What Does TAT Stand For?
TAT stands for Total Authority Transfer. It describes a BDSM dynamic where the submissive completely transfers decision-making authority to the dominant partner across all or nearly all aspects of life.
What is Total Authority Transfer (TAT)?
Total Authority Transfer is very similar to TPE (Total Power Exchange), emphasising the comprehensive transfer of authority rather than just power. The terms are often used interchangeably, though TAT specifically highlights the decision-making and authority aspects of the exchange.
In TAT dynamics, the dominant holds ultimate authority over the submissive’s life, making decisions about daily activities, major life choices, and everything in between.
TAT vs TPE
Total Authority Transfer (TAT):
- Emphasises decision-making authority and leadership
- Focuses on who has final say in choices
- Highlights the transfer of autonomy
- Emphasises overall power and control
- Broader concept including authority, control, and dominance
- More commonly used term
In practice, these concepts overlap significantly. Most people using either term describe similar intensive, comprehensive power exchange dynamics.
How Does TAT Work?
TAT operates similarly to TPE:
Comprehensive Decision-Making The dominant makes choices across virtually all life areas—from daily routines to major life decisions.
Final Authority Even in discussions or negotiations, the dominant’s word is final.
Extensive Scope The authority transfer includes physical, emotional, financial, social, and practical aspects of life.
Consensual Foundation Despite the comprehensive nature, TAT is consensual and includes boundaries, safe words, and the ability to withdraw consent.
Areas Covered by TAT
TAT typically involves authority over:
- Daily schedules and routines
- Clothing and appearance
- Financial decisions
- Social activities and relationships
- Sexual activities
- Health and medical decisions
- Career and education choices
- Living arrangements
- Major life decisions
As with TPE, most TAT relationships include some negotiated limits or exceptions.
TAT and Consent
Critical to understand: TAT is consensual authority transfer, not actual slavery or loss of autonomy.
Ongoing Consent The submissive can withdraw consent, renegotiate, or end the dynamic.
Safe Words Even with total authority transfer, safe words allow communication of genuine distress. See: Safe word
Legal Rights TAT doesn’t override legal autonomy—the submissive retains legal rights and can leave.
Ethical Exercise Responsible dominants exercise authority with the submissive’s wellbeing as the highest priority.
TAT in Different Dynamics
M/s (Master/slave) Often involves TAT, with the Master holding complete authority over the slave.
Femdom TAT Female dominants exercising total authority over male or female submissives.
24/7 TAT TAT maintained continuously rather than limited to scenes or specific times.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits are similar to TPE:
- Complete surrender for the submissive
- Comprehensive leadership for the dominant
- Profound trust and intimacy
- Clear structure and expectations
Challenges include:
- Immense responsibility for the dominant
- Risk of burnout from constant intensity
- Social and practical complications
- Difficulty renegotiating if needs change
Is TAT Right for You?
Consider TAT if:
- Both partners genuinely desire comprehensive authority transfer
- The dominant can handle extensive decision-making responsibility
- The submissive truly wants complete surrender of authority
- You can maintain ongoing communication and consent
TAT might not work if:
- Either partner has reservations about the intensity
- Life circumstances make it impractical
- You prefer more balanced or compartmentalized dynamics
Common Misconceptions
“TAT means the submissive can’t say no” - No. Healthy TAT includes safe words, boundaries, and the ability to withdraw consent.
“TAT dominants can make any decision” - No. Ethical dominants consider the submissive’s wellbeing and respect negotiated limits.
“TAT is more ‘real’ than other dynamics” - No. All consensual BDSM dynamics are equally valid.
For comprehensive information about intensive power exchange dynamics, see: TPE and Power Exchange.
Related terms: TPE, Power Exchange, 24/7, D/s, M/s