Over the Rainbow in Turkey

Courtesy of: https://www.vocativ.com/09-2013/over-the-rainbow-hopes-dim-for-turkeys-once-promising-gay-revolution/

Hopes dim for country's once-promising gay revolution

Just a few months ago, it almost seemed as if Turkey was on the brink of a gay rights revolution. Protests against the conservative government were raging, and LGBT groups, accustomed to fighting lonely battles on the sidelines, were suddenly thrust to the forefront of the demonstrations. By sheer luck, Istanbul’s Pride Week took place on the heels of the unrest, giving the gay rights movement a surge of activist support and front-page international attention.

At one Pride Week event, Artunç Yavuz, a 27-year-old editor and LGBT activist, still marveled over the acts of tolerance he witnessed at protests in Istanbul’s Taksim Square: soccer thugs agreeing to stop screaming “faggot” at police, socialists and anti-capitalist Muslims applauding the rainbow flag. “They’re seeing us and they’re accepting us,” he says.

His optimism was widely shared among other activists and observers, who saw the LGBT movement’s prominent role in the protests as a sign that Turkey’s pervasive homophobia was finally starting to ebb. Yet as the summer dragged on and the protests lost steam, this initial surge of hope among gay rights groups began to seem misplaced.

There were early signs, in fact, that even this summer’s broadest calls for greater human rights and freedoms were neither mainstream nor prompted by a shift in the public’s mood. At the height of the protests, in response to the new political threat, Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a rally of his own, which drew hundreds of thousands of supporters to a neighborhood on Istanbul’s coast. Polls are sometimes unreliable in Turkey, but according to one  often cited survey released in July, nearly 60 percent of Turks not only opposed the protests but viewed them as an attempted coup.

His for the Taking

WRITTEN BY TAWNY TRICKSTER

All Europe was abuzz with talk of war as Christmas 1914 approached. The young master had gone to London to join a cavalry regiment, convinced it would be an adventure. Melanie had a secret crush on the young master but as a housemaid the chance of him even noticing her were slim, no matter how often she fluttered her eyelids and flashed a glorious smile in his direction.

She was thinking about the young master this morning, how dashing he'd look in his new uniform, imagining him sweeping through the wide front door, stamping snow from his shining boots, before coming for her... Lost in a daydream Melanie's arms reached out and knocked the crystal decanter over on the dining table she was supposed to be cleaning.

The crash was loud and immediately brought her to her senses. Unfortunately it also brought several of the other servants to investigate, and the master of the house. Melanie didn't see the onlookers as she was kneeling down attempting to pick up all the pieces. Suddenly she was hoisted bodily up from the floor and shaken. The master's hand was wrapped within the fabric of her dress and his strength was holding her aloft.

"How dare you!" he snarled at her, his face close to hers, "You will be severely punished for this!" He dragged her through the house, her feet barely touching the ground; the fabric of her dress was stretched very tightly across her breasts as the master continued to bunch it in his fist. He took her to the cellar door and thrust her inside. The cold from below wafted up the wooden stairs. He pushed her down into the dark.

As her feet touched the bare earthen floor the immediate shock wore off. She felt like she'd not taken a breath for hours, she gulped in the cold air, her chest heaving. The master had followed her and was lighting one of the oil lamps, it flickered and cast deep shadows across the empty space.

Melanie started to sob with fear. She'd heard stories of the master's punishments whispered amongst the other staff and these came back to her now, filling her imagination with all sorts of nightmarish thoughts. The master grabbed her dress once more, this time ripping it open. He roughly pulled her over to where a rope hung from an overhead beam. "Hands!" he shouted to her but she didn't understand what he meant.

"Your hands girl! Hold out your hands!"

She held her arms out, trembling. He grabbed them in one large hand and whipped the rope around her wrists before she could think. The rope was rough and very uncomfortable, it chaffed against her delicate skin, a dark feeling of terror rose up from the pit of her stomach as, unseen behind her, he pulled the rope lifting her arms high and leaving her standing almost on tip toe.

