i've been reading a selection of Pat Califia's work in her book "Public Sex" (1994). i'm not exactly a feminist, but was given it as a task and i've learned a lot about the movement's interaction with kink.

it might be worth a look at- she was one of the most prominant feminist writers in the 70's and 80's, and is also a member of the Leather community. She wasn't shy about sharing her BDSM inclinations, but she wasn't willing to sacrifice her feminist viewpoint.

Really, her point of view was that we have a right to choose in the Lifestyle what we will accept and not accept, and we should be free to enjoy the things that get us off/make us happy. So what if, as submissives, we want somebody else to take control? Not all feminism is seperatist (i.e. against men), nor is it against the gay male scene, which is arguably where the roots of BDSM sprouted from, though some feminists are against BDSM for this reason. Furthermore, the role a submissive plays is unlike any other 'oppressed' minority that exists in life- it's not the same dynamic as between say, a 'traditional' man and woman, for example, for the simple reason that these roles are who we are, not a label that has been forced upon us. We walk this path because it makes is happy, enlightened, or turns us on.

We get a certain feeling of power, achievement and awe when we see what the human body is capable is. Surely this extends to everybody, regardless of sex, gender and role?

Some see BDSM as a product of violence and oppression. Others see it as the exchange of pleasure and mutual recognition of respect. It really depends on the individual on how easily both parts of yourself will mesh together, but there's certainly no reason why they shouldn't.