I’d like to clear up a few things about BDSM and Cuffs. First, BDSM is not about sex. Sure, a lot of people incorporate sex into their play, but a lot of people play without intercourse as well. I know it may be hard for many to understand, but BDSM is so satisfying and intense to some people that sex during a scene would be distracting. Second, BDSM in a safe, consensual, non-exploitative environment is a normal, healthy expression of human sexuality. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), the official handbook for mental healthcare providers, clearly states that to qualify as a disorder, a person’s kink must cause serious physical or mental harm, or involve non-consenting persons. (p. 525, “Differential Diagnosis”, first paragraph.) I am giving the reader credit here for having enough common sense to know that truly disturbed acts indicative of disorders, such as necrophilia, pedophilia, and bestiality, are not, and never have been, a part of BDSM in any way, shape or form. For many people, myself included, BDSM is a spiritual phenomena. I can’t explain to you in words what it feels like to be naked, bound and totally vulnerable to a person who is trusted absolutely, with all pretenses, defenses and worries left behind. BDSM is not something we do, it is something we are. It is an integral part of our sexuality. It is a precious gift that is given only to a few, and I for one am forever grateful that I was able to receive it. The goals of Cuffs is to share this gift with as many people as possible, to build a community of supportive people, to promote respect and understanding of our unique sexuality, and to prevent injury, illness and possibly even save lives. If that mission isn’t worth a few dollars of Student Fees (which the 40 people that came to our first meeting also pay), then I don’t know what is. Our web site (www.stuorg. iastate.edu/cuffs) can’t reach everyone that wants to hear our message, and we need the funding to let people know about our meetings. I don’t mind my money going to Christian groups or other conservative causes, because I cherish diversity. You may or may not want BDSM in your own personal life, but regardless, you don’t have to be afraid of things that are different. As intelligent human beings, we should all be able to recognize and respect people and things that are not what we are used to. The world would be pointless if everyone were just alike. It’s time we moved out of “Pleasantville,” and started living in color! John Dorsey

President of Cuffs

Senior in Electrical Engineering