October - NLA-International

OCTOBER 2008
DALLAS, TX
This year the
Annual General Meeting of the NLA-I was held
in conjunction with Beyond Vanilla in Dallas
Texas. For the membership, the AGM is that
special time every year when we come together
in one place for some great camaraderie and
valued information. The AGM can be considered to be when the organization moves out of the old
year and into the next. The
AGM coordinator, Kissiah,
did a stellar job this year.
Sunday morning rolled around and at 9:00
a.m. the AGM officially kicked off. The scheduling committee of Beyond Vanilla was kind
enough to make sure no classes were scheduled during the AGM to maximize attendance
opportunities. This year the AGM featured different levels for members to choose from. Although the AGM was free to all NLA-I membership, there were also bonus packages that could
be purchased that included
the brunch, and/or the commemorative T-Shirt.
As the food and the
membership
rolled into the
Kicking off the AGM on
ballroom
it
was
easy to unSaturday night with a bowlderstand
why
NLA-I
has being tournament where three
come
the
front
runner
in
chapters fielded teams, NLAleather
organizations.
Houston, NLA Oklahoma
Smiles and hugs filled the
City, and NLA Dallas, vied for
The hand-made leather and stud colors.
spaces as old friends rethe first annual NLA-I bowlNLA-I history at the AGM
united again. NLA-I Presiing champ title. In the Satdent
Vince
Andrews
called the meeting to order
urday night black-light bowling at USA Bowl in
and
then
got
down
to
the priority business. He
Dallas our own version of the Red River Shoot
opened
the
brunch,
giving
the winning bowling
Out played itself out to the sounds of yelling,
team
first
in
line
privileges.
rolling balls, and pins falling. In the end it was
NLA-Dallas, by a meager four points, who took
home the gold.
continued - page 2
From the Prez ...................................................... 5
NLA-I Awards ..................................................... 10
Earning Leathers ............................................... 16
In Memory .......................................................... 24
Domestic AIDS Crisis ....................................... 30
The Link - page 1
THE AGM
continued from pg 1
Once the membership was re-seated the
meeting got underway in ernest. It began with
the unveiling of the historic leather and studded
colors commissioned by former NLA-I Presidenr
Jan Lyon. The colors were unveiled by Vince
and LA&M Executive Director Rick Storer. It was
a great honor to have this
part of our living history
flying on the podium of
our AGM.
no support from either government or educational
institute. He told us to save our “leather stuff” in
boxes and make sure those boxes get to the
LA&M, as this grass roots effort is the primary
way they get material that makes up history.
The final speaker
was Lillith, who did a presentation on the Fresh
Leather Project that is being hosted by NLA-Dallas. Her presentation was
Next up were the
interesting and engaging,
NLA-I chair reports, folas she laid out Fresh
lowed by the award preLeather for the audience.
sentations. (See Awards
Fresh Leather is all about
– page 10-11).
bringing the next generation of leather folk into
AGM 08 Commemorative Shirt Design
The final portion of
NLA and how to do it.
the AGM consisted of a
Under the leadership of
series of guest speakers. First on the podium
this charismatic young leather woman, the Fresh
was NCSF Executive Director Jim Duvall. He
Leather Project is a model for all of NLA to be
presented information on what NCSF is and does
looking at.
then accepted questions and comments from the
audience. Ricci Levy, Executive Director of orThe AGM concluded with a rousing round
ganizational newcomer WoodHull presented of applause and a hearty sense of encouragenext. She engaged the audience and told us to ment and purpose to carry the membership into
dream of a perfect world.
the coming year. The final note was the location
of the next AGM, which is slated to be held in
LA&M Executive Director Rich Storer reconjunction with Spring Iniquity XVIII this comturned to the stage and spoke passionately about
ing April in Houston Texas.
the Leather Archives and Museum, citing the fact
that the LA&M is privately funded and receives
The Link - page 2
Share YYour
our Stor
Storyy
Earned Leathers - A
Collection Of Histories
The Project:
Archer is collecting personal accounts of how
individuals earned their leathers. His hope is to
compile this collection into a book of historical
first person stories of this traditional part of leather
history. (With proceeds donated to a charitable
organization)
By providing accounts from people in different
regions of the nation and other countries this
collection will not become a ‘how to’ book. Instead, readers could use the information to create their own methods of earning leathers and
keep alive the overall tradition.
Share Your Account
Compose a 2-3 page (1600-2500 words) story
about how you earned one piece of leather. Include as much detail as you wish while keeping
the length to 2-3 pages. Specifics you might include:
AGM 08 ............................................ p1-p2
Share Your Story .................................... p3
From the President ................................. p5
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bio ...................... p8
MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bio ...................... p9
NLA-I AGM Awards .............................. p10
NLA-I AGM Awards .............................. p11
Events .................................................. p12
Congratulations .................................... p13
Vice Presidents Report ......................... p15
Tresurers Report .................................. p15
Earning Leathers (article) ..................... p16
DV Project Report ................................ p20
• What is the leather item.
Education Report ................................ p.21
• Is there a special significance of
this item?
Commercial & Affiliate Report .............. p22
• What did you do or accomplish
to earn this piece?
NLA-Central Florida ............................ p.24
• The relationship between you
and the giver.
NLA-Houston ........................................ p25
This project has the support of many people including: Vi Johnson, Mama Sandy Reinhardt,
Robert Rubel, Dave Rhodes and Lee Herrington.
Email your contribution and if your story fits the
concept then we’ll work out all the authorizations
and other legalities of publishing.
NLA-Dallas .......................................... p.23
In Memory ............................................ p24
NLA-Columbus ..................................... p25
NLA-Atlanta .......................................... p25
NLA-Oklahoma City ............................. p26
NLA-Indianapolis .................................. p27
NLA-Edmonton ..................................... p28
Thanks, Archer
NLA-Philadelphia.................................. p29
[email protected]
Action Needed on AIDS Crisis (article) . p30
The Link - page 3
CLIP THIS VALUABLE COUPON!
The Link is always looking for written, artistic, and photographic submissions for publication.
Have you got what it takes?
IF you do, then we want it! Please send your articles, art, photography, and event listings to:
[email protected]
The Link - page 4
we faced especially since we as a Board only
have 4 meetings each year.
By Vincent Andrews
When I first started this overhaul with the
Board it was made very clear that it would take
us at least two years to produce the changes
needed to improve the International and upgrade
it to the 21st Century. We also knew it would
take about four years before those changes
would be visually and physically obvious to the
Membership. To insure its success we put a lot
of time and energy on building it on a solid foundation and keeping in mind our original purpose.
