So on 24 July we now have International BDSM Day ... or BDSM Pride Day ... ... or International Femdom Day (Fet group here) ... or even International Sadomasochism Day, the title apparently first proposed by an owner of Barcelona's BDSM club Rosas 5, who it's believed came up with the concept of celebrating BDSM on the calendar date that corresponded to 24/7, way back in 2003. Take your pick, in terms of how you wish to define the day ... it seems we've all claimed it in part!
I-BDSM-D has certainly spread beyond Barcelona now, but there is very little online to verify it's origins. I found myself thinking the same way as Cloud from Island of Pain, who posted on July 24, 2009:
"July 24th is International BDSM Day. Maybe...I first became aware of I-BDSM-D last year (by which I mean the idea is now in Australia) and several friends worldwide have blogged about it this year. So I think the concept is getting more attention.
"When I heard “International BDSM Day”, I wondered – was it similar to International Fetish Day (3rd Friday in January), with the Perverts Wear Purple campaign for people to demonstrate their support for fetishists? In 2009 this initially British event went international, and was an occasion to protest that month’s UK implementation of criminalization of “extreme pornography”.
"Or was I-BDSM-D like the even older Gay Pride events celebrated in June around the world which commemorate (40 years ago this year) the Stonewall Riots in New York and resistance to police/government harassment for sexual minorities)?"
I'm just not sure what exactly we are supposed to do with that concept! I've never been a big one for celebrating special "days", but on the other hand I think anything that gives BDSM a bit of a positive profile and some recognition is worth supporting. But how, exactly? Cloud from Island of Pain has some excellent ideas:
"Does the lack of history matter? The very few ‘Net references I could find listed activities for International BDSM Day as parties. But if you choose to celebrate this day, and want to include something *other* than a nice get-together with your favorite playmate or club, may I suggestThis is all excellent advice, as relevant in 2011 as 2009.
- educating yourself on BDSM rights advocacy. Current issues can be identified at several excellent websites including http://www.bdsmrights.com/ and http://www.ncsfreedom.org/ and http://www.revisef65.org/
- educate yourself on BDSM practices. Been putting off buying that book? Go to a BDSM book supplier locally or online and order a treat.
- Stand up and announce your support of BDSM on this, its Day.
"Be proud. Have a sense of humor. Be a bit more informed. Have some cake, and eat it too. And have safe sane consensual fun."
- Decide that despite lack of any reason, it IS International BDSM Day.
I know I usually take the educational route but my friend Mystress Lady Evyl has already done this very well, posting this year to wish everyone a "happy bdsm day!", providing a bit of background about the event and then using the opportunity to create her "ode to this special day with a small basic explication to BDSM for my novice readers". She then explains some terms, provides some interesting facts and stats, and finishes with a nice list of "books, movies, songs, etc that broach the subject".
Sol and I might follow Cloud's advice and take the opportunity to order a couple of BDSM books we've desperately wanted for a while.
Our Fet Northern NSW group also has it's regular monthly munch on this Sunday. And you know, that works just fine for me, because I can think of no better way to celebrate International BDSM Day than with kinky friends.
Wherever you are in the world, readers, we'll raise a glass to toast you on Sunday, and hope that you too are enjoying the day :)
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