Identity-based taboo role-play
Consensual adult role-play using socially charged identity, status, stereotype or taboo language for psychological intensity, with potential for real personal and social harm.
Open entry
The UK Kink GuideUnderstand more. Learn without shame.Glossary search
Sex, sexuality and kink glossary
Search names, aliases and concepts, or narrow the list by theme. The catalogue is alphabetical and designed to grow as reliable sources do. These practical filters are more specific than the site's eleven broader subject centres.
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Reader focus
43 results for “identity”
Glossary results
Dominance and submission
Also known as: D/s · power exchange
- Related
- Top and bottom · Switch
- Part of
- BDSM
- See also
- BDSM
A consensual adult scene, relationship structure or identity in which authority is deliberately distributed unequally within negotiated limits. The scope may be brief, recurring or woven into daily life, but it remains revisable and never creates literal ownership or unlimited control.
Open entryFurry interest
Participation in a fandom built around anthropomorphic animal characters, art and personas. The furry community is not inherently sexual; some adults incorporate its imagery or identities into erotic fantasy, while many do not.
Open entryGender expression
How a person presents or communicates gender through clothing, grooming, voice, name, movement, roles or other social signals. Expression may be feminine, masculine, androgynous, mixed or not gendered.
Open entryHair fetish
Also known as: trichophilia
An erotic focus on hair, which can include its texture, style, colour, scent, cutting or grooming. The term may refer to head hair or, depending on the person, another specific type of body hair.
Open entryInternalised stigma
A process in which negative social messages about an identity, body, health status, relationship or interest are absorbed and directed towards oneself.
Open entryKink
Kink is a consensual adult interest, fantasy or practice considered unconventional in its context. Kink may be sexual, sensual, relational, aesthetic or some combination of these. The label describes a possibility, not an obligation, and each adult decides whether it fits their own experience.
Open entryMasks and hoods
An interest in facial concealment, anonymity, transformation or the visual language of masks and hoods. Designs vary from decorative masks to close-fitting garments, with very different implications for communication, heat and breathing.
Open entryObjectophilia
Also known as: object sexuality
A pattern of strong romantic, emotional or sexual attraction directed towards particular inanimate objects. It is distinct from simply enjoying an object as a prop, material or collectible.
Open entryParaphilia
A clinical and research term for a persistent pattern of atypical sexual interest. It is not interchangeable with paraphilic disorder: contemporary diagnostic frameworks separately consider consent, distress, impairment and risk of harm.
Open entryPet play
Also known as: animal role-play
Adult role-play built around stylised animal identities or handler-and-pet dynamics. It can be social, playful, relational or erotic; no actual animals are involved.
Open entryQueer
A reclaimed umbrella, community or personal identity relating to sexuality, gender or resistance to fixed categories. It also has a history and continuing use as an anti-LGBTQ+ slur.
Open entry Back home
Evidence-led glossary / living edition
A glossary of sex, sexuality, relationships, kink and adult wellbeing.
There is no fixed, exhaustive list: language, communities, clinical guidance and research continue to change. This growing map connects foundational sexuality education with kink, relationships, health, identity and commonly misunderstood expressions.
293curated entries
16thematic groups
18+consensual scope
Consensual adults only
Non-consensual acts, exploitation and content involving minors are outside this glossary.
Description, not diagnosis
Definitions explain language. They do not assess a person or replace clinical advice.
Sources over folklore
Clinical distinctions and prevalence claims are tied to published or professional sources.
A non-explicit visual language
Ideas, represented through objects.
These commissioned still lifes use material, ritual and attention as visual shorthand—never bodies or acts.
Objects and materials can carry tactile, aesthetic, symbolic or erotic meaning.
Negotiated roles can structure authority, service, performance and shared ritual.
Many practices are organised around anticipation, contrast and focused attention.
Method & limitations
A useful map, not a claim to completeness.
Terms were selected to establish a broad foundation across identity, objects, materials, roles and activities. Definitions synthesise the sources listed here with established community usage, which is not always uniform. Entries use plain language and explicitly mark where a consensual scenario differs from harmful or non-consensual conduct.
The list will expand, but not every coined label merits its own entry. Preference is given to terms with meaningful use, a distinct concept and enough evidence to define responsibly.
Core reading
- Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disordersWorld Health Organization, 2024
- Proposals for Paraphilic Disorders in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11)Krueger et al., Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2017
- Disorders related to sexuality and gender identity in the ICD-11Reed et al., World Psychiatry, 2016
- The Prevalence of Paraphilic Interests and Behaviors in the General PopulationJoyal & Carpentier, Journal of Sex Research, 2017
- Relative prevalence of different fetishesScorolli et al., International Journal of Impotence Research, 2007
- Psychological characteristics of BDSM practitionersWismeijer & van Assen, Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013
- The Biology of BDSM: A Systematic ReviewWuyts & Morrens, Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2022
- Choking/Strangulation During Sex: Understanding and Addressing Young Australians' Views of SafetyConte et al., Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2025
- There is no safe way to strangle — position statementInstitute for Addressing Strangulation, UK
- The Role of Consent in the Context of BDSMDunkley & Brotto, Sexual Abuse, 2020
- How was That for You?: Gender, Aftercare and Impression Management in BDSMMercer, Journal of Sex Research, 2026
- Consent Norms in the BDSM Community: Strong But Not InflexibleTarleton, Mackenzie & Sagarin, Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2025
- What are rape and sexual assault? — consent guidanceCrown Prosecution Service, England and Wales
- Core Knowledge Areas for sexuality educators, counsellors and therapistsAASECT professional framework
- Sexual healthWorld Health Organization
- An Introduction to BDSM for PsychotherapistsSociety for Psychotherapy, APA Division 29, 2015
- From SSC and RACK to the 4CsWilliams et al., Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality, 2014
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