National Coalition for Sexual Freedom

A non-profit organization primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the BDSM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities. Learn more: ncsfreedom.org

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What does "explicit prior permission" mean?

First there was SSC, then RACK... now EPP — Explicit Prior Permission! But why the update?

In June 2021, the American Law Institute (ALI) approved the revised Model Penal Code on Sexual Assault.

The Model Penal Code is not itself legally binding, but it affects state law nationwide. This revision, the first revision to the section on sexual assault since the Model Penal Code's first publication in 1962, will guide updates to state laws. In addition it may be cited in opinions and briefs even in states where the legislature has not adopted the revised Model Penal Code.

The revision decriminalizes BDSM activities in connection with sexual penetration, oral sex or sexual contact, and establishes a framework of "Explicit Prior Permission" that reflects consent as it is practiced in BDSM communities.

Explicit Prior Permission requires that everyone involved is informed of the risks and freely agrees to specific acts and the intensity before engaging in erotic force or restraint. Also, there must be a way to stop at any time, and participants must be over 18 and of sound mind. Explicit Prior Permission prohibits serious physical injury, including permanent marks and impairment, or the risk of a life-threatening injury.

Learn more about Section 213.10 of the Model Penal Code on Sexual Assault (“Affirmative Defense of Explicit Prior Permission”) in this video:

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PsyPost: “Study identifies key factors boosting compersion in non-monogamous relationships”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“An important methodological issue related to most quantitative research on consensual (or ethical) non-monogamy is that the scales we use have all been developed with monogamous individuals in mind and have been validated on ostensibly monogamous populations. We need to develop scales that better reflect the lived experiences of consensual non-monogamous individuals, especially given the growing interest in diverse relationship types.”

Study identifies key factors boosting compersion in non-monogamous relationships

New research has found that emotional closeness with a partner's other intimate connection, secure attachment, and reduced jealousy are key

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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RadReads | The Examined Life Podcast with Khe Hy: “Open marriages and polyamory: Everything you wanted to know.”

“5% of Americans are in open relationships. I used to think that this world was for hot 20-somethings frolicking around house parties. Whether it's open marriages, swinging or polyamory—the taboo is lifting and the trend is definitely coming to a gentrified neighborhood near you. What's most fascinating? For these relationships to succeed, you need a strong sense of self, a streak of non-conformity and deep trust in your partner.”

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Women's Health: “Everything you’ve ever wondered about polycules in polyamory, explained”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“Depending on what someone’s looking for, a polycule can help that person find community, connection, safety, a sense of risk, and/or romantic or sexual flexibility. Some people find polycules create less pressure to meet one partner's every need. They may also generate excitement and foster experiences one can bring back to the primary partner, says Stephanie Manes, LCSW, a relationship therapist based in New York.”

Polycules are common in ethical non-monogamy— here’s what they are

Plus, how to be in one that works, according to relationship therapists.

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Metro: “Is the Free Use Agreement the next ‘rough sex defence’?”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“Gigi Engle, sex and relationship psychotherapist for 3Fun, warns Metro.co.uk: ‘People get confused because they think it means that consent no longer exists, but actually it’s highly negotiated – it’s something that both partners want. There’s still the use of safe words involved.’”

“Colin Witcher, leading criminal barrister at Church Court Chambers, believes there is an ‘inherent danger’ in the agreement.

“‘Rather than being an act of empowerment, this appears to be a dangerous backwards step in terms of equality and safety between sexual parties,’ he tells Metro.co.uk.

“He points out that this is not a moral judgement against those who enjoy the practice, but a caution.”

Is the Free Use agreement the next 'rough sex' defence?

'It appears a dangerous step backwards.'

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Guest Blog: Erotic Choking 101

Guest Blog: Erotic Choking 101

by Rebecca Blanton There is no safe or "safer" way to erotically choke someone. Louder for those of you with earbuds in: THERE IS N

There is no safe or “safer” way to erotically choke someone.

Louder for those of you with earbuds in:

THERE IS NO SAFE OR “SAFER” WAY TO EROTICALLY CHOKE SOMEONE.

This morning the New York Times did a piece on erotic choking and the studies being done around it. Peggy Ornstien, the author, delves into the trends and some of the research around erotic choking and strangulation on college campuses. She focuses on the work of Dr. Herbenick. For the NYT, this is actually a pretty decent article around sex, specifically BDSM.

Read more

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USA Today: “The Troubling Trend in Teenage Sex”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“According to the American Academy of Neurology, restricting blood flow to the brain, even briefly, can cause permanent injury, including stroke and cognitive impairment. In M.R.I.s conducted by Dr. Kawata and his colleagues (including Dr. Herbenick, who is a co-author of his papers on strangulation), undergraduate women who have been repeatedly choked show a reduction in cortical folding in the brain compared with a never-choked control group. They also showed widespread cortical thickening, an inflammation response that is associated with elevated risk of later-onset mental illness. In completing simple memory tasks, their brains had to work far harder than the control group, recruiting from more regions to achieve the same level of accuracy.”

Opinion | The Troubling Trend in Teenage Sex

Choking has moved from porn to pop culture to the dorm room. And the consequences for young women could be very serious.

