There is this desire we all have to explore our interests and show our sexual identity freely. And this is where the practice of BDSM scenes comes to light. People associate BDSM with pain, but this narrative has changed with an emphasis on safety as one of the key things.
The line of safety can easily become blurry in the BDSM community. A lot of people do not understand the dynamics involved. But there are Safety protocols such as SSC, RACK, and BORK to enjoy any BDSM act with your partner. BDSM has evolved with simple safety protocols like SSC and RACK that are mainly for minimal risks. An extreme protocol like BORK is one with a constant red alert while every other method can be practiced with caution, experience, and extra care.
There is more to taking roles as top or bottom in BDSM, and this is why we need to understand the safety protocols involved. Check the following protocols which can make that moment unforgettable and safe:
1. SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual)
BDSM has evolved from what it used to be. Over the years, there has been advancement from SSC to RACK, then to BORK. And now, there are so many protocols in the BDSM community. This is because there are new and interesting kinks that now exist.
The SSC protocol checks all the expected boxes for low-intensity kinky fun. It is a protocol that prioritizes you as an individual. Here, the key thing is the willingness to engage within your limits.
As the name implies, the protocol is safe to the degree you allow it to be. It also seeks both your full involvement and consent. Today, it is considered one of the safest BDSM frameworks.
SSC is always a safer option for newbies and fun seekers in the BDSM community to explore their kinks safely.
Key Principles of SCC
There are key principles to bear in mind when you and your gay partner want to engage in BDSM play, using SCC. Check these few principles out:
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Safe
It is expected that minimal injuries should come to a participant’s body or overall health when using the SSC protocol. But under this protocol, parties involved can choose the risks they’re comfortable exploring.
This is why safewords are important in this type of moment. These safewords could be simple words agreed upon by both parties before the start of a BDSM, roleplay, or petplay scene.
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Sane
Everyone involved is expected to be fully aware of the what, why, and how of what is to be done before the start of anything.
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Consensual
Consent is the most important principle that makes or mars the entire moment. A clear, willing, and verbal YES should be the approving stamp for activities to start and continue.
Some gay partners prefer to do a written contract where they will agree on what can take place and what is not allowed to happen.
Criticisms of SCC
The major downside to this method is that we have no level of control over how people see and understand things. Hence, the word ‘sane’ can subjectively mean different things to different individuals.
What you can tolerate might be too extreme for another. It’s now a common debate where it is considered an extreme act for some while others do not consider it so.
2. RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink)
This goes a little up the ladder of risky acts. It covers what is considered too extreme for SSC. While it is more extreme, it is still much more flexible than BORK.
Here, safety factors are still considered and are, in fact, a part of the process. Safe to say that gay men see it as a principle that is more exploitative but yet safer.
Newbies or inexperienced individuals should not use RACK. It should only be used when it is established that everyone involved has a level of experience in those activities. Examples of RACK activities include breath play, fire play, cutting, and even candle play.
Key Principles of RACK
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Risk Aware
To participate in RACK, you must be fully aware of what you’re getting into. No assumptions are allowed. There must be clarity on the risks involved, as the risks can lead to emotional, physical, and psychological harm.
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Consensual
For all sexual acts, consent needs to always be sought, but for RACK, it is a must that clear consent is given. All participants must want to be involved in the scene.
How is RACK different from SSC?
Both RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) and SSC (Safe, Sane, and Consensual) are categories of safety protocols under BDSM. But there are differences between the two and this is reliant on the advantages of both protocols. RACK is distinct from SSC based on the following:
- RACK gives room for more activities that are considered unsafe under SCC. Activities like Breath play, fire play, and knife cutting are risks you can find under the RACK category. The RACK safety protocol ensures all parties involved are aware of the risks attached to such activity.
- RACK acknowledges the concept of safety. So it is a more convenient protocol where participants can understand some activities go above the safety borderline.
Advantages of RACK
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Room for more
There is always room for more. With RACK, you can experience the riskier acts.
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Level of understanding
The level of understanding between the parties involved is higher. And of course, this is because there is awareness from both parties.
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Better flow
RACK creates a better flow of scenes as there is a prior need for clear communication.
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Mature approach
There is a more mature approach to this, as both parties already understand the potential consequences of their actions.
