Thank God summer is officially gone, and hopefully the heat with it. 100-degree temperatures are not good for leather folk. Some San Diego leather men brave the heat and go out in full cow hide, whether it’s to a bar, play party or a walk in the park. Unfortunately, we can’t wear much less than that. For some reason, the A-Gays and the corrupt San Diego politicians frown on the thought of adults in adult establishments wearing jock straps and cod pieces if alcohol is served. Even at the “Center” leather men can’t have a bare chest for fear some child might see a male nipple and be scarred for life. Gotta love the “Center” for standing up for the rights of the gays and lesbians it serves – especially those with children.

This weekend will be the 13th Annual Tom of Finland Erotic Art Weekend in Los Angeles on Saturday and Sunday. Tom of Finland artwork is some of the most famous and recognizable erotic art in the world. The weekend not only features his work but also the works of more than 75 artists from all over the world. There is also a party on Friday night, a banquet on Saturday night, a symposium and ongoing commentary from the always colorful Durk Dehner. For more information check out TomofFinlandFoundation.org.

San Francisco officially kicks off “Leather Season” with the Folsom Street Fair. Once upon a time, the Folsom Street Fair was an event where leather people could meet up with good friends and past playthings. It was common to see Tony DeBlase and Guy Baldwin hanging out under the shaded area of My Place discussing the future of the leather world. Alan Selby would be shouting down friendly British greetings from his third-floor flat and offering adult beverages to anyone who would/could climb all those damn stairs. Of course Brian Dawson, Race Bannon or Richard Hunter could be spotted at any time leading a troop of collared leather boys through the crowd as if in competition with one another for the title of “Daddy of the Year.” Then there were always the “Ladies of Leather,” who included but were not limited to Midori, Carol Queen, Queen Cougar and Skeeter. The Folsom Street Fair was made up of men and women who lived the leather lifestyle whether they wore leather or not.

The Folsom Street Fair remains a “must do” for any leather virgin or leather wannabe, although the Alan Selbys and Tony DeBlases are long gone. Guy or Brian may show up if you’re lucky, but you’ll certainly see Race and Richard still leading a troop of collared boys through the crowd. The “Ladies of Leather” never miss a chance to dress up and show off, but Skeeter will be chained to the Mr. S sewing table piecing together cowhide for those with a leather emergency. You will have to fight your way through the hordes of “Lookey Lous,” strollers, people walking their snicker-poodles, busloads of tourists from Modesto and bicyclists who think they have the right to be anywhere/anytime, but the fair is worth the trouble and deserving of your time.

Folsom Street Fair embodies the soul and spirit of generations of leather people. Leather men and women fought hard to establish, maintain, and preserve the leather lifestyle with the founding of the event, so it’s fitting that it begins a new year of celebrations. There are many leather events all over the world but there is only one Folsom Street Fair.

Replies, comments or event notices are sometimes welcome at InThePitSD@aol.com. This is sigma and I hope to see you In The Pit.