This question randomly popped into my head some time ago. I haven't really found anything on Wikipedia relating to masochism outside of sex, but since sadism can be non-sexual, why could masochism be too?
Okay, as someone who has been to a number of kink events, I'll ask, what would you consider sexual? I've seen people go heavy into sub space with zero genital stimulation. The subs I see generally play naked, but it's more about the psychological aspect of being exposed/removing barriers rather than tittilation.
Whether those subs would argue their experience was sexual or not? I think that really depends on the sub.
Are you... arguing that something is only sexual if there's genital stimulation? I could give a shit what consenting adults do, but if you're at a "kink event", that's probably sexual.
Yeah, I've heard people be wrong too! But seriously, I feel like you're getting us even further into the weeds. We're not referring to sex, but "sexual":
*adjective
relating to the instincts, physiological processes, and activities connected with physical attraction or intimate physical contact between individuals.
And I know this isn't your point, but "it depends on your definition of sexual" is nonsense. It's not my definition, it's the definition. That's like saying "it depends on your definition of light". Light is light. Sure, there are levels of illumination, but it all is still light-related...
Well, here's another question then, is cuddling sexual? Most people would say no, though it fits that definition
In addition, for me one of the sexual activities I enjoy the most is basically described as "horny cuddling", but that's also something people have different perceptions of
It's really not as straightforward to define and put down an all-encompassing definition as you might think. Especially when you want to include different people's preferences, experiences, and opinions