Learn
The Kink Knowledge Base
Plain, respectful explanations of the roles, dynamics, kinds of play and safety practices that make up BDSM and kink. Written by Sanctum, for adults, with consent at the centre.
Tagged “consent”9
Clearglossary
Consent
What consent means in BDSM and kink, why it is ongoing and revocable, and the frameworks the community uses to think about it.
glossary
Negotiation
What negotiation means in BDSM, what gets discussed before a scene or dynamic, and how to negotiate well with a new or established partner.
glossary
Safeword
What a safeword is in BDSM, how the traffic-light system works, nonverbal alternatives, and what happens when one is used.
play
Humiliation and degradation
Why humiliation and degradation appeal, how they differ, the words and themes that need negotiating, and how to keep this play loving at its core.
safety
A negotiation checklist
A practical checklist for negotiating a kink scene or dynamic, covering desires, limits, health, safewords, aftercare and what happens afterwards.
safety
Red flags
Warning signs in a potential kink partner, Dominant or submissive, that experienced community members have learned to take seriously.
safety
SSC, RACK and PRICK
What SSC, RACK and PRICK mean, how the kink community's thinking about consent and risk has evolved, and how to use these frameworks in practice.
safety
Safewords and signals
How safewords work, the traffic-light system, non-verbal signals for when speech is not possible, and what to do the moment one is used.
safety
When consent is broken
What to do if a limit or safeword was ignored, how to look after yourself, how to report, and how the community can respond well.