DomCon: LA - Draws record crowd
DomCon: Los Angeles, the world’s largest professional and lifestyle domination convention was held May 8-12 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles, CA with a 20-percent increase in attendance. DomCon was a weekend of socials, play parties, vendors, classes and workshops, erotics presentations and the crown jewel of DomCon, the Fetish Ball at Sanctuary Studios LAX on Saturday night. The new awards dinner on Thursday night had about 125 guests, six continentes were represented and the place was abuzz about the vastly-improved and highly-efficient registration process.
Long Beach Pride - Leather Tent
By Eric Crow
It’s time for Long Beach Pride, coming May 18-19. This year’s theme is A Million Moments of Pride, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall, and the Leather Community is doing it like only we can. ONYX, Avatar Club LA, LA Pups, Barking Billiards, Nasty King Pig, Cellblock 13 and New Horizons For Fifty, The Titleholder Club (from San Diego) are all teaming up to bring out all the Leather, Kink, Fetish and Puppies one can handle. Pick up a copy of the IML contestants Issue of The Leather Journal. The Leather Tent at Long Beach Pride will be open 12-8 PM both days of the festival.
ONYX Pearls
By Mufasa Ali
I have been afforded the honor of announcing the crossing of the charter lines of the ONYX Pearls Great Lakes and the ONYX Pearls Seattle/NW. Let us welcome the newest Pearls to the ONYX family with open arms.
Leather Express Shuttle at IML
If you are staying at the IML host hotel or just attending IML events, remember the Northside Leather Express Shuttle offers free rides between the hotel and the bar all weekend beginning Wednesday night right on through Monday night's Survivor Party. There's no fee, no tickets needed just hop on board. Why bother with traffic and parking downtown. Head over to Touche' and hop on or skip the cabs and ride shares from the hotel.
Snowbound Leather XII
Snowbound Leather XII was held in Provincetown MA February 22-24 and by all accounts was a great success with about 200 Leathermen in town. Three days of events described as A Winter Getaway with a Twist concluded with the announcement of Mr. Snowbound 2019 Ryan Napravnik of New Jersey and Provincetown, who brought in the most donations with his winter/Leather-themed photo, raising $1,355 for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, the second largest amount raised in Snowbound history. Kudos to the 15 men who participated in the Free Health Screenings provided by the ASGCC at their Drop-In Center located at 148a Commercial Street. Thanks to Jason and the ASGCC team for providing this important service. Look for Snowbound Leather XIII, February 21-23.
http://www.MatesLeatherWeekend.com/snowbound
Bears San Diego - Bears For Good
By Donald Vella
Bears San Diego, ended its Fiscal Year on a High Note after many successful fundraisers the group was able to donate $11,000 to Special Delivery San Diego Program Director Ruth Henricks. Special Delivery is a not-for-profit food delivery service that services over 150 clients by delivering hot meals five days a week. Many clients are homebound due to HIV/AIDS-related illnesses, cancer, or other chronic illnesses. They also run a food pantry for low-income residents. Over the next year, which also happens to celebrate their 25th Anniversary, Bears San Diego will continue to raise funds for Special Delivery as well as Mr. Bear 2019 Bill Hurd’s chosen charity of the year, Auntie Helen’ Thrift Shop.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bearssd/
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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FLSb-FCBB 2019 One Voice One Journey - Stronger Together
By Bill Hoeppner
Florida LeatherSir/Leatherboy Florida Community Bootblack 2019: One Voice One Journey - Stronger Together will be held June 13-16 at the Flamingo Resort St. Pete will include the return of Mama’s Florida Family Reunion Party hosted by Mama Sandy Reinhardt, Unleashed Puppy Party, hosted by Florida Puppy Contest, South Florida Kennel Club, Orlando Pups and Handlers and Pervyology, meet and greet Party hosted by International Leather Sir, Leatherboy International and Community Bootblack, the Second Annual Fire and Ice Party, Saturday afternoon poolside Leather Teadance and Sunday afternoon Dirty Daddy’s Day Teadance, demos, educational classes, poolside games, live DJ’s, poolside entertainment, vendors, drink specials, late night barbecue, puppy mosh pit, hospitality suite, run pins/T-shirts/mugs, bootblack station, winners' brunch. Flamingo Resort St. Pete, 4601 34th Street S, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33711.
Leather Masters University - Play Piercing and Beading
Leather Masters University will feature Play Piercing and Beading presented by Miss Elizabeth on Saturday, May 25, 1-3 PM. $20 Donation for the Class. Play piercing, known in the body modification community as temporary piercing, is a form of play that can invoke the entire range of human emotions. It can be sensual, cathartic, spiritual, erotic, and beautiful. Fortunately for the sadistically bent, play piercing can also be simply about pain. While sticking hypodermic needles in and through the skin sounds simple, it can be a challenge to learn to do in a way that is safe.
