1st Runner-up: Louie Pacheco, Mr. CSW Leather
2nd Runner-up: Chewy Morin, Mr. Ashram West Leather
Brotherhood Award: Pup Don Mike, Mr. Sister Leather
Friday, April 9, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS Brad Taylor, Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2010
1st Runner-up: Louie Pacheco, Mr. CSW Leather
2nd Runner-up: Chewy Morin, Mr. Ashram West Leather
Brotherhood Award: Pup Don Mike, Mr. Sister Leather
New York Welcomes the first Mr. Rawhide NYC Mr Rawhide, NYC Contest Winner Ryan Moller
The Leather Report
by Darrell Blackandblue
On Saturday March 13, history was made within the NYC Leather community when the city's oldest and original Leather/Levi bar, Rawhide, held it's first ever Mr. Rawhide, NYC leather competition. Despite the ominous wind and rain conditions outdoors the bar was packed with Leather men and women as they celebrated the competition and then the choosing of the first Mr. Rawhide, NYC, Ryan Moller. Ryan has been active in the leather, rubber and fetish scene in recent years and is a behind-the-scenes theatre professional. The other contestants had among them, an adult film star, a Rawhide regular and raconteur and a self-proclaimed Master’s boy. How did it feel to compete? “It was thrilling,” Ryan says, “to be in the first contest with such a group of great guys...(we) have become such great friends… guys that I (might) not have gotten close to otherwise.” The esteemed and diverse panel of judges and support staff consisted of a round up of New York nightlife scene makers and royalty of East Coast Leather titleholders. Will Clark, Porno Bingo impresario, emceed the night with DJ Delroy spinning tunes and Ray Daniels dancing "Coyote Ugly" style. Special Guest Judge, Mike Dreyden threatened to steal the show with his wisecracks and snarkitude! While running in a Leather contest might seem easy, don’t be fooled. “I have seen a few contests in the past, but never had the guts to stand up in front of everyone and do it myself,” Ryan continues, “The judges really made me feel at ease and confident (and showed me) that it was nothing to be scared of…on contest night the audience was wonderful, they really helped put me at ease, which is not easy when you are half-naked in front of strangers!”
What’s it like to chosen as a winner? Ryan tells me, “Winning means acceptance and that I have gained the confidence of the Leather community in NYC. Chosen by a panel of judges really ranging the gamut, it means that they trust that I was the best to go forth and represent the community, something I am really excited to do. It is great to know that the staff and patrons of Rawhide are ready to get behind a new guy and (hopefully) will support me during this title year and beyond.” Ryan will represent the bar and his local leather community through events, fundraising and charitable action. He will go onto compete at International Mister Leather in 2011.
Produced by Rawhide, NYC, and Leather First, NYC, the competition was sponsored by area businesses that support leather activities in NYC. The Mr. Rawhide, NYC Leather contest marks a new chapter for the Chelsea bar. It will soon host weekly and monthly Leather-themed parties, open to all NYC Leather communities. The bar and its new titleholder will be stars to watch in the coming year!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
New York’s Leather Organizations
The Leather Report
By Darrell BlackandBlue
New York’s Leather Organizations
By now you are knee deep in underwear and leather accessories as you buy, choose and edit what you are wearing around town during The Saint At Large’s Black Party Weekend. So many places to go, so many men, so many costume changes! I’m sure it is enough to make you wonder, “What is this all about anyway?” and “Is it all just about animal hides and see-through clothes?” Well yes it is. And no it certainly isn’t.
“The Leather Scene” is about sexuality, tradition, respect, education, charity and the spirit of working and building things together. As quietly as it is kept, these ideas are alive well in the leather clubs that live and thrive in NYC.
Leather Pride Night
Not so much an organization as a monthly meeting of organizations, charities and individuals; working together to produce the annual Leather Pride Night Auction every June. A fun way to learn about the politics, the struggles and concerns of the wide range of fetish people that meet to plan an event that raises money for a number of area charities.
Meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Center. www.leatherpridenight.com
Empire City Motorcycle Club & Excelsior Motorcycle Club
The most traditional of leather clubs are the MC’s or motorcycle clubs. These gay male bikers groups are open to active bikers who own motorcycles. Regular social events and rides are held. Empire City MC is oldest ongoing gay all-riding organization in the country. Founded in 1964, it is also the oldest ongoing gay organization east of the Rockies. Excelsior M.C. began in 1975 when a group of four men shared a room on Fire Island where they spent "Leather Weekend”. The original four members felt a kinship with the club Empire City MC. And ECMC lent them a copy of their constitution and supported them in their beginning stages of forming the club Excelsior.
Meetings are held at the Center. www.excelsiormc.org/ & www.empirecitymc.com
Iron Guard
Iron Guard states their purpose as a club that displays character and leadership in sustaining and supporting the gay leather/levi community in NYC and beyond. Some of the members are bikers, but the club is not a riding club. They come from all vocations and ages. Iron Guard participates in bar nights to raise money for the club and benefits AIDS charities.
Meetings are on the last Tuesday of each month over a casual dinner. All are welcome!
www.ironguardbc.org
MAsT
MAsT: NYC (Masters and slaves Together NYC) is a discussion group for NYC area gay men involved in or interested in the Master/slave lifestyle as well as Daddy/boy and other Dom/sub relationships. Their monthly meetings provide a forum for issues that concern Masters and slaves, to share ideas and knowledge of the lifestyle, and to socialize with others who appreciate the special character of these relationships. The group is about living the reality and/or exploring the issues with living the reality of Master and slave relationships.
Meetings are on the 4th Sunday of the month at The Center. http://mast.net/chapters/new_york_city
Onyx New York
Onyx New York was formed in early 2005 as a NYC chapter of the famed Chicago Onyx Men, a primarily African-American Leather Men and Associates group. They aim to share information and address issues specific to men of color who chose to discuss and/or participate in the leather lifestyle. They hold fundraising bar nights, cultural events, and demo events.
Meetings are on the second Sunday of every month at the Center. www.onyxnewyork.com
New York boys of Leather
New York boys of Leather is a leather social organization whose mission is to provide leatherboys with a forum to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, and support each other and the leather community.
They are a group of kinky people who generally like the submissive or bottom side of things. They define themselves as fun-loving “leatherboys” with a youthful outlook, though they can be of any age or gender as long as one displays masculine energy, and is attracted to masculine energy.
NyboL regularly has fundraisers and activities that benefit local charities. They also give in time and service and can be seen in force at Leather Pride Night and Folsom Street East. They also organize social outings for their members and the community at large. In the past, events have included trips to the theater, to movies, and even to Brooklyn.
Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at The Center. www.nybol.org
Folsom Street East
Folsom Street East is the largest outdoor fetish street festival on the eastern coast, bringing thousands of kinky people out onto the streets of New York City on a summer afternoon to celebrate sexual diversity and expression. The Gay Men’s S&M Association (GMSMA) (now defunct) held the first Folsom Street East in 1997. Named after the famous Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco, the block party was an instant success, bringing S/M-Leather-Fetish brothers and sisters together for a celebration, while raising money to support worthy causes. Over the past 13 years, Folsom Street East street festival has donated more than $250,000 to organizations like The Center, the NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) and God’s Love We Deliver.