2006 – 2008
It was important to me and the Board that we
I wanted to take the time to write all of you preserve our original Mission and at the same
regarding the Organization. I know that many of time bring forth new changes and direction within
you may not be able to attend the coming AGM that existing Mission. I can tell you that this was
(Annual General Meeting) this September in not an easy task for us to achieve and at times
Dallas at Beyond Vanilla 18. I don’t want you all we struggled with solutions. I have been approached by many members
to miss out on our guest speakabout a second term, and I am
ers, but I certainly understand
I have to applaud
very humbled by their desire to
the economy issues that plague
your Board members
see me take on another term
our nation and our members. It
over the last two
as your President. I look at the
has been a while since I gave
years for the hard
NLA-I as a classic car in many
you all an update and for that I
work and
cases, one that the Board of
apologize, as I have been dodedications that they
Mechanics has overhauled and
ing a lot of travel in the past few
have had to help
restored. We have added new
months to visit some of your
improve the
parts, and given the organizaChapters.
International.
tion a new paint job with a
When I was elected Presismoother engine in the last two
dent of your organization I had a very ambitious years. It would be an honor to turn the key and
plan to present to the Board. To be honest, many drive the organization around the block as well
of the goals people thought and felt were far as a privilege to have the wheel as we take off
reaching. I have to applaud your Board mem- for a spin should you re-elect me.
Below
bers over the last two years for the hard work is a timeline and a brief synopsis as to what we
and dedications that they have had to help im- have changed and why.
prove the International. Yes, I threw ideas out to
the organization, but in many cases we comprocontinued - page 6
mised on them and developed as a team the
Have a comment or question for the
solutions to the problems that we all faced. I am
NL
A-I Board?
NLA
very grateful to all them for their time they spent
email it to [email protected]
on this, and for their input on the many issues
NLA-I President
Over
view of Changes
Overview
to the
NL
A-International
NLA-International
The Link - page 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT
continued from pg 5
2006
In 2006- We looked over what material,
memberships and communication problems
we currently needed to repair and update to
start working on restructuring the NLA-I.
1. Filled all the Board position and structuring their committees by creating yahoo groups for each Chair and committee.
2. Updated all chapters’ information and
documents.
3. Reestablished communications between chapters, members, and International.
4. Began work on the NLA-I website
overhaul
5. redesigned all the International brochures and advertisements to give a new
look to us.
6. Started a survey to find out the members needs, desires, and frustrations.
The Link - page 6
2007
In 2007- The Board had achieved negotiating all the changes and began implementing those changes on a physical level. Most of
this came from the survey results and input
from chapters.
1. Approved website changes
a. approved Workshop Handout section
b. approved Keynote and titleholder speech
section
c. approved members only section
d. began work on LINK and archives section online private for members
2. Created the Educational Committee –
vets and maintains the Educational material for the international members to get resources and presenters for chapters.
3. Overhauled the dues of Commercial and
Affiliate members from 200.00 to 50.00.
2007
4. Restructured the International Dues of
all members based on when they join
5. Began “piggy backing” AGM with our
chapters events to show stronger support.
6. Presented the New NLA-I Membership
large back patch.
7. Overhauled the ENTIRE P&P and Bylaws of NLA-I to fix conflictions, and errors.
8. Added responsibilities of Members at
large to represent Independent members.
9. restructured the Elections of All Board
members and Officers.
10. Agreed to restart LINK in publication
form in 2008
2008
In 2008- Now that all the major foundation work was laid and Surveys express significant improvement between the International and the Members we started working
on polishing the organization.
1. Link is in publication again
2. Added two new awards to represent
the Authors and Writers of our lifestyle
3. Secured out organizations incorporation in Ohio.
4. Created LINK rates for members and
NON-members of the Association
5. Introduced “NLA-Fresh Leather” to
achieve the goal of bringing in our
younger leather folk to the association
under existing chapters.
6. Began offering one year free membership trials to Commercial member
perspectives
7. Opened the website up for Non-International Members to have limited
access to the features
8. Restricted all chapters to exist only
within their state boundaries. No more
regional chapters.
9. Began to affiliate ourselves to National Organizations that meet our Mission and member needs.
10. Began to advertise outside the
Chapters and expand our Chapter
bases.
continued - page 8
The Link - page 7
FROM THE PRESIDENT
continued from pg 7
Now what do we have left?
Our Goal is to now focus outside the organization and tie up the ends of the new member
perks we have introduced as an organization. We plan to start investing your dues into organizations that take on and support your needs. We plan to move into the website and create a complete
online community of multiple memberships and information that will allow our members to expand
knowledge and awareness of the lifestyle. We plan to give tools, funds, and assistance in starting
organizations, businesses, and chapters. The foundation is passed, now we only need to drive into
the future.
Rich Hunt/Sergeant Major: Running for MEMBER AATT LLARGE
ARGE
I have placed my name in nomination for Member At Large as an Independent member of
NAL-I. My interest in this position is twofold, having an opportunity to serve and to promote the
mission of NAL-I in my area where there are no chapters.
I began my journey in the leather lifestyle many years ago in the traditional manner. I was
invited to join a family and went through the requisite probation and training for that group. I was in
and out of the community over the years due to long service in the military where locations and
security clearances often prevented the full exercise of my interests.
Since retiring from the military in 1997 I have been an active member of both the BDSM and
leather communities in my area. I am a member of the Minnesota Leather Pride committee which
plans and conducts ten days of events in conjunction with Twin Cities Pride. One of the founders, I
serve as director of MAsT:Twin Cities. The website (www.LeatherJourney.org) is sponsored by me
and is run as a community asset. I own the contest names for Mr. and Ms Minnesota Leather and
will be attempting to conduct these contests in 2009.
I was honoured to have been selected as the Great Lakes Master/slave couple in 2006 with my
partner, jodi/slave riches, Our orientation is based on the traditions and conventions of the leather
culture which we recognize as being brotherhood, trust, loyalty, acceptance of diversity and honouring
those who went before to create the opportunities we have today. We have co-presented at several
national and local events on the philosophy and structure of Master/slave relationships.
I have written and self published a mini-manual for the formal training of a submissive and will
have two articles on protocols in a forthcoming issue of Power Exchange.
I am a member of STL3 in St Louis, and an associate member of Atons of Minneapolis and the
Chicago Leather Club.
The Link - page 8
Jess D: Running for MEMBER AATT LLARGE
ARGE
I have been active in the L/L (Leather/Levi) Patch Club scene since the early eighties. "Back
in the day" as they say, I joined a small local club in New Bedford Massachusetts. We were relegated to be the auxiliary of a men's club. That didn't last very long, and we became a sister club
to the LG's of New Bedford. I still have their patch on my vest. As the sister club we were LGA's, a's
having stood for auxiliary, so with a slight word change to "also" we stayed the LGA's. From 1983
-84 I served as president. During that time, Leatherwomen in the New England scene became
more and more visible, and more difficult to ignore.
I was an active member and Ambassador for the T-Bears of Boston, which existed from 1985
- 1995. Things were changing in New England, and around the country. Our T-Bears members
attended many "Runs" and traveled the country.
Check old Leather Journals, you'll find us there. After attending a run called Leif Erickson, put
on by the Vikings of Boston, where my lover and I were the first women invited to participate in a
gay man's fantasy for the Mr. Leif Erickson Contest. We started to seriously discuss the joining of
Leathermen, and Leatherwomen, to make a difference in our worlds.
