When it comes to expressions of sexuality, there are more than 50 shades, but rarely is there mainstream representation of people of color when the subject of BDSM is presented.

Within the field of sexuality, there are many Black educators who do extraordinary things to help others become more comfortable with their sexual expressions and contrary to popular belief, there are Black people making major moves within the subculture of BDSM. After years of searching for a mentor in the area of fetish play that I could relate to as a Black woman, I was led to an amazing duo who not only helped me understand exactly what the heck fetishes are, but they also made me comfortable with accepting that my kinky side is healthy and here to stay.

After a year of working with “JSJ” in fetish training, I’ve not only come to learn more about the disparities in representation of people of color within BDSM, but I’ve also witnessed the healing power that can come along with fetish play when led by the right teachers.

Jasmine Decosta-Johnson is a mother of two who works for a federal government agency as a licensed clinical social worker. She is also the co-owner of Body Altitudes Fitness and Health in Tampa with her partner global activist and emcee, Hasan Salaam. However, when the two come together to form “Jet Setting Jasmine,” their “normal” lives take a back seat to their work within the world of kink.

Hasan Salaam transforms into “King Noire,” an erotic masseuse, master fetish trainer and impact play connoisseur who has a way with his hands just as he does with his words. Jasmine Decosta transforms into “Jasmine,” a mistress of kink who switches in between dominating clients and playing submissive to King in their erotic adult films created from the fantasies of their clients through their production company Royal Fetish Films. Together, this dynamic duo travels the world teaching interested patrons from many backgrounds how to play kinky safely and successfully.

I recently had a chance to catch up with Jet Setting Jasmine in Atlanta during the “Sex Down South” conference. We spoke about everything from their services, to African-Americans’ apprehension when it comes to BDSM practices and how healing can be achieved through fetish exploration.

“I began Jet setting Jasmine LLC in 2010 after being inspired by a boring sex toy party where women just weren’t getting what they needed,” Jasmine explains. “I’ve always been interested in the different dynamics of sensual play and fetishes, and wanted to fill the gap with my own experiences. So I began consulting—something I’ve always done informally—and started being compensated for it.”

A fetish is a sexual response to an object or a part of the body that isn’t typically sexual/sexualized. A kink is a sexual fantasy, act or concept that is atypical of the environment or culture that one subscribes to. So when it comes to POC and how open they are to expressing their fetishes or kinks, it’s understandable why so many remain in the shadows with their desires.

“The practice of BDSM is definitely alive and well in the lives of people of color. However, it is not expressed as freely and/or openly,” Jasmine explains. “American culture and its media have given an image of people of color that has objectified, assigned and boxed us into sexual roles that do not represent our full range of sensuality and sexuality.”

Through their work as master fetish trainers, Jasmine and King Noire encourage their clients to live out their truths in comfort by customizing the coaching experience.

“Jet Setting Jasmine offers private consultation and therapeutic services to single clients and couples. These services range from psychotherapy to fetish training, explains Jasmine.

“We also provide extensive education and community outreach on the topics of redefining sexuality post interpersonal violence, normalizing fetishes, and equality for sex workers with an emphasis on people of color, intimacy post injury, intimacy & caregiving and efforts to end Human Trafficking.”

Jet Setting Jasmine’s “Fantasy Flight” parties are also a customizable experience for groups that wish to experience a broad spectrum of what BDSM has to offer.

“Our Fantasy Flight parties are designed to enhance the fantasies of those that already have them and help discover fantasies for those that are curious. Many book Fantasy Flight parties for group entertainment and education. We have hosted Fantasy Flight events for the mild to wild, including young adult education to a group of swingers.”

When it comes to the healing aspect of Jet Setting Jasmine’s work, King Noire is deeply rooted in the healing power of touch through erotic massage.

“The sense of touch and connection to another human being is a universal healing method. I witness firsthand how a client walks in and is visibility anxious and leaves not just relaxed but self-confident,” explains King. “Throughout the session, clients are given options which many have not experienced in an intimate setting. I am patient—allowing them the time to take in the empowering feeling of making a decision for their body, their experience and directing that it is executed as imagined. The feedback I receive is remarkable.”

You can learn more about Jasmine and King Noire and their full list of services and travel dates at www.jetsettingjasmine.com.

Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.glamerotica101.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active.curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi.