Either way, in a community that is already set on the fringe of 'regular' society, by virtue of being a sexual minority, doesn't it seem rather sad that some people from within it actually choose to factionalise and prejudice each other like this?
Oh god yes Alex. I lie awake at night thinking the same thing.

I too have met some of the nicest people in my life through the BDSM & D/s community. There's something about this which draws intelligent, imaginative people who care about others. Unfortunately it also draws from the other end of the spectrum....

I don't think I've ever one time managed to open a 'closed mind'- some can stand up & say they have the 'one true path' & everyone else is wrong. I've heard just as much nonsense from within the community as I ever have from the 'straight world'.

It's not just as regards switches, there's also discrimination against people who have online relationships, those in part time D/s relationships, new members to the community & so forth.

Everyone has their own little idea of how a D/s or BD relationship should go. I have no problem with that except when they tell others they're 'doing it wrong' or they can do it that way, but they 'aren't doing it properly.'

I'm a motorcyclist, I enjoy great camaraderie with other bikers. Yet I see the same thing there, if you own a certain brand of US motorcycle you don't wave to anyone who's not riding one. The tourers don't like the racers, the off road roaders don't like....well you get the picture.

There's an old saying by Voltaire or someone 'united we stand, divided we fall'. Never is that more applicable than within this community, which is being attacked from all sides.

I have tremendous respect for Cerina from the 'submissive loving' site, who seems to be able to realise that a D/s relationship is a special thing between two people, & should be respected as such.

Vive la difference...!

Tojo