(UN)LEASHED Open House Opens Minds

(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #73, March 13, 1998)

Allow me to introduce you to (UN)LEASHED, a relatively new part of the Twin Cities leather community. I quote verbatim from one of their flyers:

“(UN)LEASHED is a loosely organized social, educational, and play group for women and transpeople who are into leather, BDSM, and other forms of kink/erotic expression/power play. We welcome all sexual orientations and relationship models. Monthly meetings are open to women and transpeople only; some play parties may be open to ‘bio-boys’ as well. • Second Sundays, 5-9 p.m. (potluck, business, demo/discussion, optional play). • Upcoming topics: March-Role Play; April-Fisting/Penetration; May-Impact Play; June-Mummification/Predicament Bondage. Safe, sane and consensual (including polyamory, where applicable) • Smoke-free, alcohol in moderation only. Please no perfume, cologne, hairspray, or other scented products (some of our members are violently allergic to this stuff).”

(UN)LEASHED is a group unlike any other in the area. They are not so much a club as a loosely-organized social network. The group currently has a contact list of about 30; on average, about a dozen people show up for monthly meetings. Diane Marshall, one of their founding members, articulated their goals: “outreach, visibility, access.”

Group members held an open house on a recent Sunday evening. I planned to drop in, talk to some people to get material for a column, and stay about an hour. As it turned out, I stayed for over two hours, talking constantly, and took enough notes for a small doctoral thesis. It was a fascinating, mind-expanding evening for this particular “bio-boy.” I was somewhat dismayed to find that there were so few leathermen in attendance, however. I am encouraging (UN)LEASHED to have another open house soon; if and when they do, I encourage all members of the male leather community to attend and show support for this group and these community members. (And you might even leave the open house with some newfound attitude changes.)

“Red Party” Dazzles

Mr. Minnesota Leather 1998 Roger Gregg outdid himself with the Red Party, the first in a series of fundraising events. Gregg, assisted by a staff of hard-working boys, presented a lavishly leathery evening of food, entertainment and surprises the likes of which these towns have never before experienced. His next one, the Blue Party, happens Saturday, March 28; Gregg promises it will be “equally as spectacular, yet totally different.” Admission will be by advance ticket sale only; more details are forthcoming on flyers which should be circulating shortly.

New! Minnesota Leather Website

Recently-sashed Ms. Minnesota Olympus Leather Renee Indehar is the webmistress of the newly-created Minnesota Leather Website. Point your browser to www.mnleather.org and check it out.

Upcoming Leather Events

Atons Installation Banquet
Sunday, March 15, 6-10 pm, Twin City Grill at Mall of America

Cocktails at 6, dinner at 7. The Atons’ new slate of officers will be formally installed. Admission is $35 and advance reservations are required. For further information: e-mail to atonsmpls@aol.com; or visit the website at www.starbase21.com/ATONS/. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Mr. Minnesota Leather 1998 presents “The Blue Party”
Saturday, March 28-advance ticket sales only

See story above for more information.

The Tank One-Year Anniversary Party
Sunday, March 29, 6-10 pm, The Saloon (Tank doors open at 9 pm)

In one short year The Tank has become a Sunday night institution, so come celebrate “One Year of Hard Times.” Twin Cities leather clubs will be represented and Falcon Studios leather stud Steve Pierce will make an appearance. Free food, $5.00 optional cover for beer bust.

Mark Your Calendar . . .

Wednesday, April 1: Do you have a great idea for this summer’s Twin Cities Leather Pride Celebration? Or do you want to volunteer your time to help make it happen? All interested parties are invited to the next meeting of the Leather Pride Celebration planning committee. Call for meeting time and location.

Saturday, April 25: Travel to Chicago with the Atons for a fun night in The Pit (at the Chicago Eagle). Call for more info.

May 29-31, 1998: The Knights of Leather present Knights Tournament 10, a tenth-anniversary celebration that even includes a Birthday Party. Bring a new participant and receive a 10% discount on your application fee. Or get early sign-up prices if you register before March 23, 1998. For more information or an application write Knights of Leather, Minneapolis, MN or e-mail SSCKOL@aol.com.