Last month, Gay & Lesbian Times columnist Nicole Murray-Ramirez wrote about a local nonprofit organization that had at least one board member who questioned whether that organization should accept charitable donations from the leather community. Normally, I would say “fine” and recommend that we only give charitable donations to organizations that want them.

Because, however, I just returned from the Leather Leadership Conference where one of the main themes was “education,” I won’t make such a recommendation at this time. I will, however, let the board members in on a little secret involving the leather community: you don’t know who we are. You only see us when we’re dressed in leather. Therefore, you have no idea who’s been making donations to your organization – and many of us have been. So when you question whether to accept donations from the leather community, think about the individuals and businesses in the leather community you’re alienating.

Additionally, if such organizations have so much money that its board can question a donation – sizable or not – then those organizations are doing much better than we thought. In that case, perhaps the money that we intended to donate should be diverted to another organization that needs and appreciates charity from the community it serves.

What some also may not realize is that the leather community raises money for a minimum of two years for a given charity. So the money recently raised that was questioned is only the first portion of funds to come.

I am seriously considering recommending the funds raised for the remainder of the year be given to a charity in need since obviously this particular organization has board members who can cover whatever measly donations we could have made.

Obviously, the board member(s) of this nonprofit is not considering the ties between leather people, the bear community, the cowboys, The Imperial Court, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the pansexual leather community and other communities that consistently support local charities.

An example of these ties is the fact that for years my company has been a sponsor of “Lazy Bear,” a Northern California bear event that last year raised approximately $170,000, which was divided among 20 or so charities. This year, because a large number of San Diegans attend Lazy Bear, a local development director urged me to solicit the founder/producer of Lazy Bear to include a San Diego charity in the pool of beneficiaries. We are in the process of making an official request but it will NOT be on behalf of the charity we were originally considering.

What disgusts me is since Nicole’s column we haven’t heard anything “official” from this organization regarding the issue. The only thing the organization did was criticize the messenger – which is cowardly.

To be fair, at least one board and staff member have discussed it with me. And if it weren’t for those two individuals this charity would not see any support from the leather community, if it were up to me.

Now, off that soapbox and on with the good times:

This Saturday, April 19, is L.L. Bear at Rich’s and before you start complaining about the music, just get up, get dressed (minimally) and get out.

Backroom Reloaded at Bourbon Street is on Saturday, April 26. You know the drill: leather and/or bare chest only and no open-toe shoes. This one will be extra special because it’s Dr. Chuck’s birthday and he’s been a bad, bad boy.

If you’re heading across town to the Eagle don’t forget your underwear – preferably cleanish. It’s underwear night and $100 will be awarded at midnight.

Melt in Palm Springs will take place from Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 4. It’s a porn pool party from the producers of Lazy Bear, raising money for charity and featuring stars from most of the adult video companies. For more information, visti www.meltevents.com.

As I mentioned, I just got home from a leather weekend in San Francisco and although I just got out of bed, I’m getting back in it … a boy needs his rest!

See ya in the pit. Write me at inthepitsd@aol.com.