LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | IHEART
Many people claim that politics and kink should remain separate, arguing that kink spaces are a personal escape from societal issues. But is that really possible—or even safe? Politics influence various aspects of the kink community, from laws regulating consent to policies impacting marginalized groups. In this article, we’ll explore how politics shape kink and what that means for us as kinksters.
IN THIS EPISODE
- Discussing how politics and kink intersect in our everyday lives.
- Sharing why inclusive spaces are crucial for marginalized communities in kink.
- Explaining the impact of censorship and obscenity laws on kink education.
- Sharing how to support and advocate for kink rights through political engagement.
- Discussing the role of organizations like the National Coalition of Sexual Freedom in protecting BDSM practices.
Consent and Power Dynamics: The Political Core of Kink
Consent lies at the heart of BDSM relationships, defining the boundaries of what is acceptable in a scene. However, consent isn’t just a personal agreement—it’s a political issue regulated by law. Governments define what constitutes legal consent, often with little understanding of BDSM nuances.
A key example is the impact of the #MeToo movement, which brought the issue of consent into public discourse. It raised questions about power imbalances—like those between employers and employees—and whether genuine consent can exist within such dynamics.
For kink practitioners, these discussions are essential. After all, BDSM scenes often involve negotiated power exchanges. If political systems continually regulate consent, how can we say that kink is free from political influence?
Marginalized Communities in Kink: Overlapping Identities and Struggles
Many kinksters belong to marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those with disabilities. These identities shape their experiences within kink spaces. Political decisions targeting these groups—like anti-LGBTQ+ laws—can directly impact their ability to participate safely in kink communities.
For instance, venues that host both LGBTQ+ and kink events are often scrutinized or denied permits due to political and social pressures. Folsom Street East, an annual BDSM and leather event in New York, has faced challenges finding venues due to local complaints and political opposition. This demonstrates how even legal kink events can be jeopardized by political interference.
Join our free community here >>
Censorship and Freedom of Expression in Kink
Censorship is another political issue that affects kink. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook often restrict BDSM content, flagging it as inappropriate even when it’s educational. Many educators, myself included, have had to work around these restrictions by using coded language or emojis to avoid bans.
Moreover, obscenity laws in conservative regions can criminalize consensual BDSM practices, even in private. Some kinksters have lost their jobs, or even custody of their children, when their BDSM involvement was discovered.
Organizations like the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) advocate for changes to these laws, but the struggle continues. When censorship limits access to education and expression, it becomes clear that kink cannot escape politics.
The Overlap with the Adult Industry: Shared Challenges
Many in the kink community also work in or alongside the adult industry, such as professional Dominatrixes or BDSM educators. Laws like SESTA/FOSTA, designed to combat trafficking, have unintentionally harmed both sex workers and kink spaces. Platforms used for education and networking have been shut down, and workers are forced into unsafe practices to continue their trade.
I’ve personally experienced the fallout from these laws—many companies refuse to collaborate with me because my work falls under the “adult” category. These laws make it harder for kink and adult industry workers to find secure platforms for their services, exposing them to exploitation and financial instability.
The Future of Kink Spaces: Advocating for Inclusion and Protection
As political decisions increasingly affect kink spaces, the need for advocacy becomes urgent. Many kink clubs and organizations now work alongside LGBTQ+ groups to promote inclusivity and lobby for legal protections. For example, some dungeons offer gender-neutral bathrooms or inclusive theme nights to create safer spaces for everyone, including trans and nonbinary people.
At Dom Sub Living, we strive to foster inclusive environments through virtual events and summits, ensuring accessibility with closed captions and transcripts. We also engage with marginalized voices directly to understand their needs.
Taking Action: Why Kinksters Should Engage in Politics
It’s tempting to view kink as an escape from the political world, but that mindset ignores the reality that politics shape our ability to safely practice BDSM. From censorship to discriminatory laws, political issues affect who can participate, how spaces operate, and what content is accessible.
To protect our community, we need to engage in advocacy—whether by supporting sex worker rights, promoting inclusive events, or speaking out against censorship. One of the most powerful tools we have is voting.
In BDSM, we emphasize the importance of using our voices—through safewords, negotiation, and contracts. Voting is an extension of that principle, allowing us to shape a future where kink can thrive.
Conclusion: Building a Safer, Inclusive Community Through Awareness
Politics aren’t something we can leave at the dungeon door. They influence everything—from who feels safe to who has a voice. By staying informed, advocating for our rights, and voting, we can create a community that’s inclusive and supportive.
If you’d like to support me and learn more about living the BDSM lifestyle, join my newsletter for tips, advice, and resources. Let’s work together to protect and grow our kink spaces.
Links From the Episode:
- Sign up for our free newsletter
- The Dom/sub Dynamics Virtual Summit
- National Coalition of Sexual Freedom
- Register to Vote
Want more? Sign up for my newsletter and get BDSM tips on the regular.