Folsom Street East is a volunteer event, and needs people to setup, run the event during the day, and break it down. Volunteer forms can be found at their website. www.folsomstreeteast.org
New York has had may other clubs that have come and gone, but there survives a heart and spirit of leather brotherhood in which all of that all of us can take part. Seize it!
By Darrell BlackandBlue
New York’s Leather Organizations
By now you are knee deep in underwear and leather accessories as you buy, choose and edit what you are wearing around town during The Saint At Large’s Black Party Weekend. So many places to go, so many men, so many costume changes! I’m sure it is enough to make you wonder, “What is this all about anyway?” and “Is it all just about animal hides and see-through clothes?” Well yes it is. And no it certainly isn’t.
“The Leather Scene” is about sexuality, tradition, respect, education, charity and the spirit of working and building things together. As quietly as it is kept, these ideas are alive well in the leather clubs that live and thrive in NYC.
Leather Pride Night
Not so much an organization as a monthly meeting of organizations, charities and individuals; working together to produce the annual Leather Pride Night Auction every June. A fun way to learn about the politics, the struggles and concerns of the wide range of fetish people that meet to plan an event that raises money for a number of area charities.
Meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Center. www.leatherpridenight.com
Empire City Motorcycle Club & Excelsior Motorcycle Club
The most traditional of leather clubs are the MC’s or motorcycle clubs. These gay male bikers groups are open to active bikers who own motorcycles. Regular social events and rides are held. Empire City MC is oldest ongoing gay all-riding organization in the country. Founded in 1964, it is also the oldest ongoing gay organization east of the Rockies. Excelsior M.C. began in 1975 when a group of four men shared a room on Fire Island where they spent "Leather Weekend”. The original four members felt a kinship with the club Empire City MC. And ECMC lent them a copy of their constitution and supported them in their beginning stages of forming the club Excelsior.
Meetings are held at the Center. www.excelsiormc.org/ & www.empirecitymc.com
Iron Guard
Iron Guard states their purpose as a club that displays character and leadership in sustaining and supporting the gay leather/levi community in NYC and beyond. Some of the members are bikers, but the club is not a riding club. They come from all vocations and ages. Iron Guard participates in bar nights to raise money for the club and benefits AIDS charities.
Meetings are on the last Tuesday of each month over a casual dinner. All are welcome!
www.ironguardbc.org
MAsT
MAsT: NYC (Masters and slaves Together NYC) is a discussion group for NYC area gay men involved in or interested in the Master/slave lifestyle as well as Daddy/boy and other Dom/sub relationships. Their monthly meetings provide a forum for issues that concern Masters and slaves, to share ideas and knowledge of the lifestyle, and to socialize with others who appreciate the special character of these relationships. The group is about living the reality and/or exploring the issues with living the reality of Master and slave relationships.
Meetings are on the 4th Sunday of the month at The Center. http://mast.net/chapters/new_york_city
Onyx New York
Onyx New York was formed in early 2005 as a NYC chapter of the famed Chicago Onyx Men, a primarily African-American Leather Men and Associates group. They aim to share information and address issues specific to men of color who chose to discuss and/or participate in the leather lifestyle. They hold fundraising bar nights, cultural events, and demo events.
Meetings are on the second Sunday of every month at the Center. www.onyxnewyork.com
New York boys of Leather
New York boys of Leather is a leather social organization whose mission is to provide leatherboys with a forum to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, and support each other and the leather community.
They are a group of kinky people who generally like the submissive or bottom side of things. They define themselves as fun-loving “leatherboys” with a youthful outlook, though they can be of any age or gender as long as one displays masculine energy, and is attracted to masculine energy.
NyboL regularly has fundraisers and activities that benefit local charities. They also give in time and service and can be seen in force at Leather Pride Night and Folsom Street East. They also organize social outings for their members and the community at large. In the past, events have included trips to the theater, to movies, and even to Brooklyn.
Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at The Center. www.nybol.org
Folsom Street East
Folsom Street East is the largest outdoor fetish street festival on the eastern coast, bringing thousands of kinky people out onto the streets of New York City on a summer afternoon to celebrate sexual diversity and expression. The Gay Men’s S&M Association (GMSMA) (now defunct) held the first Folsom Street East in 1997. Named after the famous Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco, the block party was an instant success, bringing S/M-Leather-Fetish brothers and sisters together for a celebration, while raising money to support worthy causes. Over the past 13 years, Folsom Street East street festival has donated more than $250,000 to organizations like The Center, the NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) and God’s Love We Deliver.
Folsom Street East is a volunteer event, and needs people to setup, run the event during the day, and break it down. Volunteer forms can be found at their website. www.folsomstreeteast.org
New York has had may other clubs that have come and gone, but there survives a heart and spirit of leather brotherhood in which all of that all of us can take part. Seize it!
LAL 2010 – LA Leather Weekend
March 26th-28th
Get your leather, kink, fetish gear on and get to the biggest leather weekend party now! The ten feeder contests are done and the winners are selected, prepped and ready to compete for the coveted Mr. LA Leather 2010 title. Who will win? Do you have your choice? So much is happening as you read this, so get going. If you haven’t gotten any of your leather gear yet, stop by 665 Leather in West Hollywood, Rough Trade in Silver Lake or The Stockroom in Silver Lake to get into the hottest leather/fetish gear you can. Show off your chest in a harness or flaunt that bubble butt in leather chaps and jockstrap. Add the boots and don’t forget the lube! Check out these official leather events during LAL 2010:
3/21 -- Avatar Leather Lot Party
Avatar’s annual Leather Lot Party shakes things up at the Faultline Bar on Melrose & Vermont. The parking lot is closed off for the ride in of the LAL 2010 leather contestants on motorcycles to be introduced to you. Check out the meat on stage! A BBQ will help absorb the beer intake and Avatar will be glad to show you the ropes or any kinky thought you may have. $5 entry from 2-7PM on Sunday afternoon.
3/24 -- Hell on Wheels
Strap on those roller skates or bring your in-line skates to the kinkiest night on wheels. Get the leather/fetish gear on and roll with the kinksters at the Moonlight Roller Rink in Glendale. Skate to wild grooves from the house DJ or hang with the kinksters on the sidelines. Yup, a great cruising night as well. $10 entry (includes skate rental) from 7:30-10PM on Wednesday night.
3/25 -- A Decade of Mr. LA Leather
Tonight we celebrate a decade of Mr. LA Leathers by honoring and recognizing former Mr. LA Leather titleholders and celebrate the upcoming selection of Mr. LA Leather 2010. A multi-media event is planned for the night’s cocktail reception which will bring back many memories. Join us at JT’s Stockroom in Silver Lake for a celebratory night with LA’s finest leather folk from 7-9PM.
3/25 -- Roast & Toast of Mr. LA Leather 2009
Here is your chance to take a shot at Ken Hearst, Mr. LA Leather 2009, as the community roast & toast him to no end. Take the mic to razz and praise Ken about his title year, his disco dancing, his therapy sessions, and then some. All is game for lots of laughter and maybe some tears. Ken placed 6th place overall at International Mr. Leather. Free entry at Oil Can Harry’s loft bar from 9-11PM.