She started to cry, she couldn't help herself. Here she was, tied up and at the mercy of a man she feared, a man who could be capable of anything. She could see her breasts through the tear in her dress. As if he could read her thoughts he suddenly ripped the dress off her upper body, leaving her open and exposed. He stood there, looking at her, assessing the beautiful form he'd revealed, looking for flaws and finding none. A new look came into his eyes, one that Melanie disliked even more and hated herself for both recognising it and the tiny feeling of excitement that shivered through her body.

"You've been very naughty Melanie," he said, moving closer, "Very naughty. And I can't let that sort of behaviour go unpunished."

She shook her head gently in mute appeal. The master reached around her and undid the clasp in her hair; it tumbled down her back, its glorious colour shining in the lamp light. "Better, much better" he said.

The rope around her wrists was really hurting now, Melanie felt faint from the pain. "Please...?" she asked nervously, "Don't hurt me."

The master acted as if he hadn't heard her. He continued to admire the feast before his eyes, striding around her. He was now behind her. His rough hands grabbed the remains of her dress and pulled it down, revealing the rest of her body, her flawlessly smooth skin glowed in the lamp light, driving the master to new heights of lust.

She felt his hands on her behind, parting her cheeks; a finger ran down between them and continued between her thighs. She couldn't control the involuntary shiver. Whack!

"Stay still girl!" he roared as his hand smacked her hard again. "You will do what you're told and take your punishment!"

He continued to spank her, his hands hard against her soft flesh, each blow stinging and making her tense herself up ready for the next, the smarting pain sending shockwaves through her. Eventually he slowed down, she could no longer feel each individual blow, they merged into her heartbeat and pumped through her body like a bell tolling. A new sensation struck her, the master was now caressing the red flesh, kissing each glowing orb where only moments before he'd inflicted terrible pain on her. His lips felt so sweet upon her. Again she felt that finger run down and down and between her thighs, this time there was no shiver, she welcomed it, she was eager for whatever he wanted to do next to her. The finger reached further and started to caress her, gently rubbing her, a fingernail flicked her clitoris and she gasped.

"You like that? he said, "You'd like more?"

She nodded eagerly, whimpered to him, "Oh yes please master!"

He was pressed up tightly against her now; the pressure of him against her behind woke tiny slivers of pain on top of the receding waves. That questing hand reached further, started to slide inside her. She was wet and the feel of first one finger and then another in there made her gasp, he'd started a fire and was fanning the flames, she felt so incredibly hot. As those fingers explored deeper and deeper, rubbing and flicking and caressing, he laid a sharp slap on her left cheek. It was like an explosion inside her, she didn't know which way to thrust, her whole body felt like it was melting in the fire he'd created deep inside her, she squirmed against him, against the rope, against the pressure building up inside her. His fingers thrust into her now, his arm rubbed between her thighs, his other hand continued to rain blows upon her pertness as she felt something growing outward ready to engulf her, to swallow her up in an ecstasy of pleasure and pain.

When the explosion hit she cried out, she was stretched out on a warm sea with a desert sun beating down, alternately burning and being washed by waves of pure pleasure. As the feelings subsided slowly and she once more became aware of the rope and her position the master was in front of her, kissing her sweetly and embracing her, his strong arms enfolded around her naked beauty and making her feel safe. He untied the rope and she attempted to cover herself with the remains of her dress. Suddenly the thought of the young master crossed her mind but it had virtually no effect. He was only a boy but the master was a man and today, she was all woman and all his for the taking.

What's your fetish??

I am sure we all know what our fetishes are... I must admit mine is shoes....

The word fetish originally meant "charm," and it originates from the 15th century Portuguese word feitico , which means false power, object or charm. For example, when the Portuguese explored West Africa and encountered native religions, they called whatever talisman (totems, carvings, beads) they revered a fetish.

To the Portuguese in those days, the fetishists were those who worshiped the unusual. Later on, however, the implication of the word took on a whole different meaning.

