TOM’s Bar - Daddy’s Day 30th Anniversary
The Tom of Finland Foundation’s TOM’s Bar - Daddy’s Day 30th Anniversary Gathering at Avalon Hollywood Nightclub on June 18 brought several hundred of Southern California's hottest and exhibitionist Leatherfolk and kinksters. There were
great acts on stage, several contests such as best butt, awards and presentations. One of the dignitariesthere was International Mr. Leather 2023 Marcus Barela. There were a handful of vendors and plenty of cameras and cellphones in action from beginning to end. The show off stage was as terrific as the one under the spotlights with well over half the crowd tanned, bare chested wearing Leather traditional and bulldog harnesses. Maximus Cigars had a group outside one of the stage wings. Attendees appeared in virtual birthday suits to formal Leather. Nothing was missed including ABU fans.
ToFF Executive Director Brad Lim-Senesac was introduced before Violet Chachki was presented the Tom of Finland Cultural Icon Award as a large crowd cheered wildly. During her presentation and acceptance, a short video of her amazing work played on a large screen on the stage's back wall. Several local titleholders were presented certificates honoring their community service. There was a special appearance by the incomparable Dita Von Teese. The new International Mr. Leather 2023, Marcus Barela, had stage time and virtually everyone wanted a photo of themselves taken with Marcus.
“Tom asked me not to have a funeral but to have a party – like a scene from his artwork – people coming together and having a hell of a good time. We created a celebration – the first ‘TOM’s Bar’ in 1992 – which has become a Tom of Finland Foundation annual event honoring Tom," Durk Dehner, president and cofounder of the Tom of Finland Foundation said. A party it was indeed. Loud music pulsated the theater air. As one could step outside and look up across the street where a LGBTQ pride flag blew in the air atop the Capital Records building. Possibly some of the night's music was produced there. A variety of art exhibits on display fit the occasion.
Unlike many artists, Tom of Finland’s work has always been appreciated by a grass-roots audience as his work was first seen in commercial settings such as magazine illustration, posters and advertising. From the perspective of art historians, Tom’s work influenced global culture unmatched by that of virtually any other artist. Tom’s work had a defining impact on the way Gay men throughout the world were perceived and more importantly, how they perceived themselves. Tom’s work has, therefore, had a ripple effect throughout Gay and Straight culture, influencing lifestyle, political tolerance, design, fashion and art. This could not have been more evident than it was at the 30th Anniversary of Tom's Bar.
Scroll to the bottom to see our Mini Gallery of TOM's Bar. Photos by Motorboot Photography, Dave Rhodes
IML 2023 is Marcus Barela
The International Mr. Leather 2023 Contest saw Mr. Eagle LA Leather Marcus Barela best 53 other men at the Auditorium in Chicago, IL on Sunday night, May 28. First runner-up was Christopher Gonzalez and second runner-up was Matthew Moody. Read the full story and 115 photo gallery at
https://theleatherjournal.com/news/iml-2023-is-marcus-barela
CineKink - Rough Edges to open kinky film festival
CineKink has announced that Rough Edges will be the CineKink Season Opener selection for the 20th Anniversary and return of its film festival, CineKink NYC, running August 2-6.
Shot on location in San Francisco, when a technical writer and a struggling artist hook up at a BDSM club, their one-night stand evolves into a tentative arrangement in which they explore each other’s kinks and try to keep things casual. As they find each other more engaging than originally anticipated, the two begin to cautiously explore the possibilities of an open and unconventional relationship. Directed by filmmaker Charles Lyons, the work features compelling performances from lead actors Tim Huls and Phoebe Jones, playing a pair that is comfortable with physical intimacy, yet hesitant to reveal emotional vulnerability.
Rough Edges will screen on Thursday, August 3, 6:30 PM at The Wild Project, 195 East Third Street, NYC, where the majority of the festival's screenings are also unfolding. Marking the first in-person screenings for CineKink since 2019, masks will be required for all in attendance.
CineKink NYC festivities kick off the previous evening, Wednesday, August 2, with a fundraising get-together, and runs through Sunday, August 6, concluding with an awards ceremony and closing party.
Virtual streaming of most festival selections will take place in an encore presentation the week following.
The full CineKink NYC schedule will be announced in early July and tickets will go on sale soon after.
