Slave (BDSM)

Slave is a term often used in BDSM to conote a specific form of submissive. Such a person could also be a masochist or bottom, but this is not always the case.

Related Topics:
BDSM - Submissive - Masochist - Bottom

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Connotatively it refers to very involved domination and submission (commonly abbreviated as D/s) relationships; a person who has surrendered their personal property and freedoms to another, who has become the property or chattel of their owner(s). This term is widely used, as it has a certain self-affirming weight.

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Some users feel the difference between submissive and slave is the degree of submission. However, many who are involved in Master/slave relationships see the difference as one in kind, not in degree. In particular, some slaves are not submissive, but simply choose to surrender their will to that of another and obey.

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It should be noted that the relationship is entered on a strictly consensual basis, and no legal ownership is involved. Various forms of symbolism are used to affirm the relationship, such as wearing the owner's collar, being registered in a slave register, adopting a name chosen by the owner, or a public declaration or ceremony. Some people draw up "slave contracts" that define the relationship, but these usually have no legal weight and are not intended to be used in court.

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After signing a slave contract, many people celebrate the commitment with a collaring ceremony, which can be simple or elaborate and friends are usually invited. The slave then wears a "collar", which symbolizes their status. The collar may be an actual piece of neckwear, or may be a bracelet or other piece of jewelry that symbolizes their slavery. Collars are generally never removed until the relationship is dissolved, although some slaves exchange a "formal" collar for a "subdued" one in work and vanilla situations.

Related Topics:
Collaring

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There is considerable debate over the exact definition of "slave". Many people believe that you are a slave if you consider yourself one, whilst others believe one must be in the emotional state of

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Total Power Exchange or Internal Enslavement for the term to apply.

Related Topics:
Total Power Exchange - Internal Enslavement

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There are differences of opinion about whether one needs to be currently owned to be identified as a slave. Many in the Master/slave community do not feel that ownership is a requirement. Rather, one can possess a "slave heart" even when not owned.

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