The Gorean lifestyle is a consensual role-playing and power dynamics world with hierarchical gender roles based on the famous erotic sci-fi novels by John Lange, aka John Norman.
In Gorean relationships, women are primarily seen as Kajirae (slaves) and men as natural leaders and warriors. While BDSM has similar power exchange elements, it focuses more on personal relationships with not many additional elements like political, ethical, and natural elements found in the Gorean lifestyle.
Position training is an integral part of both lifestyles and offers enriching, fulfilling experiences for both the Master and slave. Respect, honesty, devotion, and loyalty form the core of both BDSM and Gorean lifestyles. Rather than viewing them as two entities, one can combine the best of both worlds and explore their fantasies safely and consensually.
Navigate through the nuances and explore the intricacies of two very different yet often entwined lifestyles –The Gorean and BDSM- and discover their similar core beliefs, distinct power dynamics and conventions, and potential benefit from position training – all in this blog post.
What is the Gorean Lifestyle?
Gorean lifestyle is a type of role-playing in which participants adopt the roles of characters from the popular erotic science fiction novel series ‘Gor’ by John Lange, known by the pseudonym John Norman. The Gorean lifestyle is based on the philosophy of the books, which focus on a hierarchical structure of gender roles resulting from our revolution’s history and genetics, with men as leaders and women as subservient (kajiras). In rare cases, a strong female may take a (kajiru) Gorean male slave.
Men in Gor are often portrayed as strong and dominant, ruling the planet with a firm hand. They are seen as natural leaders and warriors, capable of protecting their tribes and leading them to victory in battle. Women are depicted as divided into three distinct categories: the ‘Freewomen,’ who live under the rule of men and view sex as a duty; the ‘Panther Girls,’ who have escaped and run from slavery; and the ‘Kajirae,’ who are sex slaves.
Most participants in the lifestyle (Goreans) follow a Master-slave relationship structure of the fictional world of planet Gor, where they can explore their sexual fantasies in a consensual and safe environment. Nevertheless, slavery is not necessary for being a Gorean. Despite criticism that the Gorean lifestyle exclusively involves sexual slavery and is abusive and manipulative to women, women who live it insist they do so voluntarily.
The Gorean identity is built around three institutions: the Home (Home Stone), Career and Status that follows (Caste System), and Slavery. These core values shape how Goreans view the world and define their identity as a distinct cultural and social group. However, it’s important to note that there is no standard for which institutions must be emulated to be a lifestyle; it’s all a matter of personal preference.
In this world of power exchange, role-play, and gender roles, people can find a place to explore their identity and sexuality while respecting the boundaries and desires of the other participants.
Cultural Influences and Development Over Time
In its early stages, the Gorean lifestyle was heavily influenced by the writings of John Norman, who wrote 37 novels (by 2022) in the Gorean series. These novels formed the basis of the Gorean culture, introducing concepts such as social hierarchy, gender roles, power dynamics, and slavery.
Initially, the lifestyle was largely ignored or dismissed by mainstream society. However, it gained popularity in the 1990s, when fans of the books began to organize and form virtual groups on online media such as Second Life.
Today, the lifestyle is still not widely accepted, but a strong and vibrant community of adherents practice it and adhere to its principles. However, if you want to make Gorean friends in real life, the best way is to attend a BDSM munch, interact with people and be honest about your interest in the Gorean lifestyle.
The Link Between Gorean Lifestyle and BDSM
Gorean lifestylers are often seen as a separate, unconventional group from the conventional BDSM community. Its core ideology is focused on the power dynamic and responsibilities associated with the roles of those involved, with traditional BDSM practices such as bondage, discipline, and sadomasochism playing a lesser role within this lifestyle.
John Norman’s book ‘Imaginative Sex’ promotes the freedom of safely exploring sexual fantasies through the Gorean lifestyle, and this is echoed in some of the BDSM practices. BDSM slaves typically use positions seen in the Gor books, such as the Pleasure position (with a woman kneeling and legs spread while hands rest on the thighs), and the symbolic use of a collar is an iconic element common in both BDSM and Gor.
The strong and big Gorean men, as well as the Kajirae (female slave) women, have shaped many of the BDSM practices, which involve the Master-slave dynamic. Goreans fervently advocate slavery, but unlike planet Gor, real-life Gorean slavery is much less harsh. The slaves are expected to obey without complaint or resistance and with respect for boundaries. This is similar to what is known as total power exchange in the BDSM community.
The role-playing of Gorean slavery is primarily based on the fantasy series and is often similar to BDSM role-play slavery, with each individual adopting a play style that works best for them. On the whole, though, Gorean lifestylers don’t associate their practices with BDSM, feeling that the lifestyle holds many additional elements. For instance, it emphasizes the lifestyle’s political, ethical, and natural aspects, while BDSM focuses primarily on personal relationships and interactions.
Gorean lifestylers observe their roles at all times, relying more on symbolic gestures such as clapping than impact play such as whips. While many women are Dominant in the BDSM world (Femdom), fewer Dominant women exist in Gor. That said, BDSM and Gorean lifestyles share core principles such as respect, honesty, devotion, and loyalty.