For more information, visit http://www.cinekink.com
Virtual CLAW 15 is right around the corner
By Tyger Yoshi
Join the CLAW Team virtually on Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13, for a weekend of online social events and educational sessions. There will be eight must-see entertainment and education sessions. There will also be opportunities to meet the CLAW Board to answer any questions about the policies and history of the CLAW Corporation.
All three nights will have open-mic socials to chat with others. The Saturday night Gear Party has great music and special adult performances; a great place for online cruising and voyeurism. The weekend finale concludes with a raffle.
Note: Virtual CLAW 15 will be based in the Eastern Time Zone. Dressing in your favorite fetish gear to show off throughout the weekend is strongly encouraged. Weekend access starts at $20. Raffle tickets start at $10. Check out the event website for more details.
San Francisco fetish-friendly cafe Wicked Grounds to close, but events will go on
Story and photo by Amanda Bartlett for SFGATE
Wicked Grounds, San Francisco’s first kink-and-fetish-friendly cafe, art gallery and boutique, shuttered its physical space near the corner of Eighth and Folsom streets in SoMa on Monday afternoon, (June 26) after 14 years in operation.
Owner Mir Bilodeau, who has been at the helm of Wicked Grounds for the past decade, cited declining revenue amid decreased foot traffic downtown over the past couple of years but was adamant the organization will live on through virtual community events and in-person workshops and classes at other venues throughout the city.
Opening just before Folsom Street Fair in September 2009, Wicked Grounds was known for its strong coffee drinks and housemade soups and paninis served alongside a selection of S&M literature, bondage rope and studded gags. In 2019, the business expanded upstairs into a flourishing event space focused on BDSM education — including classes on navigating the community, doing kinky dating safely, overcoming shame, learning about consent and respecting other players — with classes regularly selling out.
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/wicked-grounds-cafe-sf-folsom-kink-18175571.php
Mayhem in Gettysburg
By Rodney Burger
Keron Boy Pup from Philadelphia was selected Mr. Mayhem Leather 2023 and Tyrik Strachan (Thunder Knight) from Baltimore was sashed Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear 2023 during the 12th Annual Bears, Bikers & Mayhem Weekend held May 4-7 at the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania.
This year’s contest saw five contestants for Mr. Mayhem Leather and eight for Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear. Due to the large number of contestants, three bear contestants were eliminated after the in-pool jockstrap competition leaving five contestants for each title at
Saturday evening’s formal Leather and speech competition.
Emceeing were Mr. Mayhem Leather 2015 Kevin Michael O’Connell and Mr. Mayhem Leather 2017 Joey Watson. The judges were Mr. Mayhem Leather 2022 Colton Bell, David Sugar, Ben Smith,, Pup Data Daniel DeLuca, Finn Michael
Coy-Gresavage, and Steele Toe the Bootblack/
There was a Leather vendor mart, classes on everything from Consent 101 to knife play, pet play, and fisting, opening cocktails provided by the Pennsmen, a poolside cocktail party hosted by COMMAND MC, dances, drag bingo, a pet mosh, meals, and entertainment provided by pianist John Flynn, and comedian Daniel Webb. Additional activities were available offsite on Friday which included bowling, a whiskey and cigar party at Union Cigar Gettysburg, a guided tour of downtown Gettysburg, or a visit to the Hickory Falls Fun Center.
https://bearsbikersandmayhem.com/
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Mr. Fire Island Leather 2023 Selected
By Rodney Burger
Sir Charles from New York City was sashed Mr. Fire Island Leather 2023 during the Excelsior MC’s 48th Annual Fire Island Leather Weekend held on May 19 - 21 at Cherry Grove, Fire Island, New York. Also competing was Michael, a member of the Long Island Ravens. Hosted by the very entertaining Diva Corvette and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2015 Edd Clark, the contest held at the Island Breeze was judged by Mr. Fire Island Leather 2022 Errik T. Williams, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2019 Bruce Michael Weitzmon, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2018 CB Kirby, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2017 Sir Joseph, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2013 Candido Soares Mr. Fire Island Leather 2004 Jeff Goodman, and Leather artist David Samuel Menkes. Contestants were judged on Leather image and were asked onstage questions and verbally described fantasies.
