BDSM There are many styles of kink that people engage in, but they all have one thing in common: they are activities that take place between consenting adults. Contrary to stereotype, neither SM nor BDSM encompasses or condones abuse, nor do these activities necessarily relate to sex or sexuality, for that is not the exclusive realm in which BDSM plays out. The A submissives journey Community provides a wealth of information on many aspects of BDSM and BDSM related activities.  From simple definitions and terms, to complex and exacting procedures.  Whether you’re looking to do a bit of reading about BDSM or talking with others about common interests or sharing experiences,  A submissives journey provides you that opportunity while consistently reinforcing the principles of Safe, Sane and Consensual (SSC) and Risk Aware Consensual Kink.  Regardless of your role, or level of experience within the BDSM Lifstyle, We invite you to participate in our community, both to learn, and to share your experiences and knowledge with others. 

WHAT IT IS

BDSM - The Umbrella Term

BDSM is an acronym combined of several phrases: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. This term evolved in the early-mid '90s in internet newsgroups as a quick catchphrase to designate any of a myriad of kinky activities which or may not have to do with traditional SM (sadomasochism).

No acronym is ideal for capturing the totality of "wiitwd" ("what it is that we do") - the "BDSM" phrase does not speak directly to the interests of the fetish community, for instance - but in recent years it has come to be a term in common parlance among the alternative lifestyle population in America. When a person identifies themselves as "being into BDSM" this does not, of itself, pinpoint their interests in any of the activities that come under that umbrella.

To understand exactly what kind of a kink a person has, you have to have dialog with them. In the same manner, some people refer to themselves as "SMers", even if their interest has nothing to do, strictly, with the sensation-oriented play that sadomasochism tends to focus on. BDSM and SM are often used interchangeably. These are terms commonly used to describe one's general interest in kinky activities, and perhaps also one's affiliation with the BDSM community at large.