Photo of Ms. and Mr. Philadelphia Leather 2016, Alaina Hummel and Rudy Flesher, from Rich Stadtmiller's collection at the LA&M. #LeatherCommunity #TitleContests

Harley McMillen (center) was a leatherman and activist. He was involved in the founding of Howard Brown Memorial Clinic and served as ED through the early years of HIV/AIDS epidemic. Harley founded AIDS Action Project, worked with International Mr. Leather, and was president of Chicago Knights MC.

Gene Seminar was a leatherman in Chicago. He was a charter member of Second City MC, first president of Chicago Knight MC, a founder of the Mid-America Conference, founder of the Chicago Conference of Clubs, and a charter member and founder of Mid America Fists in Action.

The 𝒜𝓊𝓉𝑜ᴇʀᴏᴛɪᴄᴀ documentary short is now streaming!! ⛓️‍💥 We would love your support in realizing the next chapter ⛓️‍💥 More information at the link below: jeremyvons.gumroad.com/l/autoerotica

Quote from Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive by Julia Serano (2013). Photo of the New York Pride Parade (1980s) from the Randy Sauder and Gary DeNichilo collection at the LA&M.

Andy Anderson (right) was president of the Canadian Leather Alliance, director of the Mr. Leatherman Toronto Contest, and worked with the Toronto Pride Committee, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and Casey House.

David Lithgow was a former president of the Chicago Hellfire Club and a member of Leather United Chicago.

In today's newsletter 🪢 Rick AND MORE from Numbers / February 1982 🔞 Subscribe here: open.substack.com/pub/autoerot...

Sheila Courser (center) was a board member of the International Ms. Leather contest. Courser competed in the contest in 1990. She produced the Ms. Bear Leather contest and a Ms. Stripper of the Year performance and contest for both amateurs and professionals.

The LA&M Teri Rose Memorial Library will be closed this Saturday from 1pm to 5pm. The museum galleries will be open regular hours for your enjoyment, 11am to 5pm on Saturday.

International Mr. Deaf Leather 1997, Patrick Richardson, with runners-up Paul O'Rourke and William "Barn "Coleman. Photo by Paul Putnam from the Leather Journal No 95 (Dec 1997). #LeatherMen

HAPPY #painslave showing the results of serving its OWNER, SIR @tygeryoshi.bsky.social. #slavetraining #ownedslave #slaveforuse

The premiere issue of Black Leather In Color, the first SM/Leather magazine created by and for people of color. BLIC was founded by a collective led by Michele Buchanan, S. Guy Giumento, Lidell Jackson and Darrell Perry in 1994. BLIC was revived by Ms D Dom in 2024 @blicmagazine.bsky.social

In today's newsletter 👨🏻 Myles to Go and more from Honcho / September 1980 🔞 Subscribe here: autoerotica.substack.com

Romance and fet!sh - we’ve got you covered this Valentine’s Day ❤️ Some say diamonds are forever - we say leather is forever. Shop our range online or in store, we are here to help you find the perfect gift. PHOTO: From the L&D archives circa 1995

Gay powers restored. #patrickstonebarber

Mark Ensinger, born today on January 22, 1935, operated a private play space called Fountains of Pleasure No 6 outside of Detroit. He hosted monthly play parties for men and organized an annual event called Algolagnic Atelier from 1985-2005.

The Argonauts of Wisconsin (est. 1974) is a gay leather club and the oldest gay organization in the state. The Argonauts raise funds for charities at their annual 9-day Easter Egg fundraiser. Patch from the LA&M club colors library. #LeatherClubs

James A. Leuer (aka Golda) was a founding member of the San Francisco God Damn Independents Club and served three terms as president between 1975 and 1991. He was a president of the SF Forum and chairman of the Inter-Club Fund, a mutual aid group.

@sampsonnightly.bsky.social @doctorcarlton.bsky.social @timo-of-finland.bsky.social youtube.com/@realclearfe...

In today's newsletter 💜 Dusty: A Man of Intense Passions 🔞 Subscribe here: autoerotica.substack.com

In today's newsletter ⛓️‍💥 GBM: Genaro and more 🔞 Subscribe here: autoerotica.substack.com

Quote from For a Pornoscape by Paul Willemen (in More Dirty Looks, 2004). Photo from Heat (Nov 1991).

Who's getting in?

Quote from Come Hither by Gloria G. Brame (2000). Photo from Toy No 44 (1985).

Quote from Patrick Califia's Public Sex (first pub. 1982). Image from Bondage Photo Treasures No 12 (1986).

Quote from Desire/Love by Lauren Berlant (2012). Photo from Lashes Vol 4 No 4 (1983). #Psychoanalysis #Freud

Thank you, Michael Gifford, for bottling and delivering this donation from the Estate of Samuel M. Steward. He is perfectly at home in the LA&M library. #SamSteward #PhilAndros #PhilSparrow

B.C. Cliver, winner of the the San Francisco Dyke Daddy 1991-1992 contest, from the Vern Stewart collection at the LA&M. #LeatherWomen #LeatherCommunity

Ed Tobin was the first Mr. Indiana Leather. He co-founded Leather United Chicago and the Indianapolis chapter of the National Leather Association. Tobin and his partner David co-owned a leather company and co-produced charitable events.

Quote from Sex Positive by Elisa Glick (in Feminist Review No 64, 2000). Photo from Rubber Nurse Vol 1 No 2 (1975).

Fun group photo towards the end of the second Tom's Hide Out promo shoot for 2025. Can't wait to share some of the photos we got, these guys all look amazing!

Living in Leather VIII, Houston, 1993. From the Thomas L. Gross collection at the LA&M. #LeatherEvents #LeatherCommunity

Mark S. Smith was the founder of Second Skins, a leeather resale shop in Seattle. He was described as a generous advocate for justice and diversity.

Cover of On Our Backs (Summer 1987). The LA&M is missing several issues of OOB including Summer 1984, Winter 1984, Spring 1985 and Winter 1985. Do you have them? 🎁

David Golonka owned a custom leather shop called The Noose with his friend Merrill Saldes. He served as president of the Pocono Warriors and was a former member of the Gay Male S/M Activists.

sitting on business 💖 @theloganrush

The IMBB Elements of Competition are officially here! We’re excited to share the full breakdown of what contestants can expect as they prepare for the International Mr. Bootblack experience. 🧵👇

Go and check out @timo-of-finland.bsky.social and our honest conversion ❤️