Fire Island is a magical place and there is no better (and more cost- effective) time to visit than during the Excelsior MC’s event. The contest was the highlight of a whole weekend of activities that started on Friday evening with a welcome reception that included an erotic art exhibition and sale hosted by Queer Dandy Art, a welcome dinner, a jockstrap auction and an afterhours cocktail party hosted by the Bay State Marauders. Saturday brought lots of rain, but it also included a full day of socializing, cocktail parties, and good food. Everyone gathered at the popular Floyd’s for breakfast. Many started the day with coffee delivered to their rooms by NYC (dis)Order of Sisters. Eye-opening cocktails were hosted by the Philadelphians MC followed by a meeting of the Atlantic Motorcycle Coronating Council (AMCC), an umbrella organization of which many east coast Leather clubs are member. After lunch, cocktail parties were hosted by Harbor Masters of Maine, Long Island Ravens, and Bad Companions and there was a fantastic rope bondage demo presented by Jay Rood and Harness Albany that featured detailed rope work done while blindfolded. Prior to the formal Leather dinner, a reception was hosted by Excelsior MC. Saturday’s afterhours party at the historic Belvedere Guest House was hosted by Mr. Fire Island Leather titleholders. It says a lot about a contest when so many former titleholders return year after year. The weekend ended on Sunday with a brunch at the Island Breeze hosted by Excelsior MC.
Southern California Leather Gathering 20th Anniversary
By Pug Pug
The Southern California Leather Gathering 20th Anniversary was held Saturday, June 17 at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, CA where as many as 100 Leatherfolk and kinksters attended on a comfortably warm afternoon.
SCLG is an annual outdoor picnic gathering that is open to ALL Leather, BDSM, fetish, kink, motorcycle, and bear individuals and/or groups of all genders and orientations. The aim of SCLG is to supply an opportunity for these various folk to interact in a relaxed atmosphere, have fun, and raise awareness about the size and diversity of the Leather/BDSM groups within Southern California.
The aim of SCLG is to provide an opportunity for these various folk to interact in a relaxed atmosphere, have fun, and raise awareness about the size and diversity of the Leather/BDSM groups within Southern California. BYOF&B - No Alcohol. Feel free to bring extra food if you want to share! There will be grills heated up and available for anyone that wants to grill some food.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1468747703944450/
The 15 Association events during Up Your Alley
Mark your calendars for July's upcoming 15 Association play events in San Francisco, CA.
The 15 is coming off a highly successful Bootcamp XXXIII held at Saratoga Springs, CA in June. For many it was a return to Leather life after the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, July 29 will be the Dore Play Party at Transform1060, 1060 Folsom Street, advance tickets recommended, but may be obtained at the door if not sold out.
Sunday, July 30, 11 AM - 5 PM is the annual Outdoor Dungeon at Dore Alley Fair — 10th Street between Howard and Folsom and is not to be missed. This is out in the open with flogging and whipping, plus other scenes being presented and/or available all day long.
https://www.facebook.com/events/925269505181586/
Atons of Minneapolis - Twin Cities Bootblack Swap Meet
Atons of Minneapolis will hold their Twin Cities Bootblack Swap Meet on Saturday July 29 from 1 - 5 PM at Eagle Minneapolis. Bring your Leather, Lycra, rubber and other gear to trade, sell or barter. Items being offered should be related to motorcycles, fetish or kink.
The Atons are asking for a $10 donation for 10 items or less. If more than 10 items the space becomes $20.
If you would like a table, or have any other questions, reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Set-up starts at noon. Each person is responsible for their own sales, barters and trades. The Atons will also have bootblacks available to shine boots and clean Leathers. All tips will go to the bootblack's travel fund. The Atons of Minneapolis will be helping with set up and keeping the general order; our sponsor, Eagle MPLS, is happy to provide the space.
LA DOGUE: Second Annual Pet Play Fashion Show
By Kieren Hound, photo by Jamie Kaufman
Around 200 people came out to the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, CA to delight and cavort on Friday night, July 7... so many new faces and so many forever timeless and familiar ones too at LA DOGUE: Second Annual Pet Play Fashion Show.
I'm still accounting all the deeds, but so far, over $1,000 was raised to support PAWS/LA, which supports those in most need to keep and protect their bio-pets, and the 2023 Los Angeles Puppy Pride and Los Angeles Pup Contest to be held in November.
