Hassan Al‑Bakri, PhD

Dr. Hassan Al‑Bakri is a leading researcher and educator specializing in sexual kink and fetish practices. With over 12 years of experience in clinical research, community education, and policy advisory, Dr. Al‑Bakri has pioneered evidence-based approaches to understanding consensual non-normative sexual behaviors. His work bridges psychology, sociology, and sexual health to destigmatize kink practices and provide safe, informed guidance to both practitioners and educators.

Specialization

Sexual Kink and Fetish Studies
BDSM Dynamics and Safety
Consent and Ethical Sexual Practices
Psychological Impacts of Non-Normative Sexuality
Community-Based Sexual Health Education

Education

2006–2010: BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto
2010–2012: MSc in Human Sexuality, University of Montreal
2012–2016: PhD in Sexual Behavior and Fetish Studies, New York University

Professional Experience

2016–2018: Sexual Health Researcher, Kinsey Institute
2018–2022: Lecturer, Human Sexuality Department, NYU
2022–Present: Director of Kink & Fetish Research Programs, Global Sexual Health Initiative
Consultant for NGOs and adult communities on ethical kink practices

Selected Scientific Publications & Research Cases

Al‑Bakri, H. (2021). "Psychological Wellbeing in BDSM Communities: A Longitudinal Study." Journal of Sexual Behavior, 48(7), 1124–1142. Key result: Participants practicing consensual BDSM reported higher relationship satisfaction and emotional resilience compared to controls.
Al‑Bakri, H., & Rivera, L. (2019). "Fetish Practices and Consent Education: Integrating Community Feedback." Sexuality & Culture, 23(3), 987–1005. Case study: Implemented a consent training program for 120 participants across 3 urban kink communities; post-training surveys showed a 42% increase in safe-word adherence.
Al‑Bakri, H. (2018). "Negotiation, Power Exchange, and Risk-Aware Practices in BDSM." International Journal of Sexual Health, 30(2), 175–190. Quote: "Understanding power exchange is not about control, but about trust, communication, and mutual consent."

Professional Memberships

International Academy of Sex Research (IASR)
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM)

Participation in International Projects

Lead Researcher, WHO “Non-Normative Sexual Practices & Public Health” (2019–2022)
Consultant, UNESCO Global Sexual Health Curriculum for Adults (2020–Present)
Director, Cross-Cultural Kink Consent Study in North America & Europe (2021–2023)

Work on Educational Programs

Developed “Kink Safety & Consent Training” for university students and adult educators
Online workshops on integrating psychological insights into fetish education
Curriculum design for community-based sexual health initiatives targeting fetish and BDSM populations

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

TEDx Talk: “Ethics, Consent, and Community in Kink” (2022)
Guest lecturer, Stanford University – “Psychology of Fetish Practices”
Regular contributor to “The Kink Health Podcast”
Featured interview, BBC Radio 4: “Modern Kink and Safe Practices”

Unique Values and Experience

Dr. Al‑Bakri emphasizes a research-driven yet empathetic approach, prioritizing both psychological wellbeing and ethical engagement in kink communities. His work demonstrates measurable improvements in community safety, informed consent, and participant satisfaction, making him a leading voice in the field of sexual kink studies.