The BDSM Emblem
This page provides some information about the emblem used on this site and by many of the P/people who chat in this room.
The Meaning of the
Emblem
The BDSM emblem has no
"obvious" symbolism because it was created to be enigmatic. To the vanilla
observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely an attractive piece of jewelry. Thus,
we can wear it freely as a friendly salute, nod, and wink to other BDSMers we should
happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the hallways of our daily lives.
To the insider, however, the Emblem is full of meaning.
The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM. First of all, the three divisions of BDSM itself: B&D, D&S, and S&M. Secondly, the three-way creed of BDSM behavior: Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Thirdly, the three divisions of our community: Tops, bottoms, and S/switches.
It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and at its greatest a love style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context. However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done alone.
The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M; Safe, Sane and consensual; and of course, Tops, bottoms and S/witches.
The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the chains or irons of BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality.
The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. The all-embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.
Some emblem pics for Y/you
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More information about the emblem can
be found at Quagmyr's web site:
The Emblem Project
The BDSM Emblem is copyright 1995 by Quagmyr@aol.com who maintains the copyright in
order to protect the symbol.
It is freely available for all educational and non-commercial use within the
BDSM community without charge
The explanatory text is copyright 1995, 1997 by Quagmyr@aol.com and
used here by permission.
