SERVICES: Education and Awareness
BDSM LIFESTYLE
The BDSM Lifestyle is not about sex. It involves a set of rules between two or more people in a relationship.
Someone once said "there is BDSM and there is the BDSM Lifestyle". The BDSM Lifestyle is usually (but not always) A D/s (Dominant/submissive) relationship with a set of protocols or rules with which each person in the relationship has negotiated and agreed. The relationship will always contain some aspects of BDSM in the relationship in whole or in part. In some instances the person is solo and lives by a general set of protocols for their lifestyle.
It is important to educate and make aware the lifestyle of BDSM as a whole and not as a deviant part of society.
BDSM LAW
It is unfortunate that in most states (and some countries) BDSM acts are illegal whether consensual or not.
These mostly antiquated and/or religiously moral based laws prohibit those in the lifestyle to perform the acts in which is so inherently a part of their lives and selves even with consent. The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) is one organization that is seeking change in this area by supporting ALI, The American Law Institute. The ALI is the leading independent organization in the US producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and otherwise improve the law.
BDSM EDUCATION
"What you don't know won't hurt you."
In the Lifestyle this is an outright delusion that could put you into serious harm.
It is this kind of mentality that creates stalkers and abusers in our community. As a newcomer to the Lifestyle you should do everything in your power to properly educate yourself with the lifestyle and your individual interests. There are many trusted resources on the internet and there are local munches, educational forums and other events hosted by people in your community. You should use all of these tools before engaging in or agreeing to a Lifestyle commitment in any form.
LIFESTYLE MENTORS
Your single best resource for dipping your toes into the Lifestyle is to find and connect with a Mentor.
A Mentor is someone in good standing in your community, sometimes referred to as a community "leader". They have been in the Lifestyle for a long time, are knowledgeable in various aspects of protocol and BDSM acts and are respected as a Mentor. This is the person that will help you on your journey as a newcomer. This can be a short time or a lifetime relationship. Be sure you make a connection with this person and trust them. Be sure their beliefs line up with your own. And don't feel bad asking around. The community is here to help!
