The acronym BDSM includes various sexual practices that fall under the category of bondage and discipline (B-D), dominance and submission (D-S), and sadism and masochism (S-M).1 The practice of BDSM has recently gained more exposure than ever before, but its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations.2 Today, BDSM is considered a kink, with a fairly large…
Tag: consent
Different Types of Sexual Assault
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term ‘survivor’ for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are…
Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term ‘survivor’ for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are…
Understanding and Reducing Risk for Sexual Assault
Content Warning: This article includes reference to acts of sexual assault and unwanted sexual advances, such as groping, inappropriate touching, and rape. Reader discretion is advised. Sexual assault and violence is the occurrence of non-consensual sexual act committed against an unwilling individual. Sexual assault can take many forms and range from offences like unwanted touching…
Swinging
Swinging is a polyamorous practice in which both singles and partners engage in sexual activities with other partners. Swinging is also referred to as comarital sex, wife swapping, husband swapping, and partner swapping. Although traditionally swinging has been used to refer to couples in committed relationships engaging in sexual activities with other couples, single people and non-committed…
Fantasy
Fantasies are thoughts, images, daydreams or scenarios that often lead to an increased sexual arousal.1 Fantasies are completely normal, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. These imagined situations enable an individual to rehearse different sexual scenarios in a nonthreatening setting. The content of fantasies vary from person to person; they can range from…
An Overview of Sex and Sexuality
The topic of sex and sexuality is incorporated into nearly every culture around the world; however, many people are unfamiliar with the appropriate words used to define sexual expression and interactions, often using these terms interchangeably. While sex is the act of engaging in sexual behaviors, sexuality describes how an individual chooses to express themselves as a sexual being….