BDSM is a range of sexual practices involving the infliction of pain or humiliation on another person in a sexual context. The acronym BDSM encompasses a wide variety of activities, including bondage, domination and submission, sadomasochism, and other related paraphilias. Bondage refers to the act of restraining another person, typically using handcuffs , rope, or other restraints, in order to limit their movement and increase their sense of vulnerability.

Domination and submission, often abbreviated as D/s, refers to the power dynamic between two or more people, in which one person (the dominant) exerts control over the other (the submissive). Sadomasochism, often abbreviated as S&M, refers to the deriving of pleasure from either the inflicting or the receiving of pain.

While BDSM can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, it is often associated with the queer community, as it provides a space for those who do not conform to traditional gender roles and sexual norms to explore their sexuality in a safe and consensual way.