BDSM BEYOND THE RED ROOM

It's not just about leather straps, floggers and butt plugs! Sumona Bose dispels common notions

-  Sumona Bose

Popular fiction, books, TV and movies barely scratch the surface of erotica. Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill, a novel published in 1988, depicts a BDSM relationship with more nuance than a shabby trilogy that earned millions at the box office. Bondage and discipline, domination and submission, sadism and masochism - BDSM is an umbrella term for a dynamic set of sexual adventures and preferences. However, modern portrayals have shrunk it to degrading role play performed in uncomfortable latex bodysuits and bad make-up. In India, the perception around it is especially problematic. Sexuality Educator Karishma Swarup explains, "BDSM is a niche topic globally, not just in India. But I think that the state of BDSM education here is even worse. People don't have easy access to education and awareness about it." She believes that this stems from a larger issue of unwillingness to engage in open conversations around sex and sexuality. Regular or comprehensive sex education and conversations about consent, healthy relationships and boundaries are rare, particularly for younger or non-married audiences. Urban communities might have better access to information around it via the internet, but not every source will be reliable. Multiple forums consist of people talking from personal experiences or sharing opinions. But accessing ethical, qualified kink practitioners is extremely difficult, even in a space as vast as the internet.