Leather, and tit-clamps, and, well, yes, bears…oh my! Let’s be fair and say that when most folks think of Leather Pride Week, these are the images that come to mind. Of course the images we will likely remember are the Sir in ass-less chaps leading His boy/i in leash and collar. Then there are the paddles, the boot blacking and the leather and lace bustiers. And we affirm all of these during this wonderful celebration of the leather and fetish community. But allowing only these images to dominate the week’s events is to overlook the greater purpose of service.

In fact, as contestants and spectators gather, there are three goals that are at the forefront of these events: anoint a new Mr. and Ms. Leather San Diego, raise monies for charities in and around San Diego and raise awareness of a community and a lifestyle.

Past recipients of these honors have gone on to become spokespersons not only for the leather community, but for the GLBT community as a whole. San Diegans have held nearly every major national and international title at some point in the last decade: International LeatherSIR, International leather boy, American Leatherman, American Leatherwoman, Mr. International Deaf Leather and so on. With these honors, comes a commitment to a chosen cause. In essence, these contestants become ambassadors not just for the leather community but for causes beyond themselves. Ms. World Leather 2001, Annie Romano-Blas and her wife, Jo, who holds the title Ms. San Diego Leather 2000, have been tireless advocates for the Lupus Foundation of America. Ms. San Diego Leather 2004, Karen Yew, is one of the leading educators at The Leather Realm Area of the San Diego LGBT Pride Festival, facilitating public and inner-community awareness, visibility and education. The Leather Realm is an opportunity for those who wish to understand or explore leather or fetish in a safe, supportive setting, while working toward the eradication of stereotypical misconceptions within and about the community. The leather community is open to all male, female and transgender-identified persons – regardless of hearing impairment or physical disability – including other minorities who have traditionally experienced discrimination.

Mr. Deaf San Diego Leather 2002, Juan Zazueta, went on to serve as Mr. International Deaf Leather in 2003. He continues to be a spokesperson and a role model for the GLBT deaf community.

And we would be remiss if we did not mention Cheli Mohamed, Ms. San Diego Leather 1994-1995, who has gone on to serve our community at the AIDS Foundation San Diego, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Family Pride and former-City Councilmember Toni Atkins’ office. Mohamed is currently Volunteer and Community Resources Director with San Diego Pride.

Members of the leather community are, indeed, part of a subculture within the GLBT community. Many of us may not understand it, but we should not judge what we do not understand. After all, who among us does not believe in charity, education and awareness?

It is the same, in fact, with many subcultures of the GLBT community. Whether its the San Diego Gay Rodeo this fall, Imperial Court de San Diego Coronation in the winter, or the recent International Bear Competition in San Francisco – honorably represented by Mr. Bear San Diego – members of our community are the recipients of these charitable events.

With local, state, and federal funding being cut for social and health services, as a community we will find ourselves relying more and more on organizations such as these.

The leather community has a number of protocols and code words that govern both its play and its formal actions. This year’s code word is “green.” Leather Pride San Diego has formally assented and is now incorporated as a federally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization – its charter to raise money and distribute it to community organizations.

It is incumbent upon members of the GLBT community and its allies to support such organizations, if even by simply attending the annual competitions and festivals. You don’t have to wrestle a steer or throw on a wig, be wearing a harness, chaps or even have fur on your back to support these organizations. Your presence, along with your generosity during the special fund-raising events, raffles, silent and live auctions, sends a message, not just to our brothers and sisters in the GLBT community, but to San Diego at large: We are a simultaneously diverse and united community. In fact, we celebrate our diversity through our actions of unity.

As you head to the Leather Pride events during the next week, do so not just with an open mind, but with an open wallet.

We believe this is a lesson worth sharing.