Groundbreaking at Eagle Plaza in San Francisco
Race Bannon of San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter recorded the Leather Plaza Groundbreaking at Harrison and Bernice Streets in San Francisco on Tuesday, June 18. This is the first plaza or park officially dedicated to the Leather community by any city in the world. San Francisco Mayor London Breed spoke, noting there was an original $200,000 budgeted and that California, through State Senator Scott Wiener, allotted $100,000 toward the project and that San Francisco is funding, the additional $50,0000 needed. There were ceremonial shovels, short speeches, and light refreshments. More info about Eagle Plaza can be found at
Live Groundbreaking ceremony
Portland Pride
Deering Oaks was a sea of rainbow flags, music and laughter as Portland, OR celebrated its annual pride festival and parade Saturday afternoon, June 15. Thousands of families, couples and company groups marched through downtown Portland, congregating in the park for food trucks, music, vendors and a beer tent. Pride Portland! organizers said up to 14,000 people were expected to come, the largest turnout for the event in recent memory.
Pantheon of Leather nominations deadline approaches
The schedule for the process of selecting the approximate 30 Pantheon of Leather Awards which will be held on Thursday, August 29 at the Crowne Plaza Market Square Dallas at 6:30 PM in Dallas, TX is set. Nominations opened on June 1 and close on June 30; they will be processed including informing nominees and allowing them to submit acceptance and bios until midnight, July 19; voting will run from July 23 through August 16 and the recipients will be announced on August 29.
This is the emotional reality of outliving the AIDS epidemic
IML 2017, Ralph Bruneau reflects on the impact of losing loved ones to HIV
By Ralph Bruneau for Gay Star News
Walking the dog in Griffith Park. So beautiful. Love the day. Love my dog. Love my life....I see a bruise on my leg. An irregular shape, small, purple with a bit of black. How did that happen? I don’t remember hitting it on anything....Time stops....I’m in Manhattan. I’m walking into the hospital room to see my ex for the first time since he broke us off and I moved to Los Angeles. I walk in the room, shaking, scared. I have been warned about what I will see.
https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ralph-bruneau-outliving-aids-hiv/#gs.jwnxdb
Colorful Gay Pride Calendar
Here is the perfect and entertaining way to help plan your travel this spring, summer and fall. Each date has a colorful photo of a past pride event and a blurb about it. As an example - locate the Sitges Gay Pride for great eye candy. From London Pride to San Francisco Gay Pride and beyond, here’s misterb&b’s international gay pride calendar for 2019.
https://www.misterbandb.com/gay-pride
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A group of men dressed in Leather fetish clothing ride in a truck at the intersection of 32nd Street and Fifth Avenue during the annual Gay Pride parade in New York City, c. 1980.
Leo Vals/Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Why Kink, BDSM, and Leather Should Be Included at Pride
Let's celebrate the contributions the kink and BDSM communities have made towards LGBTQ+ liberation
By Chingy L for them. on June 17, 2019
Earlier this month, just weeks before the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a Twitter user shared a since-deleted viral tweet directed at Pride goers. It contained a number of statements about the nature of Pride, with one particular remark sparking a string of intra-community discourse: “Please don’t bring your k*nks/fet*shes to pride, there are minors @ pride and this can sexualise the event." Continue reading at
https://www.them.us/story/kink-bdsm-leather-pride?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=onsite-share&utm_brand=them&utm_social-type=earned&fbclid=IwAR3LZfe_4S1TfCQJpd22n-lI9OUpsRLbJh5QUjt59SIIOsZevwcYD4PtWXs
Avatar Play Party - Harder: Hybrid Edition
The next Avatar Play Party - Harder: Hybrid Edition will be at the Sanctuary Studios LAX in Lennox, CA on Friday, June 21 at 9 PM. Join the men of Avatar Los Angeles in its hottest play party of the year. Live out your fantasies in a safe environment. Demos will include floggings, whippings and fisting, just to name a few - just to watch or get you in the mood to do it with someone else. And there is the infamous Black Room where anything goes. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Sanctuary Studios LAX, 10914 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90304.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harder-hybrid-edition-tickets-61622032157
Richard Kelly
Is is with heavy heart that the brothers of the LI Ravens MC must pass along the sad news that Richard Kelly, a founding member of the brotherhood, has passed away after a long battle with Prostate Cancer in early June. Richard was a true gentleman with a huge heart and matching laugh. Richard passed away with his life-partner John Sainato at his side in Wilton Manors, FL. When we have more information on arrangements, we will be sure to make them known.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1684074641838228/
Regiment of the Black and Tans - 45th Anniversary
The Regiment of the Black and Tans will celebrate their 45th Anniversary in style in the Tom Bradley Room at Los Angeles City Hall on September 20 beginning at 6 PM. After entering the building on Main Street and going through security, guests will proceed up to the 26th floor to enjoy for cocktails and appetizers in the Mayor's Portrait Gallery. Then they will be invited up the stately staircase into the iconic Tom Bradley Room to enjoy breathtaking 360 views of the city on the observation deck and a formal reception. Proceeds in excess of expenses benefit the Regiment Fund for the Tom House under the Tom of Finland Foundation. $50 donation and seating is limited. Free parking provided at City hall, vehicle registration is required at time of buying ticket.Dress code: Uniforms, Leather uniform reproductions, BLUF or formal attire (dinner suit/tuxedo) required.
