BDSM Reimagining Inclusion Through Equity (BRITE)

What is BRITE?

The BRITE logo using yellow text on a black background, with the word BRITE in all capitals in the center with a leafed plant replacing the I. Beneath this word is the text BDSM Reimagining Inclusion Through Equity. BDSM Reimagining Inclusion Through Equity, or BRITE, is a new initiative of Kink Between the Lines (KBtL). Our vision with this project is to create an online learning portal and certification program where kink leaders and organizers can actively gain skills and knowledge to make their communities, venues, events, and organizations more equitable and inclusive. How many of us have been to an event or a venue that missed the mark on accessibility or inclusion simply because they didn’t know how to make their space equitable? How many of us wish we could make our kink organizations more diverse but have no clue where to start? BRITE aims to build upon the amazing content presented at KBtL conferences and share that content alongside guided reflection exercises and other resources in order to empower leather leaders of all kinds to make change in their local communities.

Join us to BRITEn the future of BDSM!

We are currently in the process of conceptualizing and planning for BRITE with the goal to launch in late 2026 or early 2027. We welcome people to join the BRITE Committee to help us grow this project!

JOIN US

Mission

BRITE strives to provide kink leaders and organizers with critical concepts, skills, and resources to make their local communities, venues, events, and organizations more inclusive and equitable.

BRITE's Goals

Create a space where kink community leaders and organizers can learn how to make their communities, venues, events, and organizations better for people who experience marginalization.
Educate participants in the concepts of marginalization, oppression, stigma, discrimination, privilege, equity, accessibility, and inclusion by delivering kink-centered content anchored in marginalized perspectives.
Empower participants to apply this knowledge in their own communities, venues, events, and organizations in order to dismantle systems of oppression and facilitate open dialogues with and among marginalized members of their communities.
Equip participants with the skills needed to be respectful, thoughtful, intentional, attentive, humble, and courageous when they begin the work of making change in their communities.
Build a directory of communities, venues, events, and organizations that have obtained the BRITE Certification.

Program Structure

Participants will take 10 total classes (approximately 15 hours of learning) of their choice through the BRITE portal to gain a certificate of completion.
- Participants will take 1 class from each of our 6 'core categories' of learning. They will have free choice to pick whichever class they want from these categories.
- Then they also choose 4 elective classes to take. Electives can be from any core category or from the “Other Marginalized Perspectives” but each elective must be from a different category.
Participants are welcome to take more than 10 classes if they wish and additional non-credit classes will also be offered on the platform.
Participants will complete reflective exercises and short quizzes to assess their learning after each class and to help them fully engage with the material.
After completing all classes and requirements, participants can receive a certificate of completion (virtual and printable!) to display on their website or in their venue.

Core Categories

Marginalized Races and Ethnicities

This area focuses on understanding how racial and ethnic identities can influence experiences within BDSM and the broader community, promoting inclusivity, cultural awareness, and addressing specific challenges faced by these groups. Explore how race and ethnicity are impacted by access, visibility, and safety within kink communities, and learn ways to uplift BIPOC voices and experiences through anti-racist practice and cultural awareness.

Marginalized Sexualities, Genders, Sexes, and Relationships

Unpack how heteronormativity, cisnormativity, mononormativity, and other limiting frameworks shape inclusion - and gain tools to better affirm LGBTQIA+, nonbinary, intersex, and non-monogamous identities in kink spaces.This category explores the unique perspectives and obstacles of individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures, fostering respectful practices and greater acceptance.

Marginalized Fetishes, Interests, and Roles within BDSM

Here, the emphasis is on recognizing and respecting lesser-acknowledged BDSM interests and roles, ensuring they are included and understood without judgment or stigma. Let's challenge assumptions about what is “acceptable” in kink by centering lesser-understood roles, taboo desires, and stigmatized dynamics, all while learning how to cultivate consent-centered curiosity and acceptance.

This area examines how broader societal inequalities impact access, safety, and opportunities within BDSM and kink communities, promoting equity and social justice. Examine how power, privilege, and oppression show up in both the world and our scenes—from economic barriers to carceral systems—and reflect on ways kink can resist or reinforce systemic harm.

Marginalized (Dis)Abilities and Neurodiversities

Understand how ableism and sanism affect access, consent, and communication in kink spaces, and explore ways to create environments that are more accommodating, responsive, and affirming for disabled and neurodivergent people. This section is focused on understanding how disabilities and neurodivergent identities affect participation and promote adaptations, accessibility, and respectful engagement.

Building Leadership, Community, and Accountability

This section covers developing responsible leadership, fostering inclusive communities, and promoting accountability to ensure respectful and safe spaces for all members. Learn how to lead and participate in kink communities with integrity and develop your skills for mutual support, inclusive organizing, conflict navigation, and holding space for growth and repair.

Additional Categories

Other Marginalized Perspectives

This area welcomes and explores diverse experiences not covered in other categories, emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and including varied voices in the community. Let's work to acknowledge the experiences of kinksters impacted by ageism, fatphobia, religion, immigration status, or other often-overlooked identities—and reflect on the richness these perspectives bring to our communities.

Explorations and Inspiration (non-credit)

This section offers opportunities for personal growth, creative exploration, and inspiration without formal accreditation, encouraging curiosity and self-discovery in a supportive way. Engage with creative prompts, personal storytelling, and reflection to deepen your learning journey and spark new ways of seeing yourself and others in kink.