Why I call myself an “Asian Dominatrix”
🧧 The Term "Asian Dominatrix"
When I session with a new submissive or client, I always set aside some extra time afterward for us to come down from the high of the session, hydrate, and have a brief chat. It’s a chance to connect more deeply and begin to understand each other beyond the dynamic of the scene.
Last month, during one of these moments—with explicit permission—a submissive asked me a bold and thoughtful question: “Domina, you describe yourself as an ‘Asian dominatrix’... what does that mean? Is Asian domination a niche or a specific style?”
He hesitated, aware of the broader conversations around racial fetishization in sex work. And rightly so. Even outside this industry, it's no secret that Asian femmes like myself are often hypersexualized, flattened into cartoonish, monolithic roles by media and society alike.
Let’s get this straight: “Asian” is a colonial umbrella term, one that carelessly groups together billions of people across nearly 50 countries with innumerable distinct languages, religions, and cultures. And “Asian American”, a term originally coined for political action and solidarity, has now become co-opted by corporate advertising and lost in shaky discussions around identity politics.
So, why do I call myself an Asian dominatrix on the internet?
In the Midwest, especially within the world of professional domination, I am part of a visible racial minority. Since moving to Chicago three years ago, I’ve often struggled to find spaces—both in kink and in the vanilla world—where I can simply exist and be seen fully. This feeling is common amongst many people of color here, particularly those of us in subcultures or who express ourselves outside of mainstream norms.
But I’m not just Asian. Just as I’m sure you are not one thing or another.
I’m Vietnamese. I’m queer. I’m femme. I’m a creative. I’m alternative, with my tattoos, my bold presentation, and my penchant for playing with power.
So when you see me use the term “Asian dominatrix”, it only scratches the surface. And yes, I know some will misunderstand or project stereotypes onto that phrase. But I use it intentionally in hopes that people of color, especially those navigating the noise of SEO algorithms and sanitized platforms, can find me and know that I exist.
And for my white subs and clients: this isn’t fantasy talk. You’re lucky to be in the presence of a powerful and intelligent dominatrix such as myself. I could have done anything with my life—but I chose this. Let’s make it worth my while!
Domina Sable Lê Võ shot in Chicago. She is adorned in latex, jade, gold, leather, and a silk áo dài. Photography by Anna Jung-Hwa.
This month, I encourage you to donate to Red Canary Song, a grassroots mutual aid organization based in NYC that supports and advocates for Asian sex workers, particularly those most vulnerable to violence. If you make a donation, send me the receipt or share it on social media and tag me—I’ll write you a small thank you in return.
🌲 Upcoming Travel
Seattle Sessions – June 5–6 & July 2
My Pacific Northwest debut is just around the corner, and I’m nearly fully booked!
I’m looking forward to connecting with Seattle submissives and making new friends in a new city. If you missed me this time, I highly recommend submitting a consultation to get vetted ahead of my next visit, currently planned for early September. You can apply at sablelevo.com/apply.
Chicago – May and June
I have time for one more session in May between 5/27 (afternoon), 5/28 (afternoon), and 5/30 (morning). Apply here to be considered!
After that, I will be out of town from June 1 through July 5. I’ll be out of office and spending some well-deserved time eating my way through the streets of Tokyo and tanning on the beaches of Da Nang in Vietnam.
A newsletter will be sent in late June when my books reopen :-) Priority will be given to patrons interested in heavy bondage, flogging and whipping (I’m taking lessons), and sweet summer time social affairs.
💌 My Birthday
May 19th marked another turn around the sun for me—and I’ve been feeling deeply spoiled: my first leather whip, a gorgeous photography book, a memorable tasting menu dinner at Indienne, new latex, and of course, generous cash tributes.
If you missed the actual day, don’t worry—I celebrate all month long. Gifts are always welcome at throne.com/sablelevo.
I’m especially grateful for contributions toward my ongoing education (I’m taking shibari and whipping lessons), as well as items under the Clothing & Gear section of my wishlist. My intention is to build a curated collection of high-quality pieces that will be cared for and used with purpose for years to come
Thanks for reading!
Domina Sable