LA DOGUE was a deep honor to help craft. I first imagined it as a visual in-person celebration of community creativity and encouraging bravery of stepping into the spotlight, in all queer and universal fullness, in all bodies, critter-variety, handler-variety, abilities, orientations and genders.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1604659569972973/
Ms. SF Eagle Leather is Nunca Sola
The Ms. SF Eagle Leather 2023 contest was held at the SF Eagle in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, May 6 and Nunca Sola left the bar with the coveted title in hand. There was a meet and greet on Friday night at the SF Eagle. Nunca lives in Oakland.
Ms. SF Eagle 2020 Tammy LG lghatter, who works at the SF Eagle, proudly passed the title to the winner.
NCSF Celebrates Juneteenth in an interview with Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Q: What would you like our communities to know about the meaning of Juneteenth?
One of the other photos I included for this article is a selfie I took two years ago, where I’m wearing a black t-shirt that has “JULY 4th” scratched out. It says underneath, in white block letters, “JUNETEENTH,” and underneath that, in red block letters, it says, “1865,” with a red underline. Underneath that, in yellow block letters, it says, “BECAUSE MY ANCESTORS WEREN’T FREE.” The words “IN 1776” are underneath, in green block letters. An upraised fist is directly underneath the word, “JUNETEENTH,” and is striped with yellow, green, and red. When I posted this photo to Facebook shortly after I took it two years ago, somebody said that my selfie was “FIERCEQ"
I want our communities to know that Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day, and that it marks the announcement that on June 19, 1865, more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state of Texas, were freed by executive decree. I’m also glad to say that I live in a state that observes Juneteenth) and gives state workers a day off. Story continues at
X
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CLAW LA - Leather Getaway class instructors sought.
By Master Azariel
It’s that time of year, Leather Getaway is fast approaching, as in November 22-26 at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles over Thanksgiving weekend. Early Bird registration is open and now so are Skills & Education applications. Follow the link provided here to apply, and as always don’t forget to throw any questions you might have my way! I’m happy to have repeat submissions from previous years, but if you want help re-vamping or even creating new classes whole cloth; I’m here to help with that too!
https://clawinfo.org/planning/skills-app
CLAW is now providing computers for every classroom in order to make their open caption system run smoothly. Please bring a USB drive with your presentation on it (or be prepared to present it from a digital platform while logged in on our machine) CLAW staff can work with almost any format. Please remember these captions will be taking up 15 percent of the screen and can be moved to either the top or the bottom if you prefer; but please be aware that these will be present in regards to where you place your text/images/content on the screen.
Leather Getaway will feature many classes and workshops, special dinners and socials, cigar lounge, play parties and vendors/
Mr. International Rubber 27 judges named at IML
Those who will comprise the judging panel for the Mr. International Rubber 27 contest were announced in a traditional reveal ceremony at IML in Chicago, IL. The panel includes Pusckatt Pumera ONYX, Charlie Shine, Darkqwolf, Sir Ivan, JRubberCub, Rain Bleie and Tyler McCormick. MIR will be held October 19-22 at The Double Tree Hilton and North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. The Kink Market at MIR will be located in the gymnasium at Center on Halsted. The theme is Intergalactic Rubber.
Pusckatt Pumera ONYX (he, him, his), the current Mr. International Rubber, is a Floridian who slipped into the Shiny Rubber Community in 2019. Pusckatt identifies as a proud Rubberist and artist of gender expression. Pusckatt has grabbed the kink community of Southern Florida and soon the world by the balls and utilizes every moment to engage people on the topic of rubber. Pusckatt, is the President of ONYX Deep South, a regional chapter of The Men of ONYX. He also holds the title of Mr. Florida Rubber 2022, is a Board Member of Ujima Men’s Collective, and an active member of Stonewall Knights.
CMEN to hold two California Gatherings this Summer
By Rick Boehle
Enjoy two all nude, all male gatherings in the California mountains this summer hosted by CMEN.
CMEN's Northern California Gathering will take place July 24-30 in the Sierra Foothills East of Auburn.
CMEN's West Coast Gathering in Southern California will take place August 21-28 in the San Bernardino Mountains East of Big Bear.
Both will include a wide variety of workshops including leather and kink, mountain hiking, pool activities, volleyball, pup mosh, themed socials, evening shows, contests, dances, camaraderie and a friendly "no attitude" atmosphere. The West Coast Gathering, CMEN's largest gathering, will also feature a dungeon, the Miss CMEN Queen contest on Friday, August 25 and the Mr. CMEN Leather Contest on Saturday, August 26. All meals and a choice of cabins. All meals and a choice of cabins upgraded rooms or camping space are included. Advance reservations are required, session options are available. For more information, prices or to reserve your place visit https://www.cmen.org
California Men Enjoying Naturism (CMEN) is an international social organization for gay and bisexual men (age 21 and over) who enjoy naturism.
