Bound by BDSM: What Practitioners can teach Everyone about Building a Happier Life by Alicia M. Walker and Arielle Kuperberg is due in print Fall 2025.

BDSM isn’t just about whips and chains. It’s about trust, communication, deep connection, and community. Bound by BDSM: What Practitioners Can Teach Everyone About Building a Happier Life reveals how BDSM practitioners use these principles to create fulfilling relationships and build richer, more intentional lives. Through engaging stories, compelling research, and a warm, accessible tone, this book uncovers powerful lessons that anyone—whether they practice BDSM or not—can apply to their own relationships, happiness, and sense of belonging.

At its core, BDSM requires clear boundaries, enthusiastic consent, and open dialogue, elements that strengthen any relationship, romantic or otherwise. By embracing creativity, intentional communication, and deep self-awareness, BDSM practitioners navigate complex dynamics with honesty and care. Their approach to trust and vulnerability offers a valuable model for building intimacy, fostering authentic connections, and creating strong, supportive communities.

With humor, depth, and a refreshingly open-minded approach, Bound by BDSM uses a mix of in-depth interviews, survey data, and real-life experiences to challenge outdated stereotypes and highlight the positive impact of BDSM communities. From the importance of safe spaces and mentorship to the role of negotiation and aftercare, the book illustrates how these principles foster connection, trust, and emotional well-being both inside and outside the bedroom.

But this book isn’t just about BDSM. It’s about finding happiness through meaningful relationships, self-acceptance, and community support. BDSM is a masterclass in how to create stronger relationships, a fulfilling life, and a genuine sense of belonging. Whether you’re vanilla, kinky, or somewhere in between, this book will leave you with a new perspective on connection, trust, and the power of community. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, set boundaries with confidence, or build deeper connections in your personal and social life, the insights from BDSM practitioners provide a unique, eye-opening roadmap.