Thanks Dngnkeeper, very informative. I'm looking at your timeline of when BDSM slowly emerged from the "underground", and not coincidentally it corresponds roughly to my un/involvement in the scene.

I spent a total of four years in Asia, the first 2 1/2 in Okinawa, where I was involved with an experienced, older female player. As most people know, Eastern attitudes towards sex are significantly more pragmatic than the West's.

Reading your account reminds me why I didn't get involved in the BDSM community upon my return to the US in 1987. Lol, having just been honorably discharged from the USAF, the last thing I was in the mood for was more rules and regs.

It wasn't until the mid '90's that I got back into it. My girlfriend at the time was very involved in the local scene, and I found it to be a much more relaxed atmosphere than before.

*takes Dngnkeeper's soapbox for a spin*

I try hard not to judge, in the hope that others will follow suit, but I have to say that overall I'm still a bit turned off by some people's need to to regiment and categorize their sexual activities. (No offense, Erasor.) This is my main dilemma about getting involved in the local scene and mentoring with another Master. I'd appreciate some training on technique (esp. safety), but the last thing I need in my life is someone telling me what I should or shouldn't enjoy doing (or having done to me). If I wanted that, I'd go to church.

So it goes. Sorry for the rant.