Leather Folk: Radical Sex, People, Politics, and Practice

Leather Folk: Radical sex, people, politics, and practice

Edited By: Mark Thompson

Kimberly B.

Leather Folk is a compilation of stories told by the many who have walked the path before me. It chronicals the rise and struggle of the gay and lesbian movement from as early as the 1940's through the 1990's.

Before I expand my point of view on this book, I must admit I did not read the book as a whole. I make no excuse for it, because for me excuses are like assholes. I just could not sit and read this book. I believe it is a compilation of personal issues, such as working 6-7 days a week, sometimes 14 hours in a day, and patience. Patience for the politics. I sincerely lack any taste for politics. I would much rather just do what I wish within the confines of the law, and let the world fall at my doorstep. Some may say it is selfish, but I say it is for my own self preservation. One major thing I never mix with my friends is either politics and/or religion. I did, however, read the short stories that called out to me. They were:

Dr. Kinsey takes a peek at S/M: A reminiscnce by Samuel M. Steward

Artist Chuck Arnett: His life/our times by Jack Fritscher

Erotic ecstasy: An interview with Purusha the Androgyne by Mark Thompson

Magical Masochist: A conversation with Fakir Musafar

The topics and subjects fascinate me as well as the people of whom the stories were about. You will often hear me describe myself as a "gay leatherman trapped in a woman's body", in a round about fucked up way... I am saying I am straight. This was a book mainly about the struggle of homosexual people and they just happened to be kinky.

In all honesty, I have true genuine living breathing leather folk in my life. They have been my teachers, mentors. peers. They are the ones whom I respect. They are the ones that I can relate to. They are the ones I wish to honor.

The story about Dr. Kinsey, WOW, I loved it. I think he was right on the money when he said each of us has both sadism and masochism within us. If I didn't have any sadistic tendacies, then I would not be able to dream up my masochistic fantasies. They are, however two different energies living inside of me.

What can I say about Chuck Arnett, except that I wished I had a few of his sketches or have of his talent! He was a bold artist of his time. He inspired not only thought, but conversation. He stimulated minds of masses. I stand in awe of any illustrator that can do that.

The interview with Purusha Larkin was quite interesting. I am fascinated by sexuality in itself. I find androgyne just as fascinating. For me it is a unique look from another persons perspective. To be that aware of