Out of the Shadows: About BDSM

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This is the menu to a six-part introduction to basic BDSM terms and concepts. Covered topics are:

Part 1: Introduction to BDSM

What is BDSM?

Scenes, Play, Tops, and Bottoms: A Bit of Vocabulary
What is vanilla sex?

What are B&D, D&S, and S&M?

Overview
What is B&D (Bondage and Discipline)?
What is D&S (Domination and Submission)?


(including: Does DS involve standardized rules? What is Gorean Play? Are folks doing BDSM just acting out roles? What is Total Power Exchange [TPE]?)

What is S&M (Sadism and Masochism)?

Part 2: Safety and BDSM

Emotional and Physical Safety

Is BDSM Sick?
Safe Technique, Safe Sex, SSC, and More
Net Vs. Real Life Relationships: Is It Safe to Meet a New Partner?

Tools of Consent

Communication
Aftercare
Safeword
Negotiations and Limits
Contracts

Part 3: Heavier Aspects of BDSM

The Appeal of Darkness

Consensual Nonconsensuality
Rape Scenes, Forced Sex, Overpowerment, and Abduction Scenes
Death and BDSM
Tops and Anger in Scene

Emotional and Financial Dependency

Emotional Degradation and Emotional Subjection
Blackmail and Financial Subjection

Part 4: Therapy and Behavioral Modification in BDSM

Therapeutic Play

Reinforcing Positive Self-Images and Insights into Oneself
Behavioral Reform
Cathartic Experiences in Scene
Breaking in Scene
Rage in Scene

Conditioning from Extreme Play

Part 5: Partners and Parties

Multi-Person Relationships and BDSM

Choices, choices: Polyamory and monogamy in BDSM relationships
BDSM Versus Swinging


BDSM Events and Gatherings

What Are Munches?
What is a Playparty?
Flagging, Collars, Leather: BDSM Fashion
The Scene Community

Part 6: Tools, Toys, and Techniques

Signal Whips

Nipple Clamps

Knives, Knife Play, and Cuttings

Cleaning and Disinfecting: Caring for Wounds and Sterilizing Exposed Toys

If you have a suggestion for this page, please email non-famous Lauren at : nflauren@submission.net. Please include the phrase "About BDSM" in the subject line.