Dungeon (BDSM)


 * This page is about BDSM play; for other topics see Dungeon (disambiguation).



In BDSM (bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, sadism/masochism) play, a dungeon is any space set aside for scene activities. It may or may not be underground and may or may not resemble a stereotypical dungeon from a Robin Hood film.

Private dungeons are often fabricated in residential basements or spare rooms. BDSM organizations sometimes secure space for their members to play; old warehouses and factory spaces are popular for this. Some dungeons are open to the public on a membership basis or as a nightclub. These are called "public dungeons" even if they are only open to members. A professional dominant or dominatrix will often maintain their own dungeon, or several ProDoms may join together in a common facility often called a ProDom house, where they may share staff such as receptionists or cleaning staff.

More recently, since the BDSM community has become more established, there has been the emergence of specialist dungeons specifically for couples to hire in order for them to explore their play more deeply.

It is common for a dungeon space to be fitted with attachments for shackles and cuffs, as well as numerous other forms of furniture for BDSM play including, but not limited to, stocks, cages, spanking benches, and so forth. Many are quite elaborately decorated, with expensive furnishings and appointments in styles from Bauhaus to Baroque--but even a simple closet or storage room can be used as a dungeon.

When clubs or organizations run a BDSM dungeon, one or more persons who have been trained in BDSM safety are usually appointed as "dungeon monitor" to ensure safe and responsible play.

Literature

 * Jay Wiseman: SM 101: A Realistic Introduction. Greenery Press (CA) 1998, ISBN 0-9639763-8-9
 * Philip Miller, Molly Devon: Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism, Mystic Rose Books, 1995. ISBN 0-9645960-0-8.
 * Dossie Easton, Janet W. Hardy: The New Topping Book. Greenery Press (CA) 2002, ISBN 1-890159-36-0