3/26 -- Southland Honors
Leather folk will gather on this special night to recognize groups and individuals for their tireless work in our local leather community. Service awards will be bestowed upon groups and individuals in this formal leather event, so formal attire will be most appropriate. Southland Honors will be held at the Henry David Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo, downtown LA from 7-10PM on Friday night with a cocktail reception. Tickets can be purchased at www.MrLALeather.com.
3/26 -- Cigar Social & Rub Out
Get your rubber/latex and/or leather gear on and get to the Eagle LA to hang with some cigar smokin’ hot men. Maximus provides the smokes and you provide the fire. Just don’t get the cigars and fire too close to the rubber/latex. Maybe the Daddy of your dreams is waiting there for you.
3/27 -- Mr. LA Leather 2010 Contest
The main event of the weekend is the fun and impressive Mr. LA Leather 2010 contest show at the Henry David Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo, downtown LA. Ten contestants will vie for the coveted title to represent the LA leather community. The winner will go on to compete at International Mr. Leather this May in Chicago. The 1st Runner-up has the option to go on to compete at American Brotherhood Weekend this July in Chicago. Past LA winners have gone on to win larger titles: Mike Gerle, IML 2007; Randy Carmenaty, ABW 2008; and Alex Lindsay, ABW 2009. Who will be the next Mr. LA Leather? Get your tickets at www.MrLALeather.com.
3/28 -- LAL Victory BBQ
Meet and congratulate the newly crowned Mr. LA Leather 2010 and the rest of the LAL 2010 class of titleholders. As they say, come meet the MEAT! The celebration continues Sunday at The Bullet Bar in North Hollywood with a delicious BBQ and beer bust. This promises not to be your average burger and hot dog BBQ. Don’t forget your cameras and come hungry from 4-8PM.
Many Other Kinky Events
There are many other leather events happening during the week that will peek your interest and juices:
3/22 -- SPANK Karaoke www.bulletbarla.com
Kinky fun karaoke singing with a twist every Monday night with an entertaining host, Alex. Take the mic and sing to your hearts content. A little high kick with your boots won’t hurt either.
3/27-28 -- Erotic Art Fair www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org
Tom of Finland Foundation 15th Annual Erotic Art Fair Wknd @ West Hollywood Park. Some extraordinary erotic artists gather for the weekend to show off and sell their artwork. If you ever wanted to draw from a nude live model, here’s your chance. Bring your drawing pad and checkbook to pick up some erotic artwork for your home, office or dungeon.
3/27 -- Anvil Club www.anvil-club.com
Anvil Club is all about cruising and socializing in your gear and all of the back hallways are dedicated to major darkroom action. It's a full-on gear dress code club in a private space that features a fully equipped dungeon and a huge darkroom. Dress code fully enforced.
3/28 -- Interfaith Leather Celebration Service www.mccinthevalley.com
Sunday church service with a leather theme at MCC in the Valley, North Hollywood. Wear your Sunday best leather gear. Free entry from 11AM-1PM.
Get your leather, kink, fetish gear on and get to the biggest leather weekend party now! The ten feeder contests are done and the winners are selected, prepped and ready to compete for the coveted Mr. LA Leather 2010 title. Who will win? Do you have your choice? So much is happening as you read this, so get going. If you haven’t gotten any of your leather gear yet, stop by 665 Leather in West Hollywood, Rough Trade in Silver Lake or The Stockroom in Silver Lake to get into the hottest leather/fetish gear you can. Show off your chest in a harness or flaunt that bubble butt in leather chaps and jockstrap. Add the boots and don’t forget the lube! Check out these official leather events during LAL 2010:
3/21 -- Avatar Leather Lot Party
Avatar’s annual Leather Lot Party shakes things up at the Faultline Bar on Melrose & Vermont. The parking lot is closed off for the ride in of the LAL 2010 leather contestants on motorcycles to be introduced to you. Check out the meat on stage! A BBQ will help absorb the beer intake and Avatar will be glad to show you the ropes or any kinky thought you may have. $5 entry from 2-7PM on Sunday afternoon.
3/24 -- Hell on Wheels
Strap on those roller skates or bring your in-line skates to the kinkiest night on wheels. Get the leather/fetish gear on and roll with the kinksters at the Moonlight Roller Rink in Glendale. Skate to wild grooves from the house DJ or hang with the kinksters on the sidelines. Yup, a great cruising night as well. $10 entry (includes skate rental) from 7:30-10PM on Wednesday night.
3/25 -- A Decade of Mr. LA Leather
Tonight we celebrate a decade of Mr. LA Leathers by honoring and recognizing former Mr. LA Leather titleholders and celebrate the upcoming selection of Mr. LA Leather 2010. A multi-media event is planned for the night’s cocktail reception which will bring back many memories. Join us at JT’s Stockroom in Silver Lake for a celebratory night with LA’s finest leather folk from 7-9PM.
3/25 -- Roast & Toast of Mr. LA Leather 2009
Here is your chance to take a shot at Ken Hearst, Mr. LA Leather 2009, as the community roast & toast him to no end. Take the mic to razz and praise Ken about his title year, his disco dancing, his therapy sessions, and then some. All is game for lots of laughter and maybe some tears. Ken placed 6th place overall at International Mr. Leather. Free entry at Oil Can Harry’s loft bar from 9-11PM.
3/26 -- Southland Honors
Leather folk will gather on this special night to recognize groups and individuals for their tireless work in our local leather community. Service awards will be bestowed upon groups and individuals in this formal leather event, so formal attire will be most appropriate. Southland Honors will be held at the Henry David Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo, downtown LA from 7-10PM on Friday night with a cocktail reception. Tickets can be purchased at www.MrLALeather.com.
3/26 -- Cigar Social & Rub Out
Get your rubber/latex and/or leather gear on and get to the Eagle LA to hang with some cigar smokin’ hot men. Maximus provides the smokes and you provide the fire. Just don’t get the cigars and fire too close to the rubber/latex. Maybe the Daddy of your dreams is waiting there for you.
3/27 -- Mr. LA Leather 2010 Contest
The main event of the weekend is the fun and impressive Mr. LA Leather 2010 contest show at the Henry David Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo, downtown LA. Ten contestants will vie for the coveted title to represent the LA leather community. The winner will go on to compete at International Mr. Leather this May in Chicago. The 1st Runner-up has the option to go on to compete at American Brotherhood Weekend this July in Chicago. Past LA winners have gone on to win larger titles: Mike Gerle, IML 2007; Randy Carmenaty, ABW 2008; and Alex Lindsay, ABW 2009. Who will be the next Mr. LA Leather? Get your tickets at www.MrLALeather.com.
3/28 -- LAL Victory BBQ
Meet and congratulate the newly crowned Mr. LA Leather 2010 and the rest of the LAL 2010 class of titleholders. As they say, come meet the MEAT! The celebration continues Sunday at The Bullet Bar in North Hollywood with a delicious BBQ and beer bust. This promises not to be your average burger and hot dog BBQ. Don’t forget your cameras and come hungry from 4-8PM.
Many Other Kinky Events
There are many other leather events happening during the week that will peek your interest and juices:
3/22 -- SPANK Karaoke www.bulletbarla.com
Kinky fun karaoke singing with a twist every Monday night with an entertaining host, Alex. Take the mic and sing to your hearts content. A little high kick with your boots won’t hurt either.
