THE LANGUAGE OF LEATHER: SELF-EXPRESSION AND COMMUNITY

THERE’S A CERTAIN ALCHEMY TO LEATHER. FOR SOME, IT’S JUST FABRIC AND FASHION, BUT FOR OTHERS—MYSELF INCLUDED—IT BECOMES A SECOND SKIN, A WAY TO EXPRESS IDENTITY, CONNECTION, AND BELONGING.

This alchemy has long been embodied by leather men who turned style into statement and fabric into culture. Icons like Tom of Finland, with his unapologetically sensual illustrations, captured the magnetic allure of leather, celebrating its power to symbolize desire, strength, and rebellion. Artists like Étienne, born Dom Orejudos, immortalized the sensual power of leather in his intricate and boldly erotic illustrations. His work celebrated masculinity, strength, and queer eroticism, blending them into an unapologetic celebration of leather culture. As both an artist and a leatherman, Étienne captured the essence of leather as an intersection of power and vulnerability, showing men clad in leather as proud, self-possessed, and defiant. These images weren’t just fantasy—they were aspirational and affirming for countless men who saw themselves reflected in his work during a time when queerness was often hidden.

Similarly, Glen Hughes, the leather-clad "Biker" of The Village People, brought leather culture into the mainstream. While some dismissed the band as camp or novelty, Hughes’ hyper-masculine presentation drew from a very real subculture that celebrated individuality and authenticity. His image was an invitation to explore leather beyond fetish or performance, signaling to a wider audience the depth and richness of this world. For many, Hughes became a symbol of queer pride and masculinity, a reminder that leather culture could thrive even under the gaze of mainstream scrutiny.

BEYOND ITS AESTHETIC, LEATHER HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SPACE FOR COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION—A PLACE TO FORGE IDENTITY, BROTHERHOOD, AND SOLIDARITY.

It is as much about the people as it is about the material. The early leather bars and clubs of the mid-20th century were sanctuaries, offering queer men a sense of safety, belonging, and camaraderie. These spaces became the foundation of what is often referred to as the "Old Guard" of leather culture. The Old Guard emphasized ritual, hierarchy, and codes of conduct—elements that not only protected members but also fostered deep bonds of trust and respect. It was in these dimly lit bars and backrooms, through shared experiences and whispered stories, that leather became a way of life. The Old Guard’s traditions—such as mentorship, the donning of specific garments as rites of passage, and a deep respect for discipline—rooted leather culture in a sense of continuity and purpose. For many, it was a place to explore masculinity on their own terms, freed from the toxic expectations of mainstream society. Leather offered a framework to reimagine masculinity as something that could include intimacy, vulnerability, and emotional connection.

As times have changed, so too has leather culture. The "New Guard" has embraced a more fluid and inclusive interpretation of leather. While the Old Guard traditions remain cherished, the New Guard has expanded the boundaries of leather culture to include individuals across a spectrum of genders, sexualities, and identities. What remains constant, however, is the emphasis on community and brotherhood—whether through mentorship, shared events like leather contests, or the quiet understanding between two people who recognize each other as part of the same world.

For years, I’ve felt a deep connection to leather as a medium of self-expression. In some ways it felt liek a place I wasn’t sure I belonged. It’s always been about more than the sleek shine or the comforting weight of a perfectly broken-in jacket; it’ was the story that leather tells about who you are. Leather is a paradox: soft yet strong, uniform yet personal, understated yet profoundly communicative. It speaks in a language that resonates deeply with those who wear it and those who understand its significance.

THERE’S POWER IN THE UNIFORMITY OF BREECHES, JACKETS, AND BOOTS. TOGETHER, THESE ELEMENTS CREATE AN ICONIC VISUAL STATEMENT THAT CARRIES WITH IT A HISTORY OF STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, AND CAMARADERIE.

Yet leather is not just about outward appearances; it’s about what lies beneath. Each piece signifies a kind of vulnerability—a willingness to step into a space where others can see the truest version of you. In leather, you are unarmored, paradoxically revealed by the very material that covers you. For me, wearing leather is a statement: I’m proud of my journey, my identity, and the way these intersect with my queerness and masculinity. Leather, as a second skin, allows me to embody aspects of my identity that are often misunderstood or erased. It becomes a canvas for queerness and masculinity to coexist and flourish outside of traditional binaries. It represents my defiance against societal norms that seek to confine or diminish me.

In a world that often prioritizes conformity, leather provides a way to reclaim individuality while building a sense of belonging. Whether it’s the quiet authority of a leather jacket, the sensual elegance of breeches, or the steadfastness of a pair of boots, leather serves as a reminder of our shared humanity. For me, it is a bridge between my personal narrative and the larger stories of queerness, masculinity, and community.

BUT LEATHER IS MORE THAN PERSONAL EXPRESSION—IT IS A COLLECTIVE LEGACY, ONE SHAPED BY GENERATIONS OF LEATHERMEN WHO HAVE FACED ADVERSITY WITH RESILIENCE AND PRIDE.

Leathermen have been a vital part of the queer community, not only for their iconic image of masculinity but for their enduring perseverance in the face of hardship. During the height of the AIDS crisis, the leather community became a beacon of strength, care, and activism. Leathermen were among those who fought tirelessly to support those affected, raising funds, providing care, and standing unapologetically in solidarity with their brothers. Their courage and compassion in those darkest days are a testament to the heart of leather culture: community, commitment, and an unyielding determination to survive and thrive. The leather community continues to evolve, yet it remains rooted in these values. It’s a space where masculinity is redefined to include vulnerability and tenderness, where brotherhood transcends differences, and where individuality flourishes within a shared ethos. Being a leatherman means standing tall not only for oneself but for the legacy of those who came before and the future generations who will carry the torch.

WEARING LEATHER IS MORE THAN AN ACT OF FASHION; IT’S AN ACT OF PRIDE, RESISTANCE, AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE. IT’S A BOLD DECLARATION THAT WE ARE HERE, THAT OUR STORIES MATTER, AND THAT WE WILL NOT BE CONFINED BY THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS.

Through leather, I have found not just a way to express myself, but a way to connect, celebrate, and thrive. Leather is a legacy, a community, and a home—a testament to the power of living authentically. I am proud to call myself a leatherman, part of a lineage greater than myself. It is an honor to embody a tradition that champions strength, resilience, and love in all its forms. To wear leather is to carry forward a history of resistance and celebration, a reminder that we are never alone, and that our shared humanity, forged in leather, is stronger than any adversity.