BLUF SF In Gear Dinner
BLUF SF will host their annual In Gear Dinner at the Cadillac Grille on Thursday July 27 beginning at at PM during Dore Alley Weekend. Tickets are $70 and must be paid in advance by July 16. Order yours at https://This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Puerto Vallarta Leather Weekend
The Puerto Vallarta Leather Weekend will feature nightly parties at STUDS, pool parties, a beach day experience, tea dance, cigar socials, a Leather brunch with stunning views of Puerto Vallarta and the ocean, and more. The event, hosted by STUDS Bear and Leather Bar, will make its debut November 2-5 in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone.
The first annual Puerto Vallarta Leather Weekend will kick off on Thursday, November 2 with a Welcome Party at STUDS beginning at 9 PM. Plans are also underway for Puerto Vallarta Leather Weekend 2024 which will host the first Mr. STUDS Leather Contest. The winner of the contest will go on to compete at the International Mister Contest in Chicago, Illinois, May 23-26, 2025. For more information and to book a weekend package visit
https://www.pvleatherweekend.com
Jim Wigler’s photography, Cigar Studs on display during Dore Week
By Norm Lynde
Jim Wigler’s photography of the San Francisco Leather community, beginning in the 80’s, was featured in Drummer and other publications for years. His legendary 1984 “Cigar Studs” images will be the focus of a showing of his work at the Academy LGBTQ Social Club on Market (AKA “The Balcony”) – where it was originally shot! Also featured will be select signed prints of other models from his long career, with auction proceeds benefitting the Leather Archives and Museum in Chicago, and the San Francisco Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District. A great way to celebrate art, heritage, Leather and more during Dore week – Wednesday, July 26. Photo courtesy of the Leather Archives and Museum. Details of the evening will be featured on the Academy calendar page at
https://www.academy-sf.com/calendar
Highwaymen TNT 45th Anniversary
The Highwaymen TNT of Washington, DC celebrated their 45th Anniversary recently.
The Highwaymen TNT were formed in Washington, DC, in May 1978. The eight founding members had a vision for this new club: diversity and fun. This vision still remains as our basic principle. The club was formed in protest to the orthodoxy of other Leather clubs. It is our belief that the Leather community is dynamic and evolving. That there will always be new ways to express our fetishes and kinks through dress.
"Rather than identifying ourselves as a motorcycle club (MC), the Highwaymen designated our club TNT. These three letters have become the true meaning of our club. TNT stands for Trash ’n Travel. We are a fun and trashy group that loves to travel. We travel around the world attending various Leather events while representing our club. Through the years, Highwaymen TNT has grown from a core group of eight, to nearly 20 members. Our TNT family continues to grow. We are very proud to call DC’s Uproar our home bar," their web site states...
https://www.highwaymentnt.org/about
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Links to all Dave Rhodes' Hump Days going back to August 9, 2017
http://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2132-links-to-all-dave-rhodes-hump-day-posts
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Christopher Street West Leather
The Christopher Street West Leather 2024 contest will start the LA Leather title race at Eagle LA on Saturday, August 5 at 8 PM. Mr. CSW 2023 Christopher Velasquez will pass the title to the next man who garners the most points.
As Mr. CSW Leather 2024, one is expected to represent CSW in and outside of the Los Angeles Leather Community and to represent the organizations support of the Los Angeles Leather community in the larger LGBTQ Community at large. The Mr. CSW Leather 2024 is a feeder contest for Mr. Los Angeles Leather contest held in March. The winner of the Mr. Los Angeles Leather Contest goes to Chicago, IL over Memorial Day Weekend to represent Los Angeles in the International Mr. Leather Contest (IML).