I had recently attended LIL II and thought now would be a good time to put it all together and
start a chapter of the National Leather Association in the Boston area. This was 1989, and so we
started meeting, Leathermen, and Leatherwomen. The New England Leather Scene has never
been the same. With 12 people to sign for our charter, we became NLA New England. I am very
proud to be one of the original founders of the chapter who has now become an affiliate known as
NELA. I served as Female Co-Chair for the first 4 yrs. My partner and I hosted Jan Lyon when she
visited our new chapter in Boston. Jan was, and always will be the hottest leatherwoman there ever
was.
I moved from New England in 1995, to the Mid-Atlanic states area, where I became a member
of F.I.S.T. and still proudly have their patch on my colors.
The world was changing fast with everyone having internet access. I helped to set up munch
groups in the Tri-State area, (Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland). I met my current partner, Master JL Giles and together, we started hosting parties at home and facilitating people to present at
meetings and parties.
In late 1998 we moved to Ohio, where over and over again we were told "there is no scene
here" . Shortly after arriving, we found NLA Columbus, and I knew we were "home".
In 2001 we started a club called Sterling Shadow Club, out of Dayton, OH . After 8 successful
years of running a private membership club, producing a party, and an educational meeting every
month, we are on hiatus until January 2009.
I have served on the board as Member at Large, and would like to let you know that I would
like the opportunity to serve another 2 yrs.
The Link - page 9
President’s Award- boy jay (Independent)
Vice President’s Award- Vivienne Kramer
Chapter Of The YYear-Dallas
ear-Dallas
Mains & Slater Writing Awards
(DALLAS, TX) -- NLA: International announced the winners of its annual awards for excellence in SM/leather/fetish writing at its Annual General Meeting at Beyond Vanilla XVIII.
The winner of the Cynthia Slater Non-fiction Article Award is Jack Rinella for “Empathy,” which
appeared in Leather Views ( http://www.leatherviews.com/ ). Mr. Rinella received the most nominations for different articles, but "Empathy," which stresses the importance of empathy within an SM
scene, a relationship, and larger society most impressed the judges.
VonLivid's “Lines of Colour in the Kinky Confines of Fetish,” which appeared in The Fetishistas
( http://www.thefetishistas.com/ ) received the honorable mention in this category. The article is a
thoughtful discussion of race in the leather community in both a British and American context.
The winner of the Geoff Mains Non-fiction Book Award is Lee “Bridgett” Harrington for Shibari
You Can Use: Japanese Rope Bondage and Erotic Macramé (Mystic Productions Publishers). A
thorough and detailed presentation of rope bondage techniques, the judges lauded its content and
organization.
The Link - page 10
Women of the YYear:
ear:
Ms Boots (Dallas)
Man of the YYear:
ear:
David TTempleton
empleton
(Oklahoma)
Lifetime Achievement
Award;
boy TTJJ McKinsey
(Oklahoma)
The Link - page 11
Event listings courtesy of www.bdsmeventspage.com. This listing is provided as a general reference and
does not reflect ANY affiliation with NLA-I. If you have an event that you want listed in the next LINK send
the information to [email protected]
October 25
November 7-9
XPOSE
Rubber Blowout Weekend / Mr. International Rubber
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
northboundlive.com
Chicago, Illinois, USA
http://www.mirubber.com/
October 25
Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.halloweenball.com
November 7-10
Southeast Erotic Cultural Conference
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
www.secerotic.com
October 24-26
Pheerfest
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
www.pheerfest.com
November 6-9
Northern Ontario Conference of Kink
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
www.nock.ca
October 30 - November 2
BR 2008
Greater Washington, DC, USA
www.br.org
November 7-8
Birthday Bash VIII
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
http://www.sagacitygroup.net
October 31 - November 2
Florida Fetish Weekend
Tampa, Florida, USA
www.flweekend.com
November 8
Vendors Fair
Portland, Oregon, USA
www.pdxleatheralliance.org
October 31 - November 2
The Hunt
Austin, Texas, USA
www.boundbydesire.org/hunt.htm
November 7-9
Erotica Detroit 4
Detroit, Michigan, USA
exoticadetroit.com
October TBA
Wicked Womyn
Seattle, Washington, USA
www.wickedwomyn.com
November 1-8
Kink in the Carribean
Jamaica
www.kinkinthecarribean.com
The Link - page 12
November 15
Leatherfest
New York, New York, USA
www.gmsma.org
November 16
December 11
Bizarre Baazar
Nuit Dèmonia
Panorama City, California, USA
www.bizarrebazaar.org
Paris, France
nuitdemonia.com
November 20-29
December 28
Fetisch Film Festival
Kiel, Germany
traumgmbh.de/fetisch_film_festival.html
November 21-23
Erotica 2008 London
London, England, UK
www.erotica-uk.com
November 21-23
Spanksgiving
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
www.stl3.com
West Coast Fetish Ball
Hollywood, California, USA
WestCoastFetishBall.com
December TBA
Kinky Christmas
North Hollywood, California, USA
talkingsexradio.com/kinkyxmas.html
December TBA
Lady Thorne's SM Flea
San Francisco, California, USA
www.smflea.com
November 27-30
Leather Ball XI
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.mrlt.com
Congratulations go out to
the new ILSB and Bootblack:
(Pictured)
left
Bill Hoeppner (Florida),
International Leatherboy 2008
center
Raul Mendez (Florida),
International
LeatherSIR 2008
right
Jack Pearce (Toronto),
International International
Community Bootblack.
The Link - page 13
WANTED
The LINK is growing and expanding but we need your help
to really make it great.
Please send us your photos,
articles, stories, hacksaw
blades, a change of
clothes, and cash.
THE
LINK
[email protected]
The Link - page 14
Vice Presidents Quar
terly Repor
Quarterly
Reportt 09/08
Bill Reed
NLA-I Vice President
I Have been contacting National and International Organizations as potential Affiliates for
NLA. I still would like responses from Chapters and Independent members regarding potential
organizations to approach.
I am currently gearing up for a fundraiser in Tulsa for the Domestic Violence Project as well as
contacting some groups to re-visit and new ones to present to on the Project.
I hope that you all are enjoying some of the Woodhull News articles that I have been posting on
the members yahoo list. I do feel it is of great importance to keep up on the news that affects us all
in some way or another.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Dallas Fresh Leather carnival to raise money
for a formal tea they will be putting on in a couple of months. The fundraiser went quite well and the
Fresh Leather group is really working hard for the community. I am impressed by their accomplishments. If you all get a chance I would ask that you speak to some of their members while attending
the AGM. I think it would really help you all to think about starting Fresh Leather groups within all of
the chapters.
It was great seeing everyone at the AGM. We had a really great turnout. See you in Houston!
