BDSM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.

org/wiki/BDSM

BDSM
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

BDSM is a term which describes a number of related patterns of

human sexual behaviour. The major subgroupings are described
in the abbreviation "BDSM" itself:

Bondage (BD)
Bondage & Discipline (B&D)
Domination & Submission (D&S, DS, D/S)
Sadism & Masochism (or Sadomasochism) (S&M, SM)

Many of the specific practices in BDSM are those which, if

performed in neutral or nonsexual contexts, are widely considered
unpleasant, undesirable, or disadvantageous. For example, pain,
physical restraint and servitude are traditionally inflicted on A collar is a common symbol of BDSM.
persons against their will and to their detriment. In BDSM,
however, these activities are engaged in with the mutual consent
of the participants, and typically for mutual enjoyment.

This emphasis on informed consent and safety is also known as SSC (safe, sane and consensual), though others prefer the
term RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink), which places more emphasis on acknowledging the fact that all activities are
potentially risky.

Contents
1 Psychological
1.1 Power exchange
2 Roles
2.1 Dominant behavior
2.2 Submissive behavior
2.3 Tops and bottoms
2.4 Switching
3 Safety
4 Various practices
5 Physiological
6 Other points
7 Terminology
8 Etymology
9 History
10 See also
10.1 Lists of BDSM authors, artists and photographers
10.2 Publishers (fiction and non-fiction)
10.3 Support groups
11 International
12 Documentaries
13 References and further reading
14 External links

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Psychological
In the past, sadomasochistic activities and fantasies were regarded by most psychiatrists as pathological, but have been
regarded as increasingly acceptable since at least the 1990s. Indeed, the DSM-IV asserts that "The fantasies, sexual urges,
or behaviors" must "cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of
functioning" in order for sexual sadism or masochism to be considered a disorder. Psychiatrists are now moving towards
regarding sadism and masochism not as disorders in and of themselves, but only as disorders when associated with other
problems such as a personality disorder. People who practice BDSM, as well as most psychiatrists, do not view these
practices as disordered.

Power exchange

On a psychological level, much BDSM play involves power and dominance, in particular power exchange of various
forms. One person may willingly and consciously hand over personal autonomy or the power dynamic may arise between
the parties in the relationship as a spontaneous result of their interpersonal chemistry, in which case no conscious decision
is made. This power can manifest in an endless variety of relationship dynamics. Some of the variations include:

Addressing another person as "Master" or "Mistress" for a ten-minute scene.

A witnessed, formal collaring with a lifelong agreement between the parties for the dominant to provide an ongoing
presence in the submissive's life. See Total Power Exchange. Collared slaves have responsibilities and duties that
vary from the moderate to extreme micro-management.
An agreement of service that covers the duties and responsibilities of the submissive that may or may not include a
long-term commitment. Some service relationships are understood to last only as long as the submissive maintains
performance standards.

According to most practitioners, the power exchange should always be negotiated. Before play, the participants discuss
their physical and psychological limitations, establish safewords (words that will signal the cessation of the scene), and
work out what activities they will engage in.

However, many reject extensive negotiation and eschew the use of safewords, preferring instead to accept heightened risk
and facilitate a more "natural" interaction. The conflict between the need for risk and the need for limitations and safety is
at the heart of the SSC and RACK controversies.

Roles
Dominant behavior

A dominant person enjoys controlling a submissive person. Reasons for this are said to include demonstrating skill and
power, having ownership of another person, and being the object of affection and devotion. Domination may be the
fashion in which the dominant feels most comfortable expressing and/or receiving affection. Service-oriented dominants
would add that it is obviously useful to have the resources and abilities of another human at their disposal.

Of course, other known possible motives remain to be considered, including pleasure taken not only in sheer power, but in
the suffering of others, thrill seeking in risk taking, and outright self destructiveness. That is why many in the BDSM
community are concerned with establishing the motivations of those involved in an encounter and advise caution in
making BDSM connections.

Submissive behavior

A submissive person is one who submits of their own free will and seeks to submit to another. Submissives vary in how
seriously they take their position, training, and situation. Motivations for engaging in submissive behavior may include
relief from responsibility, being the object of attention and affection, gaining a sense of security, showing off endurance,
and working through issues of shame. Others simply enjoy a "natural" feeling when they are in the presence of their
partner. What are known as service-oriented submissive may also have a deep seated desire to be "of use". Submissives

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also vary in the extent to which they engage in play, in how often they play, and even in whether they consider their role
"play" at all.

Tops and bottoms

In BDSM, a top is a partner who takes the role of giver in such acts as bondage, flogging, humiliation, or servitude. The
top performs acts such as these upon the bottom, who is the person receiving for the duration of a scene. Although it is
easy to assume that a top is dominant and a bottom is submissive, it is not necessarily so.