Mr. San Diego Leather - Sunday in the Park
Join Mr. San Diego Leather 2019 Jody Mitchell at Sunday in the Park in Balboa Park for games and fun the first Sunday of each month. The next Sunday in the Park will be on June 2 at 12 PM in Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California 92101.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2091110597861113/
Avatar Club Los Angeles - The Art of Hot Wax
Avatar Club Los Angeles will present The Art of Hot Wax on Wednesday, May 22 at 8:30 PM at MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Hot Wax is a popular type of BDSM play where a top holds a lit candle above a bottom and drips molten candle wax on their bare skin. When you're blindfolded when the wax is being dripped on you, there can be a lot of tension or apprehension as you wait for the next drop of hot wax. How hot will it be? Will it be just a single drop or will they pour a stream of wax on you? Where will they let it fall? Come find out with the Men of Avatar. 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.
DESIRE Leather Women Unleashed
DESIRE is a unique weekend event for Leather and kinky women taking place May 31 to June 3 in a private location in Palm Springs, CA 92264. DESIRE is a player's weekend, provides the opportunity for women to celebrate their sexuality and kink freely, and provides excellent education and empowering opportunities. To create a feeling of community and intimacy, DESIRE is kept at around 200 participants, presenters, and staff. Regular registration is $230 until April 7.
https://desireleatherwomen.org/news/
Crescent City Leathermen - Leather Exchange Sales Event
The Crescent City Leathermen, partnering with the Lords of Leather and NOLA PaH, will be assisting with their first Leather Exchange Sales Event Saturday, May 18th from 12-4 PM at the Friendly Bar located at 2301 Chartres Street in the Marigny, in New Orleans, LA. Check out a large variety of used Leather gear donated by fellow purveyors who are looking to clean out their closet. Used Leather and kink gear will be offered for sale or consignment at reduced prices from what one would normally pay at the store and online.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1473800622649667/
San Diego Girls of Leather
Join the San Diego Girls of Leather at the Redwing where the food and libations are plentiful on Tuesday, May 28. 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.
SoCA Bondage Club
The SoCA Bondage Club will hold its monthly play party at the Sanctuary LAX Studios on Sunday, May 19 and June 9 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 May 25 and June 22. Touche', 6412 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626.
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/
Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District Meeting
The Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District Facilitated Discussion will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 10 AM to 5 PM in the Rainbow Room at the San Francisco LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street at Octavia, in San Francisco. This will be a very important meeting, and the best opportunity for Leatherfolk to express their opinions about how the organization should function.
http://www.sfleatherdistrict.org/
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, May 22 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 - 2019 Motorcycle Weekend
The Empire City Motorcycle Club will host 2019 Motorcycle Weekend, a motorcycle-only event, May 24-27, Memorial Day Weekend. All-male bikers and buddies. Breakfasts, dinners and shared accommodations are included in the run fee. For more information, including registering immediately so you don't get left out, go to
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 May 16 and June 20 at 8:30 PM.
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
Panther L/L - Panther Bar Night
Panther L/L hosts their monthly bar night on fourth Saturdays at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA. The next one is on May 25. Panther L/L business meetings are open to absolutely everyone and start at 7:30 PM. We bartend in the club room to raise money for different organizations in the LGBTQ+ community. Come on out and have a drink or two with the Panthers. Big cats play hard.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/PantherLL/events/
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 June 8. 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. I am looking forward to seeing everyone come out and start the new year off right with everyone just being their kinky selves.
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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Dave Rhodes Hump Day Mailing List
Join this Facebook Group today and Have my weekly news blog sent to you every week.
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Beyond Leather - Over 60 workshops
Save the date May 16-19. Beyond Leather will include 60-plus educational workshop choices on power exchange relationships, newcomer, advanced education series, edge play, blood sports, skills, rope track, sex and more, by esteemed well known International presenters, four delicious meals, four outstanding theaters putting you on the edge of your seat either laughing or cringing, two contests, three nights on site dungeon play with 18,000 square-feet that powers one's darkest desire, three nights hospitality delicacies to tempt their palate in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Beyond Leather is home to the International Power Exchange Contest. The keynote speaker will be International Power Exchange 2016 Master Talon.
http://www.beyondleather.net/bl
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, May 4 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
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter (ONYX-MA) is centered in the Washington, DC / Baltimore area and includes Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia. 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 website 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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Spring is here and summer is fast approaching so it's time to peruse through your copy of The Leather Journal....Big events are coming up and read to see which interests you most...
Subscribe to the print version
https://www.theleatherjournal.com/subscribe-to-the-leather-journal
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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 May 19 and June 16. 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 June 8 and July 13 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 - So You Think You're Kinky
There are kinks, and then there are kinks. As hot as some of the taboo topics may be, not everyone thinks so. Your most powerful feelings and sexual identity may be inextricably linked with an activity that your average muggle wouldn’t know how to describe, and even your kinkster friends can’t relate to. We are of the opinion that if you and your partner agree no one is being harmed, you should do it with gusto. Oh, and more LUBE, of course. on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 PM. Expect extreme nudity. 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, May 3 and June 7 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
To celebrate the day of his graduation from the University of Southern California in 2009, Mark Malan brought a section of the USC Trojans marching band to play at Eagle LA. Photo by Dave Rhodes
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Past Dave Rhodes' Hump Day news blogs
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
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DomCon: Los Angeles
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
