Ena interviews her friends
Ropes, Powerplay & Sadomasochism — Explaining My Kinks to My Mother
Excepts from this summer’s conversations with my mom; an interview of sorts
How does one go about explaining one's deviances to non-kinky friends and family members? How can we communicate about them compassionately and in ways that build understanding and brings us closer, as opposed to the opposite? While most of us may choose to keep our proclivities to ourselves, there are circumstances in which we need to come out, at least to some extent; perhaps we’re outed, or maybe we’re public about that part of our lives and there’s no way of keeping it from them?
The latter is true for me. Since I started practicing (and teaching, and performing) Shibari last year, I’ve been open about it in my writing and on social media, where my mother follows me. Although sparingly, I’ve shared aspects about my dabblings in the BDSM scene with her for a while. And since she’s always been open-minded about it, I’ve kept her in the loop.
Occasionally she likes and comments on my Instagram pictures, other times I give her little tidbits of information over the phone. While I’m so grateful for her acceptance—and aware that it’s beyond what the majority can expect from a parent on…
