In BDSM: The Role of Gags in Dominance and Submission Dynamics
In BDSM, gags play a crucial role in amplifying the dynamics of dominance and submission. They serve various purposes such as restraint, humiliation, and role-play enhancement. Broadly, gags are categorized into three types:
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Over the Mouth (OTM) Gags: These range from basic to extreme. Simple forms include a scarf tied over the mouth, which is beginner-friendly and easily removable. More complex OTM gags involve tape, which is more secure and partially muffles sound. Panel gags, made of materials like leather, cover the mouth entirely, and muzzle gags, which include a head harness, greatly restrict speech and mouth movement, enhancing the psychological aspect of a scene.
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Open Mouth Gags: These keep the submissive's mouth open, restricting speech but allowing access to the mouth. The common ring gag consists of an O-ring attached to a head strap. A variant, the spider gag, has additional prongs to hold the lips apart. These gags are often used in oral sex scenarios within BDSM play and can lead to drooling, adding to the humiliation aspect.
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In the Mouth Gags: These fill the mouth and muffle the submissive's speech. Examples include bit gags, which resemble horse bits, and ball gags, the most popular type due to their effectiveness and ease of use. Penis gags, shaped to fill the mouth, are used for humiliation or simulated oral sex.
Safety Considerations: Safety is paramount when using gags. Since a gagged person cannot speak, alternative safe signals are necessary, like holding and dropping an object or using hand signals. Monitoring for oxygen deprivation signs and ensuring the submissive is in a safe position to prevent choking are critical. Only use items designed for mouth insertion to avoid risks like choking or toxicity.
Remember, the use of gags should always align with the principles of Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) play in BDSM.