https://blackandtans45thanniversary.eventbrite.com
Mr. San Francisco Leather and Bootblack
The Mr. San Francisco Leather and Bootblack 2020 contest will be held at a variety of venues in San Francisco, CA the weekend of August 16-18 and is being produced by the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance. Of note, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2019 Jawn Marques finished first runner-up at International Mr. Leather in May.
http://www.sfleatherpride.com/
Avatar Club Los Angeles - CBT: Putting the Family Jewels
Avatar Club Los Angeles will present CBT: Putting the Family Jewels to the test on Wednesday, June 26 at 8:30 PM at MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. An in depth look at what you can safely do to yourself and others below the waist. Was it that kick in the nuts in football that has you cumming back for more or was it when you hit the bar on your bicycle? Did it hurt so good? Come prepared to learn more about what can be done to those low hangers. This evening is about experiencing how much you like getting your balls twisted and pulled. There will be no pressure to participate so feel free to just come watch and learn. Requested donation is $5. Nobody is turned away for lack of funds. And don't forget that Avatar will host another Harder Play Party at Sanctuary Studios LAX on Friday night, June 21.
San Diego Girls of Leather
Join the San Diego Girls of Leather at the Redwing where the food and libations are plentiful on Tuesday, June 25. They invite their members and friends to take over the patio. This is a great opportunity to learn more about SDgoL, meet and get to know SDgoL members, and see what they are up to. Attire is what makes one feel comfortable - they also encourage Leather wear. Light jackets are recommended as the evenings become cooler. Fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. Redwing, Bar and Grill, 4012 30th Street, San Diego CA 92104.
Lost Puppy: Dog Haus!
Lost Puppy: Dog Haus! will be held at Eagle LA on Friday, July 19 at 9 PM. Lost Puppy is the first official LA Puppy Party and is back to celebrate its Fifth Anniversary and to celebrate all those who get turned on by being a puppy, handler, boy and daddy. Lost Puppy will feature a pup mosh pit, go-go pups, music by DJ Candy and drink specials. Lost Puppy is produced by Green Mirror Entertainment.
https://www.facebook.com/events/325491714814664/
SoCA Bondage Club
The SoCA Bondage Club will hold its monthly play party at the Sanctuary LAX Studios on Sunday, July 14 at 7:30 PM. Members $15 and non-members $20. SoCA Bondage Club's monthly schedule is no longer always the second Sunday each month. They love seeing new faces at the club, and commend newbies on coming out to experience bondage for the first time at SoCA Bondage Club. The cost to attend play parties is $20 cash at the door and $15 for full-dues paying members. Sanctuary LAX Studios, 10914 South La Cienega Blvd., Lennox, California 90304.
https://www.socabondage.com/home.html
Touche' - Monthly Ripe Party
The fourth Saturday is Touche's monthly Ripe Party, a night to get down, sweaty and dirty. First they turn the lights down low, way down low on the fourth Saturday of each month. DJ Harry T will deepen the beats with a special set to get you in a ripe mood. Then they unleash their hot go-go dudes on the stages to entertain. Touche' even offer free clothing check so one can get all nice and ripe, too. Are you game for a wild time? The next two Ripe Parties are on June 22 and July 27. Touche', 6412 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626.
Men of ONYX - Blackout XXIV
Californication will be in full effect for Blackout XXIV, the Men of ONYX's bi-annual Leather run that will take place in Los Angeles, CA from October 10-13 at the Hilton Glendale. There will be breakout sessions that will educate, explore and empower your mind; a bar crawl that will give you a glimpse into the Los Angeles Leather community; an infamous ONYX dance that will leave you dripping with perspiration; a play party that will satisfy your innermost hunger for kink; a fireside chat with one of ONYX’s original founding fathers that will touch on past, present and the future of ONYX; and an AGM/awards brunch that will highlight growth, recognize some of our outstanding members, etc. There is no better way to top off your Columbus Day aka Indigenous People’s Day weekend. Yes, you read that correctly. ONYX Southwest is going back to tradition with Blackout XXIV in 2019.
