LAUSR

Early assumptions in studies of BDSM - such as that only or primarily gay men participate in BDSM and that BDSM is always or exclusively a sexual practice or interest - have been overturned in recent decades. Throughout the special issue, contributors reflect on power dynamics - within BDSM practices, within the field of BDSM Studies, and across the academic and intellectual terrain in which scholarship on BDSM is produced. We urgently need studies of how COVID-19 has impacted BDSM communities and to document the myriad ways BDSM participants are innovating ways to be in community and to engage in BDSM in the context of the pandemic. In recent decades, there has been an explosion of research on BDSM, spanning disciplines and methodological approaches. [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Sexualities is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)