Kinks

Kinks is a broad term for sexual interests, fantasies, or activities that fall outside the most common or stereotypical scripts of heterosexual, cisgender, monogamous sexuality. They can involve preferences for particular situations, sensations, objects, roles, or power dynamics. Kinks are not a medical diagnosis.

Many kinks are practiced in consensual adult contexts; examples include role-playing, dominance and submission, sensation play (such as impact, temperature, or texture), bondage, and fetish objects or materials. Some people distinguish between fetishes—sexual fixations on a specific object or body part—and broader kinks that involve fantasies and activities without object fixation. BDSM is a commonly used umbrella term for consensual practices involving power exchange and often includes safety protocols.

Safety and consent: Negotiation and informed consent are central. Most communities promote clear communication, setting boundaries, safewords, and ongoing consent. Risk-aware or safe, sane, and consensual frameworks guide risk minimization; aftercare is often discussed after intense scenes.

Social context: Kinks span diverse communities with varying levels of visibility. Discussions emphasize privacy and stigma reduction. Education and harm reduction resources exist, including sexual health counseling, community centers, and online forums.

Legal and ethical considerations: Activities must comply with local laws; all participants must be adults and consenting. When performed in non-consensual or public contexts, such activities may be illegal.