https://www.facebook.com/events/642790827752275
Mendo Pride 2023 in Hopland nets over $1450 for Ford Street Community Food Bank
By Joan Norry
Mendo Pride 2023 celebrated love and inclusion in Mendocino County, Saturday, May 20 at The Hopland Tap, Highway 101 in Hopland, California. Mendo Pride would not have happened without the sponsorship of The Rykken and Skull Memorial LGBT Fund and ACLC (Alta California Leather Corps). Vendors included were Hopland VISON, KZYX and Pride Radio, Garnica’s Fresh Drinks, Wicked Slush, Willits Charter School,
Cookies Dispensary, Twinkle Mountain Gems, Dream Hippie Creations, Behavioral Health of Mendocino County, Sonoma County Pride, Arbor Youth Resource Center, Redwood Community Services, UUMC, T-up Mini
Golf, Wild Flower Kraft, Gems & Geodes, and wineries, breweries and businesses: Terra Savia, Navarro, Scharffenberger, Rivino, The Golden Pig, xson Keys, Saracina, Bee Hunter, Milano, Decoy, The Hoplander, Dancing Crow, Atrea, Tinafour, Migration, er, Williamson, Eel River, Modelo, Hopland Tap & Husch; Ranchomatic Studios, Vino Vendetta, KZYX, Ukiah rewingBrewing Company, The Thirsty Ax, Left Coast Seafood, Cultivo, Bhoomi Herbs, Pennyroyal Farm, Miss Saigon & Little Saint Café & Lounge. Mendo Pride was a great success. All proceeds from Mendo Pride 2023 benefit the Ford Street Community Food Bank.
Southland Honors 20th Anniversary
It is time to submit your nominations for the Southland Honors 2023 which will be presented on Sunday, August 13 in Los Angeles, CA. Awards in 11 categories will be presented during a dinner show from 1-4 PM at 4508 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90062. The dress code is semi casual and the show will be inside. To view the names of current and previous Southland Honors recipients, please go to
https://lalc.info/about/southland-honors/southland-honors-recipients/
The Southland Honors was started in 2003 by then LALC Chairman Kevin Casey as the organization's Annual Awards Ceremony to honor leaders and volunteers in the local community. 2023 marks the 20th Anniversary and we are proud to once again open nominations for local members of the community to nominate those individuals who are stellar people, without which LA would not have such a diverse and thriving Leather and BDSM community.
The nominations made by the greater LA Community by public nomination and the LALC Community Partners and Board select the recipients, fexcept for the Community Choice Woman, Man and Cultural Arts Awards which are selected by a public vote.
Wall mural commissioned to honor Mr. S Leather
By Reika Faust
The Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District commissioned prominent queer artist Serge Gay, Jr., to paint a mural on the Heron Street wall of renowned Leather and gear supplier Mr. S Leather. Located at the corner of 8th Street, the mural depicts a playful human puppy surrounded by images that fit the Mr. S brand. A public dedication of the mural will be held on Thursday, July 27, from 5 - 6 PM on Heron Street, with festivities inside the Mr. S showroom to meet the artist.
Serge Gay. Jr. has previously been associated with the Cultural District as the lead of a five-artist team which painted the 2,240 square foot mural Showtime on two façade of the world-famous drag bar Oasis in May of 2022. More Recently, Serge was one of 16 queer artists whose works were shown at a salon-style Pride Popup Art Show at Herron Arts Gallery at the beginning of June just steps away from the Mr. S mural.
The Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District's vision is to rejoice, commemorate, and protect the contributions of our predecessors, contemporaries, and successors rooted in western SOMA and its diverse and marginalized peoples. United, we preserve, enhance, and advocate for the continuity and vitality of the Kinky and Queer communities of San Francisco's Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District.
Mr. S Leather is a fixture in the San Francisco kink scene, located in the heart of the SOMA district where the Leather scene was born.
Folsom Street East
Folsom Street East took over Christopher Street for a day, Sunday, June 18 to be exact, of kinky demos, erotic performances, hot jams and good ole fashioned Folsom fun. This year marked the return of the vendor market and the ever-popular Pie Eating contest. Thousands geared-up to let their Freak Flag Fly this Father’s Day in the historical epicenter of queer life in NYC.
Since 1997, Folsom Street East’s festival has become an annual highlight of the global fetish/kink calendar as a sex- and body-positive shared space on the streets of New York City.
https://www.folsomstreeteast.com/
Northwest Leather Conference 2023 keynote speaker is Mister-Blue
Mister-Blue will be the keynote speaker at the Northwest Leather Conference during the Sunday brunch on August 6. NWLC runs August 3-6 and will feature a bootblack contest, classes and workshops, vendors and play parties.
