Still Surviving - Trauma and Sex

Trauma can hit hard and leave emotional scars. But those who face it every day aren't less of a person for it. They still need love, affection, companionship, and friendship. But what about sexual relationships? How can we use consent to make each partner comfortable? 

Let's start with being open and honest with your partner(s) about what you're looking for in this relationship. For example, if you're absolutely certain that you're ready to have sex with this person then the both/all of you should get tested to make sure you're being safe. That might seem like a pain to do, considering how long it takes for the test results to come in versus how active your libido might be, but it would create a safe space for everyone. 

Communication is a huge thing, as I've mentioned before. Sexual energy is a powerful thing to experience, but it would be hard to hold that and keep in mind anything you've experienced in the past. For example, if you have endured sexual assault or rape, you may have difficulties trusting someone enough to have sex again. A kiss or caress could make you severely uncomfortable. This does not make you weak or a coward. You're amazing for loving again! It is understandable and your partner(s) should be supportive in your endeavors. You deserve to have a healthy sex life, if you want one. This does mean you should work with your partner to make it safe for you and them. Perhaps starting with trust exercises to build intimacy and talking about sex might be a good start. 

Survivors of PTSD may have a completely different outlook on sex. Instead of anxiety, those with PTSD tend to be less interested in sex. They also tend to become numb to most emotions, indifferent to anything that might take them out of their numbness. This is because staying numb is synonymous
with safety to them. Male-identified survivors may also experience erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Experts suggest treating the PTSD in order to increase sexual interest. 




Here are some ways you can make a comfortable environment for yourself and your partners(s):
Being clear: One can say "no", "I'm not interested", "I'm don't like this" or other words to indicate they're not ready or having a good experience. 
Patience: It's easy to get caught up in the moment, but taking it slow can also be sexy. It is also important when you're with someone who has dealt with sexual assault. Re-traumatization could occur when the survivor is triggered by sexual acts. 
Talking it out: Maybe you or your partner(s) aren't ready for sex. This is totally okay! Sure, one might feel guilty for not wanting to have sex but it would be beneficial to enjoy sex at a time when you're ready. 

Please let me know if there is anything you feel is missing, if I got something wrong, or if you'd like me to change something. I am not a trauma survivor, but I am an ally. 

Here are some links for light reading!
http://vitaminw.co/society/what-consent-looks
http://vitaminw.co/culture-society/gift-of-fear-brings-reflecton-feeling-friday
http://www.whereversexhappens.com/

Fifty Shades of Grey - Totally Not BDSM

Yes, I'm sure you knew that I was going to make this blog post eventually. But it needs to be done! 

The contrasts between actual BDSM /S&M relationships and what is depicted in Fifty Shades of Grey should be made by someone who would rather inform others of what actual kinky relationships like these are about, not some Twilight fan fiction with bondage and undertones of abuse. 

I take books and sexual lifestyles seriously, so sit down. 

What is BDSM?

- It is made up of a few pairs of words. Bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. 

- Has the motto of being safe, sane, and consensual.

- Involves different protocol, etiquette, and behaviors based on the sub/dom relationship.

- Often has a "safe word" in case someone is feeling uncomfortable.

- Can lead to happy and more confident lifestyles.

In some instances, the dom controls the sub with protocols. If it's high protocol, the sub is doing everything for their dom to please them and staying by their side. Medium protocol is a step down, perhaps involving just listening to their dom. 

This doesn't mean that there isn't abuse in some BDSM relationships. Sometimes submissives don't know what kind of person their dominant is. This is why we connect with others and share experiences. 

What BDSM is not

- A right to abuse/injure another person. 

- It's not always caused by an abusive childhood or other trauma, as mentioned in FSaG.

- About the sub being "weak"

- All about flogging, humiliation, pain, and discipline all the time. You're still humans and you need time to be cared for.

Doing some research about the book, I found that there are several instances of abuse or undertones of it. I will fully admit that I have never read the book myself and do not intend to. If I want erotica, I'll go to the professionals like A. N. Roquelaure (aka Anne Rice), Anaïs Nin, and other wonderful authors. But I digress...

Christian Grey begins stalking Ana and later admits to it, gets her drunk so she can't give consent, manipulates/intimidates her, becomes possessive, uses threatening language and eventually threatens her, has her sign a contract to not discuss what they do to anyone else, doesn't consider her lack of sexual knowledge and uses it against her, controls her body and eventually rapes her! Don't believe me? Check out this nugget of text. 

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
/736x/aa/7b/78/aa7b785ea
2e6e04104d64d4780f77988.jpg

No” – I protested, trying to kick him off. He stops. “If you struggle, I’ll tie your feet together too. If you make a noise, Anastasia, I will gag you. Keep quiet. Katherine is probably outside listening, right now”

Overall, I this book severely mangles what a proper, healthy connection with BDSM is. Don't read it, keep away from it unless it's for research on smut. 

If you want some homework to do, check out these sites on healthy/unhealthy BDSM relationships. 

http://kimdebron.tripod.com/id2.html

http://www.xojane.com/sex/a-beginners-guide-to-having-a-bdsm-relationship

http://www.positivelysexual.com/alternatives/bdsmrelations.htm

For reviews on 50 Shades of Grey

http://www.scarleteen.com/blog/joey/2013/09/02/50_shades_of_bs_how_to_tell_the_difference_between_kink_and_abuse

http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/consent-isnt-enough-in-fifty-shades-of-grey/385267/

https://50shadesofabuse.wordpress.com/

http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychological-aspects-of-bdsm-0606124

Finally, a message to E L James.