National Coalition for Sexual Freedom

Last updated
National Coalition for Sexual Freedom
National Coalition for Sexual Freedom logo.gif
Formation1997
Type Non-profit
Headquarters Baltimore, Maryland, US
Chairperson
Tess Zachary
Website ncsfreedom.org OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) is an American sex-positive advocacy and educational organization founded in 1997. NCSF has over one hundred coalition partners (consisting of businesses including law firms, mental health professionals, and clubs), and over sixty supporting members (composed of individuals and businesses). [1] [2] NCSF advocates on behalf of adults involved in alternative lifestyles with respect to sexuality and relationship composition, specifically for tolerance and non-discrimination of those so identified, as well as education for adults involved in such lifestyles. The organization's main office is in Baltimore, Maryland. [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

Founding

In 1997 the NCSF was founded by Susan Wright, under the auspices of the New York SM Activists. Black Rose, The Eulenspiegel Society, Gay Male S/M Activists, National Leather Association International, and the Society of Janus were its founding coalition partners. [7]

Mission

The NCSF's mission as described on its web page is:

The NCSF is committed to creating a political, legal and social environment in the US that advances equal rights for consenting adults who engage in alternative sexual and relationship expressions. The NCSF aims to advance the rights of, and advocate for consenting adults in the BDSM-Leather-Fetish, Swing, and Polyamory Communities. We pursue our vision through direct services, education, advocacy, and outreach, in conjunction with our partners, to directly benefit these communities. [8]

The NCSF's mission has changed since its founding. In 2002 the rights of swingers, polyamorous people, and some other alternative sexuality groups were added to its mission. [7]

On May 14, 2020, the NCSF Board approved its Diversity and Inclusion Vision:

NCSF's goal is to better fulfill our mission through a better understanding of a diverse range of voices and experiences in our communities. We recognize the similarities and differences between people that make us all unique. We aim to be inclusive by creating opportunities for more people of various backgrounds to be represented and heard by NCSF. [9]

Programs

NCSF's Education Outreach Program provides education for professionals about the BDSM-Leather-Fetish, Swing and Polyamory communities, information for members of the BDSM-Leather-Fetish, Swing and Polyamory communities concerning consent and legal issues that may affect them, and support in the outreach and education efforts of those communities’ groups, clubs and events to local law enforcement, service agencies and authorities. [10]

The Kink And Poly Aware Professionals Directory, formerly known as the Kink Aware Professionals list (KAP list), has been maintained by the NCSF since January 2006. It is a directory of professionals who have “volunteered to be available to be contacted by people involved in ‘kinky’ sexuality (leather, BDSM, fetish, polyamory, the Lifestyle, etc.)” [11] [12]

NCSF's Media Outreach Program provides sound bites and tactics for its advocates and allies in dealing with the media. It also regularly provides media training and conducts interviews. [13]

Consent Counts: In 2006, NCSF was part of a leather leadership roundtable at the Creating Change conference that discussed the goals of the BDSM-leather-fetish communities, particularly the decriminalization of BDSM. A subsequent town hall meeting at the Leather Leadership Conference [7] was held to further discuss this goal and to establish an outline for a working plan. In 2007, NCSF took a leadership role in the Consent Counts project. [7] [ further explanation needed ]

NCSF's Incident Reporting and Response (IRR) program provides educational resources and referrals to professionals, and tracks the types of requests that are received. [14]

Research

From 2005–2013, NCSF's Incident Reporting & Response program collected reports from constituents that the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual DSM-IV-TR paraphilias section was being used in criminal and civil proceedings to informally “diagnose” kink-identified individuals as unable to control their behavior and therefore unfit to retain custody of their children. [14] As a first step in de-pathologizing consensual BDSM, NCSF urged that the APA separate sexual behaviors (paraphilias) from the mental disorders (Paraphilic Disorders). [15] The APA's Paraphilias Subworkgroup posted its proposed revisions to the DSM-5 in February 2010, that differentiated consensual paraphilias from paraphilic disorders, and this was largely successful in changing the way BDSM behavior by a parent is considered by family courts during a child custody hearing, typically removing BDSM behavior as a detrimental factor in those cases. [16] As word spread with the publication of the DSM-5 in May 2013, the number of cases reported to NCSF's IRR dropped significantly, from 124 parents reporting issues with child custody in 2008 down to 15 parents in 2017. [14]

