What does the BDSM Emblem mean?

The BDSM emblem has no "obvious" symbolism because it was created to beenigmatic. To the vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merelyan attractive piece of jewelry. Thus, we can wear it freely as a friendlysalute, nod, and wink to other BDSMers we should happen to pass on the sidewalksand in the hallways of our daily lives.

To the insider, however, the Emblem is full of meaning.

The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM. First of all,the three divisions of BDSM itself: B&D, D&S, and S&M. Secondly,the three-way creed of BDSM behavior: Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Thirdly,the three divisions of our community: Tops, Bottoms, and Switches.

It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit.Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and at its greatest a love style,the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSMcontext. However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remainsa void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSMcannot be done alone.

The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is notaccidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy borderbetween where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders hererepresent the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M.


The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the chains or ironsof BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner fields are black, representinga celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality. The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lashas it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. Theall-embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it alland the oneness of a community that protects its own.