Leather Community: Boots, Belts, and a Lot of Pride

So, what are you wearing right now?

This isn’t (necessarily) us coming on to you. It’s more of a curiosity about where you stand on leather. Realistically, we know many of our readers are rocking the classic Pooh Bear look (bottomless in a T-shirt) as they scroll on the toilet. But you never know; leather can be a second skin for many queer people. (Plus, you don’t have to unzip in the little boys’ room if you’re wearing chaps.)

Sorry, we’re getting off topic. You came here to learn about leather, not bathroom habits. That’s a different article.

The leather community is filled with unique individuals who all have their own reasons for participating. Some are in it for the sex, some for the rock-and-roll, and others just love the pride they feel when they wear leather gear to their favorite gay bar or motorcycle club.

So, what is leather pride within the queer community? Is it just a fetish thing, or is there more to it? And how can you whip your wardrobe into shape to become the leather daddy of everyone’s dreams — including yours? Buckle up while we tell you all about it.

What does gay leather mean?

“Gay leather” is a pretty specific term in the gay lexicon. It refers to the intersection of leather culture and the gay community. Leather emphasizes unabashed individuality, camaraderie, and freedom of expression. And since that’s pretty much what gay stuff is all about, this was a collab just waiting to drop.

The leather community is especially significant within LGBTQ culture. It provides space for individuals to explore their sexuality or engage in kink practices. Plus, it’s a great way to look cute for the Folsom Street Fair or a Berlin nightclub, so that’s a pretty lovely boner — er, bonus.

Origins of the gay leather community

The gay leather subculture can be traced back to the years just after World War II, when returning queer veterans flocked to cities to reconnect with the gay community they had found during their service. They often wore leather jackets and motorcycle gear to embrace a sense of rebellious masculinity. The scene took shape in the form of motorcycle clubs in the ’50s and ’60s, particularly in San Francisco and New York City.

The rebellious and outcast-y nature of leather gear struck a chord with gays that reverberated for decades. By the 1970s, leather culture had established itself as a prominent subculture within the LGBTQ community. It was even celebrated through events like the International Mr. Leather (IML) competition. Countless leather bars and clubs popped up as a safe haven for gay men and other queer people.

How can I be part of the leather community?

Whether you’re in it for fashion, cultural identity, or as a means of exploring BDSM, joining the leather community is an excellent way to forge connections among like-minded folks. Leather bars are constantly hosting events and social gatherings. Some even offer workshops where you can explore leather culture in an environment that isn’t dappled with daiquiris and DMT.

You can also express your interest in leather by — wait for it — wearing leather! It truly is that simple; wear some leather garments or accessories as a means of self-expression and see how you feel. It doesn’t have to be anything too big, either. Even leather boots can help you serve Tom of Finland realness when you’re in line for your morning latte.

Challenges facing the leather community

Stereotypes and misconceptions plague the leather community, although that’s nothing new to anyone within a queer subculture. The biggest misconception about leather culture is that it’s solely about kink or BDSM. Yes, there’s quite a bit of overlap between those who see leather as a fetish and those who simply appreciate the aesthetic or ethos. But even if you see someone wearing an entire leather outfit at a leather bar, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll wear it in the bedroom.

The leather community is also often portrayed as overly aggressive or hypersexual. Many people first imagine bikers when they think of leather. Again, it’s completely valid to be a gay AF biker who happens to be hypersexual. But being into leather isn’t a signal that someone is aggressive or extra horny (or the proud owner of a Harley Davidson). It’s just a signal that they like leather.

Leather and its relation to BDSM

OK, so what about those who do have an honest-to-goodness leather kink? Leather BDSM is an undeniable aspect of the community and a common fetish among leather practitioners. If you’re at a leather bar, then you’re at a watering hole that probably hosts gay male clientele who want to water your hole — and wear leather while doing it.

It’s no coincidence that a lot of fetish gear is made from leather. No material better combines flexibility and resilience, and the added cultural associations take it from sensible to salacious. Harnesses, cuffs, and whips are standard fare for those who incorporate leather into their sex lives. 

The hanky code

The hanky code is a visual language that people within the leather community developed to discreetly communicate their lifestyle and sexual preferences. Hankies are typically hung from one’s back pocket; the color indicates the act one would like to participate in, whereas the side signals one’s preferred role (left pocket for tops/Doms, right pocket for bottoms/subs).

Sound complicated? Don’t worry; we’re here with the Rosetta stone that will help you bone!

• Black is associated with sadism and masochism (S&M).

• Dark blue signifies an interest in anal sex.‍
• Light blue is all about oral sex.

• Green indicates prostitution. (Left is a hustler, right is a buyer.)

• Red tells you the wearer is into fisting.

• Yellow is typically associated with a watersports kink. That’s pee, by the way.‍
• Brown is cuddling. Just kidding! It’s scat, of course.

The Leather Pride Flag

The leather pride flag has alternating blue and black horizontal stripes, with one white stripe in the center. A red heart sits in the upper left corner. Tony DeBlase designed the flag in 1989 to unify the leather community and give it a distinct identity. DeBlase said the colors and design elements bear no specific meaning, but viewers are free to interpret them.

No matter what it means to you, we encourage you to let your freak flag fly!