Going through cache files doing searches, to determine, when, where, and other things we are going to print some of this info. to further show the complete history of how the claims came to be:

This section has the names removed unless permission has been granted.

The first mention we can find of the BDSM emblem is from 1995, and had Quaqmyr' s as well as other people's real name attached so all names have been deleted in order to protect their right to privacy.

March 3, 1995 2:05 PM
"Are there ways to recognize that someone you meet or see in public has our common interests? Jewelry, tattoos, secret hand shake or other? Are there discreet ways I can "advertise" my interests in and desires to meet like minded people?"

March 4, 1995 2:55 AM
There is the bdsm flag: horizontal stripes alternating black and blue with a white one in the middle, red heart in the upper left corner. So far the only merchandise I've seen that displays it is a small pin, like a tie-tack. Good enough for me!

Mar 4 1995, 10:02 am
I've got those as a set of freedom rings. Five circular rings: black, blue, silver, blue, black, with a read heart hanging from the silver. Very nice... Got it from Lambda Rising mail order.

I know this was covered a few months back, but what DOES the flag symbolize? I mean, I could make guesses about black & blue, and an American flag appearance because it looks good, but actual background info would be appreciated.

Mar 4 1995, 1:12 pm
Great! Where can I get one? Oh...
Address Please! please,please,please...
May the gods go with you...
***Mar 4 1995, 3:12 pm
Well, since you asked...
I've been debating posting this info here since it may seem like an ad, and it ain't meant to be one. But here's the scoop.

A number of us on one of my other on-line groups have been discussing this matter. The problem is that all the emblems used to denote D/s have also been pre-empted by anyone trying to affect a heavy-metal look or any of various other "wicked" or "cool" images. We decided we needed something understated, not particularly "cool" that would only be recognized by those in the know.

After much discussion we decided to look into having a discrete pin made with a design inspired by the one described in the Story of O. I am presently looking into having one manufactured. Something classy but inexpensive. Depending upon the process decided upon and the number of folks interested we can each have something nice for anywhere from $5 to $10. If we have hundreds of folks wanting one it could drop lower still.

While I will probably pocket a couple buks from this for my time and effort (heck, I derver to take myself out to lunch at least, yes?) the plans are for most of the profits--if there are any and that remains doubtful right now--to go into expanding the line. Some of the women also want a pendant. A ring is a possibility. One of the Doms *really* wants me to fins a manufacturer of an old box-top style Secret Decoder Ring. :-) Hey! If it proves feasible, why not?

Let me know if you're interested in knowing more about this joint venture. E-mail me. If I can figure out to to use this software for translating pix into digital I'd be glad to send you a GIF of the design.


Mar 4 1995, 7:10 pm
Sounds Wonderful. (Name removed) and I have been looking for something like that for years. I LOVE the idea of the ring. I know someone who has a REAL "O" ring and it is gorgeous. She bought it in an antique store, so it's not exactly being mass produced. The pendant could also double as a charm for a silver chain bracelet and would also appear discrete.

I wear a silver chain bracelet and the charm would be perfect. So would the ring. Hell, maybe you can make them into sets of jewelry and include earrings as well.
I'm very interested and would love to hear more.

Mar 6 1995, 9:19 am
There is the bdsm flag:
More properly, I think, the leather pride flag. The very phrase "bdsm" will often garner no recognition outside the net.scene.

Horizontal stripes alternating black and blue with a white one in the middle, red heart in the upper left corner. So far the only merchandise I've seen that displays it is a small pin, likea tie-tack. Good enough for me!

Also available on hats, t-shirts, rings (like freedom rings), beads...you name it.

Mar 8 1995, 12:02 am
Some of the women also want a pendant. A ring is a possibility.
Taboo Tabou in Chicago already sells "Story of O" rings. You might ask them where they get 'em from. Their number is (phone no. deleted)

There is no more until it jumps from 1995 to 1997

Jan 2 1997, 2:00 am
Is there such a symbol?
My partner usually wears a handcuff earring. Or we go places handcuffed together.
We are looking for something to put on the collar of our jackets so that other people will know and feel free to talk about the issue if they feel so inclined.

Jan 4 1997, 2:00 am
There is a proposed universal symbol I've seen. It looks like a yin-yang symbol but it's in three parts. I saw it on a web page but I've misplaced the URL.

My understanding is the left side means you are dominant while the right side means you are submissive.

Jan 5 1997, 2:00 am

Personally I wear a broken spanner pin (from Britain's "Countdown on Spanner" campaign) and a US "Leather Pride" flag pin.