For those already in a BDSM lifestyle, practicing Gorean part-time could bring a mixture of experiences, allowing them to enjoy the best of both. BDSM and Gorean both come with great benefits, but it is essential to practice these lifestyles in a safe and consensual manner. Learn more about the BDSM vs. Gorean lifestyle here.
Benefits Of Position Training
The Gorean lifestyle consists of lasting, intimate relationships between Masters and their slaves. The benefits of position training are straightforward and beneficial to both parties, and they can provide an enriching and fulfilling dynamic in their relationship.
For the slave, position training can be an exciting escape from the pressures of everyday life. In the Gorean lifestyle, slaves can explore the real them – experiencing bondage, submission, pleasure, and emotional connection with their Masters. To be trained in a position can be exciting, as it allows the slave to trust and understand their Master in ways that go beyond the physical aspect. When a slave trusts their Master deeply, it can create a bond that can build emotional security and be highly fulfilling for the slave.
For the Gorean kinksters, position training can be equally beneficial. Participating in a Gorean lifestyle brings structure and order into their lives. A Gorean lifestyle provides commands, rules, and protocols for their position, offering an organized framework in which their Master can carry out their role.
The Master, in turn, benefits from position training. It can give them the trust, familiarity, and understanding of their slaves – enabling them to be open and honest in their roles without hesitations. In addition, position training allows the Master to fully own the slave’s body and spirit, a process that can bring a feeling of power and control that can be immensely fulfilling.
Position training plays an integral role in a Gorean lifestyle, and the mutual benefits for everyone involved are clear. From excitement and authorization to control and fulfillment, position training can bring structure, trust, and emotional security to a relationship – creating a truly special connection.
Steps For Effective Position Training
Training a slave to assume and maintain different positions accurately is essential for both Gorean and BDSM relationships. When done well, it can dramatically enhance the bond between Master and slave and the experience for both parties. Here are some steps for practical position training:
1. Establish expectations
Before starting position training, set clear expectations and boundaries with your slave. Please explain why you want them to learn to assume certain positions, how they should present themselves while in the position, and any other pertinent instructions they need to know. Informing them of your expectations and getting their consent is essential to earning their trust and ensuring both of you feel comfortable.
2. Review standard positions
Once expectations are set, review the standard Gorean positions that your slave should be familiar with. In the Gorean lifestyle, the standard slave positions include pleasure slave position, obeisance position, Tawa slave, Sula, Bara, etc. Most of these slave positions can be leveraged in BDSM Master-slave training.
3. Practice positions
Take the time to practice each position with your slave. Make sure they know how to assume it correctly. Encourage them to stay in the positions until they are comfortable. Have them practice with other positions while they are in the initial position. For example, if they are in a kneeling position, have them practice getting up and down to a serving position and then back to the kneeling position again.
4. Give instruction
During the practice sessions, give your slave instructions on assuming and maintaining the position. For example, if kneeling, remind them to keep their knees shoulder-width appropriately and their back and head in the correct positions. Point out any small mistakes and have them practice until they get them right.
5. Give praise
Make sure to reward your slave with verbal praise and positive reinforcement for doing something right. This will help them build confidence and understand what you expect from them. Additionally, it will reinforce good behaviors and motivate them to learn more quickly.
IMPORTANT: It’s essential to be mindful of the potential for abuse within a Gorean lifestyle and not to be taken in by excessively intense scenes from the books where women are treated as objects and often abused.
FAQs
What is a placeholder in the Gorean lifestyle?
A placeholder in the Gorean lifestyle is a submissive role that a slave is expected to take in order to show respect and obedience to their Master. This involves not speaking unless they are given permission and speaking respectfully and humbly. It also consists of maintaining a respectful attitude and demeanor in their thoughts and actions. By maintaining their placeholder, a slave demonstrates their desire to serve their Master and their commitment to the relationship.
What do the Gorean lifestyle and Scientology have in common?
The Gorean lifestyle and Scientology both focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Both emphasize the importance of living a life of integrity and accountability and strive to provide individuals with the tools they need to become better versions of themselves. Additionally, both promote the idea that with the proper guidance and practice, one can become a more enlightened and fulfilled person. Ultimately, they share the same fundamental belief that each individual can achieve greatness with the proper support and guidance.
Can a Gorean kajira have a relationship with a BDSM Master?
Yes, a Gorean kajira can have a relationship with a BDSM Master as long as both parties have open communication and make clear expectations. The core principles of the two lifestyles often overlap, making it easier to bridge the gap between them. With mutual understanding and respect, a Gorean kajira and a BDSM Master can form a solid and fulfilling relationship.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a long-time BDSM practitioner, new to exploring your sexuality or just looking to learn more about power exchange and role-playing, the Gorean and BDSM lifestyles have a great deal to offer.
While they differ slightly in power dynamics, and role play, both lifestyles ultimately revolve around the same core values. With position training, both the Master and the slave can benefit from improved trust, emotional security, and understanding. So no matter which lifestyle you choose, establish trust, respect boundaries, and make sure you get consent from all involved, and you’ll have a great time!
The rewards are great for those looking to explore the depths of both alternative lifestyles!
Check out John Norman’s books on Amazon. The most famous novel in his Gor series is Tarnsman of Gor.
To understand John Norman’s Gorean lifestyle better, especially in regard to sexuality,
check out his book Imaginive Sex:
