Dominatrix

Revision as of 09:50, 21 September 2006

The dominatrix from the film Mano Destra

A dominatrix is a woman who takes the dominant role in sado-masochistic sexual practices. The male equivalent is a Dom or Master.

The term dominatrix is little used within the BDSM scene, and is usually used to refer to professional dominants ("pro-dommes"). A more common name for a non-professional dominant woman is Domme or perhaps Mistress, depending on the type of dominant they are. Dominatrix is one of the favourite words used by writers outside the Scene - for example, by tabloid newspapers to refer to pro-dommes involved in scandals with famous customers. There is no equivalent term to describe a professional male dominant.

A dominatrix who asserts she pursues BDSM outside of paying sessions or casual scenes is sometimes called a "lifestyle dominatrix".

While the word dominatrix does not necessarily imply domination of a male partner, the word is very rarely used in the lesbian BDSM Scene.

Notable famous dominatrices, who were professional dominants:

• The 19th century British dominatrix Mrs Theresa Berkley, inventor of the Berkley Horse.

Fictional dominatrices:

• The film Preaching to the Perverted, starring Guinevere Turner, depicts a dominatrix.
• The drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has featured a recurring professional dominatrix character Lady Heather, who is depicted in a sympathetic manner.
• The film Eating Raoul features Doris the Dominatrix, who, when off the job, is actually a married mother.
• The fictional film Maîtresse, starring Gérard Depardieu and Bulle Ogier, depicted a professional dominant.

See Also

• BDSM Roles
• Female domination
• Mistress Owner
• Domme
• Top
• Professional dominant
• Domination and submission
• Sadist

External links

• The Dominatrix in Print and Other Media - detailed bibliography
• It's a living: Dominatrix - professional domme article
• The Dominatrix Story Interview with a Mistress
• Salon article: "I Was a Teenage Dominatrix" - professional domme article