3/27-28 -- Erotic Art Fair www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org
Tom of Finland Foundation 15th Annual Erotic Art Fair Wknd @ West Hollywood Park. Some extraordinary erotic artists gather for the weekend to show off and sell their artwork. If you ever wanted to draw from a nude live model, here’s your chance. Bring your drawing pad and checkbook to pick up some erotic artwork for your home, office or dungeon.
3/27 -- Anvil Club www.anvil-club.com
Anvil Club is all about cruising and socializing in your gear and all of the back hallways are dedicated to major darkroom action. It's a full-on gear dress code club in a private space that features a fully equipped dungeon and a huge darkroom. Dress code fully enforced.
3/28 -- Interfaith Leather Celebration Service www.mccinthevalley.com
Sunday church service with a leather theme at MCC in the Valley, North Hollywood. Wear your Sunday best leather gear. Free entry from 11AM-1PM.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
LA Area Leather/Fetish/Kink Clubs & Organizations
By: Kinky Brothers
You are very fortunate to be living here in the LA area because you can attend a leather, fetish, kink oriented event every night of the week. Compared to smaller cities around the country who may possibly have 1-2 events a month, we have so much to do and see around us. Get your fetish gear on and come out to see what is out there for you to enjoy, learn, participate, and dive in. Some of these clubs/organizations require membership to participate, but most have events for the public to enjoy as well. Check these out, maybe one or more may be of interest to you or have the courage to step out of the box to try something different.
Avatar Club Los Angeles -- www.AvatarLA.org
Avatar is a non-profit fraternal organization for gay men with interests in leather, kink, and fetish. Avatar promotes safe, sane, consensual and fun BDSM play. Monthly educational programs are open to all interested adults. Avatar Leather Lab provides men with hands-on educational programs. Avatar hosts dungeon play parties for men to play, practice, and learn BDSM/fetish/kink of different levels. Although Avatar is a membership by invitation organization, adults are welcomed at their public events. Avatar has proudly served the community as an educational forum since 1983.
Bears LA -- www.BearsLA.org
Bears LA was created 15 years ago to provide a social outlet for the Los Angeles and the surrounding area Bear community. We sponsor and organize a variety of social events, Mr. SoCal Bear and Mr. LA Leather Bear. We are an all-inclusive group supporting camaraderie, fun and friendship while giving to charitable causes and encouraging community service.
B&B Corps -- www.bbcorps.com
The California B & B Corps is a uniform club of men with mutual interest and respect for Boots and Breeches as worn by police motor officers. In 2008 The Corps celebrated its 40th anniversary. The longest established uniform club in the US, the B & B Corps began in 1968 in Los Angeles. The Corps presently has Divisions in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs. The Corps sponsors club and public events throughout the year in the greater LA, SF, and PS areas.
Bears Ventura -- www.BearsVentura.org
Bears Ventura is an organization for Bears and their admirers. We are a social club which organizes activities for members that allow them to interact with each other, meet new people and make new friends. More importantly TO HAVE FUN. Throughout the year, Bears Ventura organizes activities for our members. Twice a year the club sponsors a retreat to Pine Mountain for “Bears in the Woods”, a weekend event in which members hike, eat, watch movies, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. On a monthly basis, the club hosts a beverage benefit and BBQ at Paddy’s in Ventura. Bears Ventura has a long-standing tradition of supporting various charities in and around our community. The support for the charities comes from the many fund raising activities done throughout the year
Genesis TNG -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GenesisTNG
Genesis TNG (The Next Generation) is a special interest group established in 1999 for the younger participants (18-38) of the Lifestyle. We are a pansexual social and education group comprised of peers from various walks of the lifestyle. All experience levels, sexual orientations and interests are welcome. Genesis TNG is a "gateway" organization. While we do schedule our own events, encourage members to expand their knowledge amongst peers, and just hang out and have fun, we also provide the information, networking and support necessary to eventually transition into the larger community. Genesis TNG does not follow a “One-size-fits-all” philosophy. We encourage everyone to explore the various aspects of our lifestyle and utilize the vast resources our community has to offer.
LA Band of Brothers -- www.labrothers.org
We are current and former Los Angeles titleholders whose primary purpose is to support current and future titleholders born out of the Mr. L.A. Leather contest system, and to represent the unique and diverse tribe of the Los Angeles Leather Coalition. We do this by educating titleholders on ways to maximize their abilities, sharing our experience as titleholders, and maintaining a titleholder fund.
LA Boys of Leather -- www.LAboL.org
The LA Boys of Leather exists as a forum through which self-identified leatherboys may educate and learn, (about the brotherhood of boys and the leather community at large), provide fellowship and encouragement, socialize, have fun, and support each other and their community. We define the term 'leatherboy' as broadly as possible with the intent of being inclusive. The term 'leatherboy' is not limited to a particular age, gender, appearance or sexual orientation. Rather it represents a common dedication to service and devotion to the leather community. We gather in boyhood and brotherhood to support ourselves and our community with respect and integrity.
LOBOC -- www.loboc.com
LOBOC Motorcycle Club is a pansexual, pangendered motorcycle club, established in 1972. "LOBOC" stands for "LOng Beach & Orange County," (California) which is where our meetings and most events take place.
Masters And slaves Together -- www.mast.net/chapters/greater_los_angeles.htm
MAsT: Greater Los Angeles is a pansexual support and discussion group for those interested in the Master-Mistress/slave or Dominant/submissive relationship. Persons of any gender and sexual orientation are welcome.
Maximus Cigars/Pipes & Smoke Club -- www.n2maximus.com
Maximus organizes quarterly socials and periodic smokers for Real Men and butch boys — not the nelly or faint of heart — who know, crave and indulge in the macho appeal and libido-stoking lure of cigar-smoking, pipe-smoking, and the he-man camaraderie and male bonding they stir up. Where there's smoke, there's fire — and you'll find both at MAXIMUS gatherings. If you're looking for the tobacco-fumed company of like-minded, red-blooded men who share your cigar and pipe fetishes big time, you've come to right place.
Moonburn Men’s Spanking Club -- MoonburnLA@sbcglobal.net
Moonburn is a group of men who host a monthly all-male spanking party in Los Angeles the first Saturday of every month in the North Hollywood area from 2-6 PM. Come play, socialize, learn and meet others who are into spanking, paddling, caning and impact play.
Oedipus Motorcycle Club -- www.omcla.org
Oedipus’ focus is motorcycle riding and related social activities, serving the gay and lesbian community. Members ride a variety of motorcycles, ranging from sports bikes, cruisers, Harley’s and more. Come join us on one of our monthly rides to see for yourself. Our rides cover various regions throughout the Southern California area, from Ojai to Long Beach, and many areas in-between.
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD) -- www.PSlod.org
PSLOD is a pansexual organization of like-minded individuals pursuing an interest in the Leather/SM/Fetish lifestyle, with an interest in fundraising for the local community. PSLOD produces the annual “Turning Up the Heat” leather pride weekend in November where they select their Mr. Palm Springs Leather titleholder.