The top is sometimes the partner who is following instructions, i.e., he tops when, and in the manner, requested by the
bottom. A person who applies sensation or control to a bottom, but does so to the bottom's explicit instruction is a service
top. Contrast the service top with the pure dominant, who might give orders to a submissive, or otherwise employ
physical or psychological techniques of control, but might instruct the submissive to perform the act on him or her.

The same goes for bottoms and submissives. At one end of the continuum is a submissive who enjoys taking orders from a
dominant but does not receive any physical stimulation. At the other is a bottom who enjoys the intense physical and
psychological stimulation but does not submit to the person delivering them. It should be noted that the bottom is most
often the partner who is giving instructions—the top typically tops when, and in the manner, requested by the bottom.

Within a sadomasochisic context, submissive is often considered synonymous with bottom. Others opine that a
"submissive" is specifically pursuing a dominant/submissive power-exchange as a key element, whereas a "bottom" may
or may not be interested (or even willing) to engage in that exchange. For the latter, some have proposed the "pitcher" and
"catcher" (borrowed from baseball terminology) as more neutral terminology, with the "pitcher" delivering the sensation,
the instruction, etc; and the "catcher" receiving what is "pitched."

Switching

Some practitioners of BDSM enjoy switching—that is, playing both dominant and submissive roles, either during a single
scene or taking on different roles at different occasions with different partners. A switch will be the top on some occasions
and the bottom on other occasions. A "switch" may be in a relationship with someone of the same primary orientation
(two dominants, say), so switching provides each partner with an opportunity to realize his or her unsatisfied BDSM
needs with others. Some individuals may switch, but may not identify as a switch because they do so infrequently or only
under certain circumstances.

Safety
Some BDSM activities may be potentially dangerous if appropriate precautions are neglected. In particular, it is
sometimes the practice that the submissive will complain of suffering or beg the dominant to stop, and that this will be
ignored by the dominant. Therefore, one aspect to ensure safety is to agree upon a safeword. If the dominant and
submissive are in a scene that causes unacceptable discomfort for one or both of them, a safe word can be uttered to warn
the other of trouble and immediately call for a stop to the scene.

Adequate care is prudent in bondage to ensure safety from injury. It is wise to invest in first aid training for all involved
parties. For activities involving bodily fluids, hygienic precautions should be duly considered for avoiding the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases.

Various practices
BDSM may encompass practices such as erotic spanking, flagellation, such as flogging, paddling or whipping, or medical
submission (i.e. a submissive partner submits to humiliating and/or painful medical procedures).

BDSM activities are practiced by male and female individuals of all sexualities: gay or straight, or bisexual, as well as the
transgendered. 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

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mainstream society. Being involved in BDSM or dominant/submissive relationships on a regular basis is often referred to
as being "in the lifestyle".

Some sources estimate the prevalence of BDSM behavior in countries such as the United States at around 5 to 10% of the
adult population. While the stereotype of heterosexual BDSM is a male dominant and female submissive, the reality is
almost evenly split between "maledom" and "femdom" couples.

Physiological
On a physical level, BDSM "sensation play" often involves inflicting pain, even if without actual injury. This releases
endorphins, creating a sensation somewhat like runner's high or the afterglow of orgasm, sometimes called "flying", which
some find enjoyable. Some writers use the term "body stress". This experience is the motivation for many in the BDSM
community but is not the only motivating factor. Indeed, a strong minority of BDSM participants (especially "bottoms")
may well participate in a scene they do not derive any physical pleasure from in order to provide their "top" with an
opportunity to indulge their desires or fetishes.

In some kinds of BDSM play, the "top" (usually a dominant partner) applies sensation to the "bottom" (usually a
submissive partner) 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. The tools of BDSM play
encompass a wide variety of items from specifically designed implements to ordinary household items, known as
"pervertibles."

A pleasurable BDSM experience is thought to depend greatly upon a competent top and the bottom attaining the correct
state of mind. Trust and sexual arousal help a person prepare for the intense sensation. Some have even gone so far as to
compare adept BDSM play to musical composition and performance, each sensation like a musical note. Likewise,
different sensations are combined in different ways to produce the total experience.

Other points
BDSM may or may not involve sex of any kind.
BDSM may or may not involve sexual roleplaying.
How dominant or submissive a person may be in their regular life does not always determine their preferred role in
BDSM play though many people do manifest these tendencies. Often people who express one role in their regular
life, such as at work, strongly desire to express the opposite role within their sexual life, as a kind of release.
BDSM play often includes the psychological pleasure of fetishes.
Some BDSM players are polyamorous or are sexually monogamous but engage in non-sexual play with others.
A couple may engage in BDSM sexuality within an otherwise non-D/S relationship dynamic.
When there is abuse in the relationship, the submissive is as likely to be abusive as the dominant.

