The SLAP Newsletter, Issue 002
October 2025
We've been getting a lot of questions about if you need to own or wear leather to participate in SLAP events. The answer is no! 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!
We'll be coming out with a list of answers to frequently asked questions such as this. Keep an eye out for that in our November issue!
Congrats to SLAP Pet Liaison, Lavender Princess, for the Title of Iron City Pet!
Call for Submissions
We want your poetry, stories, and art! Submit to 412cumSLAP@proton.me to get started.
Scroll to the end for advice from Your Queer Auntie!
Book Club
The Sadomasochist and Leather Readers of Pittsburgh (SLRP) is reading the Lesbian S/M Safety Manual (1988) edited by Patrick Califia - available for free online! Email us if you'd like the full PDF.
SLRP meets various times throughout the month. Join the Signal group to get involved!
SLAP Events
SLAP as an assembly works to create a safe place for everyone to enjoy leather and SM, but especially Black people and POC. We are committed to creating and maintaining a space for leatherfreaks of every identity. SLAP does not tolerate any forms of ableism, ageism, racism, sexism, zionism, biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, or any non-consensual bullying or other oppressive behavior.
Find our full anti-racism and inclusivity statement on our About and Events pages.
Local Events
Want to promote your local event? Email a flyer and information to 412cumSLAP@proton.me. Events are shared at the discretion of the editor.
SLAP Fundraiser Breakdowns
September 15th @ Mary's
Cash: $267 | Venmo: $75 | Total Donations: $342
$256.50 went to Monica's Surgery Fund | $85.50 went to SLAP
September 15th @ Bruises & Bondage
Raised: $470 - $50 (Food + Drink) - $60 (Bathtenders tip) = $360 total
$90 went to Bukit Bail Fund | $270 went to SLAP
October 3rd @ Leather Luxe
Raised: $845 - $576 (Club Pitt) - $58 (Food + Drink) - $50 (Bathtenders tip) = $161 total
$41 went to Bukit Bail Fund | $120 went to Sweet Escape
Personal & Local Ads
Snuffbait seeking dangerous dyke to play pretend with. Most excited by breathplay methods- drowning, strangling, suffocating, plastic bags, nooses. Sex can happen, but isn't the main goal for me. Need to be able to fear for my life and giggle about it after. Let's play murderer/victim!
Dom leaning switch seeks femme for freaky fun.
Cis male, 5’11” 190, looking for smaller statured female for breath, impact, and restraint play. Mutual pleasure, enthusiastic consent, and careful communication are a must. Love leather and denim, fuck me in your boots please. STI and drama free.
i want to spread you open where you hate yourself, nurse yr insecurities, show you a mirror's cruelty and devastate you w gentleness. not to punish so much as look right through you, but maybe it's painful to be seen. interested in giving impact, worship, physical restraint, pissing, possible fisting or fucking but emotional masochism is what's important. hit my line for negotiations and talks, i'm as hot for your limits as your edges-- not looking to go big so much as deep + at the pace of trust
Emberhide Artistry is a queer-owned, Pittsburgh-based small business specializing in handcrafted leather collars, cuffs, belts, accessories, and more. Every piece is custom-made by artist and designer Benji Storm, who brings bold design, meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant artistry to each creation. Benji uniquely offers speedy turnaround, travel for in-person fittings, alteration services and a lifetime warranty on all of his work because leather should last a lifetime.
Ask Your Queer Auntie
I'm a queer NB femme with 30 years of kink experience. Not a therapist and have no formal medical or psychological training. Responses are my opinion and shouldn't be taken as gospel.
Hi Queer Auntie,
I'd love to hear your accumulated wisdom on domming. What makes a great Dom(me) to you, besides the obvious (but important) elements of consent and constant awareness of the flow of power?
Sincerely,
Dom Fine Cup of Coffee
Dear DFCoC,
The most important thing is humility. The person in front of you is giving up control to you and your responsibility is to own that lovingly. Lovingly ≠ gentle play.
Hubris is when a dominant believes only their desires need to be met and the bottom/sub is a tool for that. Consider the human in front of you.
The second is negotiation/ interrogation skills. Getting the balance between every exhaustive detail and not enough takes experience. Err on the side of too much when starting out.
Discuss trauma triggers both physical and mental as well as any physical limitations and allergies. Have first aid and aftercare supplies ready or have another person there who can provide this, if you're unable or unwilling to do it.
Knowing the triggers helps you to push the right buttons of anxiety, fear and/or embarrassment etc. to spark the tension you want. Pushing the wrong buttons can end the scene and potentially your budding relationship. Keep them off balance and remember you are confident and in control of their emotions and excitement. You become their anchor and can increase/decrease intensity to suit both of your needs.
Lastly use your negotiation skills to start the game. Explicitly stating what you want to do to them doesn't spoil the scene, it creates useful anticipation which works to your advantage.
Happy domming!
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