http://www.blackout.onyxmen.com
New Horizons For Fifty: A Different View of Things
New Horizons For Fifty: A Different View of Things is the domain for the writer/artists Eric Crow, who manifests in the Leather/Bear Community as Eagle Bear. New Horizons For Fifty is designated a “snark-free zone” and is an extension of me and the communities I serve. Our three pillars are tapestry, anchorage and living history. Featuring interviews, inspirations and imaginings from the deepest, wildest part of the heart, New Horizons For Fifty is a sacred space of magick, where dancing to the beat of your own drum is the norm.
https://www.facebook.com/NewHorizonsForFifty/
CMEN - West Coast Gathering
By Rick Boehle
CMEN’s West Coast Gathering 2019 will be held August 19-28 at a new location in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains. The move follows the November 2018 Woolsey Fire which devastated the Malibu area including the conference center CMEN called home for the past 20 years. The annual all-nude, all-male gathering has grown to include naturist men from throughout North America, the Pacific and Europe. Participants share experiences and learn new skills in workshops, and enjoy the Southern California sun, camaraderie, activities, and shows. California Men Enjoying Naturism (CMEN) is an international social organization for gay and bisexual men who enjoy naturism. CMEN also hosts smaller naturist gatherings in Northern California and Tennessee, as well as other naturist recreation and social events in the greater Los Angeles area throughout the year.
Gear Club Portugal - Lisbon Meets Fetish 2019
Lisbon Meets Fetish 2019 will be hosted by Gear Club Portugal September 26-29 in Lisbon, Portugal. The project of creating a gay fetishist club in Portugal was born in 2012, with two main objectives: to strengthen the male fetishist community, improving friendship bonding and promoting an associativist spirit; overwhelming the prejudice of the society in what concerns gay male fetishism. Then, in 2014, Gear Club Portugal was formed.
https://www.facebook.com/events/264810437559390/
Encuerado Leather Latin Night
Encuerado Leather Latin Night, hosted by Leo Iriarte is held at the Eagle LA on the fourth Wednesday of each month with the next one on Wednesday, June 26 and July 24 at 9 PM. Join in for a crazy-fun night in gear with famous deejay Rubin Sanchez bringing the most amazing collection of rock en Español and rock pop available in USA. The wild and cachondos Go-Go’s from Panama, Mexico and California will make you sweat. Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1890100101106896/
Empire City MC - Empire City Motorcycle Club
The Empire City Motorcycle Club will present its Annual Bike Christening on Friday, June 21 at Ty's, 114 Christopher Street, New York, NY. Of course, Empire City Motorcycle Club will participate in Folsom Street East's 22nd Anniversary on Sunday, June 23 and will ride in the New York City Gay Pride March during World Pride on Sunday, June 30.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirecitymc/
ONYX SoCal-Southwest
ONYX is an organization that supports ethnic and racial diversity in the gay Leather community. For over 23 years, the organization has been the bridge between Leather men of color and the broader Leather community. ONYX SoCal-Southwest has monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month at the The Village at the Ed Gould Plaza in Hollywood, CA. The next two are June 20 and July 18 at 8:30 PM.
Tampa Bay Leather and Kink Social
By Aaron Phillips
The Tampa Bay Leather and Kink Social meets at Cityside Lounge in Tampa, FL on the second Saturday of each month with the next one is July 13. This is a monthly social that is welcome to everyone, no matter your sexual orientation, how you identify, or the kink you may enjoy. This social is here to promote community and togetherness, while at the same time educating as we provide a kink related class each social.
https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayLeatherandKinkSocial/
Cigar Time
By Scot McTeir
Scott McTeir and Frank Cavallo host Cigar Time, a Cigar and Pipe Social, at Eagle 562 on Friday, July 5. The following one is on Friday, September 6. Leather, smoke, testosterone and cruising, silent auction, specialty shots and no cover. Eagle 562, 2020 East Artesia Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2135970406646533/
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West Coast Jungle Gym: An Age Play Conference
The West Coast Jungle Gym: An Age Play Conference will be held in San Diego, CA the weekend of September 6-8. WCJG is all-inclusive. We are welcoming of all little type folks. Littles, middles, baby girls, lolitas, little sissies and bubbies, age players, folks that regress, folks that don't, sexual littles, non-sexual littles etc. Regardless of gender. We also welcome their caregivers. Daddies, Mommy, Aunties, Babysitters, Big Brothers, Big Sisters etc. Along with critters, puppies and kitties along with their handlers to join us.
https://thewestcoastjunglegym.com/
FUK University
Females Uniting Kink - Club FUK and FUK U will present FUK University Flogging and Spanking Class at Sanctuary LAX Studios on Saturday, July 6 at 6 PM, meeting on the first Saturday of every month. Females Uniting Kink (FUK) is a female dominant group, membership is open to all gender orientations. This group is for female identified Dominants, switches and submissives. Those who identify as male must be submissive. Sanctuary LAX Studios, 10914 South La Cienega Blvd., Lennox, CA 90304.
