Attaining a satisfactory level of love and companionship through intimate relations is an unalterable, fundamental need of all human beings. The Institute for 21st Century Relationships exists to facilitate the fulfillment of the human potential for relating, and to support the freedom of consenting adults to discover and to practice the intimate relationship structure that best meets their emotional and human needs. We champion the basic human right to do so free of governmental, societal or institutional coercion or favoritism.

We seek, through education, research, and support, to create a climate in which all forms of ethical, consensual and fulfilling relationship styles are broadly understood and are equally respected and honored as legitimate choices.

What does their mission mean to me?

It means that my love for Master in an alternative lifestyle will some day be equally accepted as traditional marriage is today. Perhaps within the next decade, it will be slightly accepted like gay/lesbian unions are. (I do hope that one day we get our heads out of our butts and let them legally marry.) I want to one day be able to wear my Master’s leather collar proudly in public just as I would a wedding ring and not have people stare and point. I want to be able to call him Master without people doing a double take. This mission means a lot to me.

–luna