As an Indigenous Leatherman, I’ve experienced my share of looks & disregard as I’ve made my way into & through the Leather Community.

The truths are racism exists, discrimination exists, classism exists in the Community. If you haven’t experienced one or all of these, then you come with points of privilege that many do not have.

Speaking for myself, I know that, whenever I enter a Leather space, I understand that privilege points are immediately deducted because of how I look and who I am & that I’ve got to work that much harder to be seen and heard. This is the case for many of Us in the BIPOC spectrum. In response, I had to develop a thicker skin to disregard these displays of separation & develop substantial connections with folx who understand. For BIPOC Leatherfolx & Kinksters, developing defenses are mechanisms for survival in Communties in & out of Leather. We live by them, we use them, we have to.

I agree with 2025 Mx. Cruise L.A. Reina Powerviolence that the onus for calling out racism & discrimination in the Community should not fall solely on the BIPOC. It needs to be ALL of Us especially those who enjoy more points of privilege and/or have higher visibility in the Leather & Kink Communities (i.e, titleholders past & present, Leather/Kink group leadership, podcasters, video content creaters, etc.)..

Yours In Leather,
Sir Aaron Wolf