This realm includes the Leather, Bondage Domination Sadomasochism (BDSM), and Fetish community.

I come from an understanding that sexuality is very fluid and that we all are on a evolutional plane to reach completeness in all things; whether spiritual, emotional, physical, and yes, sexual. However, because of our history black males have been less inclined to own their sexuality. Yet, there is a growing number of black men of same sex desires that are proudly taking back and standing up for their sexual freedom. 

Sir Stephen, one of the original founders of Onxy Chicago, a group created to support, educate, and enhance the lives of men of color in the leather community, also feels strongly about this examination. “More and more men of color are defining our sexuality in and on our own terms, and this will continue to happen. (We are) creating a space that is our own with an understanding that we are a unique subset of the (leather) community. Instead of allowing the community to define us, we should define ourselves.” This exploration is happening freely in the homosexual community, which has traditionally had to deal with misconceptions, judgment, and myths. Men are exploring themselves and learning about pleasure in a variety of areas including water sports, bondage, fisting, wax play, role-play, and a myriad of other fetishes without shame.“We (black men) tend to be embarrassed about our sexuality’, Sir Stephen commented,“ we do not embrace and claim it. Homophobia is strong and then you must go through the same fear of disclosure or “coming out

Mentorship is debated within the community however. Though there are a number of community members who do not see Leather as a lifestyle for themselves and see no need for mentorship, the “Old Guard” is very clear on the importance of being mentored. Doc Hoskins, President of Onyx New York and Leather Man of Color 2007, concurs with this perception.

“ You must pay attention to old guard history. Rules and regulations were set up for a reason”

 “I am concerned that people will learn by trial and error and will become damaged.”, expressed Sir Stephen.

However, many of the New Guard believe that by researching one can make a determination of what they want and desire, and do not need “mentoring” as much as access to educational material.

“I personally believe that the Black Leather Community is growing and evolving brothers like myself are taking and mixing aspects of the leather community and the Hip-Hop Community together to create a unique space for us”, shares boi Ice from D.C..  Party host boi Ice runs an underground and exclusive club with his Sir. The party is a leather sex party for younger black men 25 to 40 spread by word of mouth, that enjoy leather sex and fetish play, but do not see Leather as a lifestyle that they want to embrace. “ We understand that many feel that to be a “true” leather man I need to go through some type of protocol. I, however, enjoy the play, but do not see the need to dress up or follow any rules that were not created by people that look like me. I feel my boundaries in leather play, water sports, and fisting should be negotiated by me and my Sir, not by a standard rule book of some kind.”  Varying viewpoints are strong in the community, but so are varying desires and fetishes. Many fetishes are clear like flogging, but some are things that many would never suspect could be a part of sexual play for someone. For example, Doc enjoys boxing as apart of his play.

"The sexual turn on in it (boxing) is the aggression, one man against one man for dominance. It gets down into a person’s primitive nature. I enjoy dominating another man. Touching on that primitive aspect is so sexual.”

It is important that if people are interested in leather or fetish play that one does his or her research. The Leather community has plenty of resources available for the novice or the curious. Here are just a few resources that are open to you: