Sexual Outsiders
Kink, BDSM, and Sex Work
In human sexuality, kinkiness is the use of non-conventional sexual practices, concepts or fantasies. The term derives from the idea of a "bend" (cf. a "kink") in one's sexual behaviour, to contrast such behaviour with "straight" or "vanilla" sexual mores and proclivities. It is thus a colloquial term for non-normative sexual behaviour.[1] The term "kink" has been claimed by some who practice sexual fetishism as a term or synonym for their practices, indicating a range of sexual and sexualistic practices from playful to sexual objectification and certain paraphilias. (Wikipedia)
At Catalyzing Courage, we place no shame or judgement on any sexual acts between consenting adults. We are concerned with consent, care, and safety, which are important for health in the kink lifestyle. We understand this may be part of your lived experience, and we want you to feel comfortable talking about it just like any other aspect of your life.
Kink
BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves to be practising BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture often is said to depend on self-identification and shared experience. (Wikipedia)
At Catalyzing Courage, we recognize many people partake in BDSM practices and do not feel like they can talk about these experiences in many circles. We approach this much like we would kink with movement toward health, but with BDSM, this is more about dynamics in and outside of scenes. We would be honored to discuss healthy practices or simply acknowledge that you have that certain dynamic in a specific relationship that adds another layer to your care.
BDSM
Sex work is "the exchange of sexual services, performances, or products for material compensation.It includes activities of direct physical contact between buyers and sellers as well as indirect sexual stimulation". Sex work only refers to voluntary sexual transactions; thus, the term does not refer to human trafficking and other coerced or nonconsensual sexual transactions such as child prostitution. The transaction must take place between consenting adults of the legal age and mental capacity to consent and must take place without any methods of coercion, other than payment. The term emphasizes the labor and economic implications of this type of work. Furthermore, some prefer the use of the term because it grants more agency to the sellers of these services. (Wikipedia)
People often pursue sex work for the financial benefits, while others may pursue it because they find it gratifying. Regardless, there are some risks involved, and Catalyzing Courage welcomes these conversations as well as the ability to normalize your lived experience. We are sex positive and acknowledge there is nothing inherently harmful with sex work as described above.
