welcome to the Leather resources page
If you got linked to this page, dear reader, chances are that you're curious about Leather as a movement, aesthetic, and identity. Leather comfortably fits next to LGBT and kink history for many reasons, and yet - it is all of those things, and so much more.
The writer is by no means an expert; in my own journey, I've collected books, movies, links, first-hand accounts from Leather leaders well known to the community and who marched right along in the advances of LGBT and AIDS activisim. This page was made in the interest of passing the torch accessibly to the next generations: whether it be simply for the curious who wish to know history, for the ones who feel this affinity in their soul, and beyond.
In the interest of sharing resources, this page is less a summary of the movement (impossible and frankly irresponsible for a single person to describe), and much more a library for you to peruse. Please note that most books and links on this page have adult content not meant for children. Happy reading, and I wish you all the best.
-krad
BOOKS & FILM
- Urban Aboriginals: A Celebration of Leathersexuality by Geoff Mains
- As relevant today as when it was written 20 years ago, Urban Aboriginals is an intimate view of the gay male leather community. Mains explores the spritual, sexual, emotional, cultural and physiological aspects that make this "scene" one of the most prominent yet misunderstood subcultures in our society.
- Leatherfolk: Radical Sex, People, Politics, and Practice by Mark Thompson
- Spanning the decades from the 1940s onward, this collection of vibrant writing documents the many eras and shifts of attitude that have informed the gay and lesbian leather underground and its influence on the society beyond.
- Coming to Power: Writing and Graphics on Lesbian S/M by SAMOIS
- SAMOIS was founded as a lesbian leatherdyke / S/M org, and a pro-sexual expression force in the 'sex wars' between factions that disagreed over pornography and sexual expression. Invaluable far tracing many of the current discussions, and also how other folks took on that torch for leather as a whole.
- The Leatherman's Handbook II: The Sequel, New Millenium Edition by Larry Townsend
- Written by another pillar in the 80's Leather community; this book is a sex ed book for gay men specifically, yet also has more valuable insights on personal history then.
- NEW! Leatherman: The Legend of Chuck Renslow Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen
- A prominent Chicago gay activist and entrepreneur is the subject of an in-depth biography. The book contains more than 300 images, including murals and drawings by Dom "Etienne" Orejudos, posters for International Mr. Leather (IML), and photos from the Gold Coast, Pride Parades, IML contests, physique magazines and more.
- Tom of Finland
- Examining the life and work of Touko Laaksonen, one of the most influential and celebrated figures of 20th century gay culture. After returning home from WWII, Touko inspired a generation of gay men with his signature work, `Tom of Finland'.
ORGANIZATIONS, STORES, & CONVENTIONS
- Leather Archives and Museam
- The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to Leather, fetishism, sadomasochism, and alternative sexual practices.
- Folsom Street Fair (SF)
- Folsom is a series of world-class leather and fetish events that unite the alternative sexuality communities with safe, consent-based venues for self-expression, art and entertainment.
- also relevant: The Origin and Evolution of the Folsom Street Fair By Kathleen Connell & Paul Gabriel
- Southeast LeatherFest
- SouthEast LeatherFest (SELF) is an annual adult fetish event for the BDSM, leather, and kink communities based in the United States' Southeast and centered in Georgia with regional and smaller related events held throughout the year.
- Tom of Finland Foundation
- Tom of Finland Foundation is an organization that has been dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the erotic arts for three and a half decades.
- Founded in San Francisco in 1979, this workshop and flagship store continues a long tradition of bringing quality gear.
- International Mr. Leather (IML) is an international, though largely American, conference and contest of leathermen held annually in May since 1979 in Chicago, Illinois.
OTHER LINKS
- This awards site is dedicated to more names, lives, and history that was explicitly honored in the community. Last honors were given in 2020, and still alive.
- An archived and incredibly extensive timeline of Leather history starting from the BC era all the way up to the 2010's. Reccords people, events, places and more.
- A classic old school web 1.0 web page with over 100 pages on BDSM / Leather resources, history, quips, humor, and more. Surprisingly relevant even two decades later.
- The San Antonio S/Munch is a pansexual organization whose purpose is to provide a Safe, Sane and, Consensual meeting atmosphere for members of the San Antonio BDSM community. Website has resouce pages & links to books and media.
- A zine series for leatherdykes.
- "This site contains detailed information on the publications and history of the world famous Atomage Leather Couture company run by the legendary John Sutcliffe from the 1950s to the late 1980s."
- An archived wiki dedicated to bootblacking, Bootblacking is the practice of caring for boots, shoes, and other leather apparel. While the term "bootblack" originates from the 1800s, in recent years the practice has experienced an increase in popularity in the Leather subculture.
- "Carmelle La Sirena is a conceptual artist, painter and photographer whose wandering heart has her living in both New York and Los Angeles. She began photographing "Leatherwomen" over 20 years ago as a way to explore and understand her own sexuality." A 4 part-series.
- A short but vibrant page with personality, personal ancedotes, and tips on bootblacking.
- An expanded reading list curated by Sex Geek, who is active in the Leather community. Highly reccomend a linked and extensive reading list to Black kink & leather works as well.
- "Brat Attack was a highly unprofessional and irreverent dyke SM zine published in San Francisco from 1991 through 1994. All issues are sold out. This site is all that remains."
- A slideshow on an acclaimed artist, Chuck Arnett was most well known for his mural and work in the Tool Box, a Leather bar in San Fransisco.
- Sensing a hole in the community for things leather-related but not adult-oriented, the founders created Leatherati as a leather community lifestyle website covering leather people, news and events.
if you have suggestions of links to add, comments, or questions to the writer; please reach out to kradeelav@gmail.com. Your privacy will be respected unless if you explicitly request to be credited.created 2/20/2021. Last updated 1/7/2023.
to be expanded as needed. do not repost without credit or a link back.