BDSM Islam?

Two terms that you'll almost never see juxtaposed: latex burqa. But I saw them in a blog by a woman who wears one on a regular basis. Assuming that this isn't a grand hoax, this is a woman who lives in Ireland, is in a sub/dom relationship with her husband, and wears restricting and enveloping garments made of latex 24/7. No mention is made of religious or cultural background, but the author is clearly educated, fluent in English, and has an active social life, although her world is filtered through a layer of latex and any restrictions that her husband (who she calls "Sir") may choose to impose.
I'm not calling attention to her blog or her life to evoke feelings of pity, disgust, superiority, or any other emotion that those who call attention to veiled women often seek to provoke in their audiences. What I'd like to point out is that this couple is expressing ordinary desires, albeit in an unusual way. Who hasn't desired privacy, or felt a thrill when control is either surrendered or taken? Calgon's slogan of "Calgon,take me away!" wouldn't have been nearly as alluring had it been worded, "Calgon, I'd like to accompany you on a relaxing mental journey, the destination of which we will negotiate on an equal basis." We love surprise parties, stolen kisses, the Tickle Monster, and other ways in which we dominate and are dominated by one another- if only for a moment.
So, what does this have to do with Islam? At heart, not much. But combine source text excerpts that seem to support patriarchy with heavily patriarchal societies, and you get a domination of women with secular and sacred elements, and justifications for same that sometimes comes more from folk psychology than scripture. I've heard Muslim women and men speak quite seriously of the privacy veiling provides, and the security felt in veiling and male dominance. I'm not doubting the sincerity of these sentiments- to the contrary, privacy and security are universally desired. But the difference between the Latex Lady's life and the life of a Muslim woman is essential: the difference of free choice.
Some Muslim women are dominated because of a combination of law, religion, and culture- the option to not be a "good Muslim woman" is not a safe or lawful one in some places. Some other Muslim women are dominated mainly by religion and culture- the options are often be the "good Muslim woman" or an outsider, which can make life difficult for a Muslim woman socially. These forms of domination differ from Latex Lady's because Latex Lady can walk away or refuse with no fear of reprisal- many Muslim women lack that freedom.
Where are the "safe words" for Muslim women? When is it OK to say no to the domination, to chuck the burqa and breathe for a moment? When can a Muslim woman resist or evade the violence and control? Every form of domination has its safety valve- where is ours? Can Muslim women say Audhu' Billah and call an end to the 14 centuries of the sub/dom relationship with men?

I always thought the safeword was "ashhadu inna laa ilaha illa allaah...", but after taking the spiritual aliya, I learned it was, in fact, not.

Side note: we need to send all Muslims a copy of Screw the Roses, Send me the Thorns. Hell, the whole planet could use a copy...

Side-er note: first, they need access to http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/ though. That first, then StRSMtT.

I actually know where one can purchase a latex burqa, right now they presently only come in white latex.

Latex fetish clothing usually comes in black, but is also available in white, red, yellow, blue, and transparent.

I'm somewhat familiar with this fetish community since I have dabbled in the "scene."

GM, that's more than I ever wanted to know about you- thanks.
A safe word will have to be something drawn from the very faith traditions used to dominate women- words like "equality" don't work with those used to a hierarchy.

Oh my goodness you guys have me blushing beneath my Niqab!!!
But oh, he likes it when he has to guess what is going on under there.
And when he just gets a peek of something as I rise...
was it on purpose? Or, was it just for him and no one else...?
I am certain that veiling has a hidden or not so well hidden second purpose that is more than subtley sexual. After all who hasn't wondered, "what is she wearing under there?"

Before I veiled I felt regular and not so sexy. I felt that well, its all out there. But now I walk down the streets and there is an air of mystery around me, and my husband becomes just a bit more protective with me, holding my elbow guiding me around packs of men. Umm yes. I wouldn't wear a latex Burqa, (allergies) but who knows, a regular one might rock his world a bit.

Oh safe word: " Muslim Please! No you aint"

Lailah, I'd tried that one on my ex- no such luck. My ex keeps trying to set up new scenes, featuring me as wife #2, and wondering why I no longer want to play. Maybe it's not his safe word, but I have a feeling that the safe word for dudes like him would have to come from a cast iron frying pan.

I'm rolling in my chair, laughing my ass off, trying SO hard not to be heard by my cubemates. This is too damn good!

Some people in the fetish community have a keen interest in Muslim veiling, now don't be surprised, but the reason why some people are attracted to fetish gear is because of the anonymity it provides the wearer.

They can quite literally "transform" themselves into something else or someone else.

Sexuality is an interesting thing.

You know, Gustavo, I think that's a very good point. I think that's a large part of the appeal of fetishes in general... ;-)

That works for costume based fetishes, but what about body part or non-costume clothing fetishes?

Body part fetishes...I think you're right about that. What do you mean by non-costume clothing fetishes?

Garments that are ordinarily worn- shoes, socks, bras, etc. have also been fetishized- I knew a guy who has a sock fetish. It was amusing.

Imagine my delight at seeing a description of my blog in yours. It was wonderful. And thank you ever so much for the kind words about my writing and education. It is nice to be appreciated.

Yes, i do wear latex burqas as my husband and I are lifestyle rubberists. We chose the burqa as a way to cover my entire body, including face and head, so that I could be removed from the world while still being in the world. This is a personal lifestyle choice, not a religious choice at all. Indeed, we are non-religious. We experimented with a traditional silk one, but decided that latex ones went better with my wardrobe and had them made by a well known fetish designer in Denmark.

Your comments on my ability to choose this life are quite correct. and the desires I am satisfying by this lifestyle are very much of the 'Calgon, take me away' variety :-)

While this all began as a way for me to live a BDSM (more D/s actually) life while in public, I have over the past several years grown completely enamored of being veiled in public. It protects me, and separates me from the world while I am still in the world. The psychological comfort of this, for me, is very great.

It has also made me completely convinced that women should be allowed to dress and wear as they choose...whether in the height of revealing pret-a-porter or complete covering, it should be a woman's choice and no other's. Unless she wants another to choose for her :-)

I've included a pic showing me in my red burqa.
Me in red burqa about to go out
Regards
Lady

PS They also make for fantastic rainwear in this very wet country :-)

The trouble comes not when some choose a particular mode of self-expression, but when it's deemed to be the only legitimate mode of being. I hear from way too many Muslim women who are made to feel as if their desires for less domination and greater autonomy are evidence of a lack of faith. Muslim men are far less intimidated by this "no true Scotsman" rubbish.

I forgot about THE TICKLE MONSTARRR~ NUUUUUU

Hahaha

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