United States at around 5 to 7% of the adult population.

It is one of the most popular 'free time' activities in Japan. It has been claimed (dubiously) that over 40% of the Japanese population partake in this sexual behaviour.

BDSM is often lumped in with fetishism or the fetish subculture.

Many BDSM players are polyamorous, such as being sexually monogamous but engaging in non-sexual play with others.

Traditional attitudes to BDSM activities regarded it as deviant behaviour indulged in only by sexual psychopaths. Given the popularity of BDSM, this is far from the truth. However, there are a small minority of people who are sexual abusers who use BDSM as a cover for their activities. For these reasons, caution should be excercised by people starting BDSM relationships.

BDSM Physiological

On a physical level, BDSM involves applying carefully controlled stimulus to the human body so that it reacts as if it were actually hurt. This releases pleasurable endorphins, creating a sensation somewhat like runner's high or the afterglow of orgasm. The sensation is related to but distinct from pain. Some writers use the term "body stress."

In BDSM play, the top applies sensation to the bottom by spanking, slapping, pinching, stroking or scratching with fingernails, or using implements like straps, whips, paddles, canes, knives, hot wax, ice, clothespins, bamboo skewers , etc. The sensation of being bound with rope, chains, straps, cling wrap, handcuffs or other materials can also be part of the experience.

BDSM players are highly inventive in employing their tools in play, sometimes using ordinary household items as sex toys, known as "pervertables".

In BDSM, the stimulus is always applied in a controlled fashion, with an eye to safety. E.g. a top should know which areas of a bottom's body to avoid while whipping.

BDSM play can be compared to music, with each sensation like a note. Different sensations are combined in different ways to produce the total experience.

Creating a pleasurable BDSM experience has a lot to do with the bottom being in the right state of mind. Trust and sexual arousal help a person prepare for the intense sensation.

BDSM Psychological

On a psychological level, BDSM play involves power exchange, one person willingly handing over personal autonomy. This can range from addressing another person as "Master" or "Mistress" for a ten-minute scene, to a witnessed, formal collaring with a lifelong, unbreakable contract which micro-manages the submissive's life.

In safe, sane and consensual BDSM, power exchange is always negotiated. Before play, the participants discuss their physical and psychological limitations, establish safewords and work out what will happen.

A submissive person enjoys being controlled by a dominant. Reasons for this include relief from responsibility, being the object of attention and affection, gaining a sense of security, showing off endurance or working through issues of shame.

A dominant person enjoys being in control of a submissive person. Reasons for this include demonstrating skill and power, having ownership of another person, being the object of affection and devotion. This may be the fashion in which the dominant feels most comfortable expressing and/or receiving affection.

BDSM may or may not involve sexual roleplaying.

How dominant or submissive a person may be in their regular life does not determine their preferred role in BDSM play.

BDSM play often includes the psychological pleasure of fetishes.

BDSM terminology

BDSM activities are described as "play" in BDSM terminology. The BDSM term is a portmanteau acronym intended to take in all of the following activities:

"Bondage and Discipline" play (B & D)
Domination and Submission play (D & S) (including "master and slave" role-playing scenarios)
Sadism and Masochism or Sadomasochism (S & M)
top
bottom
submissive (sub)
dominant (dom) (also dominatrix)
switch
safeword
fetishism
paraphilia
edgeplay
handkerchief codes
servitude

History of BDSM

The historical origins of BDSM are obscure. Some sources claim that BDSM, as a distinct form of sexual behaviour, originated at the beginnings of the nineteenth century, when Western civilization began medically and legally categorizing sexual behaviour. Other sources say that BDSM-like behaviour occurs in many other societies, such as the medieval flagellants or the physical ordeal rituals of some Native American societies.

Much of the BDSM ethos can be traced back to gay male leather culture, which grew out of post-WWII biker culture. This culture is epitomized by the Leatherman's Handbook by Larry Townsend, published in 1972, which essentially defined the Old Guard. This code emphasized strict formality and fixed roles (i.e. no switching), and did not really include lesbian women or heterosexuals.

Another source is the sexual games played in brothels, which go back into the nineteenth century if not earlier.

BDSM ideas and imagery have existed on the fringes of Western culture througout the twentieth century. Some of the key artists were John Willie and Eric Stanton.

In the mid-nineties, the internet provided a way of finding people with specialized interests around the world and communicating with them anonymously. This brought about an explosion of interest and knowledge of BDSM, particularly on the usenet group alt.sex.bondage. When that group became too choked with spam, the focus moved to soc.subculture.bondage-bdsm.

New guard leather appeared around this time, as a reaction to the restrictions of Old Guard style. New Guard, or new leather, embraced switching and often combined spirituality with their play.

The expansion of BDSM also coincided with the spread of AIDS. Some writers have suggested that one of the appeals of BDSM is it's a form of sexuality that does not (necessarily) involve body fluids and therefore has reduced risk of disease.

BDSM and fetish imagery has spread out into the mainstream of Western culture through avant-garde fashion, rap, hip-hop and heavy metal video clips, and science fiction television and movies.

The modern BDSM subculture is widespread. Most major cities in North America and western Europe have clubs and play parties, as well as informal, low-pressure gatherings called munches. There are also conventions like Living in Leather and Black Rose.