First, a fetish involves the transfer of power from an original source onto a substitute. Second, a fetishist is someone who operates outside the circle of what is characteristically considered normal. Yeah right, what is normal nowadays?

Some commonly know fetishes are Podophilia (Feet), Leather & Rubber, Voyeurism, Anililagnia (an attraction to older women), Pygophhilia (butts) but there are some unusual fetishes that even I had to look up. Here they are.

Enjoy.

Formicophilia: The sexual desire to have insects crawl over one's body, particularly the genitals.  

Plushophilia: A sexual attraction to stuffed animals. Participants masturbate with plushie toys and/or dress up as the aforementioned toys to perform sex acts. Similarly related to "furries"; people who dress up as animals to perform sex acts.

(Ok, so not unheard of and Not that unusual).

Klismaphilia: The deriving of sexual pleasure via enema. (I would not want to be the proctologist on call when a klismaphiliac comes in. Would you have to buy them dinner first?).

Hybristophilia: A sexual attraction to someone who has performed a violent crime such as rape or murder. Also known as Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome, for the famous hybristophiliac Bonnie Parker.

Trichophilia: The sexual attraction to hair, particularly to watching haircuts or hair washes. (This makes me very suspicious of my stylist all of a sudden).

Apotemnophilia: The sexual desire to have a healthy limb removed in order to become an amputee (not to be confused with the sexual attraction to amputees, Acrotomophilia). Some apotemnophiliacs will go so far as to injure a healthy limb in order to have it removed.

Balloons: There are two subsets of "Looners": "Poppers", who, obviously, get their jollies by popping the balloon, and "Non-poppers", who can’t even stand the thought of the balloon popping and instead get off on watching the balloon expand - There was actually a programme about this on TV not that long ago. there are in fact 3 levels to this fetish: A popper, a non popper and a semi popper!

How much is too much when it comes to tributing a Domme?

How much is too much when it comes to tributing a Domme? Recently I have found many many would be submissives attempt to negotiate tributes, reduce tributes and even out rightly denounce having to pay a tribute.

We understand that times are difficult for all, and I mean ALL - Including ProDommes. I would never try to haggle the price of a cab fair or a visit to the dentist - they are services I choose to use and therefore pay for the privilege. But it seems some would-be subs do not agree.

So, how much is too much? And what are submissives actually paying for?

Let's look at this from the perspective of a visit to the dentist. I value my oral health and wish to keep my own teeth for as long as possible. When it came to choosing a dentist, I did some research. I looked at qualifications, premises, reputation and, most of all, I vetted my dentist personally for his personality - how good was he at interacting with me, reassuring me and being honest about what I required during my visits and, lastly, price. Looking at those credentials, price came at the bottom of my list - as long as he understood me, had the correct qualifications, manner and personality - the price for finding a dentist I could trust, communicate with and feel safe in their hands was worth it.

If a woman was a cake

Gentlemen, come hither and allow me to explain a simple but very important point to you: unlike men, women do all their thinking with their brains. It’s a simple concept but one utterly alien to the vast majority of the male gender. Guys, knowing, remembering and using this fact will enable you to communicate much more successfully with the opposite sex. You need to engage their minds first and, maybe, their body will follow. Their minds are where it’s all happening.

I’m going to illustrate how this works with a simple analogy: women as cakes.

Chaps, what do you see when you see a cake in front of you? Do you immediately focus on the shiny, red cherry standing proudly upon the top while ignoring the rest? I expect you do. After all that cherry calls to where you do most of your thinking... It says eat me, right now. Do you not notice the bone china plate it rests on, the fondant icing so carefully applied and sculpted, the size and shape of the cake itself? No you did not. Go stand in the corner.

That cake is a whole world; from the way it’s presented, how much time and effort went into making it, the details of the recipe, the skill of the maker, the ingredients used in perfect proportions, the time it spent in the oven, cooking until it was just right and ready… The list goes on and on and all this before you even take a bite!

Introducing......TawnyTrickster GUEST WRITER

Currently not active, not looking, not interested, not here.

