The BDSM Triskelion is a symbolic emblem created specifically for the Leather and BDSM communities. Although visually inspired by the ancient triskelion—a motif appearing in numerous historical cultures—the modern BDSM version has its own origin, symbolism, and purpose.

The emblem consists of a circular border enclosing three curved arms rotating around a central point, together with three smaller circles positioned between them. Its design intentionally reflects continuity, balance, diversity, and interconnectedness while avoiding exclusive identification with any single role, gender, orientation, or tradition within BDSM.

Today, the BDSM Triskelion serves as one of the most widely recognised symbols of consensual power exchange communities throughout the world.

The modern BDSM Triskelion was introduced during the early 1990s by Steve Quagmyr, drawing inspiration from the ancient triskelion symbol and from descriptions contained in the BDSM novel Story of O. Rather than adopting an existing historical emblem directly, Quagmyr developed a new design intended to provide the Leather and BDSM communities with a shared visual identity.

The symbol was rapidly adopted by clubs, organizations, publications, educational groups, events, and individual practitioners. Over time it became the closest equivalent to a universally recognised emblem for the BDSM community while remaining independent of any particular organization or national association.

No single official interpretation of the BDSM Triskelion exists. Different authors, organizations, and practitioners have proposed varying symbolic meanings for its three arms and three circles. Common interpretations associate them with Dominance, submission, and switching; body, mind, and spirit; safety, sanity, and consent; or the diversity of identities within Leather culture.

The absence of a fixed interpretation is generally regarded as one of the symbol's strengths. Rather than prescribing a single philosophy, the Triskelion functions as a unifying emblem capable of representing the wide variety of traditions, relationship models, identities, and consensual practices that coexist within the broader BDSM community.