In this article, we discuss the role and objectives of Feminization Play and Masculinization Play in BDSM, kink, and fetish practices.
Feminization
Feminization, sometimes called “sissification” or “petticoating,” is a practice of dominance-submission or a fetish in which a submissive male is consensually “forced” to take on the role of a woman.
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The practice includes dressing as a “typical” woman by wearing lingerie, makeup, jewelry, and perfume, by acting feminine, wearing fake breasts, and/or having anal sex (being pegged), among other activities.
It’s thought that there are different reasons why men would engage in feminization roleplaying, which include using it as an outlet for the pressure of always needing to be masculine in daily life, exploring one’s sexuality and gender, bringing out one’s feminine side, or having a fetish for typical female clothing, accessories, and behavior.
Erotic humiliation, Impact Play, and Bondage Play may be involved in feminization, alongside roleplaying activities such as “sissy training,” the latter meaning that the male is “trained” to become feminine.
Another variant of roleplaying is that of so-called “slut training,” but in this case it’s a woman who’s “trained” to wear provocative “slutty” clothing and act as a convincing “slut.”
Masculinization
Masculinization is likewise often a dominance-submission activity within BDSM or Kink Play where a person, usually a woman, takes on a masculine role.
This can involve activities like cross-dressing with classical male clothing (suits, ties, male underwear, etc.), acting like a “typical” male i.e. engaging in behavior commonly associated with male gender roles, and erotic humiliation of the submissive partner.
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In the context of sexual practices, masculinization is a temporary change to classical masculine behavior for sexual pleasure. It may be a fetish, but it may likewise be a game of exploring power dynamics.
Just as with feminization, it’s thought that there are different reasons why women would like to engage in masculinization roleplaying. This includes having an outlet for the pressure of always needing to be feminine in daily life, exploring sexuality and gender identities, bringing out one’s masculine side, or it may involve a fetish for typical male clothing, accessories, and behavior.
There are some parallels with the role of the Dominatrix, although the Dominatrix doesn’t necessarily need to engage in masculinization.
That is, a Dominatrix can have either a masculine or feminine appearance and their dominant role is not defined by traditional gender stereotypes. Moreover, the appearance of a Dominatrix is usually distinctly feminine.
