BDSM part I

BDSM represents a continuum of practices and expressions, both erotic and non-erotic, involving restraint, sensory stimulation, role-playing, and a variety of interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who don't consider themselves as practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community and/or subculture is usually dependent on self-identification and shared experience. Interest in BDSM can range from one-time experimentation to a lifestyle, and there is debate[by whom?] over whether a BDSM or kink sexual identity also constitutes a form of sexual orientation.

Think this picture made by Blondbear I most adore. 

The BDSM initialism

The term BDSM dates back to 1969, however the origin of the term BDSM is unclear, and is believed to have been formed either from joining the term B&D (bondage and discipline) with S&M (sadomasochism or sadism and masochism), or as a compound initialism from B&D, D&S (dominance and submission), and S&M. Regardless of its origin, BDSM has always been used as a catch-all phrase to include a wide range of activities, forms of interpersonal relationships, and distinct subcultures. With an ethos of "your kink is OK!" many BDSM communities welcome anyone with a non-normative streak who identifies with the community; this may include cross-dressers, extreme body mod enthusiasts, animal players, latex or rubber aficionados, and others.

 Although it is increasingly common for couples, particularly younger couples, to have "power neutral" relationships and/or play styles, activities and relationships within a BDSM context are often characterized by the participants' taking on complementary, but unequal roles; thus, the idea of informed consent of both the partners becomes essential. Typically participants who are active – applying the activity – are known as "tops", those who exercise control over others are commonly known as "dominants", and those who inflict pain are known as "sadists". These are often the same person, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Similarly, those participants who are recipients of the activities are typically known as "bottoms", those who are controlled by their partners as "submissives", and those who receive pain as "masochists". Similarly, these are frequently the same person and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Individuals who alternate between top/dominant and bottom/submissive roles – whether from relationship to relationship or within a given relationship – are known as switches, though the term is occasionally seen as derogatory or unnuanced and is rejected by many who might simplistically fit the definition. Precise definition of roles and self-identification is a common subject of debate, reflection, and discussion within the community.

About the BDSM Emblem

In the mid 1990's, a discussion on AOL set the course for what we know as the BDSM emblem. There was an idea that a symbol was needed to represent this brand of sexuality and lifestyle. As well, the symbol needed to be a bit mysterious. When worn, it could not attract a great deal of attention from "vanilla observers". It did have to be easily recognized by those who knew what it was. In the end, Steve Quagmyre, a leader of the discussion, created an emblem reminiscent of the yin-yang design. The choice of design was influenced by a description of the ring that "O" was given in the novel "The Story of O" (which is very different from that worn in the movie version). The ring as described in the book " . . . bore a three-spoked wheel . . . with each spoke spiralling back upon itself . . .".

Within the BDSM emblem that we use today are the three spokes which create three divisions along several possible lines of representation. One is that they represent the three divisions of BDSM: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. A second idea is that the each division represents one aspect of the BDSM motto of "Safe, Sane, and Consensual". A third meaning that can be derived from the divisions is that of the three segments of the BDSM community, namely, Tops, Bottoms, and Switches.

It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and at its greatest a love style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context. However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done alone.

Yin-Yang symbol

The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M.

The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the chains or irons of BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality.

The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. The all-embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.

By Blondbear