Jennifer asked Al Daltrey:

Personally, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this genre and the way it's being portrayed today. Do you think the current views help or hinder? Do you feel that most actually get what the life-style is about? Is it important you you, to help facilitate that it does?

Al Daltrey Hello Jennifer. I assume you're referring to the hype around the 50 Shades movie. To my view, the broader acceptance of BDSM is good. It's a little less in the closet now. I've noticed people in my office joking around about how sexy spanking is, and stuff like that. Most of my life, I had to be VERY discreet about my lifestyle choice, so I welcome this new openness. Is it portrayed accurately? Well - I've always believed, and been a huge advocate that - there is no 'one way' to enjoy BDSM. Some people want a TPE. Some people reserve it for the bedroom only. Some simply dabble in it. I think everyone should have the freedom to enjoy BDSM on their terms, in their way, to the mutual preferences of the Dom and sub. To each his/her own. My own personal view is that all this attention helps (not hinders). It begins a dialogue. Those who live the lifestyle openly don't look as "odd" anymore...hopefully, their lifestyle choice will be more accepted by the mainstream. I've never read 50 Shades (no interest in doing so) - so I can't comment on how that specific novel reflects the lifestyle, I don't know. I hope this answer somewhat answered your question. (Last point: my own book - 'Testing the Submissive' is NOT an accurate portrayal of the lifestyle either. Not at all! It's pure fiction, for entertainment only, that pushes the boundaries, the same way any Hollywood action movie does. It is certainly not meant to be a true reflection of the lifestyle.)

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