I do not do cam or Skype, there's a limit to how much the Internet can take.

I will not send you my used underwear, unless you're planning on sending it back freshly laundered.

Don't send me unsolicited messages containing your sexual fantasies. I've already got plenty of my own thanks.

I will not drop my trousers or be your Dom just because you ask. I'm not just a piece of meat, I'm a man, with feelings, respect them.

Some people get confused when they try to shoehorn a situation into reality and it doesn't fit. I bend reality to fit the situation. Although this does lead to a vast reduction in confusion it causes huge ripples in the space-time continuum. The upshot is I probably don't exist, at least most of the time. For example as you're reading this I'm a figment of your imagination and as such won't be able to interact with you in any way. How do you feel about that?

Bias against Pro Dommes within #FETLIFE

Wow... For the first time in a long time I feel pity. Real pity, confusion, disbelief and surprise. 

I see myself as an very open minded free spirit  I have for many year advocated for the equal rights of ALL - not just black, white, trans, gay....Even those opposed to BDSM have a voice and I will listen. I have never discriminated between ANY group, respect both professional and life style Dommes and subs.We all have a voice - what we choose to shout about is OUR choice.

It saddens me to think that there are still people out there in the world who cannot be open minded enough to accept the choices people make. 

I travel to Istanbul often - I spent most of my summers as a youngster there. What I miss most when I visit, is like minded individuals to share a coffee with or maybe chat over dinner. I have never hidden who I am. On this basis, I decided to join some groups on FETLIFE based in Istanbul, hoping to enjoy the company of like minded people when I visit. What I got in return threw me. 

I started a discussion -  or should I say - I introduced myself to one group:

Merhaba ( Hi in Turkish)
I'm excited about this..I am often in Istanbul (Bostanci) and would love to join a munch...

Below are the replies:

I questioned whether I was being over sensitive..... As you can see... I wasn't. 

Being a 'Pro Domme' was an issue - a big one. 

I looked through "DECEASED"s Bio...and picked out ONE line:

"If you have your own ideas that does not follow any taboo and if you are an open-minded person without any obsession, just drop a line so that we can start a conversation..."

Obviously Deceased is NOT open minded or anti taboo himself. He view Pro Dommes as 'cheap sluts' not as professionals. Just because I am not a 'Lifestyle Domme' and CHOOSE to make what I enjoy My work, My job, My profession does not make Me less deserving of respect as a human being. 

But, Mr Deceased, Master, I have a few reminders for you of what it means to be a TRUE Lifestyle / Pro / anything in between Master:

• A good Master respects Himself and others. He strives to always project herself in the best possible light, and expects the same from His submissive(s).

• A good dominant does not have to blow His own trumpet – he just “IS”.

• A good Master has qualities such as kindness and consideration, empathy and sympathy, politeness and respect of others, honesty and ethics.

• A good Dominant is respectful of others, both submissive and dominant.

Just to end this, I have decided to add an article on Bias within the BDSM scene in relation to Pro Dommes..... Which I unfeignedly hope, DECEASED reads....

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Leather Bear Tails: The Invisible Woman: In Defence of Pro Dommes

Posted on Jun 3, 2011

When I first heard of the discrimination Pro Dommes faced when they enter into the BDSM, leather, and kink community, I thought, “This can’t be.” And even though I was told that this type of treatment is very wide spread I still felt that maybe these incidents were isolated. So I set about interviewing a group of Pro Dommes individually to try to round out my own understanding of what was happening. What I found surprised me, sometimes confused me with contradictions, and quite frankly completely challenged what I thought I knew and understood about this branch of the BDSM world and the women who exist within it. I realized many of my own biases. Upon reflection I realized that although I have never believed choosing to become a sex worker or a Pro Domme should be illegal, I have noticed that when I found myself in conflict with someone in the past who happened to be a sex worker or Pro Domme, I found it easier to look down on or dismiss them. Through these interviews I have begun to deal with my own sense of self-righteousness, and although I am not all the way there, I find that I am beginning to unpack my own attitudes on this topic and towards the people who classify themselves as sex workers and/or Pro Dommes.