Treasurers Quar
terly Repor
Quarterly
Reportt 09/08
ITEM
AGM
INCOME: Brunch
INCOME:T-Shirts
Scrap Book
INCOME: Donation
STARTING BALANCE
CHANGE
ENDING BALANCE
300.00
186.45
932.32
5.00
45.00
10.00
25.00
1,683.31
1075.00
200.00
29.45
9,228.75
1,322.00
11,889.38
445.87
40.00
Domestic Violence
INCOME: Donation
EXPENSE: Advertising
1,698.31
General Operating
INCOME: Dues
EXPENSE: Travel
EXPENSE: PayPal Fees
8,383.20
Net Income/Loss
Grand Totals
10,567.38
The Link - page 15
So What’s All This About
Earning Leathers Anyway
by Timothy (Archer) Tomerlin
A question I once asked of everyone I
thought could help has started to be asked of
me. “So what’s all this stuff about earning leathers anyway?” It started with one person here and
another person there and it’s still not in large
numbers but the number of people asking seems
to be growing; and now they are asking in groups.
I’ve myself have asked many people the same
question over the past years and those answers
I received I have put into my own relationships
as I came to understand them. Now I seem to
be one of the individuals that people ask when
they want to start understanding earned leather.
It is rather humbling when I reveal that I have
only ‘officially’ earned my Master’s cover, my
boots and my vest. I have met many of the requirements used by other clubs and families to
earn other leathers so only the formal presentation is lacking. Yet I claim only those three pieces
as my earned leathers. Elegant, my slave however has earned several full sets of leathers in
her time with me, and yet she presents a problem, she doesn’t wear much leather.
So what is this concept about earned leathers? Well, the answer to that is fairly simple to
explain in concept but difficult to give in specific
examples. In Leather Culture, seniority mattered
A section of the Leather Quilt on display at the AGM
The Link - page 16
and in some places it still does. It is a tradition
rooted and learned in the WWII military that
spawned the “Old Guard”. I make an assumption here, and yes I know what that makes but
until I find a better explanation I’ll stick with this
one: that the military “Date of Rank” was one
source for the value of seniority in early leather
culture. Even then, they recognized that a man
with one year in the club who was very driven
and active and a man with two years in the club
who was less driven would eventually reverse
who had more experience. That dilemma still
remains as applicable today as it was then. There
are other examples of insignia and gear in which
military people had to pass
some type of a rite of passage by the previously initiated, in order to be allowed
to wear or possess the item.
By requiring the earning of
leather the hierarchy of a
club was visible to all.
information they work to get more than they value
information that is spoon fed to them. I will however help you get started on a couple of the more
universal values that would earn a person some
leather; from there it is up to you.
I collected my knowledge of earned leathers by reading stories and articles and websites
and books at first hoping that I would find the
way to earned leathers easily, likely the same
way you had hoped I would give you the knowledge in this article. However, there were often
large gaps in what I found in writing. So I began
to talk to the older leather people I knew, the
ones who, can not only tell you they have been
around for a long time
but, have the references and such to
prove it. And even
more so, I started to listen in when they reminded each other of
old stories of people
they knew who were no
longer with us. Having
a military background
myself I noted a trend
towards the same values that experienced
soldiers internalized
during service years
repeating themselves
in the leather community stories and concepts I
learned.
Between books,
personal stories
and the few
websites and
magazine articles I
found along the
way I discovered
some basic trends
So how did a person
earn leathers? First the disclaimer: I am not a member
of an old club or an old
house. I gathered information through research and
have applied it to my own relationship and life. Since the
histories and development
of leather clubs were regional during the early
years, with clubs starting up and developing their
own ways separately, the details vary from one
area to the next However, many of the values
that they held, even though geographically separated, started with the values that stemmed from
time in the armed services during WWII. In this
way the values remained similar. I’m not going
to give you an exact recipe on how to develop
your own system of earning leathers; instead I
am going to reveal the way to collect the information yourself. Sorry, but it’s one of those values I learned along the way. People value the
One book I found along the way that helped
was Ties That Bind,1 which gave me just a taste
of what the earning of leathers was all about.
Between books, personal stories and the few
websites and magazine articles I found along the
way I discovered some basic trends…so far. I
say so far because, like researching any historical concept, you can’t assume that you have the
whole story. There are always gaps where the
facts are thin and the assumptions thick.
continued - page 18
The Link - page 17
EARNING LEATHERS
continued from pg 17
But I promised you a couple the more uni- too expensive. So one of the first ways many
versal trends I had found. Early on the stories people earned leather was to learn how to care
I’ve found all agree that the earning of leathers for leather. It was fairly common though not uniwas based on completing a difficult or heavy versal that this earned piece of leather was a
scene. This later seemed to change to learning person’s boots. I assume (again knowing the
or displaying a leather community value. I would danger) that this was because boots or shoes
conject that this change occurred as a result of kept in good shape were at the time; a tangible
people determining that a scene warranted sign that you knew how to care for leather even
leather but the lesson behind the scene had not in the vanilla community. Most of us can recall
been learned. So much of the other mentality of parents or grandparents telling us that you can
the “Old Guard” was learned through scenes or tell a lot about a man by the condition of his
shoes.
osmosis it seems to me
at times. Lessons were
Second, the conlearned by spending
cept of commitment to
time around others and
the club or the commusimply absorbing the
nity, in both your time
cultural values. Howand effort were used as
ever as time moved
a measure to earn
along the connection
leathers. The strength
between the heavy
found in community
scene and the lesson it
was something they
was supposed to teach
needed then as much
seems to have been lost
as we need it now, but
for many. Here I’m tryfor different reasons.
ing to help people reconSomeone willing to
nect the lesson with the
(Hardy Haberman)
show the commitment
scene, much like an orwas a valued asset to
deal or rights of passage
the community.
is designed to teach cultural values and obligations in other cultures. There are also stories of
And last, the importance of passing on the
service based earning leathers from the 60’s and values to the next generation through individual
70’s earning leathers during pledge time for a mentoring, presenting classes or writing articles
club. (Hardy Haberman)
for the next generation such as this one as I am
doing now.
First, there is the value of knowing about
your leather (both tools and clothing) and how
The values behind the tasks and lessons
to properly care for it. Until recently the cost of once used to earn leathers tend to be fairly well
leather was so high that leather had to be cared time tested values that develop character and
for because replacement due to neglect was far provide for a strong base for living in integrity
There are also stories
of service based
earning leathers from
the 60’s and 70’s
earning leathers
during pledge time for
a club....
The Link - page 18
and being a contributing member of any culture.
The exact requirements serve only as the way
to prove you have internalized the value. So if
you are looking for a way to design your own
format for earning leather, finding the more universal values will be the best starting point I can
recommend.
It is my sincere hope that this article serves
in two ways: First, I hope that it has given people
searching for this information a starting point for
their hunt. Second, I wish these words to serve
as a reminder to those who have tales of earned
leathers to tell them. Share the experiences of
not only the ‘how’ but also what you learned along
the way, the values you found reinforced by your
experience.
May this information reinforce the idea put
forth in Lady Catherine Gross’s article in the first
issue of Leather Journey4 and enlighten someone on “how to be” as opposed to “how to do”.
