Information about roles in BDSM

Explanation of various roles within BDSM.

A "dominant" usually means the person who takes control in BDSM practices, whose needs and desires have precedence, who gives instructions and orders, and performs e.g. binding and whipping. Other words may also be used for this function, e.g. "Master" or "Mistress".

A "submissive" usually means the person who gives up control in BDSM practices, who gives other persons' needs and desires precedence, follows instructions and orders, and accepts e.g. binding and whipping. Other words may also be used for this function, e.g. "slave" or "pet".

A "switch" usually means a person who sometimes prefers the dominant role, sometimes the submissive role, in BDSM practices. The preference may depend on factors such as the mood or the partner.