by Kevin O’Gorman & Andrew MacLaren The surge of popular interest in BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism and masochism) that has resulted from the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of novels has been something of a revelation. Beginning as texts whose relative marginality initially seemed ensured by both theme (BDSM) and format (online fan fiction), today…
Tag: BDSM history
Book Review: Rogue Hojojutsu
One might expect that the “rogue” in Rogue Hojojutsu refers to the criminals. Those who found themselves in Hojojutsu bindings were certainly rogues. But those who practiced Hojojutsu were often far worse than criminals. Those who practiced Hojojutsu weren’t highly respected samurai. Hojojutsu was practiced on rogues… by rogues. The Hojojutsu truths aren’t as simple…
The Mysterious Old Guard
I self-identify as a kinkster and, like many others, I have spent a long time reflecting on and questioning my own characteristics and personality, and the desire and longing for a life that (for me) is geographically nearly impossible to achieve. I live in Malaysia, where you don’t see anyone wearing collars or use any…
Whips & Whipping 101, Part 1: Bulls, Snakes & Other Scary Critters
By Jim the Whip Maker and Dick Carlson Part 2: Swing & Target Practice Part 3: Long Whips Part 4: The First Crack Part 5: The First Shot – The Full Overhand Shot Part 6: The First Useful Shot – The Pick Up Part 7: The Real Thing – The Single Side Shot Part 8:…
The 5 Minute Guide to the History and Development of BDSM
The emergence of BDSM subculture, in the form that we’re familiar with today, can be traced back to 1940s’ gay leather communities, which appeared in the United States after World War II. From the 1940s to 1970s, leather bars and bikers’ clubs began to appear in multiple cities in the US, most obviously in Los…
Being a Leatherboy is a Lifestyle and a State of Mind
by boydon freeman We all know about Masters and slaves, Tops and bottoms, Doms and subs, but what exactly is a leatherboy? All around the US, leatherboys are participating in clubs, competing in contests, and volunteering for fund-raisers. The boy presence is very much in evidence at leather events. Maybe it would be helpful to…
A (Very) Brief History of Modern BDSM Porn in the US
Porn is rich in history and all kinds of things for discussion, but today I just wanted to do a quick rollercoaster-ride through BDSM in America, where it’s come from and why it looks the way it does. BDSM images date back much further than modern history, in fact it can be traced back for…