BDSM is Love

I’m sure a lot of you are wondering with the NCSF is and why I have chosen them as my charity. Others of you know me well enough to know why. These posts today will be the basics of what I know and the myths of BDSM that exist and are prevailant within and outside the D/s lifestyle that I live. I also am doing a basics course of BDSM and D/s so that those that don’t know what it is can learn about why I choose this lifestyle, what its importance is to me and hopefully help others understand this sexuality better.

THe NCSF is the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. It is an organization fighting for the rights of those in alternative sexual expression. Alternative sexualities include the SM-Leather-Fetish community, Swingers and Polyamoury. They have recently joined forces with the Free Speech Coalition and work to secure the same rights and abolish discrimination for the choices we make.

(What is Alternative Sexual Expression?

Millions of adults engage in SM, swing and polyamory activities. Many experience discrimination and persecution due to negative stereotypes that are encouraged by the media and religious political extremists. NCSF’s 1998 Violence & Discrimination Survey found that 30% of the respondents experienced discrimination, while 36% suffered violence or harassment.

SM - Behaviors involving the consensual exchange of power, and intense erotic stimulation and/or mental and emotional discipline to produce sexual arousal and satisfaction. Over 12% of adults have engaged in SM practices (also known as BDSM, leather or D/s).*

Swinging - Social and sexual interaction with someone other than your significant other, with each couple honestly defining the limits of their activities for themselves. 2% of adults have tried swinging (also known as the Lifestyle).**

Polyamory - Committed, loving relationships that involve more than two adults consensually exploring love and sex outside of traditional monogamy. 4% of adults have engaged in sex with another person and their spouse.**

* Janus, S., and Janus, C. The Janus Report on Sexual Behavior, 1993.
** Reinisch, J. Kinsey New Report on Sex, 1990.)
– From NCSF

Many people in these lifestyles have to hide to protect thier families, work and social circles because of violence and discrimination from the community at large. Others must deal with loosing their job, friends and family because of stereotypes and misunderstanding of their choices. The NCSF works to defend our rights for a social, legal and political environment that advances the rights of individuals in alternative sexual expression.

I am open and very verbal about who I am, and I don’t think there is anyone, teachers included that don’t know about my choices. I am happy to say that they have welcomed me anyhow, but there are so many others out there that could loose jobs and friends and children becuase of the stigma of BDSM. I want to change that. That is one small goal for today, to raise awareness.

How you can be a participant: Pledge to this campaign! Just click on the campaign link at the top and you will be taken to the site that will allow you to register and pledge money to my cause. After completion of this blogathon, you will be notified on how to donate to the NCSF.

–luna

Ash - Submission