Leather community - meaning and definition
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Definition
A subculture, historically rooted in gay men's communities after the Second World War, that combines kink, leather clothing, mentorship and strong traditions of mutual support.
At a glance
- The leather community is a subculture rooted in gay men's communities after the Second World War.
- It grew from motorcycle clubs and bars, with its own codes, titles and contests.
- 'Leather families' are networks of chosen kin built on mentorship and support.
- It is closely tied to LGBTQ history, including organising during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
- Today it includes people of all genders and orientations.
In detail
Leather culture grew from motorcycle clubs and bars and developed its own codes, titles, contests and 'leather families' of chosen kin. It has been closely tied to LGBTQ history, including community organising during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The community has long emphasised mentorship and passing on knowledge about safe practice, and it produced frameworks such as SSC. Today it includes people of all genders and orientations.
In a sentence
- He found mentors in the leather community who taught him a lot about consent and safety.
- The museum exhibit covered leather community history alongside wider LGBTQ history.
Common questions
Is the leather community only for gay men?
It began in gay men's communities, but today it includes people of all genders and orientations, while many groups keep a strong connection to that history.
What is a leather family?
A leather family is a chosen network of people who support and mentor each other, often passing on knowledge and community traditions.