World BDSM Day Date in the current year: July 24, 2024

BDSM is an umbrella term for a wide range of erotic practices and forms of interpersonal relationships, as well as associated subcultures and communities. The initialism BDSM was coined in 1991; it consists of three abbreviations that reflect the main BDSM practices: B/D (bondage and discipline), D/S (dominance and submission), and S/M (sadism and masochism). However, BDSM practices and relationships had existed long before there was a name for them.

The fundamental principle of BDSM is “safe, sane and consensual” (SSC). It means that BDSM activities are as safe as possible, all participants have sufficient mental capacity to give an informed consent, and all participant do consent. It should be noted that consent can be retracted at any point. For this purpose, BDSM practitioners typically use safewords — code words or signals that any participant can use to stop the scene or reduce its intensity.

There are a lot of myths, misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding BDSM. Many people who are unaware with the “safe, sane and consensual” principle confuse BDSM with domestic violence, abuse and sexual assault (and the popularity of the 50 Shades of Grey novels and films, which have been criticized for their portrayal of BDSM by members of the BDSM community, has contributed to this stereotype). World BDSM Day was created to dispel these myths and misconceptions.

World BDSM Day originated in Barcelona, Spain. It was launched by Kurt Walter Fisher, the founder and owner of the Rosas Cinco Club that is the first club in Europe dedicated solely to BDSM and fetish. He chose the date of July 24 (24/7) as a reference to 24/7 BDSM relationships where the dominance and submission are full-time, i. e. 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

However, World BDSM Day is celebrated by all members of the BDSM community, even if they engage in BDSM practices and activities only occasionally. Its main aim is to raise global awareness of BDSM and educate people about it in order to dispel stereotypes and combat stigma associated with BDSM and kink.

Members of the BDSM community celebrate World BDSM Day by hosting parties, workshops, demonstrations, shibari shows, and other celebratory and educational events. In addition, many sex shops offer promotions and discounts on BDSM gear and sex toys.

If you’ve been interested in BDSM and kink for a while, this is your cue to finally try, assuming you have a partner who’s willing to share this experience with you. Just keep in mind that you can do as much or as little as you want and stop at any time if don’t feel comfortable. Test the water before you jump in, do your research before trying anything, and never forget the fundamental principle of BDSM: safe, sane and consensual.

World BDSM Day isn’t the only holiday celebrating the BDSM community. For example, the third Friday of January is observed as International Fetish Day. It was created in the United Kingdom to raise awareness and show support of the fetish community.