Mister-Blue, along with his slave and wife Mrs. BlueFrost, were the 2017 Northeast Master/slave titleholder, and the 2018 and 2021 International Master/slave titleholder. He is the Executive Producer of the Master/slave Conference hosted in College Park, Maryland, just 15 minutes outside of Washington, DC, and is the Vice President of MTTA; which runs the MTTA Academy for Masters and slaves, the Master/slave Conference, the Master/slave Development Center, and the Master/slave History ProgramMister-Blue is the Head of Household for the House of Blue; a Leather House based in Southern Maryland. Mister Blue has passionately served the M/s and Leather communities in many capacities from speaker to educator and looks forward to future opportunities to hold doors open for all that follows.
https://northwestleathercelebration.com/home.html
SOMA Walking Tour Debuts
The first Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District SOMA Walking Tour, SOMA Origins: Bars, Bathhouses and Beyond, launched on May 21, to a capacity group.
The next tour will be on Sunday, July 23 at 2 PM and will last about 90 minutes, and it is free. SOMA Origins: Bars, Bathhouses and Beyond will make a tour. Now a world-wide Leather/kinky/queer destination, SOMA (South of Market) began attracting Leather bars in the ’60’s. Find out why. Learn about the raucous exploits of the ’70’s when motorcycles lined the streets outside popular bars. Hear about today’s bar and clubs and what they used to be, including one on Folsom with a swimming pool. The tour starts at 9th and Ringold, ends at the SF Eagle in time for the Sunday Beer Bust. Preregistration is required and can be done at
https://sfleatherdistrict.org/soma-tours/
Robert Todd Fulton passes
By Gordon R. Reese and photo by Avrum Goldberg
Known to many as Scott Morris, Todd Fulton died on April 14th, 2023. I shared 31 fantastic years with him. The full shine of his unbounded love.
From San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter, Cynthia Laird wrote, "Robert Todd Fulton, an event promoter and fetish wear website founder also known by his professional name, Scott Morris, died April 14 at his home in Cathedral City, California. He was 68.
According to an obituary from Avrum Goldberg, Mr. Fulton had a nearly yearlong battle with squamous cell cancer of the tongue, head, and neck.
Mr. Fulton was a deeply involved community member, activist, and event promoter for the gay community in New York City, Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, the obituary noted.
In 1998, Mr. Fulton founded San Francisco Fetish Factory, an online fetish wear website that prompted..." The rest of the story is at https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&sc=latest_news&id=324621&fbclid=IwAR39CCxoYhLadxw-xFr69yQAICk33wudweqHIYI753bXHBQRJc7NmG7TO-Y
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A Blast from The Past
San Diego's Leather Realm 2011
One of the hottest Leather visibilities at LGBTQ Pride festivals every year is San Diego's Leather Realm. The entire festival is in one of the world's most beautiful man-made urban experiences, Balboa Park. Photo by Dave Rhodes. Leather Realm is free and adult-only entry inside the huge festival for which one pays.
Leather Realm usually has 10-15 vendors, a handful of club booths, Leather BDSM play/sampler with several vetted instructors and kink equipment, ample rest and social areas on half grass and pavement, with some areas under eucalyptus trees and the soft mulch that lies beneath them. There is plenty for the well seasoned BDSM/kink veterans to the newbie kinkster who is learning the ropes.
In this nature environment one always can realize there are in the middle of one of the nation's largest travel destinations as commercial jets fly over on their final approach to Lindbergh Field. The crack of whips and the sound of 737 engines fill the air both Saturday and Sunday of the third weekend of July. Photo by Dave Rhodes
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Report your club's news, new titles, major events
What to send:
1. Short article of about 75-150 words.
2. Photo or two. Landscape preferred. Must be a jpg. Taken with cellphone is fine. Please supply photo credit.
3. Link to a working site. Web sites are preferential, Facebook still works.
4. The Five "W's" - Who, what, when, why and where. All are important.
5. Please be concise. In news writing, verbosity is not a virtue; it is an editor's nightmare.
6. Please write in third person.
7. Send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please share us on social media
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You can make a difference
https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-the-leather-journal-going
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TOM's Bar Gallery
From lead story at top of page
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The Leather Journal was founded in May, 1987. The Leather community was hungry for news magazine that covered clubs, organizations and events. TLJ has successfully met that need for 34 years. We have adapted to change more than once and when the Internet came about we were there by adding www.TheLeatherJournal.com