But so far the only people who have recognized them for what they are are fellow perves from our munch group.

Some of my friends in America carry key rings with a bundle of leather thongs tied through them, making a recognizable mini-flogger that is quite deniable, as it is also a very practical key ring.

Jan 5 1997, 2:00 am
Got one on her key-chain. When I carry the keys on weekends (pockets), I usually leave the tails hanging out of my right pocket. (Name omitted) also (almost always) wears a simple black leather cock-ring as a bracelet on her left wrist. These both are so innocuous that they went right past my parents at Christmas: didn't even *notice* them.

The best "universal" symbol is usually something so unobtrusive it's almost invisible - you gotta really *look* to see it.

Jan 6 1997, 2:00 am
There is a flag made up of black and blue horizontal stripes with one white stripe as the center. There is a red heart in the upper left hand corner of the flag. This is becoming a symbol of the B&D and leather community. It was created by the gay leathermen but is rapidly becoming a flag for all of us in the scene. Search the web for leather, gay leather etc. and I'm sure you'll find it.

Jan 7 1997, 2:00 am
We are looking for something to put on the collar of our jackets so That other people will know and feel free to talk about the issue if they feel so inclined.

A few months ago, I was very pleased to pick up some "leather pride rings"--like gay pride rings except composed of two silver, two black, two blue and one red ring. There is also a leather flag--of the same color stripes and a red heart on the top left corner. I saw the use of these colors quite a bit on my trip, and I sense this is an emerging standard.

Anyway, the Leather Pride flag is becoming standard. I see the pin all the time and car window stickers are more places than you think. If you are interested in finding out about it (or ordering it...BTW, this isn't a spam ad)

Jan 9 1997, 2:00 am
This symbol, first displayed at IML '89, was designed by Tony Deblase as a gift to the SM/Leather/Fetish community. Everyone is free to interpret the flag in their own way. To me, the black and blue stripes are for bruises, the red heart is for love, and the white strip divides the flag into top and bottom.

Jan 11 1997, 2:00 am
I wear a pair of handcuffs on the lapel and epaulet of my jacket myself. If anyone asks what their 'for'. Well, if I don't want them to know, "I used to work security" or a simple "they look good on the jacket" works great...and if I do want them to know, a big evil grin works just fine. And they do look good on the jacket.

Beginning on Mar 15 1997 these messages are out of order:
(see below this other group of msg, this will be out of order because it shows that not only was this discuss but then dismissed and not being able to be copyrighted. However it was on the same member list that Quaqmyr belong to so he knew in 1997 way before his page went up that the symbol COULD NOT BE COPYRIGHTED and he did not argue that point)

Aug 11 1997, 1:00 am
Hi.
My wonderful Mistress/Wife and I have entered into a Slavery Contract this last weekend. I would like to be 'branded' (tattooed - on either the ankle or the back of my shoulder) with an appropriate symbol of my new position as my Mistress's property.

Are there any Rune-type symbols of slavery or submission? Druidic, Celtic, Nordic. Or are there any pop-culture symbols that would convey this sentiment without having the obvious 'SLAVE' emblazoned on my body? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Aug 12 1997, 1:00 am(1)
On the DsKiosk website, there is a BDSM symbol; it looks sort of like a 3 part yin-yang. The 3 parts are supposed to represent B/D, D/s, and S/M. The URL is http://www.cuffs.com/

Dec 18 1997, 2:00 am
Just found what i was looking for earlier, about the meaning from one of my friends about the triskele type symbol for BDSM, here it follows: --The following is a direct quote from one of my friends web pages and the writing to the best of my knowledge is purely her own. These are not to be taken as my words directly although I do agree with them-- Safe Sane Consensual

Written by: raven shadowborne 1997(2) Theses are the three tenets of a D/s relationship. I have been asked to write this essay explaining these words and their importance to a true D/s relationship.

First come safety. This one is exactly what it states. Play safe. The best ways I have found to "play safe" are as follows. Open and honest communication prior to any sort of play helps to establish limits and a basis for trust. Discuss your needs, and those of your partner. Don't hide behind shame or fear of your needs. Be honest, this makes safety easier to maintain. Also, choose a safe word. One that does not normally belong in a scene. I have seen the words Red (stop) and yellow (slow down) used most often. Discuss what a safe word means to you, choosing one that is easy to remember. Make sure that the expectations surrounding its use are discussed. Medical histories should be discussed, with all avenues of safety from disease being used. To help ensure physical safety maintain your equipment in good condition. Be sure you know how to use it before you try anything new. Realize that rushing into things can cause physical harm, so take your time. A few basics, never play while intoxicated in any manner.

