HERITAGE OF LEATHER PRIDE
While the recorded history of the beginnings of the leather community contains little to know information about Blacks, today we know Black LGBTQ/SGL individuals have greatly contributed to the rich legacy of leather.
Most of the early imagery we see of Black men is leather is through a sexual lens. Pornographic pictorials and works of fetish-oriented artists like Tom of Finland and The Hun confirmed the physical prowess and erotic energy of Black men in leather. Ironically, this was at the same time when the leather community was exercising its right to be racist against Bruthas. Yes, it was hot to lust after Black men on the pages of a magazine, but if these same men tried to enter many of the leather bars in the US they would be asked for 47 pieces of identification or kicked out if they didn’t refill their drinks within seconds of emptying their glasses. And of course, this was incredibly hard to do if the bartender refused to wait on you in a timely fashion. Fortunately, there were Bruthas and Sistahs who had a love for leather, kink and BDSM…and they refused to accept second class treatment as part of the lifestyle.
Today, although there is still much needed work to be done around authentic representation of people of color in the leather community, we are fortunate to have more access to our history and accomplishments. Many of today’s prominent Blacks in leather were able to realize their achievements because of the struggles and successes of those who paved the way. As we celebrate SWEAT! in the City, we celebrate the Bruthas and Sistahs who were (and still are) a part of making history happen! The following is a list of some of our community’s past and present movers and shakers:
Belasco, renowned erotic artist
Blackkat, founder of Safer+Saner and only Black American Leatherman (2005)
BG, Diamond, and Lady Z, founders of BlackBEAT
Cain Berlinger, author of Black Men in Leather
Daddie Millarca, intersex activist and photographer
Darrell Perry, sex entrepreneur
Goddess Lakshimi, educator and former Ms. World Leather (2003)
Graylin Thornton, the only black to win International Mr. Drummer (1993)
Jack Johnson, writer and former president of The Euenspiegel Society
Jill Carter, represented the title of International Ms. Leather (1996) and Ms. World producer
John Keene, accomplished writer and founder of New York Panthers Leather Club
John Tatum, first Leatherman of Color (2005)
Lady Raven, first openly transperson to win an Olympus Leather title (Ms. Olympus Leather 2006)
Mike Russell, first Black to hold the title of International Leather SIR (2003)
Mistress Heart, cofounder of Bay Area Women of Color Photography Project
Mistress MIR, legendary Domme
Mufasa Ali, founder of ONYX and inaugural Mr. World (2006)
Neil Alexander, president of Highwaymen TNT
Omar Mosley, first Mr. Ebony Leather (1993)
Patrick Richardson, first Black International Mr. Deaf Leather (1997)
Quincy Russell, owner of Mind Fetish (fetish oriented home furnishings)
Ron Moore, first Black to win International Mr. Leather (1984)
Samuel Delaney, author
Scourge and coffee, founders of www.darkconnections.com (premiere website for Black kinksters)
Terrell Brown, first hetero man to compete at IML and Mr. Olympus Leather 2006
Vern Stewart, leather journalist
Viola Johnson, author and historian
You can Google these names to find out more about these pioneers, as well as discover many other community trailblazers. We realize it is not a comprehensive list but it is ongoing, and we will continue to add names. If there is a name you would like added, please contact info@blackleatherpride.com.
