Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Dani-

Brittany: 'So can you show me? Just a few things like you mentioned.'

Barely chewing her lip between her teeth she gazed up at me.

'I have some new equipment coming today. Why don't you meet some of the guys, maybe talk to them some, so you have more perspectives.

Brittany: 'That's fair.'

'Some people enjoy watching before experiencing. I've played with the guys before, I'm sure they wouldn't mind.'

Brittany: 'Could I maybe decide after I meet them? Just see how it goes?'

'Absolutely. I wanted to talk to you about meeting people, kind of. One of the things, that is so amazing today, is the internet. Yes, it's great for porn, and silly videos of pets, but it's a really useful tool. The Rolling Stone magazine is actually part of recognizing the past, before we had such a handy resource. I would like to show you a website I think you should join. It's kind of a kinky facebook, as a lot of us call it. Use it to talk to others, or even just read what is already posted for the public to enjoy.'

Brittany: 'OK, that sounds really cool. But can you explain the magazine?'

'There's a very rich history behind the BDSM and kink communities. Used to, it was something people were killed over. See, a lot of men were drafted into the war, there were little to no women around, and this new way of living really touched them. There were rules that earned punishment if broken. A pride attached to the feeling of belonging. A hierarchy that was respected without hesitation. Then they came home. They felt incomplete, without the structure the military gave them. As far as history goes, of course women enjoyed such things too. If you look at historical art, you'll see both men and women being involved in what we now call kink. It's fascinating if you're ever given the chance to look into it. Anyways, it was very hush hush. Being gay alone was enough reason for a person to be killed and have police look the other way. So you had to be sneaky. Remind me to tell you about the hanky code, but if I start now the conversation will totally shift. Without the internet, you might have to follow small clues on phone boards, or cryptic personal ads in the paper. It was a huge deal, so you might go to a location several times, not even knowing you were being watched, until someone thought you earned the right to be noticed. As it became less dangerous, people would still remain private, but make it a little easier. Maybe one generation ago, two at the most, it was safe enough to not have to speak in code, but not hold up a sign saying Kinksters here! It's all still illegal, for the most part. It's illegal to hit someone, even if they are a consenting adult, but things didn't have to remain so hidden. In general, there was still a very negative stigma towards the community. It was just abusive men, or insecure women who were simply controlling. So, going back to the point, when the internet came along, it became easier to connect with others, not to just hook up with, but learn from. One of the biggest groups in this area, that you could call successful, had an online chat room. If you wanted to step out from behind your keyboard, and actually meet people, you were told a time and place, for you to find someone holding an outdated Rolling Stone magazine. You could meet individuals of course, however you wanted, but the magazine idea always stuck with me. It was something used to help people seek something, bigger than just a person to get their kinky fix with. Sure, plenty of people met through the group, but the group itself was to educate people. Have a presenter come teach various kinky topics, then provide a safe environment to play in, offering equipment to use, people to monitor, and even others willing to show you the skills hands on. It helped people explore this thing inside of us, but in a safe, mature way. Looking for that magazine, looking for a missing piece for a lot of people. It was difficult for many to even acknowledge that they had a curiosity about such things. So, taking that step, to not just look into these dirty twisted things we all suppressed, but to really go out and try to actually dive in...it's...'

'This huge representation of something more significant than anyone could imagine....'

I saw the sincerity on her face and had to smile.

I was right about her.

She truly does, just get it, even if she doesn't quite get what it is, yet.