https://www.facebook.com/events/777497145794473/
http://2a7.3db.myftpupload.com/
ONYX Mid-Atlantic - Capital Pride
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter (ONYX-MA) is centered in the Washington, DC / Baltimore area and includes Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia. The club participated in Capital Pride the second weekend in June - see photo above. Full membership is open to gay and bisexual men of color, and Associate membership is open to men and women of all colors and sexual persuasions. ONYX Mid-Atlantic holds bar events at the Green Lantern and the DC Eagle.
https://www.facebook.com/onyx.midatlantic/
Timeline of Pup Play
Timeline of Pup Play is a web site with tons of puppy history. When going to the site you will see a timeline for 2011 to the present. Yes, there is a lot of puppy history prior to that. Not to be alarmed - scroll down and you will see 2001-2010. There is more than that, you will discover. The Go-to web site for all things pup play, from the basics for newcomers to advice and opinions to inspire those with serious ambition. This is not meant to be taken literally or as a rule-book. This is designed to inspire pups to be the pups they want to become and to find resources. We try our best to gather information and experiences from across the community and compile them into one place so the content is not biased to one persons experiences but to have content made by the entire community to inspire those who are curious and those who are also long time veterans to animal role-play.
https://www.pupplay.info/2018/02/18/timeline-of-pup-play-milestones-2010-2019/
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Join the NCSF
Please join our coalition and support our work! Please tell us your story! NCSF's Narrative Project is collecting your stories about being outed or discriminated against as well as consent violations you'd like to tell us about. The NCSF's American Law Institute project is fighting to make consent a defense to BDSM and to give anonymity for victims of assault in a BDSM context. Plus, the NCSF provides resources and referrals to kink aware professionals on request on a daily basis through our Incident Reporting and Response program. We are fighting for your rights! Why don't you join us now?
https://nationalcoalitionforsexualfreedom.wildapricot.org/
Desert Fetish Authority - Power Dynamics Group
The Power Dynamics Group is now meeting at 3 PM on the third Sunday of every month with the next being on July 21 and August 18. Contact us at the link below for location. The Power Dynamics Group is a group of men who are engaged in or have an interest in any connection between men that involves the exchange of obedience for responsibility, as in a Master/slave, Daddy/boy, etc. The purpose of this group is to foster support, connection, understanding and growth by providing a safe accepting environment for like-minded men who feel this draw.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/desertfetish/
Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance education
The Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance holds educational classes on the second Saturday of each month in Denver, CO. The next two are on July 13 and August 10 and classes begin at 2 PM. The RMLA advocates for an alliance of the regional Leather, kink, fetish, and BDSM communities thru outreach, social, and educational events. King Center, Auraria Campus, King Center room 201 in Denver, CO.
LDG Presents - F*ck Your Community Standards
Mr. Friendly 2018 Stephan Ferris, esq. and Mr. Friendly SF 2019 Pup Amp lead a discussion about the devastating effects of FOSTA-SESTA legislation and its impact on social media community standards. When online LGBTQI+ spaces are lost or censored, we lose our ability to connect and educate. This class will discuss navigating online platforms and forming community in light of censorship on Wednesday, June 26 at 7:30 PM. Programs are every fourth Wednesday, with some exceptions. They vary from interview, to demo, to community panel discussion, and more. Attendance varies from 60-150 people. Occasionally a presenter may ask for audience participation, but its never required.
ONYX Southeast - Bar Night
ONYX Southeast holds their monthly Bar Night on the first Friday of each month at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30308. The next two are Friday, July 5 and August 2 at 10 PM. ONYX is an organization formed and operated by Men of Color who enjoy the Leather lifestyle. ONYX sets as its goal to provide an informational and social organization to address issues specific to people of color who chose to project the positive aspects of the Leather lifestyle and support our community and economic initiatives.
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A Blast From The Past
Avatar Club Los Angeles had a truck in the Christopher Street West Pride Parade in 2004. Photo by Dave Rhodes
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Past Dave Rhodes' Hump Day news blogs
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2079-dave-rhodes-hump-day-may-30-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2075-dave-rhodes-hump-day-may-16-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2074-dave-rhodes-hump-day-may-9-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2072-dave-rhodes-hump-day-may-1-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2071-dave-rhodes-hump-day-april-24-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2070-dave-rhodes-hump-day-april-17-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2069-dave-rhodes-hump-day-april-11-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2068-dave-rhodes-hump-day-april-3-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2067-dave-rhodes-hump-day-march-27-2019
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2066-dave-rhodes-hump-day-march-21-2019
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LGBT Pride in Boston. Photo by Michael Vasquez
More from Erotic City
LA Pride with the Payasos.
LGBT Pride in Portland, OR.
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
