A deliciously subversive and endlessly informative celebration of “kinky f*ckery,” as told by a lifelong student of kink and fetishism
Neither a how-to guide to getting it on nor a collection of sensational erotica, Superfreaks is instead an empathetic journey into the widely misunderstood world of kink. Lifelong practitioner and student of “kinky f*ckery” Arielle Greenberg draws on her study and teaching of BDSM and fetishism to
- introduce kink’s history and trailblazing kinksters like Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Mollena Williams-Haas, and Tom of Finland
- explain the science behind sexual fetishes
- delve into the psychology behind power exchange
- parse the politics of sexual deviance
Superfreaks is an accessible, interactive. and raunchy experience that invites the reader to engage their kinky curiosity. Written with folks of all genders and sexual orientations in mind, the book features resources like
- quizzes readers can take with their partners to help assess sexual compatibility
- sidebars with lists of kinky representation in literature, film, music, and more
- an A-to-Z glossary of kinky gear, from collars and floggers to zentai suits and beyond
Superfreaks challenges and dismantles longstanding myths about kink perpetuated by pop culture phenomena like Fifty Shades of Grey and 365 Days. In doing so, Greenberg names the systemic marginalization kinky people experience and argues that we must build a society that accepts and celebrates sexual diversity of all kinds. The book also affirms the importance of consent and not “yucking someone’s yum”—key concepts inherent to the practice of kink that are essential building blocks for safer, more inclusive sex.
“[A] funny, provocative primer on kink and fetish. Superfreaks introduces readers to common (and less common!) kinky practices in nonjudgmental and easily approachable language, advocating for an open, fun, and consensual sexual landscape.”
—Booklist
“Knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, and playful, Superfreaks is your guide to the universes that lie beyond conventional sex. Seldom will you find a volume more responsible in its approach that is still great fun to read.”
—Janet W. Hardy, coauthor of The Ethical Slut
“As cerebral as it is titillating, Greenberg's Superfreaks leaves no stone unturned in this deep dive into the history, language, politics, iconography, and rituals of kink and fetish.”
—Tristan Taormino, editor of The Ultimate Guide to Kink
“Infused with good humor, extensive research, and great taste in music, this is an experienced pervert’s refreshing guide to enjoying perverted adventures. Poet and professor Greenberg has created an approachable, friendly guide to kink culture in contemporary life. I predict it will help a lot of people feel less alone in this world.”
—Tina Horn, host and producer of Why Are People Into That?! podcast
INTRODUCTION
She’s a Very Kinky Girl: Why I Wrote This Book
CHAPTER 1
Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: The Ins and Outs of Erotic Desire
CHAPTER 2
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: A Primer on Kink, BDSM, and Fetishes
CHAPTER 3
Heaven Help Me for the Way I Am: Taboos as the Heart of Kink
CHAPTER 4
Chains and Whips Excite Me: On Sadomasochism
CHAPTER 5
Let’s Play Master and Servant: On Dominance and Submission
CHAPTER 6
She’s Got Legs: On Fetishes
CHAPTER 7
I Will Be Your Father Figure: On Role Play
CHAPTER 8
Caught Up in You: On the Kinks of Attention and Neglect
CHAPTER 9
Super Freaky: Kink History and Icons
CHAPTER 10
Thank U 4 a Funky Time: Forging Your Path and Community
APPENDIX
We’re Going Down to Alphabet Street: An A-to-Z of Kinky Stuff
Acknowledgments
Works Cited
Index
- “Superfreaks: Kink, Pleasure & The Pursuit of Happiness,” Pleasure Mechanics, podcast interview
- “Kink and Pleasure with Superfreaks Author Arielle Greenberg,” Sex Ed with DB, podcast interview
- “Superfreaks Wants To Normalize Kink,” The Mary Sue, write-up
- “Fetishes Are the Underdogs of the Kink Community,” Residence 11, excerpt
- “Is It Me or Is It Getting Hot in Here?: Beacon’s New Sexuality List,” Beacon Broadside, featured in Q&A with Catherine Tung about launch of sexuality list