Did HIV Shape the History of BDSM?

In the 1980s, BDSM was adopted by many gay men who were afraid of the HIV epidemic as a way to play safely when no one was yet aware what the virus actually was. Back then, it was seen as a safe way to enjoy other men intensely while creating a bond between both partners — it was a substitute for anal sex.

Depending on how you do it, BDSM can limit the amount of direct physical contact from one person to another. While fears of spreading "the gay cancer" grew, some men turned to BDSM, which is why it is such an ingrained part of our community today.

Plus turned to @BetaBreeder, author of  The Gay Boy Bible on Tumblr. He's a gay man in his 30s exploring his dominance, and other men's submission. If you want to ask your own questions about BDSM, shoot him an email at Bdsmadvicealex@gmaill.com. For now, click through the next slides to hear what he had to say.