Exhibitionism
Exhibitionists derive pleasure from being watched during sexual activities, or from exposing themselves to others.
As with every kinky role, exhibitionists can also be primals, Tops, bottoms, and everything in between. There’s no exclusivity to exhibitionism, and someone can be both an exhibitionist and a voyeur.
Is exhibitionism legal?
The legality of exhibitionism depends on consent, meaning if you are found to have engaged in exhibitionism without permission, regardless of whether the other person might have consented if they'd known, it would likely still considered a crime.
Non-consensual exhibitionism might include examples such as exposing your genitals to a stranger, or sex in a public or open space.
Under the 2003 Sexual Offences Act in the United Kingdom, a person can be charged with indecent exposure where “he intends that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress.” Summary convictions can result in imprisonment for up to six months and fines of up to £5,000. A conviction on indictment can land someone in prison for a maximum of 2 years. It’s worth noting that distinguishing between intent and consent varies widely depending on where you live. We encourage you to look into the laws where you live.
These types of activities are also considered a paraphilic disorder according to the DSM, as they would likely result in feelings of shame, emotional distress, and stress/anxiety for one or all parties involved.
What are some examples of exhibitionist activities?
From an ethical kink standpoint, exhibitionism is only a kink if mutual consent exists. Whilst some exhibitionists may find excitement in the fantasy of being watched without consent, ethical exhibitionists will create scenarios in which the scene might feel non-consensual, but has actually been previously negotiated and agreed upon by all parties.
The fact that exhibitionism only requires two individuals (at a minimum) and doesn’t have to involve sex means the possibilities are endless.
Examples of exhibitionism include:
Nudity, either in private or public settings where everyone has consented (e.g. nudist beaches or spas)
Performing a striptease for a partner or recording and sharing it with others
A Top and bottom engaging in impact play in front of one or more people
Wearing a latex suit or similar at a play party or kink dungeon
Masturbating or having sex in front of other (consenting) adults
Performing submissive or Dominant acts with your partner in front of one or more people
How do I know if I’m an exhibitionist?
The answer to that question is entirely up to you to find out!
Start small and work up to the big reveal
Try seeing how it feels to touch yourself in front of your partner. From there, you may want to explore how it feels with more than one person watching you. Public dungeons and play parties are a great opportunity to explore these kinks in a safe - but more expanded - setting.
Don’t feel you can only be one or the other, or that you have to be everything in one
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be both of these roles; many people are exhibitionists but not voyeurs and vice-versa. You also don’t have to be either of these exclusively across all of the roles that you’re drawn to. Some individuals may find they are only exhibitionists or voyeurs in specific kink roles. One person may only be an exhibitionist when they engage in pet play, but not when they engage in impact play, for example.
Ultimately, however you choose to explore and express your exhibitionist tendencies, remember that consent must always be at the forefront.