3. BORK (Balls Out Reckless Kink)
BORK is a high-level pain kink exploration method. Only extremely dangerous acts are carried out in BORK. These acts defy the safety measures you can think of putting in place.
It is always clear that there is no safety measure that can be put in place to prevent harm. Certain forms of breath play, extreme edge play, and piquerism fall under this protocol category.
We know that only gay men who are fully aware of the extreme nature of their kink use the BORK standard.
Key Principles of BORK
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Balls Out
I want to assume seeing this makes you associate the act with letting your balls just loose and free. But that’s just not the case.
BORK is a highly intense and dangerous method that always intends to cause harm.
Some might call it irresponsible to engage in BORK as the target is always to be reckless and inflict pain.
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No Safe Alternatives
Safety measures don’t work under this protocol as there is extremity in all risks. There are no safe ways to do them.
Distinctions from RACK and SSC
With RACK, safety measures are put in place. The play is responsible and minimally risky.
While BORK, on the other hand, consists of acts that are too risky to control, even with safety measures in place.
4. Other Safety Protocols
I like the fact that there are other safety protocols in the BDSM community that make things much easier for participants. See other safety protocols for you:
a) PRICK (Personal Responsibility Informed Consensual Kink)
PRICK is quite a unique protocol that requires all hands on deck for the purpose to be achieved.
Regardless of role, each person is expected to take responsibility for their part in the scene. Everyone is aware of what is to be done to them and what they, in turn, need to do.
The risks are well understood and measures are put in place to prevent them. And, of course, none of this happens without consent being expressly given.
Key Principles
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Personal Responsibility
Everyone is expected to have control over their actions. Accountability isn’t something to be shared here.
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Informed
Parties involved are fully aware of the acts and dangers to it.
If you and your partner intend to use this protocol, there must be full understanding of all the risks involved and ways to control them.
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Consensual
Only willing and clear consent from your partner gives permission for the activities to start or for you to be involved.
Why PRICK Stands Out
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Balance of Responsibility
All participants have a role to play for it to work. Playing the sub or dom means you will actively contribute to make it safe.
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Mutual Responsibility
Since the top priority is safety, parties involved are already familiar with what they have to do and how to go about it.
b) Edge Play
Edge play describes a good mix of pain and pleasure, sexual acts that push participants beyond their limits.
This is well-rounded as it involves teasing and pushing past one’s emotional, physical, or psychological limits.
What Makes Edge Play Unique
- There are obvious dangers to it, but they can be mitigated when identified.
- It is built on tease, mind play, and pleasure.
- It helps you build your pain tolerance and increases your pleasure limit over time.
Comparing SSC, RACK, and BORK
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Applicability
Based on who can engage in certain protocols, SSC is suitable for beginners, while experienced kinksters can perform RACK. BORK is known to be for lovers of extreme edge play, while PRICK is majorly for partners who are willing to be accountable.
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Focus
In SSC, there is an emphasis on safety and sanity. RACK is precisely for risk awareness among participants, while BORK is fully packed with high-risk activities.
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Criticisms
There is word out there that SSC restricts gay people from exploring their kinks better, while RACK is not suitable for newbies. BORK and PRICK are seen as reckless and overly responsible protocols.
Let’s do a little in-between comparison to see the difference!
SSC vs. RACK
- With SSC there is little to minimal risk. The participants’ mental readiness is a priority in SSC. While RACK allows the risk involved to be acknowledged.
- RACK allows you to explore more kinky activities flexibly, while SSC is more beginner-recommended.
RACK vs. BORK
- RACK lets you explore the risks which you are aware of whereas BORK activities go beyond what safety measures can curb.
BORK vs. PRICK
- BORK is a high-risk activity which requires clearly communicated consent. While PRICK holds each participant accountable for their actions and their consequences.
This article is for informational purposes only, our aim is simply to provide an understanding of bdsm security protocols, we do not advocate or endorse any particular practice, nor do we advocate any particular position, consent, communication, and personal responsibility are always paramount in any BDSM activity!
Conclusion
Kinks can seem like a taboo to the uninformed. I know you don’t like to see this coming, but consent is the thin line between BDSM and crimes such as rape, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Understanding all of this is easy. And this is why protocols exist to ensure BDSM is practiced in safety. There are also Consensual Non-Consent Kinks you could explore.
However, there is always a need for consent in every sexual practice you do, so ensure you explore your kinky desires in a safe and pleasurable way!
