INTRODUCTION: Masculinity is a research field in growth and men are increasingly questioning their gendered existence. Although BDSM is gaining popular interest, research in a Danish context is non-existent. Furthermore, studies on gender within BDSM tend to focus on gender minorities. AIM: To gain an in-depth understanding of how Danish, heterosexual men practicing BDSM as Dominants experience masculinity within their BDSM practices, hereunder researching views on masculinity and societal masculinity norms, as well as how masculinity and practices of BDSM synergize. METHOD: The study has a qualitative, exploratory, inductive design with a social constructivist methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 Danish male, heterosexual, Dominant BDSM practitioners, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two major themes were identified: 1) Masculinity in the Making: Norms and Perspectives on What We Are, with subthemes a) The Pain of Pleasure and b) Ambiguity and Resistance, and 2) Manifesting Masculinity through Practices: BDSM and Masculinity in Synergy, with subthemes a) Relationship with Self: Authenticity and Essence, b) Relationship with the Other: Love, Empathy and Admiration and c) Relationship with other Dominants: Camaraderie, Mockery and Rivalry. CONCLUSION: Masculinity is an ambivalent concept with few positive role models. Masculinity ideals create insecurities on expectations, and resistance towards the male persona. The Dominant position can cultivate and express a desired masculine essence, or traits, such as Authenticity and Direction. The introduction to BDSM is a challenging process of accepting a minority identity, and creates a fellowship and community amongst men which entails intimate sharing, guidance, emotional support and skill development. Masculinity is manifested through the relationship with oneself, with one’s play partner and with other Dominants. Authenticity is a defining feature of the relationship with self; presence, direction and vulnerability define the relationship with the play partner and; camaraderie, mockery and rivalry constitute the relationship with other Dominants. Within BDSM the male dominant persona is actively debated, creating conflict within the community. DISCUSSION: BDSM offers a variety of ways to manifest a gendered identity. More research is needed on mental health effects of BDSM generally, and for men specifically.