Terri-Jean Bedford

Photo Courtesy Of Terri-Jean Bedford

MADAME DE SADE, DID YOU SNAG YOUR NAME FROM UKIO MISHIMA'S PLAY OR IS IT AN HOMAGE TO THE MARQUIS?
The latter.

HOW DOES ONE BECOME THE MOST FAMOUS DOMINATRIX OF CANADA?
There are a number of things involved. One is to be of quality. Another is to attract media attention, that happens with sensational trials or hearings and where the dominatrix is media savvy about what will get her picture in the papers, on television and online – while still advancing the views she wants to advance and winning this battle. This in turn takes a lot of support and resources of time and money (sometimes) from supporters. The key is that she stands for something and is seen as standing for something and not just seeking publicity. This leads to respect. With patience and effort one becomes famous.

ARE YOU AN INSTIGATOR OR DOES DRAMA FOLLOW YOU LIKE A BAD HABIT?
Both. Although I would rather have just been left alone to run my businesses and lifestyle and not have to fight.

DOES BDSM INCITE OR SUBVERT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, OR DOES A RELATIONSHIP NOT EXIST?
There is plenty of violence against and repression of women in societies where they have never heard of the term BDSM. I don’t think there is a relationship. BDSM recreationally may help reduce violence against women somewhat as men can have more intimacy.

WHY DO MEN RUN OFF TO GET THEIR BOTTOMS SPANKED ANYWAY, CAN'T THEY JUST RELINQUISH SOME OF THEIR POWER AND FULFILL THEIR SUBMISSIVE FANTASIES THAT WAY INSTEAD?
They already have relinquished some of their power, what they want is the attention of women in a power situation. Interestingly, women don't seem to like men who are submissive to them. That's something to think about when pondering why so many read “Fifty Shades of Grey”.

ARE YOU A FEMINIST? 
No. Feminists are into equality. I think that is too fine a line to walk. Someone has to be in charge in the dungeon or in the marriage, for most people. However, I do think that outside relationships women should have all the rights and protections men have. In the workplace they should not be harassed as women, and so forth. Nevertheless I think getting men to change is tough, as well as getting women to be comfortable as equals. Professional women have told me that there are very few men they could get interested in because they don't feel feminine with men who are less successful, shorter in height or lower in social status than them.

HOW DO YOU PICK OUT YOUR OUTFITS AND WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS FOR A DOMINA INSPIRED WARDROBE?
When I was the Madame at the Bondage Bungalow Hotel the main thing for the girls and I was basic leather boots, corsets, leather dresses and coats. Tightness was important, so a good fit, or second skin PVC, was foremost. Also, for some scenes, men liked a well-dressed business woman look, or for us to be dressed like a Victorian headmistress.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DAY OFF?
I am retired now and in very poor health. I use my “up” time to shop, clean, cook, do laundry or use my hidden talents.

WHAT HIDDEN TALENTS DO YOU HAVE?
I’ve authored two books. In “Dominatrix on Trial” I explain the reasons for choosing my pro-domme name and share more on how I became a cause célèbre. I also paint and like to sing. And I’m working on two more books. I write for about a half hour each day, with a lot of assistance.

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFORDED A HEIGHTENED UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN NATURE, IF SO, WHAT CONCLUSION HAVE YOU REACHED?
Of course I have. I’ve learned many things. Men have bared their souls. I’ve also learned from my legal and political battles. I don't want to get into the details here but you can find out more and see my speech to the Ontario Civil Liberties Association on my website.

Yet, I cannot say that I have reached any conclusions on human nature.