Stands for Risk-Aware Consensual Kink
RACK is an ethical philosophy that serves as an alternative to SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual). Critics of SSC argue that the term is too vague to be of meaningful use for our purposes in BDSM, pointing out that very little of what we do in the lifestyle is actually ‘safe’ or entirely without risk. In truth, we can only operate under differing degrees of ‘safer’ and ‘less safe’. RACK acknowledges this while emphasizing personal responsibility.
Let’s break the term down to understand it fully.
Risk-Aware
Consensual
Kink
RACK Best Practices
Dominants
- Practice the activities you want to do during play in advance at local BDSM classes, workshops, and seminars.
- Try every tool or activity you want to do on yourself before performing it on your sub so you know what it feels like.
- Learn to safely use all of your gear, implements, etc. before using them on other people.
Submissives
- Define your boundaries so you can clearly communicate them to your partner at all times. If you’re not comfortable saying ‘no’ or expressing how you feel, you won’t be able to play safely.
- Pay attention to your feelings and reactions during play and maintain the ability to use your safeword(s) if necessary.
- Understand that consent and safewords aren’t just for your well-being, but your partner’s too.
- Never push yourself too far during a scene in order to impress anyone.
Both Partners
- Connect with a trustworthy, experienced group or mentor that can help guide you during your journey.
- Thoroughly research every activity you want to try, including any associated short or long-term physical, mental, or psychological risks.
- Discuss every one of those associated risks prior to trying the activities that interest you in real life.
- Understand the local laws in your area that govern BDSM play, as they will vary depending on where you live and the specific activities you wish to do.
- Follow and read through forums where doms, subs, and switches discuss their experiences and share advice.
- Try switching to get a sense of what it’s like to be in your partner’s shoes.
- Follow all recommended safety precautions before, during, and after your sessions.
- Negotiate in detail for a clear sense of what your partner is looking to experience and what’s out of bounds.
- Abstain from or reschedule your session if either of you are unable to play responsibly. (E.g. if one or both of you are too tired, ill, or inebriated to properly consent.)
- Agree on safewords or some other clear system of communication that will allow you to remain within the bounds of safety and consent during play.
- Speak up if you feel the desire to renegotiate or revoke consent for any activity at any point.
- Never pressure or force your partner into any activity they’re not comfortable with or excited to do.
- Be honest with your partner at all times.
- Understand that all forms of BDSM entail some degree of risk and you are partially responsible for what happens during every session you agree to participate in.
By Molly Lazarus
Molly Lazarus is a sex blogger, kink educator, and erotic fiction author. Her website, Kink Out Loud, serves as a resource for readers who are curious about BDSM or new to the practice. Offline, Molly acts as Volunteer Coordinator for the Bay Area chapter of Kinky Salon. You can follow her on Facebook and Pinterest, or browse her fiction on Amazon.
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