A queer boundary: How sex and BDSM interact for people who identify as kinky

Few studies have systematically examined the relationship between kink behaviors and sexual behaviors, yet even these preliminary studies indicate that the relationship is complex and that there is a notable diversity in how people construct the boundaries of sex and kink and the relationship betwee...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sexualities 2021-09, Vol.24 (5-6), p.708-732
Main Authors: Sprott, Richard A, Vivid, Jules, Vilkin, Ellora, Swallow, Lyle, Lev, Eliot M, Orejudos, Julius, Schnittman, Danny
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Few studies have systematically examined the relationship between kink behaviors and sexual behaviors, yet even these preliminary studies indicate that the relationship is complex and that there is a notable diversity in how people construct the boundaries of sex and kink and the relationship between them. As part of a grounded theory study of kink identity, the current study examined how 70 kink-identified participants from Northern California discussed their experience and understanding of the relationship between kink and sex in interviews conducted in 2014 and 2015. Findings indicated seven themes: kink flowing into sex, kink as spice for sexual interactions, kink and sex as connection and intimacy, kink and sex as an expression of erotic energy, kink and sex as an expression of power exchange, kink as spiritual, and kink as freedom. Findings indicated that sexual orientation and gender identity may influence how people understand and experience the relationship between kink and sex.
ISSN:1363-4607
1461-7382
DOI:10.1177/1363460720944594