Leash (BDSM)
In a BDSM context, a leash or lead is a length of rope, leather, chain, or other flexible material symbolically worn by the submissive partner. Most leashes attach to collars or body harnesses, while others loop directly around the person's neck, wrist, ankle, or sometimes around the male genitals or female body piercings.
The most common human leash has a clip at one end which is attached to a D-ring or loop on a collar. Commonly made of leather (occasionally braided for extra flexibility) but sometimes of nylon webbing, small-linked chain or rope. Many people use a strong dog leash, especially a black leather one. Typical length in total is between one and two metres.
Purposes of a leash include:
- More than the wearing of a collar, a leash is a stronger visual indication to people at a BDSM scene of the slave status of the wearer, to ensure they follow the appropriate BDSM etiquette in relation to the wearer and the dominant partner
- A psychological reinforcement to the submissive of their slave status
- A means whereby the dominant partner can pass cues to the submissive for their physical control and positioning.
The submissive's collar, leash and restraints are largely symbolic of the relationship between the partners, usually indicative of a master-slave relationship. Some submissives experience initial humiliation by a overt public display of their submissive status, but eventually feel more comfortable wearing the leash, which gives them a strong sense of belonging and is regarded as a sign of commitment. Leading a submissive on a leash can give the dominant partner pride and a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
Leashes are most often used in private or in a secluded public place, or sometimes in public but discreetly so as not to be obvious to others. Sometimes, a leash is used very openly and publicly, especially in a scene club and in animal roleplay.
At a club or play party, D/s players often prefer formal etiquette and will use a leash as part of this, to signify that the submissive is not single or, if the leash is held in their mouth, that they are not available for conversation.
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[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from the article on Leash in Wipipedia, the free-content Fetish and BDSM encyclopedia.