References and Links
1. Ties That Bind Guy Baldwin M.S.,1993,
p 107.
Article reprinted there from Drummer
Magazine #150, 1991
2. ‘Changing of the Guard’ by Hardy
Haberman
Available online at http://
www.erotimania.com/library/
BDSM%20articles/
changingofthegaurd.htm
About the Author: ARCHER
Leather, just the sound of the word gives a
sense of the sensual power of treated skins. As
a teen Archer started working with leather, the
smell and feel of it had some primal effect on
him. Even then the power images of leather had
a part in his sexual fantasies, but the images of
abuse held him back from exploring them.
Leatherwork went by the wayside when he
graduated and then went to Marion Military Institute and earned a Commission in the Army
Reserve. His love of working with leather returned years later. That, along with the sensual
images of his youth, led him to begin in Dallas,
Texas in 1996 what he expect to be a life-long
exploration of BDSM.
Archer’s relationship with his slave Elegant
started in September of 1999 and prompted him
to get more involved with the leather community. He is a member of MasT-Atlanta, MAsT
Southeast Region Representative, NLA-International, and a business member of NCSF. Archer
is an Environmental Scientist and ‘out’ to his
employer. Since moving to Atlanta in the summer of 2002 Archer has also been working to
expand his leather and toy business, Fantasies
In Leather. He provides educational experiences
to groups large and small on subjects ranging
from Fireplay and Microbondage to Exploring
Your Leather Identity and Rites Of Passage. His
dedication to the community and specifically in
lifestyle education always leads him to new experiences.
3. “Passing On Debt”, Lady Catherine
Gross, p 31 Leather Journey Magazine,
issue 1
Another good primer: http://
www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/
missyoldguard.htm
The Link - page 19
2nd & 3rd Quar
ter 2008
Quarter
Domestic Violence Project
The NLA-I DVP completed a manual for
mainstream agencies to use to help them learn
more about the BDSM lifestyle, terminology,
resources and more. The first run of these manuals were given out in Chicago, Illinois at the
NCAVP conference in May 2008.
The NLA-I DVP participated in the Prevention Connection:
• What is Collaboration Math? Enhancing Cross-Sector
Par
tnerships for Preventing Violence Against Women
Partnerships
teleconference in March 2008 and
• Tur
Turff is Not a Four Letter Word: Advancing Violence
Against Women Prevention Par
tnerships
Partnerships
teleconference in May 2008.
I was able to attend a couple of events since
the last newsletter. These were:
• March 2008: NLA-I Indianapolis. Indianapolis, Indiana.
• May 22-24, 2008: NCAVP Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois. (Workshop Presentation)
Since many NLA-I Chapters have changed
board members I will be sending out new resource lists and information packets in the month
of October 2008. If you or a representative is
The Link - page 20
seraphina
available for your chapter at the AGM you will
receive your packets at this time. Otherwise, a
representative from the project will contact your
Chapters Representative to ensure you receive
your updated packet.
The NLA-I DVP will be running ads in various BDSM event booklets in the upcoming month
of October 2008 in support of NDVAM (National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month.) In addition, the NLA-I DVP will be releasing its 20082009 advertisement. (This is featured on the last
page of this newsletter.) Also, during the month
of October two mainstream agencies have asked
us to send them a total of 1,000 of the NLA-I
DVP postcards to be distributed in the California
area. One group will also be selling pins for the
project to help us with fundraising. We greatly
appreciate their assistance.
The project will also be sending out at least
1,000 more postcards to various BDSM groups
during the month of October. A complete list will
be sent out to all NLA-I members in the 4th quarter report. This report will also include updates
to NLA-I DVP volunteers. I am currently working with several people who want to help.
The NLA-I DVP has recruited and began
working with a assistant (newly appointed as-
DVP Report
continued from pg 20
sistant: NLA-I DVP Outreach Coordinator.) The like to also make mention that during getting lost
Outreach Coordinator will be assisting us with a to find the NCAVP conference we came across
number of projects that need to be done within the CARAS: Community-Academic Consortium
the NLA-I DVP. Some of these things include, for Research on Alternative Sexuality BDSM and
but are not limited to, working with individuals Theory Project. They were distributing the NLAwho previously expressed an interest in volun- I DVP postcards and pamphlets during their conteering to see if they can now
ference.
assist the NLA-I DVP, work with
We would like to thank
The NLA-I DVP
NCAVP and attend monthly
everyone who donated money
conferences, solicit donations
greatly
to the NLA-I DVP since the last
for fundraisers and items for a
newsletter. We would also like
appreciates
basket auction to raise money
to thank NLA-I Florida for befor the NLA-I DVP during the
donations and
coming a silver level NLA-I
NLA-I AGM in 2009, and conDVP sponsor. The NLA-I DVP
any help from
tact mainstream agencies and
greatly appreciates donations
BDSM groups to promote the
individuals
and any help from individuals
NLA-I DVP more, help with prooutside of the NLA-I organizacessing NLA-I DVP pin and
tion in order to continue our
postcard distribution through vendors and variwork. If you would be interested in donating
ous commercial leather good establishment.
money to the project or helping with a fundraiser
During our time in Chicago, Illinois it came please let us know or visit the NLA-I DVP website
to our attention that many coalition partners with for more information.
NCAVP are interested in outreach and networkIn the next few months you will see a few
ing with BDSM groups in their areas. I feel it
minor
changes and updates to some of the NLAwould benefit all NLA-I Chapters to get into
I
DVP
materials to reflect a change for the NLAcontact with me so that we can talk more about
I
statement
on domestic violence, new informahow you can help. If you are reading this and
tion
for
the
BDSM
community and the removal
your local BDSM group is interested in DV reof
outdated
information.
Don’t forget to check
lated outreach work with local shelters/agencies,
out
the
project’s
website
periodically
for updated
please feel free to contact me about how you
current
events
in
the
news!
can help as well. Lastly, but not least we would
Education Committee
Hardy Haberman
Education Committee/Wisdom Keeper
Currently our committee is putting together a list of speakers for the speakers bureau that will
appear on the NLA-I website. The list should be ready for vetting and contact prior to the AGM.
We want to contact each name and get their approval to include them on the list of presenters
and speakers. Also we will try to make sure the programs they present are also included.
I am continuing to gather education materials for the site and will begin distribution the latest to
the committee this month.
The Link - page 21
Repor
Reportt from the Commercial and Affiliate Members Committee:
boy j, Chair, Commercial and Affiliate Members Committee
A new substitute chairperson, boy j, was
put in place as of May 2008. Also in May, the
Board approved free membership through June
2008 for all existing and new Commercial Members.
Working off of the current vendor database,
solicitation letters were sent out to vendors and
businesses across the country, advising them of
the benefits of Commercial Membership and
promoting the current dues waiver. Personal
contacts were also made with many vendors at
The Floating World event in NJ. As a result of
these email and in-person contacts, we have
added eight new Commercial Members with
several others showing solid interest.
