Bisexuality, pansexuality, queer identity, and kink identity

ABSTRACTSexual desires, behaviors and identities that focus on intense sensation, eroticized power exchange, or sensual experiences labeled fetishes, have important intersectionalities with bisexual or pansexual orientations, at least for some people. This raises some important considerations for therapy and counseling, and kink-aware therapists might bring a special set of skills and approaches to working with bisexual or pansexual clients. A qualitative analysis of 25 interviews with kink-identified, bisexual/pansexual/queer identified people highlighted the following patterns: the term queer, for some people, includes kink or BDSM sexualities; kink activities can be avenues for exploring gender identity and sexual orientation; and kink activities and community can be important elements in healing from shame, isolation, grief, and loss. Discussions of possible elements of competent care are reviewed in relation to kink sexuality and identity.