What Is Leather?

Leather Online is based on a few assumptions: first of all, that there is something called the "leather community," second, that it is broad enough to include a diversity of people and broad-minded enough to accept a variety of traditions, and thirdly, that this community needs to have a place to come together to socialize, share ideas, get to know each other, etc. All of us who are active in the project identify ourselves as "leather," but represent a range of gender identities and preferences. Some of us may not wear very much leather.

"Leather" in Leather Online refers to an attitude, not to a fashion statement. An "old guard" Master with over thirty years of experience teaches his boys that leather must be earned, not bought. Those of us who have been in the leather community for any length of time are all too familar with the "wanna-be Top" with a fantastic wardrobe and no idea what to do next. (If this doesn't bring an image to mind, watch "Exit to Eden.") For newcomers, don't worry: attitude can be learned, attitude can be taught, and some people are just born with it.

The "old guard" image of leather does bring to mind a specific uniform: leather pants, chaps, or shorts, (black, of course), boots (be sure to get the right kind), white socks (worn properly), leather bar vest, peaked cap on Masters, hanky, etc. Within that uniform every detail has a specific meaning, and a knowledgeable observer can walk into a bar anywhere in the country and know exactly who to address and how. That uniform, that detail, is an important part of the heritage of everyone who is into "leather", but it represents just one facet of our community.

"Leather" includes the classically trained Mistress, the sissy maid in high heels, the Gorean slave in silks and chains, the butch Daddy in levis and her femme girl in lingerie. "Leather" includes whips, restraints, ropes, needles, knife art, electrical toys. "Leather" includes those who explore mental domination, with no toys or outward signs at all. "Leather" includes S&M, but does not require it; "leather" includes bondage but does not require it; "leather" includes submission, but does not require it.

We considered B&D, S&M, or D&S for the title of the magazine. Each of these terms left out some members of our community. Each of these terms can also be used for "part-time" activities, for weekend play. Each of these refers to something we DO (and thus something that is optional). Leather is something that we ARE. Whether I *play* or not, whether I dress up or not, I remain the same person, and that person is committed to a leather lifestyle.

I attended a reception last week to honor two long-time members of the local leather community for their years of activity. An old guard Master with 55 years of experience and a classically trained European Mistress presided over a ceremony which included elements of both of their traditions. The honorees were another old guard Master and a Mistress who bridges between the American and European styles. The guests included hetero, gay, and bi; dom, sub, and switch. They wore leather, chains, chiffon, sequins, denim, a business suit, lingerie, jock straps. A great example of the diversity of our community!

What do we have in common? *Leather* is the sum of our obsessions… the crack of a whip, a whispered "please", the way freshly caned skin shows the marks… and the way that they look three days later… *Leather* is about taking charge… or letting go… or about overloading on sensation… If any of this intrigues you… or sounds familiar… welcome to Leather Online.