Radical And Wicked Women (RAWW) -- www.myspace.com/keepingitraww
RAWW is an organization for women with interests in leather, BDSM, fetish and kink. They promote safe, sane, consensual and fun play. They host monthly gatherings for networking, socializing, and learning different fetishes. The night usually ends with a dungeon play party which gets hot and loads of fun.
Palm Springs Boys of Leather -- www.PSboL.com
Palm Springs Boys of Leather is to provide leatherboys a forum to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, contribute, and support each other and their community. The PS Boys of Leather is a group of self-identified leatherboys. The term leatherboy is defined as broadly as possible with the intent of being inclusive, and boy not being based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, or appearance. Our purpose is to gather in brotherhood and boyhood, supporting our members and our community with respect and integrity.
Orange Coast Leather Assembly (OCLA) -- www.OCLA.org
OCLA is an education and outreach organization for the Leather, S/M and Fetish community in Orange County, Long Beach, South Bay, Greater L.A. and the surrounding areas of Southern California. OCLA is open to adults 18 years of age and older, of all genders and sexual orientations, from absolute novice to skilled experts, who socialize and learn from each other. OCLA is a non-membership group that promotes individual and community health, safety and growth and functions as an information source. Learn safe, sane and consensual S/M practices. Meet other people who share your interests. Hear from noted authorities in the field of S/M.
The Regiment of the Black & Tans -- www.BlackandTans.org
The Regiment of the Black and Tans is a Los Angeles based social and fraternal organization for men with an interest in uniforms. Founded in 1974, the Southland's most active uniform club sponsors 3-6 uniform events annually. Their most notable event, Maneuvers 2010, is happening April 30-May 2 and GRUNT is held in the Fall season.
Satyrs Motorcycle Club -- www.SatyrsMC.org
The Satyrs Motorcycle Club was founded in 1954 and is the longest, continuously-running gay organization in America. The main purpose of the club is to promote motorcycling. However, the club also participates in and promotes many social and charitable activities. It sponsors group bike rides - sometimes to raise funds for charities - and holds parties, weekend runs, and beverage benefits in addition to the monthly meetings for club members. The Badger Flat Campground is the site of the club's grand event each year: The four-day run on Labor Day weekend. This hugely popular event attracts bikers and their friends from all over the US and abroad.
Trident International/LA -- www.reocities.com/WestHollywood/1279/
Trident International/Los Angeles is a leather/uniform social club for gay men of any race or physical condition. It is one of 12 "halls" in Trident International, founded in 1973 at Montreal's Neptune bar. That's why our insignia combines the three-pronged fork of King Neptune, mythical god of the sea, with the fleur-de-lis emblem of Canada's Quebec Province. Trident International Los Angeles is not only one of the most open clubs of it's kind in the area, but the only one with a true international affiliation.
So. California Bondage Club -- www.SoCABondage.com
We are a men’s bondage club that meets monthly on the second Friday night in the North Hollywood area for BONDAGE FRIDAY play parties. We welcome both experienced players and newbies. This is a great place to learn the ropes! So bring your rope, restraints, favorite toys or just a desire to learn. We encourage safe, sane, consensual and fun play and encourage everyone to always be respectful of other's scenes and space.
Threshold Society -- www.Threshold.org
Threshold is a non-profit educational and support organization for adults (18 and older) who have an interest in sado-masochism and other activities involved in the safe and consensual exchange of power. Our common belief is that BDSM and Power Exchange is a healthy means of self-exploration and self-expression. We strive to provide forums to promote greater understanding of BDSM issues within our community and beyond.
Threshold seeks to provide a sense of community for our members by organizing a variety of educational and social events.
Warriors Motorcycle Club -- www.WarriorsMC.org
The Warriors established in 1969 as a California nonprofit corporation formed for the primary purpose of promoting safe and enjoyable motorcycling for its members. It is limited to 16 members, at least 2/3 of whom must own and ride a motorcycle. Regular meetings are held monthly, and various events open to the public are sponsored by the club each year.
For a quick glance at what’s happening in your area any night of the week and news reports with photos of events, check out these sites:
www.theleather.blogspot.com
www.freewebs.com/laleatherbdsm/index.htm
www.instigatormagazine.com
www.theleatherjournal.com
www.Leatherati.com
You are very fortunate to be living here in the LA area because you can attend a leather, fetish, kink oriented event every night of the week. Compared to smaller cities around the country who may possibly have 1-2 events a month, we have so much to do and see around us. Get your fetish gear on and come out to see what is out there for you to enjoy, learn, participate, and dive in. Some of these clubs/organizations require membership to participate, but most have events for the public to enjoy as well. Check these out, maybe one or more may be of interest to you or have the courage to step out of the box to try something different.
Avatar Club Los Angeles -- www.AvatarLA.org
Avatar is a non-profit fraternal organization for gay men with interests in leather, kink, and fetish. Avatar promotes safe, sane, consensual and fun BDSM play. Monthly educational programs are open to all interested adults. Avatar Leather Lab provides men with hands-on educational programs. Avatar hosts dungeon play parties for men to play, practice, and learn BDSM/fetish/kink of different levels. Although Avatar is a membership by invitation organization, adults are welcomed at their public events. Avatar has proudly served the community as an educational forum since 1983.
Bears LA -- www.BearsLA.org
Bears LA was created 15 years ago to provide a social outlet for the Los Angeles and the surrounding area Bear community. We sponsor and organize a variety of social events, Mr. SoCal Bear and Mr. LA Leather Bear. We are an all-inclusive group supporting camaraderie, fun and friendship while giving to charitable causes and encouraging community service.
B&B Corps -- www.bbcorps.com
The California B & B Corps is a uniform club of men with mutual interest and respect for Boots and Breeches as worn by police motor officers. In 2008 The Corps celebrated its 40th anniversary. The longest established uniform club in the US, the B & B Corps began in 1968 in Los Angeles. The Corps presently has Divisions in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs. The Corps sponsors club and public events throughout the year in the greater LA, SF, and PS areas.
Bears Ventura -- www.BearsVentura.org
Bears Ventura is an organization for Bears and their admirers. We are a social club which organizes activities for members that allow them to interact with each other, meet new people and make new friends. More importantly TO HAVE FUN. Throughout the year, Bears Ventura organizes activities for our members. Twice a year the club sponsors a retreat to Pine Mountain for “Bears in the Woods”, a weekend event in which members hike, eat, watch movies, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. On a monthly basis, the club hosts a beverage benefit and BBQ at Paddy’s in Ventura. Bears Ventura has a long-standing tradition of supporting various charities in and around our community. The support for the charities comes from the many fund raising activities done throughout the year
Genesis TNG -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GenesisTNG
Genesis TNG (The Next Generation) is a special interest group established in 1999 for the younger participants (18-38) of the Lifestyle. We are a pansexual social and education group comprised of peers from various walks of the lifestyle. All experience levels, sexual orientations and interests are welcome. Genesis TNG is a "gateway" organization. While we do schedule our own events, encourage members to expand their knowledge amongst peers, and just hang out and have fun, we also provide the information, networking and support necessary to eventually transition into the larger community. Genesis TNG does not follow a “One-size-fits-all” philosophy. We encourage everyone to explore the various aspects of our lifestyle and utilize the vast resources our community has to offer.