Terminology
See List of BDSM terms

Etymology
Originally S&M (Sadism & Masochism) was a clinical term. The leather community of the day attempted to distance
themselves from what was then classified as a mental illness and began to use the term "B&D" (Bondage & Discipline).
This term was later linked back to "S&M" by the clinical community giving birth to the now common acronym BDSM.
This term was then later broadened by some to include Dominance & submission. Although, D/s is more properly cultural
dynamic than sexual practice, its common co-occurrence with BDSM has resulted in it being commonly viewed as linked
behavior pattern.

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History
The historical origins of BDSM are obscure. There are anecdotal reports of people willingly being bound or whipped as a
prelude to, or substitute for, sex going back to the fourteenth century. The medieval phenomenon of courtly love in all of
its slavish devotion and ambivalence has been suggested by some writers to be a precursor of BDSM. Some sources claim
that BDSM as a distinct form of sexual behaviour originated at the beginning of the eighteenth century when Western
civilization began medically and legally categorizing sexual behaviour. There are reports of brothels specializing in
flagellation as early as 1769, and John Cleland's novel Fanny Hill, published in 1749, mentions a flagellation scene. Other
sources give a broader definition citing BDSM-like behaviour in earlier times and other cultures, such as the medieval
flagellants and the physical ordeal rituals of some Native American societies.

Although the names of the Marquis de Sade and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch are attached to the terms sadism and
masochism respectively, the question remains as to whether their ways of life would meet with modern BDSM standards
of informed consent.

BDSM ideas and imagery have existed on the fringes of Western culture throughout the twentieth century. Robert
Bienvenu attributes the origins of modern BDSM to three sources, which he names as "European Fetish" (from 1928),
"American Fetish" (from 1934), and "Gay Leather" (from 1950). Another source is the sexual games played in brothels,
which go back into the nineteenth century if not earlier. Irving Klaw, during the 1950s and 1960s, produced some of the
first commercial film and photography with a BDSM theme and published comics by the now-iconic bondage artists John
Willie and Eric Stanton.

Much of the BDSM ethos can be traced back to gay male leather culture,
which grew out of post-WWII biker culture. This subculture is epitomized
by the Leatherman's Handbook by Larry Townsend, published in 1972,
which essentially defined the "Old Guard leather" culture. This code
emphasized strict formality and fixed roles (i.e. no switching), and did not
really include lesbian women or heterosexuals. In 1981, however, the
publication of Coming to Power by Samois led to a greater knowledge and
acceptance of BDSM in the lesbian community.

Leather Pride flag 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
(http://groups.google.com/groups?q=soc.subculture.bondage-bdsm&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search) .

New Guard leather subculture appeared around this time, which rejected the rigid roles and exclusion of women and
heterosexuals of the Old Guard.

BDSM and fetish imagery has spread out into the mainstream of Western culture through avant-garde fashion, the gothic
subculture, 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, TESfest and Black Rose, as well as the annual Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.

The Leather Pride Flag is a symbol used by the leather community or subculture, as well as the BDSM triskelion.

See also
Wipipedia
List of BDSM terms

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List of BDSM topics

List of BDSM organizations
Human sexuality
Fetishism
Erotic spanking
Vanilla sex
Body modification
Impact play
Swinging
Bondage (BDSM)
Courtly love
Domination & submission (BDSM)
Dungeon (BDSM)
Humiliation (BDSM)
Servitude (BDSM)
Munch (BDSM)
Kink Aware Professionals
National Coalition for Sexual Freedom
Slave fiction
Anal torture
Fire play
Wax play
Hardway
Bondage corset
Operation Spanner
Jack McGeorge
the A.M.I.S. Principle

Lists of BDSM authors, artists and photographers

List of BDSM authors

List of BDSM artists
List of BDSM photographers

Publishers (fiction and non-fiction)

Daedalus Publishing
Greenery Press
Mental Gears Publishing

Support groups

Society of Janus, pansexual, San Francisco

Leathermen's Discussion Group, men only, San Francisco
The 15 Association, men only, San Francisco
The Exiles, women only, San Francisco
smOdyssey, pansexual, San Jose
The Santa Clara County Leather Association, San Jose
The Threshold Society, Los Angeles
The Eulenspiegel Society(TES), New York City
Black Rose, Washington, DC
Arizona Power Exchange, Phoenix
BIO (http://www.vancouverdungeon.com) , Vancouver, British Columbia

