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In response to Grimly's 'more controversy' post, I wanted to share more thoughts rather than fill up his log with replies. 
As people into BDSM we are a community. Not because of the way we act towards each other or because we share the same ideas, concerns, circumstances or even definitions. We are a community for the same reason as any other is one - we occupy common ground.
It would be foolish of us to disregard that common occupancy when it can useful. In fact we don't. We do get together to organise and establish common events (munches, fairs etc.) not to mention all the other ways where this common ground enriches our lives and practice as BDSMers (shared information, common resources etc.).
I can see part of Grimly's point though: It is fun to be a naughty boy. It's not so fun to lose ones job, children or be arrested because of it. What it is we do with each other doesn't change regardless of how the greater public sees us: It's still 'dark' and 'effective'. It just might not be thought of as 'unusual' any more.
Taboo by its very nature is hidden, unacknowledged and this ignorance breeds prejudice. More than that it breeds shame. I do not want to be made to feel ashamed of anything I do just because it gives a bit more or a rush to play now and again.
To avoid this, BDSM needs to be visible, acknowledged, and to some extent it is already becoming so (see the media for examples). Fighting prejudice is something we can't avoid if faced with it personally, whether it is an attempt to close down a club or directly personal such as issues of employment or family law. But that isn't enough. BDSM needs more visibility in general course of things: The braver, less vulnerable individuals can become more visible in their general life, more open, less reserved. The community as a whole can become more visible in groups.
The old SM pride marches had the right idea, but perhaps the wrong venue: A few hundred perves marching though the streets can end up as nothing more than marginalisation: Tourists point and laugh, politicians ignore. However getting a few thousand perves together for one all mighty “We Are Not Ashamed” party, which is publicized to the media and the world in general - that's getting somewhere! We could hire a stadium or an exhibition centre. Imagine ten thousand perverts tying, clamping, whipping - being who they really are with all the dungeon equipment we could possibly get together in one place.
Try ignoring that people.
We are not ashamed.
Edited Fri 21 Jan 05, 4:18 PM by Backdooruk
