What does the Vereniging Studiegroep Sadomasochisme (VSSM) do?

“What does the Vereniging Studiegroep Sadomasochisme (VSSM) do?“ was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

The VSSM is the Dutch association for people with BDSM feelings. Anyone interested in BDSM is warmly welcome, regardless of their social status, sexual orientation and/or fetish. Every month they organise low-threshold parties. Unfortunately, the number of parties has dropped sharply in recent years.

The Vereniging Studiegroep Sadomasochisme (VSSM)

The Vereniging Studiegroep Sadomasochisme (VSSM) is a prominent organisation in the Netherlands that focuses on the sadomasochism (SM) and fetishism community. With 700 members registered in 2011, it is the largest group of its kind in the country. Founded in 1970, the VSSM holds the status of the oldest SM-related organisation in the world. The term 'study group' was originally added to the name of the association. This was a strategic choice to make it possible to found an organisation focused on a unique sexual preference. Rather than emphasising sexuality directly, the emphasis was placed on studying this form of sexuality. This approach was considered more acceptable within the socio-cultural climate of that period.

VSSM objectives

The VSSM actively strives for social acceptance of BDSM. It does this by providing information to individuals, groups, educational institutions and care providers. The association regularly receives attention from the press, radio and television. Some members are personally active in the media and promote the VSSM's objectives while doing so. This commitment can be seen as part of a struggle for emancipation, comparable to that of the LGBTI community. Sadomasochists, or BDSMers as they increasingly call themselves, still often face discrimination because of their sexual preferences and are often reluctant to share their preferences with those close to them.

Meetings

The VSSM organises meetings and activities of various kinds throughout the country. The regular meeting and play events are called 'groups'. At present (2022) there are 'General Groups' (for all sexual orientations) in Amersfoort, Dedemsvaart, Nijmegen, Sittard and Zwinderen. Amersfoort also has a special (gay/bi) men's group. In Nijmegen there is a special group for young people aged 18 to 35.

Because fewer and fewer sex licences are being issued, the venues where these meetings can take place are also becoming fewer. In recent years we have unfortunately seen more and more venues disappear, with nothing coming back in their place.

Venues come and go, not least because of the restrictive policies of local councils. Councils often don't know what to make of a VSSM meeting. Is it a social club, is it a sex establishment, is it prostitution, is it a violation of public decency? The fact that it is simply a group of people with a shared interest who harm no one is often overlooked. The VSSM is therefore constantly searching for possible venues.

The VSSM rules

The activities and meetings of this organisation are exclusively for people over the age of 18. The organisation makes most events freely accessible without the need to register in advance. It improves accessibility by not enforcing strict dress codes, apart from a recommendation to wear appropriate clothing. Experienced coordinators always lead these meetings and supervise them, paying special attention to those attending a BDSM event for the first time. The atmosphere at these meetings is generally relaxed and friendly. Participants, both familiar faces and newcomers, use these occasions to socialise, share experiences and make new contacts. BDSM activities, often referred to as 'playing', are part of these meetings.

Respect, safety, voluntariness and sensible conduct are core values within this organisation. There are always members available who are open to conversation and willing to answer questions on a variety of subjects.

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Photography: 123rf.com