What
Is BDSM?
BDSM is a convenient term for referring to the practices
and lifestyle associated with Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission,
Sado-Masochism and Fetish. Involvement in this lifestyle is always a consensual
choice, no one is forced to do anything they don't want to do. The goal
of everyone involved is to fulfill their desires by playing their chosen
role within the set limits of a scene (or relationship) in a safe, sane
and consensual manner.
What
Is Safe, Sane & Consensual?
SSC is the motto strictly adhered to by people
in a BDSM lifestyle. There is a lot of debate on what is the right way
to perform certain BDSM techniques, or what defines a good Dominant or
a good submissive, but in the end everything must meet the triple standard
of safety, sanity, and consensual practice.
Safe: - meaning that the participants' physical and
emotional wellbeing are of supreme importance, and proper safety precautions
are followed at all times (including safe sex).
Sane: - meaning that the participants behave responsibly
and activities are intended to result in mutual pleasure and fulfillment
for both parties without harmful consequences of any kind. The abuse of
another's body, emotions and/or mind for the sole gratification of one
party at the expense of the other without regard for physical or emotional
wellbeing is NOT sane.
Consensual: - meaning that all parties involved must
be consenting adults who are capable of giving informed consent. Consent
means both parties knowingly and voluntarily agreed to the activities engaged
in and did not withdraw that consent. Honesty is a prerequisite to informed
consent. Deception and manipulation render consent unknowing and involuntary.
BDSM - The Facts