by Simon

Today, 24th July, is ‘World BDSM Day’ which was created to celebrate the practice of BDSM and offer all followers a day specifically devoted to their passion.

It was founded in 2003 by a Swiss BDSM lover named Kurt Walter Fisher. He was also the founder of the Rosas Cinco Club in Barcelona, the first club of its kind in Europe dedicated solely to BDSM.

What is BDSM?

BDSM is an umbrella term for a wide range of erotic practices and forms of interpersonal relationships, as well as associated subcultures and communities.

The initials BDSM were first used in 1991, consisting of three abbreviations that reflect the main BDSM practices:

• B/D (bondage and discipline);
• D/S (dominance and submission); and
• S/M (sadism and masochism). 

However, BDSM practices and relationships have existed for a long time before there was a name for them. The fundamental principle of BDSM is “safe, sane and consensual” (SSC). It means that BDSM activities are as safe as possible, all participants have sufficient mental capacity to give informed consent, and all participants do consent.

It should be noted that consent can be retracted at any point. For this purpose, BDSM practitioners typically use safewords - code words or signals that any participant can use to stop the scene or reduce its intensity.

There are a lot of myths, misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding BDSM. Many people who are unaware with the “safe, sane and consensual” principle confuse BDSM with domestic violence, abuse and sexual assault.

What is World BDSM Day?

World BDSM Day was created to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding the world of BDSM, such as those created by movies and books.

When Kurt Fisher created World BDSM Day, he chose the date of 24 July (24/7) as a reference to 24/7 BDSM relationships, where the notion of 24/7 means the servitude of the submissive who is available to their master or mistress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

World BDSM Day is celebrated by all members of the BDSM community, even if they engage in BDSM practices and activities only occasionally. Its main aim is to raise global awareness of BDSM and educate people about it in order to dispel stereotypes and combat stigma associated with BDSM and kink.

So, whatever you are up to today, enjoy a little playtime and above all, stay safe!