She believes that BDSM serves as a tool for healing trauma because it allows for the reclamation of agency.

“BDSM has the power to heal trauma because it is a reclamation of what was stolen.”

Mark Laita observes that people within the fetish community seem to experience a greater joy for life compared to those outside of it.

“they have this joy for life that you just don't see outside of that Community”

Ed emphasizes that individuals entering the BDSM lifestyle must prioritize self-advocacy to protect themselves from potentially dangerous or unhealthy dynamics.

“do your research on events do your research on people and the biggest thing I have to emphasize for anybody who's new is advocate for yourself because you do see stuff that's dysfunctional you do see stuff that's concerned and there are a lot of people in the lifestyle who want to normalize the wron”

Rachel believes that BDSM serves as a tool for feeling powerful, sexy, and finding sexual enjoyment through power dynamics.

“most of sex is not even it's about power and so feeling powerful sexy and you might not think that you know playing with scat or you know urination or anything like that is sexy but in the moment when you feel that power you do feel sexy”