BDSM is a compounded acronym that stands for B&D (bondage and discipline), D/s (Dominance and submission), and S&M or SM (sadism and masochism), and is used as an overarching term to describe various types of kinky sex or play. BDSM as a term is used to cover a large range of activities, behaviors and desires that are considered non-normative in mainstream culture.
More About Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, Masochism (BDSM)
People who engage in BDSM do so in varying amounts; some on occasion, and others on a day-to-day basis, known in the BDSM community as "living it 24/7." BDSM is generally practiced by setting up "scenes," or a specified time and space to engage in BDSM activities. BDSM activities include, but are not limited to: spanking, whipping, sensation play (with hot and cold temperatures, clamps, feather ticklers, electrical play, etc.), bondage (with hand cuffs, chains or rope), power exchange (Dominant/submissive or Master/slave), and sexual role plays (Teacher/student, Doctor/patient, Escort/client, etc.). Those engaging in BDSM generally agree that all play should be safe (performed in ways that reduce as much risk as possible associated with these types of play), sane (sober and of sound mind) and consensual (with all participants enthusiastically agreeing to pre-discussed activities).
