Edgeplay

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In BDSM, edgeplay is a subjective term for types of sexual play that are "over the edge" of the traditional safe, sane and consensual creed. These forms of BDSM activity are regarded by many as inadvisable and dangerous, and it is nearly universally held that they should not be attempted without proper training, supervision, safety precautions, etc. as appropriate.

Some forms of edgeplay may be illegal, and legal consent may not create a defence to liability for any injuries caused. This has been established by such cases as Operation Spanner.

Edgeplay may involve:

• the risk of serious, even permanent harm or death (such as branding, body modification, breathplay, gunplay)
• increased risk of spreading disease (E.g. cutting, bloodplay)
• psychological danger (from such practices as humiliation play, incest fantasies)
• social taboos (for example, ageplay, scat fetishism, racial slurs)
• controversial topics like total power exchange, anonymous rape and abduction scenes, zoophilia

What constitutes edgeplay varies with the persons involved, and also over time. In the mid-nineties, the Living in Leather convention did not have panels on ageplay or scat because they were considered too edgy. By 2000 they were part of the regular list programming.

Some activities, such as ageplay, may be considered quite edgey by some and not at all for others. The definition is fairly subjective, although typically based on some level on what people are used to in their local scene.

While all types of BDSM activities should keep safety as a priority, in edgeplay it is particularly important. While some activities may have low physical risks, such as humiliation or fear play, the psychological risks may be very high.

The term edgeplay is also sometimes used as a synonym for knifeplay.

[edit] See also

• Sadism and masochism