ThemDom

Themdom is a gender-neutral term for a Dominant who operates outside the gender binary. It refers to a non-binary, genderqueer, agender, or otherwise gender-diverse person who takes on a Dominant role in BDSM or power-exchange dynamics. In practice, a ThemDom may structure authority, control, guidance, protection, discipline, or ritual in the same ways any other Dominant might. The distinction is about gender identity, not style of dominance. The label is often used in profiles, negotiations, or community spaces to clarify pronouns and affirm nonbinary representation within kink. ### Origins of the Term The term combines “them” (as in they/them pronouns) with “Dom.” It exists as an alternative to gendered titles like “Dom” (often assumed male) or “Domme” (often assumed female), making space for Dominants whose identities are not exclusively man or woman. ThemDom appears to have emerged organically within LGBTQ+ and BDSM communities, especially online. It functions similarly to other terms that evolved through community use rather than through formal publication. This pattern of creation is common with slang related to nonbinary identities, such as enby from the pronunciation of “NB” (non-binary).