BDSM Basics: Safe, Sane and Consensual

From the outside the practice of BDSM can seem violent and even cruel to non kinksters or those that practice "vanilla" sex. The idea of one person being dominant and the other submissive can seem counter intuitive in a society that is constantly striving towards gender equality in all areas.

While BDSM may come across as a hedonistic sexual free for all there are basic rules and guidelines that most players follow before they get down to the good stuff. The first and foremost rule to BDSM is "SSC" or "Safe, Sane, and Consensual".

Safe: You must always try to identify and prevent any risk to the health and welfare of yourself an your partner(s).

Sane: Any BDSM play should be taken in a same and rational state of mind. You should not attempt BDSM while in a heightened state of anger or white in any way intoxicated.

Consensual: The activities should involve the fully informed consent of all individuals. The exchange of power is not about forcing a person into activities against their will, it is about accepting and experiencing your desire to serve and be served.