Since the widely successful 50 Shades of Grey franchise, the discussion of sex and pleasure has been more socially acceptable. Fetishes are often characterized by someone’s attraction to an object and kink is an umbrella term for unconventional sexual activity. Interrobang has compiled a short list of the most common kinks and fetishes that people display.

Foot

One of the most common fetishes, foot fetishes enjoy the sight, the taste, the feeling, and the smell of feet. Some activities that people partake in are licking and sucking on toes, walking on a partner, massing their feet, or having a partner masturbate the other with their feet. Oftentimes, the fetishist will want to perform foot worship: kissing and caressing their partner’s feet.

BDSM

(Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism, & Masochism): Participants often take on unequal roles in this relationship dynamic: one would be a “dominant” partner (‘dom’) exerting control over their “submissive” partner (‘sub’). In this dynamic, communication is crucial in order to give informed consent. Some activities that people in this subculture participate in include inflicting pain and humiliating their partner. This fetish does not always involve sex, and does not always include bulky whips and chains – ‘sensual’ doms may choose to use toys or play with their partner without any pain. Workshop facilitator at Spot of Delight, Nicole Zouki, suggests only keeping your partner in cuffs for around five minutes the first time and then working up to more extreme activities.

IMPACT PLAY

A spank on the butt or a small walloping can turn someone on. Like BDSM, impact play requires a lot of communication: prior to taking part in the activity, partners should have a safe word to ensure safety. Also, impact should mostly happen on areas on the body with more fat and avoid internal organs. Zouki said that “regular acts [people] are used to can be intensified when incorporating kink”.

Urophilia

No stranger to popular culture, certain celebrities have made headlines with their unconventional take on sex. Some people find urine or urinating on others (golden showers) sexually satisfying and will smell or taste the substance. There is the physical aspect: the warmth and taste of the urine, and the emotional aspect: some people associate urination with intimacy.

Wax Play

Melted wax creates a burning, sensual sensation on the skin. Some people enjoy peeling off the wax, or running a feather or tongue over the peeled area afterwards to enhance the sensation. Some websites suggest using soy wax candles as it cools quickly on contact and washes off easily. This is an advanced form of play and should not be attempted without sufficient research. It can cause scarring and blisters if not administered safely. Other risks include wax dripping into eyes and irritation.

*Please do not engage in any of the activities without educating yourself and acquiring your partner’s informed consent.

Furry

Some people enjoy dressing up as animals as part of their scene. Most of these “furries” create a different persona to satisfy their fantasies. They can morph their gender and age through their fursona and create idealised versions of themselves.