Finding Your Leather Tribe: A Practical Guide to Gay Leather & Kink Communities Around the World
Feel confident walking into your first leather bar, and know exactly where to find your people, at home or abroad.
"Authentic tales of that second coming-out... perfect for travel adventures and quiet reflection alike."
- Jack Fritscher, Editor Emeritus, Drummer Magazine
More than fifty years ago, Larry Townsend wrote that most gay men come out once, but leathermen come out twice: first to their sexuality, and again to their fetish. Finding Your Leather Tribe continues that conversation, exploring what it means to live that second coming-out with pride, honesty, and heart.
Finding Your Leather Tribe: Leathermen Speak Out on Authenticity, Self-acceptance, and Brotherhood brings together these stories and resources to help you feel seen, supported, and connected to a leather community of your own.
This comprehensive guide combines intimate personal stories from leathermen across twelve countries with practical resources you can use today. You'll find a curated directory of leather and kink bars, events, social groups, and retailers organised by location, plus essential readings on leather history and culture.
This book is for you if you're:
- A gay man curious about leather and kink, unsure where to start in your own city.
- A seasoned leatherman or kinkster who wants vetted, welcoming spaces when you travel.
- Someone who values the history, culture, and traditions of gay leather and wants to feel part of that lineage.
Inside you'll discover:
- Real coming-out stories: 20+ deeply personal stories of gay men coming out twice-first as gay, and then coming out into leather-across 10+ countries and five continents.
- A carefully curated global directory: 150+ leather and kink social groups, bars, events, parties, and retailers across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, and Australia, curated to help you find kink-friendly, queer-affirming spaces.
- History and culture made accessible: A grounded exploration of leather history and culture, along with 15+ carefully selected further readings so you can deepen your understanding of the gay leather and kink community at your own pace.
- Find your leather tribe, anywhere: A detailed index of 60+ destinations, making it simple to find leather and kink social groups, events, bars, parties, and retailers by location, including cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.
- Practical confidence boosts: Guidance woven through the stories and resources to help you feel less anxious about your first (or next) visit to a leather bar or event-what to expect, how to navigate consent and etiquette, and how to stay safe while having fun.
