help in meaning

[ajlajkit]

Please, what does this mean: "Is it because he is in the lifestyle?"

[aokoye]

Can you give more context? I have some thoughts but without more context I could be totally wrong.

[ajlajkit]

Can you give more context? I have some thoughts but without more context I could be totally wrong.

The investigators know that your client had a sexual relationship with Jane Fields,” I said. “So why not admit to the relationship? Is it because Bryan is in the lifestyle?”
His long nose lifted, as if scenting something. “What’s that?” “Ian enjoys hurting his sexual partners during . . . role play?”

[DangerDave2010]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.p ... =lifestyle

[Speakeasy]

I Googled "in the lifestyle" and came up with a couple of references:

The Urban Dictionary: lifestyle
The name that swingers use to describe their culture. A couple can be in the lifestyle by attending events and becoming familiar with what goes on. They do not have to participate in the swapping and group sex that occurs there. Those that do participate are said to be active.
Example: You two are a nice looking couple. How long have you been in the lifestyle?

LA Weekly
An article titled "Swinging: The Underground Lifestyle That Lets You Fuck Your Friends".

UPDATE:
While I was busy speed-typing my comments above, it seems that DangerDave beat me to the punch. Congrats!

EDITED: Update

[aokoye]

My vote is similar to the others but I would also posit that they might mean BDSM by "the lifestyle" given the quote, “What’s that?” “Ian enjoys hurting his sexual partners during . . . role play?”

[CarlyD]

I think they are referring to BDSM, with an emphasis on the SM. That was my impression first reading it--the swingers definition might fit the words, but the 'hurting' and 'role play' lead more towards BDSM.