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FAQ

What is Leather? Who gets to be Leather?

Leather is a radical queer sexual and political subculture, and leatherfolk are self-identified. Leather culture and its practices are organized around the expression and protection of sexual freedom. Leather sex often incorporates elements of sadomasochism and other expressions of bodily autonomy that threaten social convention as much as they inspire personal liberation. Leatherfolk are sexual outlaws whose lives are guided by the ethics that are foundational to their sex: integrity and honesty, vulnerability and bravery, responsibility and accountability, and pleasure itself as a virtue.

Do I have to own or wear leather to come to your events?

Absolutely not. SLAP condemns the policing of anyone’s expression of their leathersexuality. We also understand that access to leather goods, gear, and symbols of self-expression is itself a political issue. Leather can sometimes be expensive even if you are finding it second-hand, and this means that white leatherfolk are often the ones whose sexualities are most legible in leather spaces. That being said, one of the things that unites our community is a fetish for certain looks and aesthetics that have come to be called “leather.” Leather as an aesthetic takes inspiration from biker, punk, grunge, military, and fetish communities, and each leatherperson builds their own leather style differently, some not using any leather at all. At its most basic, a classic leather uniform is leather boots, a leather belt, denim pants, and a leather jacket. However, even these aren’t required for our events.

In short, you don’t need to wear leather, just come wearing something that makes you feel hot.

How can I participate?

SLAP events happen the 3rd Monday of every month at Mary’s Bar in Pittsburgh, PA, starting at 6 PM.

SLAP also has a book club, SLRP (Sadomasochist and Leather Readers of Pittsburgh) that meets virtually and communicated by Signal. You can join here.

SLAP has a community Discord server that you can access here.

SLAP has a newsletter you can sign up for here.

If you’d like to join the team of people producing SLAP events and projects, send an email to 412cumslap@proton.me.

I’ve never been to a leather event before. What should I expect? What’s the etiquette?

Our bar events are intended to be a space for leatherfolk to meet, cruise, dance, and engage in light play. We sometimes host games, panels, or performances that encourage attendees to get weird. Flagging is highly encouraged!

Please be aware of your skill set and play at your experience level; we endorse the RACK and PRICK models of consent.

Sometimes we have a bootblack available who you can bring your leather goods to for cleaning/polishing. Be respectful! Don’t assume a bootblack’s role or identity on the BDSM spectrum. Please, tip your bootblack.

Mary’s bar welcomes our debauchery within a few limits:

  • Don’t call the cops!
  • No nipples, hole, or biohazards—clean up after yourself!
  • Don’t play in the street or on the sidewalk—keep it inside!
  • Be kind and tip your bartenders. Don’t assume bar staff want to play or be hit on.
  • Use substances responsibly!

What are your COVID practices for safer gatherings?

SLAP encourages masking and testing for all public events. Our private play parties require COVID testing within 24-hours before the event and masking at the event. We work with Mask Up PGH to provide masks and COVID testing at all events. We also work with Clean Air Tools Pittsburgh to outfit our play spaces with air filters.

Where can I learn more about leather history, the leather community, and consent practices in leather?

Websites/Orgs:

Books:

Podcasts:

Contemporary Writing/Essays:

Movies:

We will continue to update this list.