Positive communication has been established and maintained with Commercial Members to ensure that they take full advantage of
all that their membership entitles them to. With
The Link - page 22
the help of seraphina, we have gotten banners
up on the website for our Commercial Members
and we are moving forward with featured advertising in The Link for our Commercial Members.
Also, seraphina has begun forwarding reports
detailing the amount of interest being generated
from the Commercial Member’s banners on the
website, a service which has received positive
feedback.
An immediate goal of the committee is to
continue to promote and advertise the dues
waiver through the end of the fiscal year and,
through that promotion, continue to bring in new
Commercial Members. Any suggestions of businesses/vendors to contact are very much appreciated. Another immediate goal is to attract more
members to this committee. The long-term goal
of the committee is to build a strong network of
Commercial and Affiliate Members, benefiting
everyone in the organization.
EDITORS NOTE: The LINK is changing. In an effort to make it be more visually appealing we are
reconstructing many of the graphics into high resolution so they will print better. The effort takes time. The
conversion of the chapter logos to high-resolution will be complete for the fourth quarter LINK. Thank you for
your understanding…Ed.
NL
A-DALL
AS
NLA-DALL
A-DALLAS
NLA-Dallas holds it meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. Our membership has grown to
approximately 130 local members, and over 100 NLA
International members. Following brief business meetings, we continue to provide our members with great
workshops, seminars, and speakers. Informal munches
are held at local restaurants after each meeting where
members share good food, and good company in a
casual and relaxed atmosphere.
We are happy to announce Justin Knowles as our new NCSF representative and MC as our new NLA-I
Chapter representative. Both have
very active members of NLA-Dallas
and we are honored to have them
represent NLA-Dallas in their new positions.
22nd NLA-International Annual General Meeting with
guest speakers from organizations such as NCSF,
Woodhull, Sexual Freedom Network, Leather Archives
and Museum and more. For more information, please
visit www.beyondvanilla.org . You will also find a link to
register for the NLA-I AGM as it does have a separate
registration process. Once again the always popular
Teeter-Totter A Thon will be going on. For more information on it, please visit. www.teetertotterathon.com.
NLA Dallas contributed a combined $16,000 to
the AIDS Resource Center, AIDS Service of Tarrant
County, John Thomas Food Pantry
Project, and Bryan’s House. The
NLA-Dallas was
NLA-Dallas Fresh Leather group fund
awarded “Chapter raiser was a huge success raising
over $400.
of the Year” at the
AGM, and they won
the first annual
NLA-I Bowling
Tournement
Lillith Grey won the title of Ms.
Gulf Coast Leather. Master Nightmare and Angel, won the title of Mr./
Ms. Great Plains Olympus at this year’s Tribal Fire. Our
congratulations to all three of these well regarded members of NLA Dallas.
We have several members who have been nominated for Pantheon of Leather awards. They are Lady
Faye, Mark Frazier, Hardy Haberman, Master Z, and
David Henry. NLA-Dallas as well as Beyond Vanilla
has also been nominated.
Registrations for NLA-Dallas’ Beyond Vanilla XVIII
have been coming in fast and steadily. BVXVII will be
held in Dallas from September 26 to 28, 2008. As always, BVXVIII has a cadre of great presenters and
workshops, guest speaker, NLA-I Vice President Bill
Reed, and we are honored to have our keynote speaker,
Linda Blakeslee. This year we are pleased to host the
Elections were held on July 1.
The newly elected officers are Male
Co Chair, David Henry; Treasurer,
Valerie; Program Chair, Lillith;
Newsleather Editor, Hardy
Haberman; and the 5 Members at
Large, Kingsnake, Cody, Imp, Vic,
and Justin.
NLA-Dallas’ Fresh Leather group organized a
“Stuff Drive” for local women’s shelters. Dallas Fresh
Leather (DFL) collected 181 30-gallon bags. Presentation of The Golden Paddle for most bags donated by
an organization went to DFW Power Exchange. Dallas
Fresh Leather continues to bring great workshops and
events to the Dallas communities. In additional to the
“Stuff Drive,” the also hosted two other well attended
events, Leather 101, a workshop for those new to the
community, and the Leather Fetish Carnival, just a good
ole’ fun time for everyone, new and experienced. To
make a great event even better, we were honored by a
visit from NLA-I Vice President, Bill Reed. Our hats off
to Dallas Fresh Leather for their growing list of successful events and workshops.
The Link - page 23
Sandy, Chapter Rep NLA-CFL
NL
A-CENTRAL FL
ORIDA
NLA-CENTRAL
FLORIDA
Our Chapter has made a change to our monthly
meeting. We now hold an Executive Officers Meeting
once a month on the 3rd Sunday. All members are
welcome and encouraged to attend. By holding the
meeting as an “ Executive Officers Meeting” it allows
us to accomplish the business needs of our Chapter
without the worry of having enough members present
for a quorum. We hold all voting online on our “business only” yahoo group which consists of 52 members..
This seems to be a helpful change to get the business
at hand taken care of in a timely manner while allowing
our members the freedom to maintain their daily lifestyle.
On June 13th Our Chapter was proud to unveil
our new Club Colors at SELF 2008. The Chapter’s
graphic artist designed a new logo and we purchased 2
new 3 foot by 5 foot flags. NLA-CFL was also Diamond
Sponsor of SELF 2008.
On June 28th 20 of our members participated in
St. Pete’s Gay Pride. We printed bar cards and split
into groups walking and talking to everyone about
BDSM, NLA-I and NLA-CFL.
During the month of June we started to rebuild
our educational series. By July we had a fresh ap-
proach and started to plan our kick off workshop.
On July 20th SELF BOOTBLACK 2008 Amanda
was brought in to teach our local community about her
Leather views as well as BootBlacking and Boot Worship.
Our Chapter also held it’s election of a new CoChair and Secretary in July. Dale Boyd was elected
Co-Chair and Brady Bodiford was elected Secretary.
In August Co-Chair Master Michelle developed a
new Educational seminar titled Dungeon Monitor Series. Once the class graduates they will be going from
play party to play party volunteering as monitors with
First Aid and CPR qualifications. The Chapter plans to
have everyone certified by mid October.
During the month of September the Chapter voted
to support past Secretary Lupe in the annual St. Pete
Aids walk with a $50 donation. The Chapter will also be
supporting Chapter member Fawny in her run for Ms.
Olympus.
October will be a busy month for the Chapter as
we get ready to support FFW and Welcome NLA-I
President Vince to Tampa for his yearly visit.
Kitt
Kittyy C. Passes Away
Kitty C., wife of legendary leather craftsman Paul C. and president of Paul C. Leather passed away on May 12, 2008 at age 47.
Kitty and Paul had been together for almost thirty years. They launched
Paul C. Leather in 1991, and quickly established a national reputation for their innovative designs, attention to detail, and customer service. Their corsets and other fetish clothing have appeared in Playboy and pretty much every fetish magazine of the last twenty years.
