Coming to Terms with My Kink

I've been dating my girlfriend for a year now, and we both enjoy exploring different aspects of our sexuality. We're very open about everything except one thing, my secret kink that I've only recently admitted to myself. It's always felt wrong to express it because it made me feel like I was going back in time or forgetting who I am as an adult man. I'm a trans guy in my early twenties, and transitioning has been a long journey. Everything about being with someone now is different from what I imagined when I was younger, more unsure of myself. But this kink, it's always been there. It started back when I was still figuring out who I am, but that part of me thought it would fade away as soon as I became comfortable in my skin. A few weeks ago, we were at a BDSM event, and the dynamic play between the subs and their partners really got to me. Something inside clicked, and for the first time, I admitted to myself this is something that turns me on. My partner has always been supportive of my exploration and said she's willing to try anything with an open mind. So here it is: I have a fantasy about being disciplined, being put in my place as a submissive, not because I'm younger or less than anyone else but because there’s something exciting about the power exchange. It feels empowering to be on this side of things, even if the act itself is surrendering control. We decided to take it slow, starting with some light role-play at home. She's been so understanding and caring through my struggle to open up about this kink. Our first time was yesterday, and I felt a mixture of vulnerability and exhilaration. The connection we share deepened as she showed me what I needed in ways that were both gentle and firm. I've finally admitted it out loud: there's something incredibly hot about being the one who needs guidance from my partner, even if just for an hour or two at a time. It doesn't make me less of a man; it makes me feel alive and connected to her in ways I never thought possible before. Now that I’ve faced this fear head-on and accepted myself fully, I want other people out there to know that it’s okay to be different and explore your desires openly.