Ask Gigi

Welcome to Ask Gigi, a column where psychosexual therapist, Gigi
Engle, answers your most intimate questions and explores a range of
sexual health topics. .

Gigi Engle Gigi Engle

What is a brat in BDSM?

Not all submissives are obedient. Some prefer to challenge authority, push boundaries, and keep their partners on their toes. Explore the playful psychology behind brat dynamics, what makes them so appealing, and how this unique form of power exchange actually works.

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What queer kink communities do differently (and what we can learn)

Queer BDSM communities have long offered thoughtful frameworks for communication, consent, care, and the power of collaboration. This blog explores what queer kink spaces can teach us about intimacy, relational literacy, and building erotic connections with more intentionality and honesty.

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Why BDSM can feel so emotionally intimate

BDSM can feel unexpectedly emotional, and there’s a reason for that. This piece explores how trust, communication, and the nervous system come together to create a sense of connection that goes deeper than many people anticipate.

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Is it normal that my fantasies are different than what I want IRL sex?

What does it mean when your fantasies feel completely different from what you’d want in real life? For many people, this gap can feel confusing—but it’s far more common than you might think. Fantasy isn’t a blueprint; it’s a space where the mind explores feelings, dynamics, and possibilities without consequence. In this piece, we look at why fantasy and reality don’t always align, what your inner world might be expressing, and how to approach it with curiosity rather than judgment.

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Are you ready to start exploring kink?

Curious about kink but not sure what it means or where it comes from? In this article, psychosexual therapist Gigi Engle explores the psychology behind kink, the difference between kink, fetish, and paraphilia, and how sexual desires develop. From understanding curiosity versus readiness to the role of consent, communication, and cultural influence, this guide unpacks why unconventional desires are more common than many people think, and why exploring them ethically and without shame can be a healthy part of human sexuality.

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