I conducted interviews with numerous Dommes along the spectrum. Some were completely out and had websites and contact information readily available, others were very discreet. Some had spouses and children; others were single with no children. Some had clients that went back between 10 and 20 years and dealt only with a set client base; others had newer as well as older clients and continued to expand their client base. Some openly ran events, held titles, and taught classes while others refrained from engaging with the BDSM community at all due to prior experiences of outright aggression and hostility from its members. Some included sex with their clients, others did not.

While each Pro Domme had her preference of how to run her business, what revealed itself during these conversations were four commonalities on which they all agreed.

Every Pro Domme I interviewed agreed that the two most prevalent misconceptions about Pro Dommes are 1) they have sex all the time, and 2) they have no BDSM skills. To address the first misconception, what I found is that quite simply, some Pro Dommes choose to include sex with their clients and some do not. Some possess a strong sex drive in their private lives and some do not. And just because a woman is a Pro Domme does not automatically mean that sex comes with the package. Also, every interviewee agreed these misconceptions stem from the shift that occurred when sex workers of all types started picking up whips without knowing how to control and use them safely– the result being they would sometimes hurt their clients in unintended ways. Unfortunately, the reputation of Pro Dommes was injured as well. As stories seeped out about inexperienced and uneducated sex workers hurting clients, it became widely believed that any sex worker or Pro Domme simply possessed no BDSM skills and was a danger or threat. In short, instead of looking at these as two different parts of sex work, as the highly skilled and unskilled, it became easier to lump everyone together.

Many of the Dommes I talked with were told either outright or through the grape vine that they could not possibly know anything about the lifestyle or BDSM because they did it for money, and that their very presence was a scourge and tarnished our leather and kink society.

So, let us take these attitudes apart.

I ask you, do people assume that I know nothing about my job because I do it for money? Let’s not forget here. Being a Pro Domme is a JOB. A job where quite frankly these women have more autonomy, higher pay and more flexible hours than many of us will ever know. They have a skill, a knowledge base and an ability that keeps their clients happy and coming back for years. Don’t you expect to get paid for your job? Sex workers compartmentalize their job the way we all do, we all have a professional self and a home self. Pro Dommes are no different.

As far as tarnishing our leather and kink community, I found that quite to the contrary, Pro Dommes by their very ability, are able to reach out to a section of the population that people in the lifestyle will never be able to know. There are many who will not become part of the public kink or leather community for their own reasons but still long for connection and a chance to safely explore. For these people, Pro Dommes help expand understanding of self, desire, BDSM, leather, and kink in ways that others simply cannot.

If you have a boil on your butt do you go down to the local carwash and ask for a wax and a lance? No, you go to a doctor. When you are being sued do you go down to the 24-hour drive through and order a burger and a consult with the head cook? No, you go to a lawyer. When you have deep seated psychological issues that get in the way of your daily function in life do you go to the guy who sells burritos out of the back of his van? No, you see a therapist. And when you need understanding, release, and privacy to expand on your own fantasies or desires that you yourself may not fully understand, and you have no one you trust to explore with, and due to your job, your life, or your family you cannot be seen in public you see a Pro Domme.

What is most revealing here and what we need to pay close attention to is that every woman named the same two misconceptions and cited the same root for these misconceptions. And in addition, every woman I spoke with identified with and practiced BDSM, leather, and kink in their private lives, and they all agreed that part of the discrimination against Pro Dommes stemmed from the conflicting attitudes regarding sexually empowered women in our culture. Also cited as a part of this discrimination was the social hierarchy that we are not immune to in the leather, kink, and BDSM culture. Some people are simply considered more “respectable” then others.

I would like to take this moment to say thank you to all the Pro Dommes out there. Thank you for fulfilling a need in our society, for touching a section of our society that many of us, myself included, cannot and are not qualified to do. Your work is both important and very real.

LINK: ORIGINAL POST