Kink

Kink or kinky is seen as an umbrella term for sexual counter-culture, meaning that it goes against the mainstream, vanilla society. That means that there are many different VALID approaches to topics (e.g: consent) and they are decided between the people involved. Terms such as ‘Your Kink is Not My Kink’ (YKNMK) are often used to express that other styles and approaches are welcome, even if the person themselves doesn’t agree. A kink or kinks is a term used to describe type of practice or behaviour that turns someone on. Kinks refer to a broad range of sexual interests. They tend to be focuses or activities that do not fall within "standard" or vanilla sex and intimacy but provide enjoyment for the person interested in them. There is often overlap between kinks and fetishes and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably to describe a unique turn-on. But, unlike a fetish, a kink is not required for arousal, only preferred or enjoyed. It's important to note that not all kink is about sex. Plenty of kink activities - like bondage, roleplay, service, or power exchange - can be about connection, trust, or sensation, without anything sexual happening at all. For some, it’s more about the dynamic, the experience, or the emotional intensity than it is about getting turned on or having an orgasm. Some people refer to this as "pure kink." This doesn't necessarily imply that it's better or more valid. The term is meant to describe kink that's focused on the interaction itself, rather than sex. ### What is Kink? Kink encompasses a wide variety of activities, roles, and dynamics, such as BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism), role-playing, fetishism, sensory play, impact play, and more. Kink activities often involve power dynamics, exploration of different roles, and the use of props, equipment, or specific rituals to enhance sexual pleasure or arousal. It allows individuals to explore their desires, engage in power exchange dynamics, and experience heightened sensations or psychological stimulation. ### Core BDSM vs Kink Within Core BDSM kink is not seen as an umbrella term that encompasses BDSM. Instead kinks are seen as ‘sexual deviant acts’ which can be part of the practice of BDSM. Within core BDSM the kink community is seen as a group of people intent on the practice of sexually deviant acts and not BDSM practitioners (known as BDSMers). BDSMers are instead considered to be separate from kink and are a group of people with their own traditions and values.