Masculinization (sexual activity)

Submissive sexual practice

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Masculinization or masculinisation, sometimes referred to as forced masculinization, is a practice within various dominance and submission or kink subcultures where a participant, often a woman, assumes a traditionally masculine role. This can involve cross-dressing, adopting male mannerisms, or engaging in activities typically associated with male gender roles, often as part of a consensual sexual or lifestyle practice. Masculinization can be an aspect of BDSM, where it serves purposes ranging from erotic humiliation to role reversal.

Overview

Cross-dressing
History of cross-dressing In wartime History of drag Rebecca Riots Casa Susanna Pantomime dame Principal boy Travesti (theatre) Travesti (gender identity)
Key elements Passing Transvestism
Modern drag culture Ball culture Drag king Drag pageantry Drag queen Female queen (drag)
Sexual practices Femdom Feminization Petticoating Transvestic fetishism
Other aspects Cross-gender acting Crossplay (cosplay)
Passing as male Breast binding Stand-to-pee device Packing
Passing as female Breast forms Cleavage enhancement Hip and buttock padding Tucking Gaff
Organizations Tri-Ess Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries
Books My Husband Betty She's Not The Man I Married The Boy in the Dress
Theories Causes of gender incongruence Social construction of gender
v t e

Masculinization in the context of sexual activity is not about transitioning one's gender identity but rather about the temporary or situational adoption of masculine traits for sexual or fetishistic pleasure. Participants in masculinization might engage in:

Wearing clothing typically associated with men, such as suits, ties, or traditional male undergarments. Taking on roles like "the boss," "the mechanic," or any other stereotypically male occupation or persona.

The practice is often consensual and can be part of a broader BDSM or kink scene where power dynamics are explored through gender role reversal.

Psychological and Social Aspects

Like feminization, masculinization can serve as an outlet for exploring one's sexuality or identity in a safe, controlled environment. It might resonate with individuals who either challenge or wish to explore the boundaries of traditional gender roles:

For some, gender exploration this practice might be a way to delve into aspects of gender identity or expression that are otherwise suppressed due to societal norms. There can be an aspect of humiliation where the participant might enjoy being "forced" into a masculine role, playing into societal taboos or personal fantasies. Masculinization can invert typical power dynamics, where the submissive assumes a dominant role through masculine behaviors.

This practice can be seen as a form of identity play, where traditional gender roles are not just challenged but actively reversed for mutual pleasure or curiosity.

Cultural and Historical Context

Although less documented than feminization, masculinization can be observed in various cultural narratives or historical contexts where gender roles were fluid or where women took on masculine roles for specific reasons:

In some ancient societies, women occasionally assumed male roles in religious rites or as warriors, which can be seen as a form of masculinization for cultural or spiritual purposes. Within BDSM communities, masculinization is discussed alongside other forms of gender play, with literature and forums exploring its psychological and erotic implications.

Legal and ethical considerations

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As with all forms of BDSM, activities involving masculinization are subject to the principles of consent, safety, and mutual pleasure. Ethical practice requires:

All parties must agree to the activities involved. Use of safe words to stop activities if they become uncomfortable or non-consensual. Understanding the psychological effects and ensuring that activities do not lead to identity confusion or psychological harm.

References

Lindemann, D. J. (2012). Dominatrix: Gender, Eroticism, and Control in the Dungeon. University of Chicago Press.
"Understanding Masculinization". Kinkly. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
Bauer, R. (2014). Queer BDSM Intimacies: Critical Consent and Pushing Boundaries. Palgrave Macmillan.
Sanger, T. (2010). "Queer Gender, Sexuality and Eroticism". Trans People's Partnerships: Towards an Ethics of Intimacy. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 85-92.
Weinberg, Thomas S. (1987). "Sadomasochism in the United States: A Review of Recent Sociological Literature". The Journal of Sex Research. 23 (1): 50–69. doi:10.1080/00224498709551346.
Rubin, Gayle (1984). "Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality". In Vance, Carole S. (ed.). Pleasure and Danger: Exploring Female Sexuality. Routledge & Kegan Paul. pp. 267–319.
Bauer, R. (2014). Queer BDSM Intimacies: Critical Consent and Pushing Boundaries. Palgrave Macmillan.

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