The BDSM
Emblem Symbol
About the BDSM Emblem
In the mid 1990's, a discussion on AOL set
the course for what we know as the BDSM emblem. There was an idea
that a symbol was needed to represent this brand of sexuality and
lifestyle. As well, the symbol needed to be a bit mysterious. When
worn, it could not attract a great deal of attention from "vanilla observers". It did have to be easily recognized by those who knew
what it was. In the end, Steve Quagmyre, a leader of the discussion,
created an emblem reminiscent of the yin-yang design. The choice of
design was influenced by a description of the ring that "O" was
given in the novel "The Story of O" (which is very different from
that worn in the movie version). The ring as described in the book "
. . . bore a three-spoked wheel . . . with each spoke spiralling
back upon itself . . .".
Within the BDSM emblem that we use today are the three spokes which
create three divisions along several possible lines of
representation. One is that they represent the three divisions of
BDSM: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and
masochism. A second idea is that the each division represents one
aspect of the BDSM motto of "safe, sane, and consensual". A third
meaning that can be derived from the divisions is that of the three
segments of the BDSM community, namely, tops, bottoms, and switches.
(Steve) Quagmyr describes the metallic colour as a representation of
the chains or irons of BDSM and the black background as a
celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality. The
curved lines symbolize the "lash as it swings", and the circle shape
represents the unity and oneness of a "community that protects its
own".
 The BDSM
Emblem Symbol lends itself easily to all types of jewelry,
for
example, pendants, earrings, pins, and rings.
The original art work for the
BDSM Emblem can be found here:
http://emblemproject.sagcs.net/webmster.htm
Information about the meaning of the BDSM Emblem can
be found here:
http://emblemproject.sagcs.net/meaning.htm
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