Paul had been making leather good for some time, but credits Kitty’s
management for the success of their business. Regular attendees of
Living in Leather, Kink in the Caribbean, FFF, and other events, Paul
and Kitty recently partnered with Mephisto Leather to open a leather/
fetish retail store in Chicago near the Leather Archives and Museum.
The Link - page 24
NL
A-HOUSTON
NLA-HOUSTON
NLA-Houston was unable to send in a report because of huricane damage. Our thought and
prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Houston.
NL
A-COLUMBUS
NLA-COLUMBUS
2008 Pride
Owen M Eckert
Current NLA-I members: 23
This year we were joined by 2 sister organizations: 1) Sterling Shadow Club, Dayton, OH and
2) Purple Rose Society of Central Ohio, Columbus. It turned out to be a great partnership…each
group had a piece of the action to deliver to the group. This is the 2nd year we had the infamous
“ball gag truck” in the parade. As an observer of the crowd it’s interesting to see the reaction to the
funny red thing on the front of the truck….it’s either of total blank look and then those that figure it
out! It was a great day and it’s our opportunity to show our leather pride to the community.
July 4th – Pride Family Picnic
We had a great turn out for the “family” picnic again this year a good representation of the
organization as well as other community members. The founder of the Pride Family Picnic is one of
our members. And while the picnic for the past several year has been financially supported by NLAC, the purpose was to provide a place that people could go and share “family” time especially for
people whose biological family happen not to be supportive of their lifestyle decision.
In August we co-hosted a party with AIS (Adventures In Sexuality) with approximately 120
people in attendance. It was a very successful one night event.
September Meeting
A long time tradition for NLA-Columbus is a picnic in lieu of the general meeting in September.
As with all of our meetings and events, an invitation is extended to “the community” to join us.
NL
A-A
TL
ANT
A
NLA-A
A-ATL
TLANT
ANTA
CC
Current NLA-I members: 11
NLA Atlanta is in its startup phase and are excited about the interest that has been generated.
As of October we will be having our first organizational meeting.
Currently we have 11 members with 100% NLA-I membership. We also have commitments for
at least eight more people at this time with membership applications going in shortly.
The overall mission of NLA Atlanta will be one geared to community building through a mentorship
program. Additional projects will be added as Chapter interest and growth occurs.
If you are in the greater Atlanta area and are interested in becoming a member and involved in
the mentorship project please contact us through the following email.
[email protected]
The Link - page 25
NL
A-OKL
AHOMA CIT
Y
NLA-OKL
A-OKLAHOMA
CITY
Lace, Leather Angel, NLA-OKC
Current NLA-I members: 22
June – June found NLA-OKC very busy.
The second weekend of June found our members traveling to Tulsa for their Gay Pride weekend and South Central Leather Sir/boy, South
Central Leather Woman and South Central Bootblack contest at the Tulsa Eagle. Some of our
members marched in the Gay pride carrying
Leather Pride flags.
The following weekend was OKC Gay
Pride. NLA-OKC had a booth in the park and
invited TULSA to bring their Leather Pride Flags
for the parade. Also NLA-OKC had held their
Leather Pride night at the same hotel where
Tribal Fire is held each year.
Those that were able to attend both Gay
Pride parades said there just was not anything
like it to see everyone marching together.
July – Olivier and Lace made the trek to
Chicago for Pantheon and Olympus contest.
Lace did not win, but they had lots of fun and
saw lots of family and friends. Olivier received
Pantheon Award – South Central Regional
Award. Congratulations Olivier we are very
proud of you.
We elected new Board Members – Ron and
Michelle are Co-Chairs, Lace – Secretary, David
– Treasurer, Ms. Toy – Membership Chair,
Michael – Sergeant at Arms. Lace will continue
to hold the position of Chapter Rep until a new
one can be appointed and/or elected.
August – NLA-OKC is getting their bowling
team together for the bowling tournament at
Beyond Vanilla. Several members will be attending the AGM on Sunday. The following members were nominated for awards at the
AGM……David for Man of the year, Tammy for
VP Award, Ms. Toy for Presidents Award and TJ
for Forebearer. All members were encouraged
to go to the website and vote. NLA-OKC has
presented a bid for 2009 AGM along with Tribal
Fire.
September – Several members will be attending Beyond Vanilla and some will be presenting. Our bowling team consists of Michael,
Ron, David, Ms. Toy and Lace. We got our bowling shirts at the meeting. This will be one cool
lookin’ team…lol
Nikkii accepted the position of Chapter Rep
for NLA-OKC.
ATTENTION ALL NL
A CHAPTERS:
NLA
The LINK is VERY interested in what is happening in your chapter. We
want to show you off to the membership. Perhaps you have a member or
commercial member that you wnat to showcase? That would be great! An
interesting article or a hot story? We want them! Encourage your members to
send in their articles and photos. NOTE:
Please do not embed your photos in your reports. They come out terrible.
The Link - page 26
nt NLA-I members: 22
NL
A-INDIANAPOLIS
NLA-INDIANAPOLIS
NLA Indianapolis rechartered in 2007, and
now nearly one year later, we have 29 members. We continue to steadily gain members as
we reach out to the local and regional community through a wide variety of educational, charitable, and entertainment activities and events.
In June, NLA-Indy members participated in
the Indy Pride parade and fair, along with other
local and regional BDSM groups including GLLA,
IMAs, KISS, and the Indy Slosh and local and
regional leather titleholders. NLA-Indy had an
information booth, along with Andromeda, a local women’s BDSM group. We sold gay pride,
leather pride, and bisexual pride bracelets, sodas, and water as fundraisers to build our chapter treasury. We handed out information about
the Domestic Violence project, as well as plenty
of NLA brochures, and assisted the Julian Center, a domestic violence shelter, in conducting a
survey of the GLBT population.
In July, NLA-Indy started the process of
rewriting the local chapter Bylaws and Policies
& Procedures to fit more with NLA International
standards, and began an overhaul of our
chapter’s elections procedures.
In August, NLA-Indy supported the Master/
slave Auction at GLLA 2008 by providing five
volunteers to serve as runners, complete with
bright orange NLA-Indy T-shirts made up especially for the occasion. Several of our members
also offered their services up for auction to support the event. Money raised went to the GLLA
titleholders travel fund and to Leather Archives
& Museum.
Our chapter’s monthly BDSM and Spirituality group has been meeting monthly, continuing to discuss the book “Spiritual Transforma-
Sir G Chapter Rep NLA-Indy
Current NLA-I members: 29
tion through BDSM” by Sensuous Sadie. Each
month the group reads one essay or article from
the book as a springboard to discussion of individual experiences of spirituality through BDSM
activities and lifestyles.
The bi-monthly NLA-Indy dinner and demo/
presentation night, held at a Greek restaurant in
Indianapolis, has provided several educational
opportunities to the local community, including
violet wand play and rope for impact players.
These events have been well attended and have
brought in several new people from the community to NLA.