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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USA Today: “These bisexual swingers shocked their Alabama town. Now they're on a mission to spread acceptance.”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“Their swinging journey has gone through different iterations. ‘We don't have as many rules as we did when we started,’ April says. ‘When we started, I had like a Santa scroll of things that maybe I was uncomfortable with. But the beautiful thing about being in (an) open relationship is you communicate so much.’”

These bisexual swingers shocked their Alabama town. Now they're on a mission to spread acceptance.

Scott and April Shirley want people to know it's possible to embrace who you are and lift up others – even if it means a mid-life change and

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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AskMen: “How to Be Submissive”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“Therefore, this is why, as Midori suggests, it always a good idea to ask a current or potential new partner what exactly they mean when they say: ‘I’m a submissive’ or ‘I’m a bottom’ — and really listen to their explanation, because all too often people make the mistake of assuming that expressing sexuality is a uniform experience or undertaking when this is not the case.”

The AskMen Guide to How to Unleash Your Submissive Side in Bed

You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Hello!: “Willow Smith shares revealing details about her sexuality in very honest post”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“With polyamory, I feel like the main foundation is the freedom to be able to create a relationship style that works for you and not just stepping into monogamy because that's what everyone around you says is the right thing to do. So, I was like, ‘How can I structure the way that I approach relationships with that in mind?’”

Willow Smith shares revealing details about her sexuality in very honest post

The Whip My Hair hitmaker got honest this week

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Psychology Today: “Ten Strategies for Maintaining Multi-Partner Relationships”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“While the research focused on consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, the insights gleaned might benefit those practicing monogamy. Open and honest communication, transparency, and prioritizing the well-being of all partners are foundational principles that apply across relationship structures. Monogamous couples can learn from CNM couples' emphasis on discussing boundaries and managing jealousy to strengthen their partnerships.”

Ten Strategies for Maintaining Multi-Partner Relationships

Understand relationship maintenance in consensually non-monogamous dynamics: Exploring best practices and their relevance to other relations

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Encore Broadcast: “Alternative Sexuality: You, Your Kink and the Law”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“It's all in good fun. Except when it's not. We plan to give you some guidance, so if you are experimenting in this area, you are not at risk for emotional and physical damage or even criminal prosecution.

“Want to learn some boundaries before the Folsom Street Fair? You've come to the right place.

“YLR Host Jeff Hayden and tonight's co-host, Emmy-nominated legal and political analyst Dean Johnson, are joined by Dr. Anna Randall, Dr. Richard Sprout and Susan Wright.”

https://www.kalw.org/show/your-legal-rights/2024-03-20/encore-broadcast-alternative-sexuality-you-your-kink-and-the-law

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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PsyPost: “Why do people seek polyamorous relationships? Researchers identify key motivations”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“Participants described polyamory as more congruent with their ideals of honesty, openness, and the ability to form meaningful connections with more than one person. This alignment with core values facilitated a sense of living authentically and fully, allowing individuals to express love and affection in ways that felt natural and fulfilling to them.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/love-sex/why-do-people-seek-polyamorous-relationships-researchers-identify-key-motivations/ar-BB1jU3sJ

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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Find out more on NCSF’s Consent Counts page!

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Metro: “‘Tie me up and call me a good boy’: The secrets of a submissive man”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“‘I’ve spoken to a few men who also consider themselves to be subs, and usually they’re struggling with the same type of thing where they have kind of a hard time trying to find someone that is OK with what they like,’ he explains.

“The perceived small quantity of male subs may stem from how the current cultural dialogue imposes gender stereotypes in which men should be in charge, while women are expected to be submissive.

“It’s a toxic viewpoint that can trample on sexual pleasure for both parties, says Daniel.”

'Tie me up and call me a good boy': The secrets of a submissive man

'I don’t like being spanked so much'

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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BNN: “Embracing Love’s Spectrum: The Faces and Voices of Polyamory in Toronto”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“In the heart of Toronto, a city known for its vibrant diversity and openness, a quiet evolution is taking place within the realm of relationships. Sky Roy and his extended household have become part of a growing community that is challenging conventional norms about love, partnership, and family structure. By opening their home and hearts to polyamory, they have discovered not only a fulfilling way of living but also an opportunity to confront and reshape societal perceptions.”

Embracing Love's Spectrum: The Faces and Voices of Polyamory in Toronto

Explore the journey of individuals in Toronto, like Sky Roy and his partners, as they challenge societal norms through polyamory. Discover t

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //

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POPSUGAR: “My Polyamorous Relationship Isn't a Trend — It's My Life”

🚨📰 NCSF Media Update

“But it's not a fad. It's not even new. In fact, as Engel explains, monogamous marriages only became the norm around the agricultural revolution in the 17th century. ‘In this way, women became property and marriage was a way of uniting families, and embedded in that was widespread Christianity,’ she says. ‘People have been organizing relationships by all kinds of poly structures forever. It's only white privilege and a Western-centric view that thinks, because we view monogamy as the norm, that's what makes it normal.’”

My Polyamorous Relationship Isn't a Trend — It's My Life

A writer explores what it's like being in a throuple, and why calling polyamory a trend is harmful.

// NCSF Media Updates are a sampling of recent stories printed in US newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant mention of BDSM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or Lifestyle issues and topics.

These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate or anywhere in between. NCSF urges everyone to make comments that dispute stereotypes about alternative sexuality. //