Leather Leanings

Dear Confused,

Leather is a lifestyle that emerged in the years following World War II.  Common understanding asserts that men who had discovered forbidden love with their fellow soldiers longed to recreate that society upon returning home, and so they formed mens’ motorcycle clubs where they could socialize unimpeded by the watchful eyes of their wives or society at large. By the mid 1960’s, Leather bars had formed across the United States, giving homes to this growing gay men’s subculture, which had begun to be associated with kink, fetishism, and sadomasochism.  The 1970’s saw an explosion of the Leather culture both in the USA and abroad, and women began to emerge on the scene, often spearheading safety initiatives in S/M practices.  The 1980’s brought the AIDS crisis to the Leather community, with men’s gay Leather being particularly hard hit.

Whatever its naissance, Leather is no longer unique to the gay men’s community, with lines having formed through the lesbian, queer, and heterosexual communities as well.  For some, it is fetishized, for some it is just plain sexy, and for some it is a lifestyle in which they are part of a community.  For those in the latter category, many (if not most) are into BDSM, but that is not universally true; and many associate the Leather ethos with a commitment to integrity and community.  I have heard some say, “it is who I can call at 3 in the morning if I need them,” and I have heard, “it’s how I like to fuck.”  Some lean on tradition and protocol, while others focus on authenticity and activism, and still others celebrate being sexual outlaws.  If you ask 100 Leatherfolx for their definition of Leather, you will get 100 different answers.  For me, it is kinky with a code of conduct that one strives to adhere to, one that emphasizes integrity, community, and being true to oneself and one's people.

There are those who ask, "am I Leather?"  Well, as I was told, if you think you are, you are.  It is a self-selecting label with no set rules or governing body or secret handshakes.  If you want to get involved in the community, find munches on FetLife, see if there is a Leather bar in your area, and keep showing up.

~Miss Velvet Steele