Our Definition
refers to a person who is willing to top or bottom. Versatile individuals do not necessarily engage with power exchange, or may be of any power-exchange alignment.
This phrase is part of the LGBTQ+ community's vernacular and isn't commonly used among straight folks.
Common Practices
Everyone is different! You'll see this repeated throughout our website and glossary. Common practices for use of the term "versatile" include, but certainly aren't limited to:
- Frequently and originally used by queer men.
- Often conflated with “switch”
- Use by people who want to emphasize that their power-exchange dynamic is not affected by physical acts and who performs them
- Use by people who do not engage with power exchange.
Horatio is a versatile submissive, who likes topping and bottoming as directed by his dominant.
Zada feels secure in her identity as a dominant whether she is topping or bottoming.
Ula is versatile and a switch, having enjoyed a wide variety of different dynamics and play.