NCSF's 1998 Violence & Discrimination Survey documented incidents of discrimination, harassment, and physical attacks against BDSM-identified individuals and BDSM groups: 36% of the respondents reported suffering some kind of violence or harassment because of their BDSM practices, while 30% reported job discrimination. [17]

NCSF's 2015 Psychological Functioning and Violence Victimization and Perpetration survey found that only 9.8% of the 816 respondents stated they are completely open about their involvement in BDSM, while the rest were closeted to varying degrees due to the stigma that is still associated with kink behavior. The majority of participants reported having been victims of violence (26% reported being assaulted while 42% reported being sexually assaulted) but participants themselves were not prone to perpetrating violence, with low rates of aggression proneness, sexual aggression, and endorsement of rape myths. Defined as being a victim of a crime based on actual or perceived BDSM practitioner/kinky status, 7.7% of participants also reported they had been victims of a BDSM-based hate crime. [18]

Nitke v. Gonzales: On December 11, 2001, the NCSF filed a lawsuit in New York City's federal court with Barbara Nitke, a New York City artist who has been exploring issues of sexual relationship and desire through photography since 1982. [19] This historic lawsuit against The United States of America challenged the constitutionality of the CDA's obscenity statutes on the grounds that they violate the free speech of Internet content providers and inhibit the discussion of sexual issues on the Internet among consenting adults. The attorney for the case is John Wirenius, author of First Amendment, First Principles: Verbal Acts and Freedom of Speech (Holmes & Meier Publishers, Inc., 2000). [20]

United States, Appellee v. Miles: On December 4, 2014, NCSF successfully motioned for leave to file a brief as amicus curiae in support of appellant's petition for grant of review in a military case involving a marine who engaged in a consensual threesome and because of that was convicted of adultery, attempted consensual sodomy and indecent conduct, a “crime” based solely on undefined sexual conduct inconsistent with “common propriety.” [21] NCSF argued in its amicus curiae that the conviction of LCpl Miles for attempted consensual sodomy under Article 134, UMCJ, violated his constitutional liberty as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in Lawrence v. Texas , and that the UMCJ provisions concerning consensual, non-injurious sexual conduct are inconsistent with current sexual mores in American society. [22]

Woodhull Freedom Foundation et al v. United States: On February 20, 2019, NCSF joined with allies in filing a Brief in Support of Appellants challenging FOSTA, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017. [23]

Awards

In 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2010, NCSF received the Large Nonprofit Organization of the Year award as part of the Pantheon of Leather Awards. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

BDSM Erotic practices involving domination and sadomasochism

BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves to be practising BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture often is said to depend on self-identification and shared experience.

Paraphilia is the experience of intense sexual arousal to atypical objects, situations, fantasies, behaviors, or individuals.

Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures Subcultures and communities composed of people who have shared experiences, backgrounds, or interests

Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures are subcultures and communities composed of people who have shared experiences, backgrounds, or interests due to common sexual or gender identities. Among the first to argue that members of sexual minorities can also constitute cultural minorities were Adolf Brand, Magnus Hirschfeld, and Leontine Sagan in Germany. These pioneers were later followed by the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis in the United States.

Sexual fetishism Sexual arousal a person receives from an object or situation

Sexual fetishism or erotic fetishism is a sexual fixation on a nonliving object or nongenital body part. The object of interest is called the fetish; the person who has a fetish for that object is a fetishist. A sexual fetish may be regarded as a non-pathological aid to sexual excitement, or as a mental disorder if it causes significant psychosocial distress for the person or has detrimental effects on important areas of their life. Sexual arousal from a particular body part can be further classified as partialism.

Leather subculture Subculture organized around sexual activities that involve leather garments

Leather subculture denotes practices and styles of dress organized around sexual activities that involve leather garments, such as leather jackets, vests, boots, chaps, harnesses, or other items. Wearing leather garments is one way that participants in this culture self-consciously distinguish themselves from mainstream sexual cultures. Many participants associate leather culture with BDSM practices and its many subcultures. For some, black leather clothing is an erotic fashion that expresses heightened masculinity or the appropriation of sexual power; love of motorcycles, motorcycle clubs and independence; and/or engagement in sexual kink or leather fetishism.

Sadomasochism Giving or receiving of pleasure from acts involving the receipt or infliction of pain or humiliation

Sadomasochism is the giving and receiving of pleasure from acts involving the receipt or infliction of pain or humiliation. Practitioners of sadomasochism may seek sexual pleasure from their acts. While the terms sadist and masochist refer respectively to one who enjoys giving and receiving pain, some practitioners of sadomasochism may switch between activity and passivity.

The Eulenspiegel Society Pioneering US BDSM organization

The Eulenspiegel Society, also known as TES, is the oldest BDSM education and support organization in the United States. It was founded in 1971 and based in New York City,

Gloria Brame American sexologist

Gloria Brame is an American sexologist, writer and sex therapist based in Athens, Georgia. She is a member of the American College of Sexologists, and clinical sexologist. Her sex therapy practice specializes in consensual BDSM, sexual fetishism and sexual dysfunction.

Glossary of BDSM Glossary of jargon and esoteric terms used in BDSM

This glossary of BDSM terms defines terms commonly used in the BDSM community.

Dominance and submission Erotic roleplay involving the submission of one person to another

Dominance and submission is a set of behaviours, customs, and rituals involving the submission of one person to another in an erotic episode or lifestyle. It is a subset of BDSM. This form of sexual contact and pleasure has been shown to please a minority of people.

Barbara Nitke is an American art photographer who specializes in the subject of human sexual relations. She has worked extensively in the porn and BDSM communities.

Kink (sexuality) Non-normative sexual behavior

In human sexuality, kinkiness is the use of non-conventional sexual practices, concepts or fantasies. The term derives from the idea of a "bend" in one's sexual behaviour, to contrast such behaviour with "straight" or "vanilla" sexual mores and proclivities. It is thus a colloquial term for non-normative sexual behaviour. The term "kink" has been claimed by some who practice sexual fetishism as a term or synonym for their practices, indicating a range of sexual and sexualistic practices from playful to sexual objectification and certain paraphilias. In the 21st century the term "kink", along with expressions like BDSM, leather and fetish, has become more commonly used than the term paraphilia. Some universities also feature student organizations focused on kinks, within the context of wider LGBTQ concerns.

Paraphilic infantilism, also known as autonepiophilia, psychosexual infantilism and adult baby syndrome, is a sexual fetish that involves role-playing a regression to an infant-like state. Behaviors may include drinking from a bottle or wearing diapers. Individuals may engage in gentle and nurturing experiences or be attracted to masochistic, coercive, punishing or humiliating experiences. Diaper fetishism involves "diaper lovers" wearing diapers for sexual or erotic reasons but may not involve infant-like behavior. Individuals who experience both of these things are referred to as adult baby/diaper lovers. When wearing diapers, infantilists may urinate and/or defecate in them.

Human sexuality covers a broad range of topics, including the physiological, psychological, social, cultural, political, philosophical, ethical, moral, theological, legal and spiritual or religious aspects of sex and human sexual behavior.

National Leather Association International (NLA-I) is a BDSM organization, based in the United States with chapters in various cities in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1986 as the "National Leather Association" (NLA), as a national integrated organization including gay leathermen, kinky heterosexuals and bisexuals, SM lesbians and transgender sadomasochists, and representing their interests in the face of prosecutions. Adding "International" to its name in 1991, the organization staged "Living in Leather" gatherings until 2002. After a period of decline around the turn of the millennium, NLA-I has become more active again and runs a series of awards for fiction and non-fiction writing. NLA-I’s records can be found at the Leather Archives and Museum.

FetLife Social networking website

FetLife is a social networking website that serves people interested in BDSM, fetishism, and kink. On its homepage, FetLife describes itself as "Like Facebook, but run by kinksters like you and me." The "Fet" in the name refers to "fetish". FetLife distinguishes itself from competitors by emphasizing itself as a social network rather than a dating site. It is on principle supportive of fringe sexual practices.

Guy Baldwin Psychotherapist and author know for his work BDSM & sexual related issues

Guy Baldwin, M.S. is a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist, author, activist, and educator specializing in issues of particular relevance to the BDSM and leather communities. He maintains that inclusion of non-injurious elements of sadomasochism in a consenting sexuality does not itself indicate or confirm mental illness or psycho-sexual dysfunction.

Desmond Ravenstone is a writer, blogger, activist and educator on sexuality issues, who has spoken on BDSM and other alternative sexual identities, and currently focuses on sex workers' rights. A former Unitarian Universalist lay leader, he has frequently addressed the intersection of sexuality and spirituality.

