In September of 2007, Susan Wright launched the second Survey of Violence and Discrimination against Sexual Minorities. Since that time, more than 1,600 respondents have completed the online version of the survey which captures experiences of discrimination and sexual identity. Join Susan Wright as she discusses preliminary findings from the data. Larry Iannotti, who assisted in the design and collection of the survey will be on hand to answer technical questions about the survey.
The second Survey of Violence and Discrimination against Sexual Minorities (www.surveybdsm.com) was launched on September 12, 2007. More than 1,600 people who identify as participating in SM activities have since completed the survey online. The survey asks about demographics (age, gender, location, income and race); personal experiences of discrimination, harassment or violence occurring as a result of being identified as participating in leather, fetishes or BDSM activities; and specific questions about the types of SM activities that the respondent participates in and enjoys. The survey was distributed nationally through NCSF’s Coalition Partner groups. The surveyors sent an announcement and a request to participate in the survey to an estimated 15,000 email addresses through the Coalition Partner group email distribution lists. Additionally, several SM-related blogs agreed to host links to the online survey.
In the proposed presentation, Susan Wright will present preliminary findings from the collected data. The use of both (LCD) projected graphics as well as handouts will underscore an explanation and discussion of the most important findings from the survey. Data about who is being discriminated against, when and where it is happening, and what forms this discrimination is taking will be presented. Figures of discrimination and harassment occurring against SM-related business will also be shared. Finally, the types of SM-related activities which survey-respondents reported enjoying and participating in will be explained along with general demographic information.
This survey was inspired by the original Survey of Violence and Discrimination against Sexual Minorities completed a decade ago. The original survey was pioneering and highly successful. Primarily through the hard work and dedication of Susan Wright over 1,000 responses where collected during the course of a year. Its contribution to the fight for sexual equality for the BDSM community was invaluable. The present survey builds on the original and has taken advantage of electronic medium to collect more than 1,600 completed online surveys in its first 4 months. The original survey did not cover business or event-related experiences, nor did it ask about internet usage, where the current survey has been able to cover this ground. The current survey also provides more detailed questions about sexual activity and identity. The survey has great importance for both for the communities’ ability to document discrimination, harassment and violence; as well as supporting the need for political, legal and social changes which not only support but also protect sexual minorities. The survey provides a unique glimpse into the basic demographics of the leather, fetish and BDSM communities; and provides exciting follow-up information to the ground-breaking 1997 survey.
How you will benefit from this presentation:
Discrimination is not only a significant detriment to the lives of SM-identified individuals but is a major obstacle to creating a legal, political and social environment in which alternative sexualities are afforded equal rights and protections. Only one other survey of discrimination of SM-identified individuals has ever been attempted. That survey was done in 1997 by Susan Wright and NCSF. The current survey serves as a 10-year follow-up to the original survey and has collected a significant amount more data regarding businesses as well as the sexual behavior and identities of respondents. This information is invaluable in the fight for sexual equality, sexual freedom and the strengthening of our community.
How this presentation will arouse you:
Results from the survey hold important information for the community, and especially for activists working toward sexual freedom and greater rights protecting sexual expression. Through graphic representation and in-depth discussions the presentors will utilize the data to provoke a dialogue about who is being discriminated against, where, in what ways, and entertain the questions that arise as a result of this knowledge. General demographic information was also collected and will be shared, which sheds new light on the characteristics of the SM community. The presentation will also provide results about what kinds of SM-related activities respondents enjoy, which they participate in most frequently, and which they feel are most likely to be discriminated against. Finally, the presentation will highlight the advantages of using an electronic resource such as surveymoneky (which was used for the current survey collection) and provide an opportunity to discuss possible future uses.
About the presenters:
Susan Wright founded the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom in 1997, and currently serves as NCSF's spokesperson. Susan has been an activist in the BDSM community since 1992: Susan directed the SM Policy Reform Project for the National Organization for Women which resulted in rescinding their anti-SM policy in 1999. Susan also coordinated the SM vs. Abuse policy statement created through LLC in 1997-1998. Susan has published over 25 books, and her latest fantasy novels are To Serve and Submit and A Pound of Flesh. For more info: www.ncsfreedom.org and www.susanwright.info
Iannotti. Larry Iannotti, a psychotherapist in New York City, is currently a doctoral student in Social Welfare at CUNY. He completed his clinical training at Columbia University, and the Institute for Human Identity; has been active in the BDSM community for over a decade and gratefully shares his life in New York with his partner John Weis.