“It Felt Sexually Liberating”: An Examination of How Black Women’s Awareness of Kink and BDSM Informs Their Sex Lives

Kink and BDSM can have healing and liberatory potential for practitioners, whether kink-identified or not, particularly Black women and those who are members of alternative sexual communities. This study presents data from N = 22 kink/BDSM-identified, experienced, and non-kinky/BDSM Black ciswomen on their awareness of and engagement in kink and BDSM (bondage and discipline, sadism and masochism, dominance, and submission). Qualitative data were from Phase Two of The Big Sex Study, a #HotGirlScience participatory action project. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in four themes: (1) Kink/BDSM Introductions, (2) Identity Within/Outside of Kink/BDSM, (3) Kink/BDSM in Action (subthemes: Principles and Values, Sexual Practices, Partner Compatibility, and Digital Spaces), and (4) Liberation and Healing. Participants reported 49 kink/BDSM activities and demonstrated an awareness of kink/BDSM identities, values, and behaviors regardless of their experience or identification with kink/BDSM. We conclude with implications for research and practice.