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Submissive Unity Network (SUN), Largo, FL [1] (http://www.sunbdsm.com/)

The San Francisco girls of Leather, [2] (http://www.sfgol.org)
BESS, [Baltimore, MD] [3] (http://www.bess-md.org)
VSSM, pansexual, the Netherlands VSSM (http://www.vssm.nl)
Domsubfriends, New York City
ReviseF65
SM-ile, Copenhagen
Real Dayton BDSM Support Group, Dayton, OH [4] (http://www.daytonbdsm.com)
SAFE - Sanctuary Alternative and Fetish Erotics, Dayton, OH
Sterling Shadow Club, Dayton, OH [5] (http://www.sterlingshadow.com)
Fight Club TNG, Dayton, OH
NNVFL, Reno, NV [6] (http://www.nnvfl.org/)

International
The legal situation of sadomasochistic activities varies greatly between countries. In Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and
the Scandinavian countries, consensual BDSM is legal.

In the UK, BDSM activities which cause injuries which are more than 'transient or trifling' may be illegal. But the few
cases since the original R v Brown 1990 ruling have been contradictory in their judgments.

In other countries it is an example of a consensual crime.

At least in the western, industrialized countries and Japan, since the 1980s sadomasochists have begun to form
information exchange and support groups to counter the discriminatory image held by orthodox science and parts of the
public. This has happened independently in the USA and in several European countries. With the advent of the web,
international cooperation has started to develop - for example Datenschlag is a joint effort of sadomasochists in the three
major German-speaking countries, and the mailing list Schlagworte uses the model of a news agency to connect six
countries.

Documentaries
SICK: The Life & Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist, a documentary about the life of Bob Flanagan
Fetishes by Nick Broomfield
BDSM Alternative Loving (http://www.bdsm-alternativeloving.com) by Open Book Communications
Kink (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0389651/) Canadian documentary TV series

References and further reading

Guy Baldwin, "Ties That Bind: SM/Leather/Fetish Erotic Style- Issues, Communication, and Advice" Daedalus
Publishing, 1993. ISBN 1-881943-09-7.
Pat Califia. Sensuous Magic. New York, Masquerade Books, 1993. ISBN 1-56333-131-4
Gloria G. Brame, William D. Brame, and Jon Jacobs. Different Loving: An Exploration of the World of Sexual
Dominance and Submission Villard Books, New York, 1993. ISBN 0-679-40873-8
Anita Phillips, A Defence of Masochism, Faber 1999.
Jay Wiseman, SM 101: A Realistic Introduction, Greenery Press, 2000. ISBN 0963976389.
Philip Miller, Molly Devon, Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of
Sadomasochism, Mystic Rose Books, 1995. ISBN 0964596008.
Gloria G. Brame, Come Hither : A Commonsense Guide To Kinky Sex, Fireside, 2000. ISBN 0684854627.
William A. Henkin, Sybil Holiday, Consensual Sadomasochism : How to Talk About It and How to Do It Safely,
Daedalus Publishing, 1996. ISBN 1881943127.
Jack Rinella, "The Compleat Slave: Creating and Living an Erotic Dominant/submissive Lifestyle", Daedalus
Publishing, 2002. ISBN 1-881943-13-5.
Mark Thompson, "Leatherfolk: Radical sex, people, politics, and practice", Daedalus Publishing 1991. ISBN

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1-881943-20-8
Robert Bienvenu, The Development of Sadomasochism as a Cultural Style in the Twentieth-Century United States,
2003, available in PDF format at http://www.americanfetish.net/
Timeline of events in BDSM history by Datenschlag (in German) http://www.datenschlag.org/dachs/index.html
An extensive BDSM bibliography for the above, at
http://www.datenschlag.org/english/bisam/year/index.html

External links
Wipipi, BDSA wiki (http://www.lfshosting.co.uk/wipi/index.php/Main_Page) .
[7] (http://www.domsub.info) http://www.domsub.info (D/s Focused)
Deconstructing myths (http://www.albany.edu/scj/jcjpc/vol8is2/beckmann.html) by Andrea Beckmann,

Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, 8(2) (2001) 66-95

National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (http://www.ncsfreedom.org) (USA)

NLA-I Domestic Violence Project (http://www.nlaidvproject.us/) (USA)
Society for Human Sexuality (http://www.sexuality.org/)
The Eulenspiegel Society (http://www.tes.org) (USA)
Xeromag [8] (http://www.xeromag.com/fvbdsm.html)
Real Dayton BDSM Support Group [9] (http://www.daytonbdsm.com)
Sterling Shadow Club [10] (http://www.sterlingshadow.com)

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