Kink-Shame

Kink-shaming means ridiculing, criticizing, or passing judgment on someone for their consensual sexual preferences. In LGBTQ+ and sex-positive communities it is widely seen as harmful, because policing what consenting adults do together echoes the same sexual moralism long used to stigmatize queer people. The harm is not limited to strangers or partners. Kink-shaming by a therapist or health provider can be especially damaging, which is part of why "kink-aware" and sex-positive therapy exists. The guiding principle is simple: consensual adult kink deserves respect rather than mockery, as long as everyone involved has freely agreed.