The kink-poly confluence: relationship intersectionality in marginalized communities

ABSTRACT

There is little academic literature published on the intersection of kink- and polyamorous-identified individuals, though there are relatively frequent mentions of people who identify as both kink- and poly-oriented in the literature that focuses on one or the other of the two communities. The prevalence of intersecting kink and poly identifications tends to be acknowledged, accepted, and depathologized in both communities, and polyamory is sometimes considered a norm in certain kink subcultures. In order to help and give voice to this understudied population, a review of the literature was conducted on the characteristic commonalities in these communities, as well in kink- and poly-oriented relationships. Common themes in the intersection of these relationship types are identified; historical background is given for the respective communities; theories of identity formation are explored; clinical issues are reviewed; and recommendations for clinical interventions are made.

KEYWORDS:

• BDSM
• kink
• D/s relationships
• polyamory
• poly
• consensual non-monogamy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Heteronormative sexuality refers to stereotyped heterosexual scripts, which include other-sex sexuality, but also includes high male sexuality/low female sexuality (van Anders, 2015).

2. Homonormativity refers to the stereotyped notion that people with same-sex attractions and intimate interests should follow homonormative intimacy scripts, e.g. are exclusively attracted to same-sex individuals and exclusively have same-sex intimate interests (van Anders, 2015).

3. Mononormativity refers to the notion that people should exclusively want to have intimate sexual connections with one other person (van Anders, 2015).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dulcinea Pitagora

Dulcinea Pitagora is a therapist licensed by the State of New York, with a practice that is LGBQ, trans, poly, and kink affirmative. Pitagora is a sexual freedom advocate and conducts research, lectures, and seminars on the topics of alternative sexuality and gender diversity.