An Introduction to High Protocol Kink: Rules and Rituals
Ready to kick your BDSM knowledge into overdrive? These days, BDSM isn’t quite the taboo subject it once was. Everyone, it seems (yes, even your grandmother), likely knows a thing or two about non-vanilla bedroom play.
But that doesn’t mean that BDSM is widely understood. Yes, it’s true that zeitgeist moments like “50 Shades of Grey” push some sense of awareness. But there is still plenty of misrepresentation of BDSM in our mainstream culture (yes, even in 50 Shades). And that’s to say nothing of the cultural appropriation that happens with BDSM in service of social cache.
While it may have recently risen to prevalence, there’s no shortage of misrepresentation, misconception, and misapplication.
So, let’s put a stop to all that. Let’s break down the barriers. And let’s help inform you, just a little more, about the rules, the rituals, and the dynamics of power exchanges in the bedroom. Think of this as your primer on high protocol kink and the subculture that lies therein.
What is ‘High Protocol Kink?’
Okay, before we dive into the nitty gritty, we first need to define what high protocol kink actually is. Otherwise, we’d be just as guilty of blanket statements about BDSM as anyone else!
In the kink community, there are tons of niche kinks that partners have access to while at play.
This could be a blood fetish, also known as hematolagnia. For this kink, drawn blood, menstrual blood, or other kinds of blood factor into the experience. Another might be somnophilia, in which one partner is lucid and the other asleep.
But enough of the anthropology lesson, you’re probably saying. What is the high protocol kink specifically?
The BDSM high protocol kink is yet another niche kink that can define the sexual dynamics between two or more partners. It establishes a clear and steadfast set of rules and etiquette that are deemed acceptable while involved partners are at play.
It is often the highest level of rule and regulation in kink play. Specifically, when compared with low protocol kink and medium protocol kink. And its pre-determined etiquette is typically quite unyielding when compared with the other two levels.
In the dynamics during a high protocol encounter, the Dom has control over the sub. They can, in the context of the rules set forth, determine what does or doesn’t happen to them.
Why Play with a High Protocol Fetish?
With high protocol dominance, encounters are designed so that a sub’s actions, inactions, and desires serve their Dom. With the right mental conditioning, both parties should get something out of the experience. But high protocol dominance places the Dom at the top of the heap, so to speak.
Of course, both Dominant and submissive roles get something out of the encounter!
Many partners find the high protocol fetish is well served with ample communication, taxonomy, and rule setting up front. Once everything is agreed upon, both Dom and sub can give themselves over to the experience and the roles they have selected. And, as many in the BDSM community know, giving yourself over to an experience is half the fun!
Examples of High Protocol Kink Play
Obviously, there is no rulebook when it comes to high protocol dominance. That’s all up to you. It’s what being a Dom (or with serving your Dom) is all about!
But, given that the high protocol fetish is all about rules, you can likely imagine some of the rules that might factor in. They might be high protocol encounter elements like:
- A sub must always kneel before their Dom,
- A sub must as permission to use the bathroom, sleep, eat, or other necessary functions,
- Eye contact is forbidden unless expressly approved by the Dom,
- A Dom may perform a bodily inspection of their sub whenever they deem,
- A sub may not speak unless given permission,
- And others.
You’ll notice none of the examples above are expressly sexual. That is because a BDSM high protocol encounter can be set at any time and in nearly any scenario. Everything from dinners to lounging are on the table when it comes to the high protocol kink. Bet you didn’t expect that!
How to Involve High Protocol Kink in My Relationships
If you want to take the next step in applying high protocol kink in your relationship dynamic, you’re in good company. Dom Sub Living offers myriad resources, courses, and trainings that can help you be a better Dom or sub. And we work with people just like you to explore and better their BDSM lifestyle.
Your Dom/sub relationship is ready to evolve. You just need the resources to support it.
Rely on our expert-led coursework and your sexual encounters are sure to thrive, serving both you and your partner. Don’t hesitate. Help your partner be more kinky today!
