Sado-masochistic (SM) sexual activities have historically been considered manifestations of psychopathology. However, recent quantitative research challenges this dominant discourse, finding that individuals who engage in SM sex might even enjoy enhanced mental wellbeing. This study explores the experiences of people practising SM and their understandings of their engagement in these activities. Six individuals participated in semi-structured interviews and data were analysed in line with interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Participants unanimously gave narratives of overcoming and emancipation that were sometimes connected with coming out as kinky. Data analysis suggested that consensual kink activities may sometimes facilitate expression of emotion, physicality and sexuality, and such expressions may at times be beneficial to mental wellbeing.