Today is November 25th, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, and I made a little something in hope to raise awareness about gender-based violence, but first I want to talk a bit about collars and consent.
 | As many of you are well aware my projects on Second Life usually revolve around art, punk rock, climate, social justice and, well, most importantly fetish collars. Collars are a very personal thing for me. I mean, obviously there must be something going on, or I wouldn’t obsess so much about them, and while I don’t really want to spill my guts on my tumblr right now, I still feel the need to share the quilt essence with you: Collars are symbols of consent for me.They are not just wedding bands on steroids. As far as I’m concerned, our subculture has hijacked slave collars, and transformed them into their polar opposite - into symbols of definitive consent. We put on collars because we are survivors. We wear them to be proud, to be safe, to be beautiful, and to be part of a subculture that literally revolves around informed consent. |
We put collars on because they resemble our choice to be with our dominant. We submit by choice, not by force. Even when we engage in themes, such as total power exchange and consensual non-consent, where consent is given beforehand, we do that willingly.
Just think about that for a moment.
How well we are able to manage consent in our extreme subculture. With all the whips, the chains, the spanking, the torture, the holy shit forced fantasy roleplays, and erotic humiliation - we are still able to maintain a healthy, safe and consent based environment.
Why can’t things be this way in the “normal” everyday world...
Just think about that for a moment.
How well we are able to manage consent in our extreme subculture. With all the whips, the chains, the spanking, the torture, the holy shit forced fantasy roleplays, and erotic humiliation - we are still able to maintain a healthy, safe and consent based environment.
Why can’t things be this way in the “normal” everyday world...
Home isn’t a safe place for everyone.
| On top of all the end-of-the-world stuff that was already happening, those of us who were victims of domestic violence have been literally locked in with their abusers during COVID-19 lockdowns - and it was a nightmare, and no, it’s not our fault for “being so stupid to stay with the guy”, because it frankly is a lot more complicated than that... ...which is exactly why we need to talk about this, and related topics, especially this year. To raise awareness, I will do my part during the coming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and offer a beautiful special orange edition of my best selling collar, the Gift of Steel, until December 10 - totally for free. I will give this collar away for free, no catches or strings, and I hope that when people pick it up, they will become more aware of the problem, and choose to inform themselves at the official sources that I have linked next to the poster in my sim. Stay safe. |  |