BDSM seems to be on the rise with over four thousand Icelanders active on Fetlive, the largest BDSM social media Fréttatíminn news outlet reports.
“This might be a world record” according to Magnús Hákonarson spokesperson for the BDSM society in Iceland, the latest applicant requesting to join the National Queer Organization known as Samtökin 78. There is a growing number of people who openly adhere to the preferences belonging to BDSM, a variety of erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, sadomasochism, dominance and submission.
He goes on to inform that those people are subject to prejudice and ignorance in Iceland sometimes with tragic results. People have lost their jobs and the custody over their children for being found out in such a way, also there are examples of violence under the false pretenses of BDSM. A woman freely bound thinking she was engaging in BDSM, was raped. There is clearly much need for education and open dialogue about BDSM but understandably many are hesitant to openly talk about their BDSM leanings openly. Magnús goes on to inform that the BDSM scene in Iceland is a lively one, “There are around 200 people participating in a monthly parties hosted by Reykjavik Munch, but some prefer to meet in cafes weekly. There are about fifty people who pay an annual fee to the BDSM society, founded 20 years ago. Members range from age twenty to sixty and the gender division is somewhat even.”
Auður Magndís Auðardóttir executive manager of Samtökin 78 says a ruling will be made regarding the application on the organization’s annual meeting in Mars. All groups and societies working for the benefit of queer issues are free to apply to become members of the National Queer Organization. Members of the organization are already invited to get to know the BDSM society in open educational meetings. She goes on to inform that there are many examples of BDSM societies working with queer organizations in the world, for example in Norway.