Sadism refers to sexual or non-sexual gratification in the infliction of pain or humiliation upon another person. Masochism refers to sexual or non-sexual gratification from receiving the infliction of pain or humiliation. Hence, Sadomasochism, better known as, S&M. It’s the leather wearing, rope tying, whip carrying, spank me harder, sex or non-sex practices. I’m perplexed by those who enjoy the occasional pain and humiliation part of S&M which is consensual in the BDSM community. BDSM can be classified as bondage and discipline, or bondage and dominance, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. I know, I hate acronyms too!

I was surprised to find out that BDSM isn’t entirely legal, the countries of exception are Germany, Netherlands, Japan, and Scandinavia, its legal in principle. However, countries like Switzerland, Italy, and Austria leave the legality up to interpretation, meaning if involve minors or public displays, its illegal.

What’s important is that what’s done behind closed doors, doesn’t become a public inquiry. Like that homemade device that went horrible wrong for a Maryland woman back in May.

What Are Some Scenarios?

Many people practice some element of BDSM in their sexual lives without even being aware of it. If you blindfold one another from time to time, or tie one another down and break out the whipped cream and sticky caramel, then you’re into BDSM! It’s not the hardcore S&M, its the subtle, sensual and soft side of BDSM. Even pinning your partner to the bed and running silk or ice cubes or rabbit fur over your lover’s body qualifies as “BDSM” (specifically, of a variety called “sensation play”).

That’s the fine line of BDSM or S&M. There are too many interpretations for the legal system to right out legalize the practice entirely.

If you want to learn more about BDSM or S&M click on the links below.

BDSM Watch A site that tracks references to BDSM in mass media.

Twisted Monk One of the best sites out there for rope bondage. Includes step-by-step video tutorials for rope bondage of all kinds.

Gray Dancer’s Ropecast Award-winning and popular bondage-themed podcast, which features interviews, news, and of course all kinds of fun and helpful information about rope bondage.

Rope Fashions One of the largest sets of quick tutorials for various types of rope bondage ties you’ll find on the Web.

Bondage U Basic bondage techniques for beginners.

Collar Me Free BDSM personals/chat site

Sex Laws Extensive listings of sex laws in many places around the world, and as declared by religions.