Chains, chokers, knots, electricity, fire, synthesizers and more can all be tools of recreation, pleasure and affection.

When most people think about BDSM communities, movies like “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Eyes Wide Shut” come to mind. While these kinds of relationships do exist, it is more commonly practiced among couples or small groups of people. Sometimes, it does not even involve sex.

BDSM stands for bondage and discipline, B and D; dominance and submission, D and S; and sadism and masochism, S and M. It covers a wide range of kinks from knife-play to use of language. Many keep their interests to themselves but some explore their possibilities for self-expression.

His stage name is Eibon. He is a hobbyist, presenter, instructor and dominant-type. About 10 years ago, a woman introduced him to BDSM. Since then, Eibon has become widely known for his unique use of electrosexual stimulation. He has even appeared on Playboy TV. Based in Boise, Eibon travels and teaches people how to practice BDSM, including electrosex, safely.

“Using music to drive the stimulation and taking old ‘80s keyboards and converting them into e-(stimulation) toys,” he said. “As long as you use it properly, it is pretty safe.”

Most of the people who seek help from Eibon do so to learn about safe electrostimulation. These kinks do not yield a consistent response.

“Some people are afraid. Some people are excited,” he said. “Some people don’t feel a whole lot and some are very sensitive to it.”

Preference in kinks varies greatly. Eibon’s collection of accessories spans from whips to head cages. While they may seem extreme, he said it is important to familiarize yourself with yours and your partner’s limits to maintain safety and enjoyment.

This community’s population is very diverse. Eibon said he has traveled to instruct in many places, from Hollywood to Knoxville. Pullman has its own community of kinksters.

Alex, who asked to be referred to by her first name only, is the moderator of an online group of more than 100 on the Palouse. She said she has been a moderator for about five years and helping people learn the true nature of BDSM makes it all worth it.

A past boyfriend suggested they try some things about six years year ago. Now she helps organize parties and she schedules educational seminars, casual hangouts and HIV testing for group members.

Some parties have as little as three people, some upward of 40 people. The educational seminars have included flogging demonstrations and self-defense training. Casual hangouts can mean cocktails, a dinner party or going out for coffee. Beyond their shared interest in BDSM, they are all simply friends.

“Anyone who is curious or interested should not feel like a freak,” Alex said. “(BDSM) is not as negative as everyone perceives.”

She said it is also important to maintain realistic expectations and keep a level head. People interested in the community should not expect to be swept off their feet by a millionaire like in “Fifty Shades of Grey” or stumble upon a ritualistic masked orgy like in “Eyes Wide Shut.”

The group goes out for coffee together about every week, Alex said. When in public, they keep conversation appropriate and casual to respect each other’s privacy. Before a new member attends a casual meeting, Alex talks to them about the rules and regulations of the group. Accountability is important.

“Everybody that I personally know that is active in the community is so diligent about making sure everything is consensual,” she said. “Nobody would do anything to harm you.”

BDSM communities are commonly misperceived as abusive hierarchies, but Alex said every person, couple, venue and party has a specific set of rules to ensure safety.

“Before you play with somebody, in a BDSM sense, you negotiate everything,” she said. “It is not spur-of-the-moment.”

In a party environment, everyone looks out for each other, she said. They make sure people are at a safe distance when someone plays with electricity and there are always extinguishers nearby when they play with fire.

Alex said being a part of this community has not negatively affected her relationship with her husband.

“We’re adults about it. We sit down and we discuss everything,” she said. “Negotiating is so important in this lifestyle.”

Alex said they do not agree on everything but they are always honest and respect each other’s boundaries.

The group’s next educational seminar will feature a guest speaker, a masochist who has suffered from chronic pain and physical disability since 2004. She will speak about how her perception of pleasurable pain has evolved as her condition has developed.