Leather Speak: #5
Contests As a Production Director for Mr. Leatherman Toronto for 2 years, I appreciate the amount of work and dedication that goes in, and the possible rewards that flow from, community-based competitions. They can raise awareness of, and funds for, worthy causes. They are a good way for people to find other leatherfolk- whether for play or socializing. As with any large public function, they attract a diverse group of individuals with varying degrees of commitment to, and understanding of, leatherlife. There is no doubt that some people attend for the 'entertainment value'. I go to IML to meet friends [old and new] - with only limited time for anything with any real intensity.
But just as with the crowd in a leather bar, the people have at least some understanding of leather. And if they aren't interested in Me, or what I'm looking for, then we move on. I did get to meet some great people; and saw some friends in a new light.
Collars I was taught that a boy wearing a collar is not available. Lately I have seen boys wearing a collar that they say 'doesn't mean anything' - or worse, that it is 'just something they like to wear'. And they wonder why I don't take them seriously. I don't see this as "Old Guard" [see below] so much as basic etiquette... I don't steal other people's property. One boy pointed out to Me that the padlock on his collar was open. I guess he thought I would snap it shut... but since it was his lock, and his key, I passed. he would have had better luck with Me if he removed the collar, and focused on what he could do to please Me.
And then there was the night that a well-respected leatherman ignored the collar on My trainee- yes he was only My boy for the week-end, but I expected better. Aside from the fact the boy was wearing a collar, the Master knew specifically that the boy was taken. I don't share My boys... and even if I did, I would expect to be asked first.
Old Guard My dictionary defines "Old Guard" as 'the original elements within a political party or other organization'. Thom Magister, writing in Leatherfolk notes:
" In the early 1950s the leather scene was a strictly serious business. The men involved in S/M action lived by a code. There was no tolerance, as there is today, for phonies and onlookers.... everything was passed on by legend and word-of-mouth tradition- just like any other nomad tribe. "
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