Michael Rossi, MA, PhD

Michael Rossi is a leading researcher and educator in the field of sexual kink and fetish practices, with over 12 years of experience conducting empirical studies, designing workshops, and advising on sexual wellness programs. He is widely recognized for his work in bridging rigorous psychological research with practical guidance for individuals and communities exploring consensual alternative sexual practices. Rossi’s work emphasizes safety, consent, and informed exploration within the BDSM, fetish, and kink communities.

Specialization

Kink and Fetish Psychology
BDSM Dynamics and Consent Practices
Alternative Sexuality Education
Sexual Wellness Research
Community-based Sexual Health Initiatives

Education

2005–2009: BA in Psychology, New York University
2009–2011: MA in Human Sexuality, San Francisco State University
2012–2016: PhD in Sexual Behavior Research, University of California, Berkeley

Professional Experience

2011–2014: Sexual Behavior Research Associate, Kinsey Institute
2014–2019: Senior Researcher and Educator, Fetish & Consent Lab, San Francisco
2019–Present: Director of Sexual Kink Studies, Center for Alternative Sexualities Research
Consultant for international BDSM and fetish communities on safe practices and education

Research Cases and Project Highlights

Case Study: BDSM Consent Communication – Led a 3-year study analyzing over 500 participant interviews to identify key verbal and non-verbal consent strategies; findings published in Journal of Sexual Behavior 2020, showing a 37% improvement in participants' consent negotiation confidence after structured workshops.
Fetish Community Health Initiative – Directed a project providing mental health support for fetish communities; results included a 42% decrease in reported stress-related sexual anxieties among participants over 18 months.
Alternative Sexuality Education Curriculum – Developed evidence-based workshops and online modules for kink-aware sexual education in universities and community centers; post-program surveys reported 85% of participants increased understanding of safe BDSM practices.

Selected Quotes

“Understanding the psychological dynamics of kink is essential for promoting consent, safety, and personal empowerment.” – Michael Rossi, PhD

“Our research shows that structured education in fetish communities significantly reduces risk and enhances communication.” – Michael Rossi, 2021

Selected Scientific Publications

Rossi, M. et al. (2022). "Consent Communication in BDSM Relationships: Empirical Findings and Practical Implications." Journal of Sexual Behavior, 29(3), 145–167.
Rossi, M., & Lee, K. (2020). "Fetish Community Mental Health Interventions: Evidence from a Multi-Site Study." International Journal of Sexual Health, 32(2), 89–104.
Rossi, M. (2018). "Kink Education for Safer Sexual Practices: A Community-Based Approach." Sexuality & Culture, 22(1), 55–78.

Professional Memberships

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
International Society for Sexual Health (ISSH)
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)

Participation in International Projects

Lead Researcher, European BDSM Safety and Consent Initiative (2019–2022)
Consultant, UNFPA Sexual Rights Awareness Program in LGBTQ+ Communities (2020–Present)
Co-Director, Global Online Kink Education Platform (2021–Present)

Work on Educational Programs

Designer of "Kink-Aware Sex Education" workshops for universities
Online modules covering BDSM safety, negotiation, and community ethics
Training programs for therapists and sexual health educators on alternative sexual practices

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest on "Sex Ed Now" podcast: "BDSM and Fetish Awareness for Health Professionals"
TEDx Talk: "Rethinking Kink: Consent, Safety, and Communication" (2021)
Panelist at World Sexual Health Congress 2022 on fetish community mental health

Unique Values and Experience

Michael Rossi combines empirical research with direct community engagement, providing actionable insights that promote safe, consensual exploration of kink and fetish practices. His unique perspective integrates psychological theory, field research, and hands-on educational programs, making him a highly respected authority in the field.