Sane, well this one is tough. Who is to say what is sane and what is not? Each relationship is different. I must say that sanity as far as it affects D/s means, do not place extreme expectations on yourself or your partner. Be aware of their emotional needs. One should never lose their identity to another. Many of the things you read in novels are fantasy. A lot of it does not apply very well to the real world. Keep that in mind. Think logically before acting; make sure that what you are doing is actually possible before attempting it. Remember, D/s is a lifestyle but not one meant to take over your entire life. Stay within reasonable limits.

Consensual means mutual pleasure. The activities of D/s play should be pleasurable for both parties. This brings into play consent. Nothing should ever be done unless both parties consent to it. How much pleasure is an activity if you are forced to do it? I don't mean the gentle urging of your Dom either. I mean actual force. A Dom should never forget that he is the Dom only because the submissive allows him to be. Without the submissive allowing such control, there are no Doms. Submission is a gift, rare indeed, and should be treated as such.

If the first two tenets of D/s are met as the relationship begins, then the third will come automatically. And the more the trust within the relationship grows, the more mutual pleasure abounds. SO play safe, exercise reasonable limits, and have lots of pleasure together.

**Dec 21 1997, 2:00 am
Just to clarify things, the raven shadowborne piece is a very fine explanation of the Safe Sane Consensual rule. But SSC is only one small part of the BDSM Emblem symbolism. Below is the "official" explanation of the Emblem's meaning, as written by Yours Truly when the Emblem was first created as such in early 1995--and with a few linesadded this past year to clarify some points I'd been negligent about explaining the first time around.

The Emblem
Copyright Quag...@aol.com, 1995, 1997*
The BDSM emblem has no "obvious" symbolism because it was created to be enigmatic. To the vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely an attractive piece of jewelry. Thus, we can wear it freely as a friendly salute, nod, and wink to other BDSMers we should happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the hallways of our daily lives.

To the insider, however, the emblem is full of meaning.

The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM. First of all, the three divisions of BDSM itself: B&D, D&S, and S&M. Secondly, the three-way creed of BDSM behavior: Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Thirdly, the three divisions of our community: Tops, Bottoms, and Switches.

It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and at its greatest a love style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context. However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done alone.

The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M.

The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the chains or irons of BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality.

The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. The all-embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.

Before anyone with a long memory recalls that the Emblem was first proposed on asb by a totally different screen name, I'll just mention that that was indeed me, writing from a now defunct prairienet address.

Dec 22 1997, 2:00 am
"To the vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely An attractive piece of jewelry."

My family and friends who have seen it on a lighter I got from you actually think it is a Celtic design. And I have to tell you I am quite happy with the lighter and necklace with the emblem on it.

**Dec 22 1997, 2:00 am
I'm glad you're enjoyingthe lighter, (name removed! )

People have asked me if the Emblem is based on the Celtic design or on a similar Asian one. I tell them no--the fact is that I was unaware of both until shortly before having the first batch produced--but to consider those other designs as camouflage :-)

Dec 22 1997, 2:00 am
My problem with it is that the Triscele (to give it its formal name) was an emblem full of meaning before ever it was adopted for this. It's an ancient Celtic motif which I've been using in jewellery for as long as I've been making it. There are examples made by very vanil^H^H respectable firms who certainly didn't intend that meaning.

IMHO, a symbol with so many other meanings is not a great deal of use as an identifier. I'd certainly think twice about dropping hints to someone just because they were wearing a triscele-motif piece of jewellery.

**Dec 23 1997, 2:00 am
The Celtic Triscele is only one of two symbols which resemble the Emblem. But there are differences in details. Particularly, the Emblem inner fields are always black and always feature HOLES. The Celtic triscele and Asian chaos wheel serve as camouflage for the Emblem in order that it may better fulfill its purpose of discretion.

**Jan 2 1998, 2:00 am
FYI, I've finally put up a long-overdue web site for The Emblem Project. It contains info on the Emblem's symbolism, history, and various bits of allegedly interesting trivia. Be aware that it is not yet complete--there's more in the works. But the basics are there.

http://members.aol.com/quagmyr/emblem.htm
Quag

Jan 2 1998, 2:00 am
Quag
There's also some research, trivia and lore on Wolffie's page:
http://nt2.accesscom.net/theden/
It's written by lethal, and is nicely done.

3 headed yin/yang symbol?(3) See note above about the following being out of order. This is where it shows that everyone on that list knew before the end of 1997 that the symbol could not be copyrighted.

Mar 15 1997, 2:00 am
A while back I came across a suggestion for a sort of "3 headed yin/yang" symbol as a possible recognition badge for those into BDSM.

The Aussie BDSM mailing list folk were discussing getting a bunch of these made up as part of building a BDSM community here. Does anyone know who has the copyright? I saw it on a freenet homepage somewhere, but email to the owner of that page got no response.

We don't want to run over anyone's intellectual property rights.

Mar 16 1997, 2:00 am
There is no "copyright" on this symbol. It is known as taegeuk in Korean and (I believe) taichi in Chinese, regardless of whether it has two components or three. It represents...well, depends on who you ask, but I've always understood it as representing the diverse nature of the universe, coexistence of different elements, etc. It is very common in Korea, probably as common or more common than the two-swirly taegeuk such as appears on the Korean flag.

In answer to what appears to be your main concern, you don't need to worry about violating copyright...but don't be too surprised if people think you're about something other than what you are.

Mar 17 1997, 2:00 am
If you're talking about what I think you're talking about, the design is called a _triskellion_, is centuries old, and has significance in the pagan community.

In short, there isn't any copyright, but as a BDSM recognition symbol, it's going to confuse a fair number of pagans - and pagans wearing it are going to confuse pervs.

If y'all can't use the leather pride flag for a recognition symbol, it'd probably be best to find an artist and come up with something original - not only would you not need to worry about copyright, but you wouldn't need to deal with people that are familiar with that symbol, and certain that it means something else entirely.

Mar 18 1997, 2:00 am
Correct me if I'm wrong (g) but didn't Crepaux use that as the emblem on the Roissy rings in the graphic Story of O?

And finally when Quagmyr' s Emblem project first went up, he DID NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OR COPYRIGHT, that came in my opinion after he saw a way to get free advertising.


Original Emblem History page:

The following was on the first History 2nd page and has since been changed and the copyright added.

"Since we agreed to allow a few more weeks for pre-orders to come in, the initial order was placed during the second week of May, 1995. The first pins and pendants went out about six weeks later. Orders have continued to trickle in ever since so I've placed a number of small production orders and kept just enough on hand to meet the demand. Seeing as how the effort has expanded beyond mere pins, I've taken to calling it.

The Emblem Project.

For information on BDSM emblem jewlery email: quagmyr@aol.com"

No claim to copyright above at all, which was added later, the question, is why with all of this discussion that the emblem COULD NOT be copyrighted what did Quagmyr get out of claiming the copyright?

In closing here is the definitions of "Quagmire/Quagmyr" since Quagmyr is a magician, radio talk show host, well educated and an entrepreneur, I have often wonder if he took this nick as a tongue in cheek for any who "bought the copyright idea".

Definition of Quagmire/Quagmyr:

Soft miry land that shakes or yields under the foot 2: a difficult, precarious, or entrapping position: PREDICAMENT"

A quagmire (from "quake" + "mire") is, literally, shaky, miry ground; as a political term used to describe a foreign military campaign in which there is either no foreseeable possibility of victory or the objectives are unclearly defined, and at the same time no clear exit strategy has been formulated in the absence of victory. The military campaign is likened to a kind of swamp or marsh in which the warring nation is unable to remove itself.

I first heard the term in a political context lobbying: "It appears this is in a political quagmire with no clear way out or understanding"

My thanks:
(1) To sasha who owned D/sKiosk and was the first to tell me that this symbol was ancient and could not be copyrighted and was on her site way before "The Emblem project appeared on line almost a year later".

(2)To Raven Shadowbourn who has been there every step of the way, believed in me, and because she without knowing brought the claim to the attention of others, was plagiarized by Quagmyr in my opinion ( she was contacted and told she had to give him credit on her site, that is now gone). You are a dear friend and a great inspiration.

(3) To the unnamed persons who in March 1997, had researched and posted that the symbol/emblem could not be copyrighted

Additional heartfelt thanks:
To Stormdncr, who encouraged me, applauded me, and told me to finally write all of this. You are my life, my love, my soul mate, you are the reason I am still alive today… I love you.

To a dear man, who I have not mentioned by name, but he kept me on an even keel and insisted I use my background as an investigative "journalist of sorts". He then told me to keep this in as objective terms as possible in an editorial. He also told me not to underestimate the reader's ability to weigh the facts and make up their own mind. Further that they had that right and not to take it away from each of you, the reader. You are an inspiration to me, you believe in me, and more importantly you are my friend, thank you and hugs.

Finally to all of you who have shared with me from 2001 to the present, especially for the courage all of you showed no matter which side you took.

 

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