As a lifestyle choice, BDSM is nothing if not alluring to those on the outside and with good reason. It’s sexy and mysterious. It’s glamorous and exciting. It also comes attached to a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can change a person’s life for the better in unexpected ways. One thing BDSM isn’t, however, is simple.
Those who are completely new to it often need help figuring out where to start, and more experienced enthusiasts are always in search of new ideas and fresh ways to explore what they already love. Whichever camp you fall into, the following resources are great places to find what you’re looking for.
1. BDSMTest.org
Most people who are brand new to BDSM are not only unprepared for how much ground it can cover, but only have a vague idea of what activities and scenarios they’d even be into. This comprehensive BDSM test can help you figure it out and give you an idea of where to start. If you only have a few minutes to spare, there’s a quick version of the test you can take. However, the full version is well worth making time for if you want your results to be as detailed as possible.
2. FetLife
Whether you’re brand new to BDSM or have been into it for a while, FetLife is a terrific resource to keep in your back pocket. It’s basically Facebook for the kinky folks out there, so it’s the perfect place to go to meet others of like mind. You can use it to chat up users who are into the same things you are, as well as meet other locals who might be down to play in person. There are tons of groups and other resources that will teach you a ton about BDSM as well, so it’s well worth exploring in depth.
3. National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF)
The NCSF is another resource you’ll definitely want to bookmark and come back to as you continue to explore BDSM. Newbies and novices will find lots of helpful information to help explore various aspects of what it means to be into BDSM. However, there are plenty of additional resources designed to help and protect people who are into BDSM, as well as other alternative sexual or relationship choices. For instance, you can use the site to connect with kink-friendly professionals of all types, including doctors and lawyers.
4. Kinsey Institute
The Kinsey Institute is a terrific resource to keep bookmarked for any sex positive person, including but not limited to those interested in BDSM. It’s packed with articles, resources, and frequently asked questions that cover just about every aspect of human sexuality. Examples include but are not limited to gender expression, reproduction, kink, and lots more. There are plenty of statistics to browse as well if you’re curious about how common a particular kink or interest really is.
5. National Leather Association
The National Leather Association is yet another terrific organization serving those who are into alternative relationships and sexual lifestyles. Check it out for information on clubs, groups, events, and additional organizations that support the BDSM lifestyle. There are educational resources here on the topic of BDSM abuse as well, so keep it in mind if you or anyone else you know could be a victim.
6. KinkD
Once you reach the point where BDSM is a regular part of your repertoire, you’ll likely find yourself wishing there were an easier way to meet dating prospects who share your interests. If you’re a fan of the way Tinder works, then you’ll really like KinkD. It’s a similar type of app, only strictly for those into BDSM. You can browse members and swipe either left or right to connect with good, solid matches. Plus, since every member has to undergo a photo verification process, you can rest easy in the knowledge that everyone you’ll meet is actually who they say they are. Easy, right?
7. Whiplr
If you ever find you’re interested in exploring other types of kink in addition to BDSM, Whiplr is another dating app you might want to take a second look at. There are over 200 different fetish categories and more than a million members to explore, so it’s a great fit for those who’d like to expand their horizons or dive deeper into something specific with the right partner. And don’t worry about the security of your sensitive personal information. Whiplr takes discretion and privacy very seriously, so you can enjoy it in peace for sure.
Of course, these are only a few of the many BDSM-centric resources out there to explore these days. For more, try hanging out places like kink-dedicated subreddits or asking other kinksters you know for additional recommendations. Whatever you want to know, there’s definitely someplace out there that can help you explore it in detail.
