I used to practice BDSM (in a past relationship). I was always fascinated by issues of control (though I preferred to be the one controlled). I've never experienced abuse or trauma and have no ill will toward the opposite (or toward my own) gender. I just became fascinated by power and control in interpersonal relationships. We're surrounded by it -- even in the little things in life, the way someone's afraid to "talk back" to their boss, the way someone's charisma is so compelling that you find you've done what they asked before you realized you consented, etc. For me, there was always a sexual aspect to that. My exploration of that was a fascinating experience -- only ended because the relationship ended. My only advice would be to be safe (as others have suggested) and to avoid having BDSM become the only form of sexuality within a relationship -- you need to be able to have a sexual relationship with your partner that doesn't always involve roleplaying. I think roleplaying can sometimes hinder intimacy, and that was a problem I occasionally had.

Sidony