LA Band of Brothers -- www.labrothers.org
We are current and former Los Angeles titleholders whose primary purpose is to support current and future titleholders born out of the Mr. L.A. Leather contest system, and to represent the unique and diverse tribe of the Los Angeles Leather Coalition. We do this by educating titleholders on ways to maximize their abilities, sharing our experience as titleholders, and maintaining a titleholder fund.
LA Boys of Leather -- www.LAboL.org
The LA Boys of Leather exists as a forum through which self-identified leatherboys may educate and learn, (about the brotherhood of boys and the leather community at large), provide fellowship and encouragement, socialize, have fun, and support each other and their community. We define the term 'leatherboy' as broadly as possible with the intent of being inclusive. The term 'leatherboy' is not limited to a particular age, gender, appearance or sexual orientation. Rather it represents a common dedication to service and devotion to the leather community. We gather in boyhood and brotherhood to support ourselves and our community with respect and integrity.
LOBOC -- www.loboc.com
LOBOC Motorcycle Club is a pansexual, pangendered motorcycle club, established in 1972. "LOBOC" stands for "LOng Beach & Orange County," (California) which is where our meetings and most events take place.
Masters And slaves Together -- www.mast.net/chapters/greater_los_angeles.htm
MAsT: Greater Los Angeles is a pansexual support and discussion group for those interested in the Master-Mistress/slave or Dominant/submissive relationship. Persons of any gender and sexual orientation are welcome.
Maximus Cigars/Pipes & Smoke Club -- www.n2maximus.com
Maximus organizes quarterly socials and periodic smokers for Real Men and butch boys — not the nelly or faint of heart — who know, crave and indulge in the macho appeal and libido-stoking lure of cigar-smoking, pipe-smoking, and the he-man camaraderie and male bonding they stir up. Where there's smoke, there's fire — and you'll find both at MAXIMUS gatherings. If you're looking for the tobacco-fumed company of like-minded, red-blooded men who share your cigar and pipe fetishes big time, you've come to right place.
Moonburn Men’s Spanking Club -- MoonburnLA@sbcglobal.net
Moonburn is a group of men who host a monthly all-male spanking party in Los Angeles the first Saturday of every month in the North Hollywood area from 2-6 PM. Come play, socialize, learn and meet others who are into spanking, paddling, caning and impact play.
Oedipus Motorcycle Club -- www.omcla.org
Oedipus’ focus is motorcycle riding and related social activities, serving the gay and lesbian community. Members ride a variety of motorcycles, ranging from sports bikes, cruisers, Harley’s and more. Come join us on one of our monthly rides to see for yourself. Our rides cover various regions throughout the Southern California area, from Ojai to Long Beach, and many areas in-between.
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD) -- www.PSlod.org
PSLOD is a pansexual organization of like-minded individuals pursuing an interest in the Leather/SM/Fetish lifestyle, with an interest in fundraising for the local community. PSLOD produces the annual “Turning Up the Heat” leather pride weekend in November where they select their Mr. Palm Springs Leather titleholder.
Radical And Wicked Women (RAWW) -- www.myspace.com/keepingitraww
RAWW is an organization for women with interests in leather, BDSM, fetish and kink. They promote safe, sane, consensual and fun play. They host monthly gatherings for networking, socializing, and learning different fetishes. The night usually ends with a dungeon play party which gets hot and loads of fun.
Palm Springs Boys of Leather -- www.PSboL.com
Palm Springs Boys of Leather is to provide leatherboys a forum to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, contribute, and support each other and their community. The PS Boys of Leather is a group of self-identified leatherboys. The term leatherboy is defined as broadly as possible with the intent of being inclusive, and boy not being based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, or appearance. Our purpose is to gather in brotherhood and boyhood, supporting our members and our community with respect and integrity.
Orange Coast Leather Assembly (OCLA) -- www.OCLA.org
OCLA is an education and outreach organization for the Leather, S/M and Fetish community in Orange County, Long Beach, South Bay, Greater L.A. and the surrounding areas of Southern California. OCLA is open to adults 18 years of age and older, of all genders and sexual orientations, from absolute novice to skilled experts, who socialize and learn from each other. OCLA is a non-membership group that promotes individual and community health, safety and growth and functions as an information source. Learn safe, sane and consensual S/M practices. Meet other people who share your interests. Hear from noted authorities in the field of S/M.
The Regiment of the Black & Tans -- www.BlackandTans.org
The Regiment of the Black and Tans is a Los Angeles based social and fraternal organization for men with an interest in uniforms. Founded in 1974, the Southland's most active uniform club sponsors 3-6 uniform events annually. Their most notable event, Maneuvers 2010, is happening April 30-May 2 and GRUNT is held in the Fall season.
Satyrs Motorcycle Club -- www.SatyrsMC.org
The Satyrs Motorcycle Club was founded in 1954 and is the longest, continuously-running gay organization in America. The main purpose of the club is to promote motorcycling. However, the club also participates in and promotes many social and charitable activities. It sponsors group bike rides - sometimes to raise funds for charities - and holds parties, weekend runs, and beverage benefits in addition to the monthly meetings for club members. The Badger Flat Campground is the site of the club's grand event each year: The four-day run on Labor Day weekend. This hugely popular event attracts bikers and their friends from all over the US and abroad.
Trident International/LA -- www.reocities.com/WestHollywood/1279/
Trident International/Los Angeles is a leather/uniform social club for gay men of any race or physical condition. It is one of 12 "halls" in Trident International, founded in 1973 at Montreal's Neptune bar. That's why our insignia combines the three-pronged fork of King Neptune, mythical god of the sea, with the fleur-de-lis emblem of Canada's Quebec Province. Trident International Los Angeles is not only one of the most open clubs of it's kind in the area, but the only one with a true international affiliation.
So. California Bondage Club -- www.SoCABondage.com
We are a men’s bondage club that meets monthly on the second Friday night in the North Hollywood area for BONDAGE FRIDAY play parties. We welcome both experienced players and newbies. This is a great place to learn the ropes! So bring your rope, restraints, favorite toys or just a desire to learn. We encourage safe, sane, consensual and fun play and encourage everyone to always be respectful of other's scenes and space.
Threshold Society -- www.Threshold.org
Threshold is a non-profit educational and support organization for adults (18 and older) who have an interest in sado-masochism and other activities involved in the safe and consensual exchange of power. Our common belief is that BDSM and Power Exchange is a healthy means of self-exploration and self-expression. We strive to provide forums to promote greater understanding of BDSM issues within our community and beyond.
Threshold seeks to provide a sense of community for our members by organizing a variety of educational and social events.
Warriors Motorcycle Club -- www.WarriorsMC.org
The Warriors established in 1969 as a California nonprofit corporation formed for the primary purpose of promoting safe and enjoyable motorcycling for its members. It is limited to 16 members, at least 2/3 of whom must own and ride a motorcycle. Regular meetings are held monthly, and various events open to the public are sponsored by the club each year.
For a quick glance at what’s happening in your area any night of the week and news reports with photos of events, check out these sites:
www.theleather.blogspot.com
www.freewebs.com/laleatherbdsm/index.htm
www.instigatormagazine.com
www.theleatherjournal.com
www.Leatherati.com
Saturday, March 6, 2010
TOM OF FINLAND EROTIC ART FAIR
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Leather Report March 2010
By Darrell BlackandBlue
New York’s Newest Leather Title!