Sexual sadism disorder is the condition of experiencing sexual arousal in response to the extreme pain, suffering or humiliation of others. Several other terms have been used to describe the condition, and the condition may overlap with other conditions that involve inflicting pain. It is distinct from situations in which consenting individuals use mild or simulated pain or humiliation for sexual excitement. The words sadism and sadist are derived from Marquis de Sade.

References

  1. ↑ "Our Coalition Partners" . Retrieved 2020-02-22.
  2. ↑ "Supporting Members" . Retrieved 2020-02-22.
  3. ↑ One more faction whips Congress The American Enterprise, 2002
  4. ↑ Bill O'Reilly. "Personal Story." O'Reilly Factor (FOX News). CQ-Roll Call, Inc. 2002 Retrieved October 05, 2012
  5. ↑ Yost, Megan R.. "Development and validation of the Attitudes about Sadomasochism Scale The Journal of Sex Research. Taylor & Francis. 2010. Retrieved October 05, 2012
  6. ↑ Michael Getler. "Sexing It Up." The Washington Post. Retrieved October 05, 2012
  7. 1 2 3 4 "History of NCSF". National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.
  8. ↑ Cinkus, Deb. "NCSFreedom - NCSF Mission Statement".
  9. ↑ "NCSF". National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. Retrieved June 15, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ↑ "Educational Outreach" . Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  11. ↑ "Welcome to the New Kink And Poly Aware Professionals Directory (KAP)". Kink Aware Professionals (KAP).
  12. ↑ David M. Ortmann; Richard A. Sprott, Ph.D., executive director of CARAS (Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities); co-author, Sexual Outsiders: Understanding BDSM Sexualities and Communities (15 November 2012). Sexual Outsiders: Understanding BDSM Sexualities and Communities. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. pp. 137–. ISBN   978-1-4422-1737-9.{{cite book}}: |author2= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ↑ "Media Outreach" . Retrieved 2020-02-27.
  14. 1 2 3 Wright, Susan (2018-05-01). "De-Pathologization of Consensual BDSM". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 15 (5): 622–624. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.02.018. ISSN   1743-6095. PMID   29699753.
  15. ↑ Wright, Susan (December 2010). "Depathologizing consensual sexual sadism, sexual masochism, transvestic fetishism, and fetishism". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 39 (6): 1229–1230. doi:10.1007/s10508-010-9651-y. ISSN   1573-2800. PMID   20632078. S2CID   6949595.
  16. ↑ Wright, Susan (October 2014). "Kinky parents and child custody: the effect of the DSM-5 differentiation between the paraphilias and paraphilic disorders". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 43 (7): 1257–1258. doi:10.1007/s10508-013-0250-6. ISSN   1573-2800. PMID   24473942. S2CID   207091047.
  17. ↑ Wright, Susan (2006). "Discrimination of SM-identified individuals". Journal of Homosexuality. 50 (2–3): 217–231. doi:10.1300/J082v50n02_10. ISSN   0091-8369. PMID   16803765. S2CID   5912959.
  18. ↑ Gemberling, Tess M. (2015-08-26). "Psychological Functioning and Violence Victimization and Perpetration in BDSM Practitioners" (PDF). NCSF. Retrieved 2020-02-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ↑ "Nitke v. Gonzales", Wikipedia, 2018-04-28, retrieved 2020-04-14
  20. ↑ Wirenius, John (March 1, 200). "First Amendment, First Principles: Verbal Acts and Freedom of Speech". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2020-04-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ↑ Cunningham, Richard. "U.S. v Miles - Motion to File" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ↑ "United States v Gregory T Miles Lance Corporal (E-3) US Marine Corps" (PDF). Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  23. ↑ Sontag Broudo, Melissa (2019-02-20). "Brief of Freedom Network USA, Sex Workers Project, New York Transgender Advocacy Group, Sharmus Outlaw Advocacy and Rights Institute, Decriminalize Sex Work, National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, Free Speech Coalition, Brooklyn Defender Services, Prostasia Foundation, Institute for Mind Body Therapy and St. James Infirmary in Support of Appellants" (PDF). National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. Retrieved 2020-04-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ↑ 🖉 "Pantheon of Leather Awards All Time Recipients - The Leather Journal". www.theleatherjournal.com.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.