Dominants and Submissives Relationships: Different Roles in BDSM

BDSM which stands for Bondage Domination Sadism and Masochism is a popular catch phrase to describe a certain type of behaviour in humans for gratification of pleasure by using means like bondage, pain, power and discipline. The concept of BDSM differs from person to person as one may consider power and humiliation as means of pleasure while another might consider it to be paraphilia (abnormal sexual desires).

Different roles in BDSM:

Dominance: This is a role assumed by a dom (male) or a domme (female) who controls the other person and the flow of events. Everything during the course of BDSM is regulated (from rules to positions) by the dominant partner.

• Daddy/Mummy: A term used to describe the dominant who usually chooses to assume a parental role to the sub.

• Master/Mistress: Widely used, this term is used to denote the dominant who demands different degrees of compliance from the submissive. The master/mistress  can choose to treat the sub in whatever way they want to.

The dominant can choose to use different forms such as:

1. Bondage: Using ropes or any device that limits the sub’s movement during the intercourse/foreplay.

2. Sadism: The dominant chooses to gratify pleasure by inflicting pain on the submissive.

Submission: The submissive one has to adhere to the set of rules laid down by the dominant partner and isn’t allowed to say “no” to any order given by the dominant.

• Slave: This term is used to denote a submissive who is entirely at the mercy of the dominant. Chained collars are common in this kind of role play.

• Brat: This term is used for a sub who has misbehaved by not complying with the dominant’s wishes and is punished (sexually or by inflicting pain otherwise) for the same.

• Pet: The sub is referred to as a “pet” (kitty/pony/puppy) and treated as one by the dominant. Collars, tails, leashes and cages are some of the equipment used in this kind of BDSM.