You will never guess what it is! It’s the Mr. Rawhide 2010 contest! That’s right, the bar you run right past or duck into and don’t tell your friends about has a great big, chest-thumping contest title! The weekend of March 12 will expand New York’s tiny leather footprint by inches by adding another celebration of the creed, community and look of leather. This, being a feeder title to Chicago’s 2011 International Mr. Leather Contest will not just be serving lurid hot plates of beefcake! It will have at its forefront: one’s commitment to the scene, knowledge of its roots and service to causes important to our community: health, safety, sexual freedom and equal rights. (In full disclosure: I have been asked to help judge this contest. I assure you that I am not kidding about the qualifications!)
The founder of the contest, Justin John Costello, started taking his first steps into the leather scene in 1998, here in NYC, eventually being named Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy 2006. He moved to Philadelphia, lived within a life-changing Daddy/boy relationship, all the while working on Broadway and writing for Hollywood movies. He traveled the country, taking part in, working on and judging leather contests and soaking up leather culture and history. Asking Justin about his earliest memories of the Rawhide Bar, he replied, “I walked in and immediately got an erection! The atmosphere, the feeling of danger, the hanging motorcycle, the energy, the masculine faces, the photos and drawings on the walls! The possibilities seemed endless! Even now, it has the feel of a classic 1970’s style man’s bar! And that’s a good thing!”
Mr. Rawhide 2010 is actively seeking contestants. Visit the bar and complete an application.
It’s the Black Party; Take At Least One Thing Off!
Yes, if it’s March then it’s the time when cold winds blow and one’s thoughts turn from parkas and down coats to ‘how little can I wear and get away with on the streets of NYC these days?’ March is fast approaching and that means the clock has already started the countdown to the annual Saint at Large Black Party, that all-night, all-weekend parade of men, music and debauchery that takes over New York!
Men, and some of their crazier women friends are going to the web, their closets, lingerie departments, leather shops, latex couturiers and underwear boutiques and freaking out! They are all hoping to find something to make them look just a hair better than they look fully nude! The Saint at Large Black Party, now celebrating its 31st event, promises once again to show and project everything that is sexy in one night, in one room: muscle, skin, spectacle, sweat and attitude! The sounds are intense, the scene is very trippy-- that includes both the performers and the participants. To quote the Saint at Large Organization, “The Black Party has built its legendary reputation on the intense sexual energy of its "strange live acts," state-of-the-art lighting and production design and cutting-edge musical artistry.” I guarantee, that you will not be entirely sure what you are witnessing as the night gallops along!
The games begin on Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10pm and continue until at least noon on Sunday and probably later. At press time the DJs have not yet been announced. This years festivities will include a daytime Expo and a Sunday night after party. I guess we will have to sleep when we are dead!
Here are some tips for survival:
1. Sleep more, before, drink less at the party! The drinks are expensive—and alcohol makes you sleepy!
2. Add weight and reps, now! And don’t forget your cardio! You were born in your best outfit!
3. Search-proof your walk-in wear! You veterans know what I am talking about! Think airport, with a real threat of cavity search. Trust me, your ticket purchase waives your Four Amendment rights. Look it up.
That’s a start. If you survive, I will add more next year!
See you next month!
Check it out:
Mr. Rawhide Competition March 12th & 13th Rawhide Bar 212 Eighth Avenue
Saint at Large Black Party March 20th & 21st Roseland Ballroom 239 West 52nd Street
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Mid Atlantic Leather 2010
Peter Schwartz & Rick Weber @ MAL.
By: Kinky Brothers
Hundreds of leathermen and some leatherwomen descended on Washington DC for the annual MAL (Mid Atlantic Leather) weekend over the Martin Luther King holiday. If you weren’t there, you missed a great opportunity to hang and party with some of the hottest leathermen. The weekend was hosted by the Centaurs Motorcycle Club of DC and they celebrated their 40th anniversary. The highlight of the weekend was the selection of the Mid Atlantic Leather titleholder at their contest Sunday afternoon.
The weekend consists of various parties within the event and parties hosted by outside promoters. Many other events also took place, such as parties for cigar, uniform, fisting, puppies, and sports gear aficionados. There were plenty of private play parties happening in the hotel rooms, but one would need to be enticed into those, which isn’t too hard to do. The Washington Plaza hotel staff was very much on alert as to the hot & nasty activities happening in the hall ways and stairwells. Most socialized and cruised the hotel lobby, which is always fun like a kid in a candy store. It is here where local NYC leathermen were spotted being socially naughty: Rick Weber, Peter Swhartz, Jake Keary, and Preacher (all are Mr. Eagle NYC titleholders).
Six contestants competed for the coveted title of Mid Atlantic Leather and Matt Bamford, Mr. Capital Pride Leather, out shined them all. Matt goes on to compete at International Mr. Leather (www.IMrL.com) end of May in Chicago. David Dean, Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather 2009 came in 1st Runner-up and Jeff Jarnigan, Mr. SECC Leather 2009, was awarded the 2nd Runner-up title. The audience was disappointed when the contestants walked out onto the stage in black Unico boxer briefs instead of the traditional leather jockstrap. The nightclub hosting the contest had been raided recently for indecent exposure, so the contestants couldn’t expose their butts on stage. KeniMattix (www.kenimattix.com), a superb acrobatic duo, entertained the crowd as they balanced on each other’s bulging muscles making beautiful configurations. You may recognize Matthew of the duo. He was the acrobat performer fired from Cirque du Soleil for being HIV+.
This is also the weekend that International Mr. Leather executives announce the prestigious judging panel for the coming year. The press conference was held Saturday afternoon at noon in the hotel conference room. Several current titleholders who are competing at IML 2010 were in attendance as each judge was announced. One of New York's club promoters and leather scene socialite, Robert Valin, was named to the IML judging panel for this coming May. He will sit alongside eight other judges to choose the next Intl. Mr. Leather.
This was the last year the Washington Plaza hosted MAL. In the past, many attendees who couldn’t get into the hotel or found it to be too pricy booked at various surrounding hotels in Thomas Circle. The Capital Hyatt will now be the new host hotel beginning next year. The larger hotel will be able to accommodate all MAL attendees and all MAL events will be in the hotel ballrooms. No more transportation buses to deal with or walking through cold weather and rain, although DC is leather weather.
Leather Cocktails is the center piece of the weekend. This is how MAL started. A group of leathermen gathered in full on leather gear to have cocktails. It grew from that gathering to the huge event it is today. Traditionally the attire is formal leather to attend Leather Cocktails, but many didn’t get the memo that it’s a formal leather event. Many showed up to the event wearing such items as a leather apron exposing his ass; sleeveless T-shirt with ripped jeans; jockstrap and chest harness; and then some. Seeing this standing in line for the meat cutting station and surrounding the bowl of cocktail shrimp was not amusing. Maybe the hotel stairwell would have been more appropriate.
Book your reservations for Mid Atlantic Leather 2011 weekend at www.LeatherWeekend.com and I will see you in the hotel stairwells. Oooops…I mean the hotel lobby.
The Leather Report, Odyssey NY’s column on the darker side of New York Nightlife by Darrell BlackandBlue
Welcome!
