Let's Get You Started: Resources
Community Resources
NCSF
The National Coaliation of Sexual Freedom works 24/7 to create a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights for consenting adults who engage in alternative sexual and relationship expressions. This includes their Incident Reporting and Response program to assist individuals, groups, and businesses who are being persecuted or discriminated against because of their alternative lifestyle choices.
Kink Aware Professionals
If you're looking to work with a therapist, accountant, attorney, doctor, building contractor, or spiritual advisor who is aware of and/or knowledgeable about kink, NCSF manages a self-submitted database of professionals. Sort by awareness in kink, polyamory, and swinger awareness to find someone you'd be comfortable working with.
Backlash UK
Backlash defends the freedom of sexual expression amongst consenting adults in the UK. They provide legal, academic, and campaigning advice including information about recent pornography laws (in 2015) that may change whether your pornography is legal to own.
GLAAD
The world's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy agency, GLAAD increases media accountability and encourages the community engagement that ensures that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and brought to life. Their Media Reference guide is a particularly helpful, one-stop-shop to understanding a lot of aspects of LGBTQ life.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifelife offers community-based, trans-led support for transgender individuals during any step of their journey. This includes a United States and Canadian hotline phone number for crisis and non-crisis support.
Further Educational Resources
Submissive Guide
Submissive Guide is a long-running website designed specifically for people who identify as submissives. Hundreds of articles include advice about online play all the way to in-person dynamics with a focus on the person on the lower side of the slash.
Crash Restraint
A free directory of rope bondage information and tutorials. While we always recommend in-person instruction as rope bondage can be dangerous if done incorrectly, basic ties like the Lark's Head Single Column and Double Column tie can be learned here via video.
Kinky World
An kink educational site focused on the needs of female dominant dynamics, Kinky World provides advice about a myriad of activity-focused and relationship-focused topics to make it easier to understand and explore kinks that have caught your interest.
Oh Joy Sex Toy
If you're a visual learner, the approachable comics over at Oh Joy Sex Toy might be a great fit for you. Covering sex, identity, and kink topics, the comics break down difficult topics into small, bite-sized visual tidbits for easier understanding. See some of their talent in action by starting with sex toy care.