Lesbians who engage in public bondage, discipline, dominance, submission and sadomasochism (BDSM).

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This phenomenological study looked at the previous research and therapy on bondage, discipline, dominance, submission and sadomasochistic (BDSM) sex play from psychodynamic, behavioral and sociological perspectives. This collective body of research generally focused on gay and straight men and lacked an investigation of BDSM from the individuals' subjective experiences. More specifically, research was lacking on lesbians who engage in public BDSM sex play. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the subjective experiences of lesbians who engage in public BDSM in order to advance current knowledge of the lesbian BDSM scene. Using a phenomenological approach, six face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted. In these interviews, the participants were asked to describe: how they had gotten into public BDSM sex play, what the experience was like for them, and what effects participanting in the scene had on their lives. The data were analyzed using the process recommended by Moustakas (1994). All of the women expressed having some interest in exploring BDSM, some since childhood or for many years before actually getting involved in the scene. Some of them had initial misgivings about their interest in BDSM, but when the opportunity presented itself, they took it. As "newbies", the women were socialized into the scene. All of the women experienced feelings of nervousness or anticipation prior to scene play and most of the women engaged in negotiation. During scene play, tops reported being hyperaware of everything going on, getting into performing and being exhibitionists. Bottoms reported feeling "in the zone" in which they were allowed to selfishly concentrate on the sensations of their bodies while being "safe" and cared for. Both tops and bottoms experienced an exchange of energy/power. After scene play and during aftercare, participants reported catharsis and healing, feeling cherished, protected and sexually satisfied. The major theme that pervaded throughout the stages of scene play was one of connection with one's partner and the overall community. A sense of fun and sexual satisfaction was also pervasive. Three major themes emerged from the effects that BDSM sex play has on the women's overall lives. The women gained a sense of empowerment and skills that improved their overall relationships. While these themes were overwhelmingly positive, a minor concern about others' misunderstanding of BDSM also emerged.