Welcome to the first installment of The Leather Report, my column detailing what happened and will happen in New York’s Leather, Bear and Daddy scenes. This column will attempt to do many things: shed light on recent doings in the city, point out some names and faces; discuss topics that I care about and those you suggest; and introduce you to some of the notable and quotable people that make New York, unique, exciting and edgy.
Me, your humble scribe.
But who am I? Well you may ask as I ask myself that everyday. I am Darrell, known around as Darrell BlackandBlue or Darrell the DungeonBoss. I come from a long career of media and photography and have been in the leather scene since 1990. I help found Brothers In Leather, Masters and slaves Together NYC, New York Panthers Leatherclub. I was also an on-air host of WBAI-NY's OutFM and worked in various capacities for New York's all-club charity, Leather Pride Night. I now produce leather-themed play parties and I am building a network of web-based businesses serving the leather and gay communities. Extended versions of this column and other tidbits can be found on my blog: http://notesfromthedungeonboss.blogs.com/newnotes.
NY’s Leather scene.
What is this scene I am discussing? The Leather, Bear, Daddy scene is the hypermasculine, leather-centric, muscle-loving, hairy, shaved, tattooed men that have, over the past 20 years carved out a dark niche in every major city in the world. Having grown out of the Old Guard, formalistic American Leather scene of motorcycle clubs, bars, leatherworkers, contests and conventions, the scene is as much as about art and image, sex and fun, as it is about behaviors and heavy gear. For years, New York was know for its bars (and backrooms), sex shows and peepshows. Now the real estate boom has changed New York and many of its edgier and kinkier places have disappeared. Fewer places are multitasking, serving different segments on different nights. The audience for this scene seems to be shrinking, but in reality it is growing: as evidenced by the millions of men (and women) who join and post to the hundreds of fetish and leather themed sites all over the internet. The web has made sexual imagery, and by extension, fetish subjects, accessible to all Americans, for better or for worse.
The only way a nightlife scene can survive in any city is to find ways to tear these people away from their computers and come out and play. The experts in that field are the promoters, those people that define a scene, name a night, reach out and touch and make a party.
Meet Robert Valin, The Daddy of DADDY & Truck Stop
A born and bred New Yorker and Mr. Eagle NYC 2005, Robert Valin competed at IML that year finishing in the top 10. In the following year, he created Leather Invasion, a way to bringing together those interested in the lifestyle while raising leather visibility to mainstream society. Described by many as a "Kinky Critical Mass," past invasions have included NYC's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), "Black Ice" at Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park, IKEA, the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, to name a few.
A self-proclaimed Leather Bear, Valin runs Truck Stop (truckstopparty.com), the popular monthly party at The Penthouse at The Park, which on that night, caters to the Leather & Bear crowd (featuring a hot tub, yes, a hot tub) as well as the weekly shindig, DADDY on Mondays, upstairs at Vlada. Both nights feature hot DJs and dance floors. While Truck Stop is upbeat and friendly, with a tea dance feel and frat house vibe, DADDY is cool for the loner, or cruiser, with cheap beer, rough-sex porn and a curtained video area. I asked Robert what spurs him on to create these events, he replied, “Friends often complained that there were not many or enough ‘hunky, hairy happenings’ in New York, so I set out to create some,” he continues, “I wanted to make events that were geared to an over-30, beefier crowd, more embracing in terms of body image, that was not so much about fashion but about raw, masculine energy!”
Asked about the response to this growing scene, Valin states, “I met very little negative response, I have been very gratified to get emails from people who have started relationships at my events and from people just thankful that these places exist.” Apparently bars and other promoters are taking notice, he says, “they are seeing that there is a market for this demographic.”
Robert has been active in the community and charity areas fundraising for Teen's Prepared for Life and The Harvey Milk School. He has been a committee member of NYC's Leather Pride Night, an annual charity auction. I asked what he’d like to do in his wildest dreams, and it turns out that he would like to open his own Leather & Bear bar. “I kinda see it as “Cheers meets The Cock!”
With all this on his plate, you may well wonder what Robert Valin does by day. He is a professional voice-over artist for radio, film and television. Samples of that work can be heard on his website, http://robertvalin.com. An accomplished magazine graphic artist, he is developing a graphic arts company to serve the bear and queer communities.
Right now, Valin is starting to work on the Urban Bear Weekend NYC (http://urbanbearweekend.com), which is celebrating its second year this May. He will be busy this May, as he was just asked be one of the judges of International Mr. Leather 2010 (http://imrl.com) in Chicago. Asked for his reaction, he replied, “This is a rare feat, but I am humbled and speechless!”
Where the Wild Things Are:
Truck Stop is Sunday, January 24th, Penthouse at The Park, 10th Ave @ 17th St.
DJ Gustavo, Doors Open 6pm, Free before 7/$5 after http://truckstopparty.com
Daddy is every Monday night, Upstairs at Vlada, 331 W. 51 St. DJ Chauncey D 9pm/Free, Porn, "Backroom" Lounge, Cheap Beer & Vodka, Hot Fuckers
Check it out:
Woof Mondays http://www.viewbarnyc.com
Porno Bingo Wednesdays http://www.piecesbar.com/events.html
CODE Thursdays http://www.eaglenyc.com/
Next Month:
New York’s sex parties, how to prepare for the Saint Black Party, and an interview with Justin Costello, producer of the new leather title: Mr Rawhide NY!
Write to me at: darrell@darrellsdungeon.com
OMG! – Not another titleholder
As Los Angeles Leather rolls around, I'm to tell you why you should run for one of the titles that the leather community offers.
I can hear your eyes rolling. No way! I'm too shy. Too much work. I'm not good looking enough.
A friend gave me an interesting perspective on titles. A title year is like your life, compressed into one year; a year which can show you what you really care about, what your faults really are, who truly supports you, what you honestly enjoy doing. It's an opportunity to live your life completely differently.
So...here are some of the reasons why NOT to run for a title, and some reasons why you SHOULD.
The biggie, first: I'm too shy. Trust me, I am shy; painfully shy. If this is your reason for not running, let me ask: do you like being shy? I know I don't. Having a title is a fantastic opportunity to challenge shyness and fight it head on. Your title is a door opener. It's your JOB to talk to strangers, other shy strangers, hot strangers and fresh meat from out of town. People want you to talk to them.
It's too much work. Having a title is as much or as little work as you make it. Many titleholders are just looking for a little fun...and that's okay. Most producers have only a few expectations of their titleholder. Show up at a few events, hang around the bar making people feel welcome. Bars are always looking for something different...you can be that something different.
I'm not good looking enough. Look at the titleholders around the community. We are a motley crew of looks, sizes, backgrounds. What I can tell you is this...running for a title will make you look at yourself differently, it'll bring out the things that are most attractive about you from your charm to your physique to your dedication to your beautiful green eyes to your infectious laugh.
Having run for and won Mr. Regiment and American Leatherman has given me the confidence to go to events on my own and speak to people I've never met before. It's made me realize that I could make a lasting impact on our community. I've made friends I would never have met otherwise and I'm a greater me for the experience.
If you'd like to know more about upcoming contests, shoot me an email at americanleatherman2009@openkink.org
Cheers,
Alex Lindsay
American Leatherman 2009
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