NLA-Indy continues to have bi-monthly play
parties, on alternating months with the educational demos. The parties have been quite popular, with an average of 35 people in attendance.
We are continuing to develop a Dungeon Monitor Manual, and to conduct informal educational
demos in the dungeon space early in the evening
for each party.
NLA-Indy is selling leather pride pins, with
the proceeds to be used to design and purchase
pins for our local chapter.
We are tentatively planning a bar night/
fundraiser in October for the Damien Center, a
non-profit HIV/AIDS service organization, and we
are starting to prepare for upcoming election of
officers for 2009.
We would like to wish our former treasurer,
Kate, the best of luck as she moves to the Chattanooga TN area this October, where she hopes
to start a new NLA chapter in the near future.
Thank you Kate for your efforts in the last year
in getting our chapter up-and-running after the
rechartering! And thank you to Dara, who has
stepped up to be our interim treasurer.
The Link - page 27
NL
A-EDMONTON
NLA-EDMONTON
Current NLA-I members: 21
Chapter/Board Position/Committee
• Ninian Edmonton Chapter Rep
Number of NLA-I members in your Chapter?
• All
What Project/s did your Chapter work on this month?
• We worked on organizing a new format for workshops for this year.
What is your goal/s for the this project/s?
• To Bring a new kind of workshop to community here.
Did you do any Munches, Events, or Educational workshops?
• Gay Pride Parade and munches
How many Fund-raisers were performed?
• No
What kind of Fund-raisers were performed?
N/A
To what organization did the proceeds go to?
N/A
How much was raised for each Organization?
N/A
Did you get new members?
•3
Do you have any suggestions to the Board from yourself or your Chapter Members to help your
Chapter succeed more?
• None
Did you lose any members this month?
•1
Did you have any position changes to your Chapter Board?
• Yes our secretary/treasure is still in the works of being re-elected.
The Link - page 28
NL
A-PHIL
ADELPHIA
NLA-PHIL
A-PHILADELPHIA
Caro
The chapter grew by adding a few new
members. The summer brought a bit of activity
to the Philadelphia. In June, Jeannie and Justin
rode the Bikesop/Leather Gay Pride Float in the
Philly Pride parade, and found out they were on
a prize-winning float!
Olympus and Pantheon. In August, a few of our
members, along with Hardy Haberman, attended
Floating World in Edison, NJ where Hardy and
Caro did four workshops. Later that month, Caro
and Justin traveled to Ottawa, Canada to take
part in Ottawa Leather Pride.
The Fourth of July weekend, Justin
Costello produced the Mid-Atlantic Leather Sir/
boy contest and hosted NLA-I members Olivier
Pratt and Sparky,the current ILSB title holders
who were judges for the contest, along with the
current International Mr. Leather, Gary Iriza and
other visiting dignitaries.
In September, we celebrated the one year
anniversary of "The Social" which is a local
munch group. Plans are in the works for the chapter members to continuing roll in local educational endeavors at a new space set to open this
month.
Later that month, 4 members of the chapter (Caro, Jeannie, Justin, and Mike),headed to
In addition to our other activities, the membership drive continues in the hopes of growing
NLA-I.
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No Time to Debate
Action Needed on the Domestic AIDS Crisis Now
By Shira Saperstein, Stephanie Gross
http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2008/no_time_to_debate.html
September 30, 2008
Four years ago, Gwen Ifill stumped vice presidential candidates Dick Cheney and John Edwards
when, during their debate, she asked them to address the spread of HIV in the United States and the
stark disparities that define the epidemic—including
the fact that “black women between the ages of 25
and 44 are 13 times more likely to die of the disease
than their [white] counterparts.”
Black women are now almost 15 times as likely
to be infected with HIV and 23 times more likely to
be diagnosed with AIDS as white women. For black
women between the ages of 25 and 34, AIDS is the
number one killer.
The day before this year’s International AIDS
Conference, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention announced startling news: A total of
56,300 people in the United States were newly infected with HIV in 2006, a number 40 percent higher
than previously estimated. This is no blip—the numbers have been this high for the past decade. We
simply keep ignoring the scale of the crisis.
Two communities in particular bear the greatest share of the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic: men who
have sex with men and African Americans. Fifty-three
percent of new HIV infections in 2006 occurred in
gay and bisexual men of all races and ethnicities,
while African Americans, who make up only 12 percent of the U.S. population, now make up more than
45 percent of new infections.
In fact, according to the Black AIDS Institute, if
African Americans in the United States constituted
their own country, that country would rank 16th in
the world among those with the highest number of
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individuals living with HIV. The number of African
Americans infected with HIV now exceeds the number of HIV-positive people in 7 of the 15 countries
targeted by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief, or PEPFAR. The HIV rate in Washington, D.C.,
our nation’s capital, is 1 in 20—the same as the overall rate in sub-Saharan Africa.
Earlier this summer, the United States increased its PEPFAR commitment to $48 billion over
five years for international HIV/AIDS prevention and
treatment. This is a crisis-sized response to a global
crisis. Unfortunately, we have yet to do the same for
the crisis in our own backyard.
The United States has admirably addressed the
epidemic abroad, but where is the political response
to the crisis at home? What ideological predispositions allow us to care for Africans but not African
Americans?
We expect this year’s vice presidential—and
presidential—hopefuls to be more aware and better
prepared to answer questions about HIV/AIDS in the
United States. More important, we hope they are
ready to make a commitment to address the situation on a scale commensurate with the crisis.
Currently, the majority of domestic HIV funding
is designated for treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Prevention programs receive a
mere 4 percent of domestic funding—and this share
of the budget has fallen over time. At a recent hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, CDC officials stated that their
agency would need an additional $4.8 billion dollars
over the next five years to reduce the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States. A sig-
nificant investment, yes, but this amount is only onetenth of our PEPFAR commitment.
administration to address it. We don’t want our candidates debating this again four years from now.
An adequate policy response from the next
administration would take into account treatment and
prevention, and it would be funded at the level necessary to reach all those affected by and vulnerable
to HIV.
Shira Saperstein is a Senior Fellow with the
Center for American Progress Action Fund.
Stephanie Gross worked with the Women’s Health
& Rights Program at the Center for American
Progress Action Fund during the summer of 2008.
An ideal approach would fully integrate HIV/
AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, and care with
health care in general and with reproductive health
services in particular. It would be evidence-based and
remove ideological barriers that restrict federal funds
from supporting strategies with proven effectiveness,
such as comprehensive sex education, condom distribution, and needle exchange programs.
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Finally, an effective policy response would be
developed with the full participation and leadership
of the communities most in need, namely the African-American and gay and bisexual communities. It
would address the taboo issues surrounding HIV/
AIDS to get to the root causes of unsafe sexual practices, which include poverty, discrimination, and violence. And it would address the stark racial and gender inequities that allow the epidemic—and the
stigma attached to it—to persist and flourish.
We have an HIV/AIDS crisis in the United
States, and we need a crisis-sized plan from a new
URL: http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/
2008/no_time_to_debate.html
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