New Year’s Resolutions are so last year. This year make a pledge!

We hope the following gives you a few ideas on what you could do to ensure that 2014 is the best leather year it can be for you. Our collection of ten pledges cover a range of activities - some that will benefit you and some that will benefit others. Don’t forget to use the comments section at the end (Pledge #8) and tell us what you’re doing and how it is going. Good luck!

Pledge #1

Visit a new leather bar

We all have our favourite haunts, but this year, why not try somewhere new? Not all of us are lucky enough to have leather friendly bars nearby, but we all need to support as many as we can in these challenging times. So if we want to make sure we have places to socialise and meet new guys, lets make sure we spread our love and use as many bars and clubs as we can this year.

Pledge #2

Attend a new event

As with bars and clubs, we need to ensure the survival of our nights. So let’s show organisers that we’re a market worth investing in by supporting as many events as we can and try some new ones. It’s always good to mix things up and add a bit of variety to our social lives so head out to where everybody doesn’t know you name! Check out our calendar for events in the LeatherWest area.

Pledge #3

Try a different Tribe

If you’re a Leather Uniform guy, head out in Street Leather one night. Or if you’re normally seen in Biker gear be brave and show a bit of flesh in Party leather.

Pledge #4

Reach out to a newbie

Do you remember when you were new to the leather scene? Remember how daunting it was and how intimidated you felt? Well, while that was part of the thrill, it can be a barrier to some. So next time you’re approached by a guy with questions, spend some time helping them find the appropriate answers. They will be very grateful of a new leather friend!

Pledge #5

Sort out your gear

Let’s be honest, we all have a lot of gear that has accumulated over the years. Some of it we don’t even wear! So use the New Year to go through your collection, give everything a decent clean, decide what you’re going to keep, what needs a bit of repair and what is going into the next Leather Market. You may rediscover an old favourite that becomes this year’s new classic item.

Pledge #6

Bring a friend

When planning a night out or a visit to a different city, make sure you bring a friend along. Not only does it help share the costs, it makes sure that events and bars are well attended. Also, we all know guys that would like to be asked along but are too nervous to ask themselves - so give them an encouraging invite!

Pledge #7

Update your profiles

Take a look at your online self - time for an update? If you’ve not read through your profile text for a while or changed your photos, this is a good opportunity. Get a friend to take some new pictures of you in your newly cleaned gear - even better if they’re at an event. If you’re doing selfies in the bathroom, please make sure you clean the mirror first! Then take a look at your writings. If you’re got a long list of what you don’t want, perhaps be more positive and talk about what you do want and what you have to offer. And please be honest with your age!

Pledge #8

Join the discussion

While we need to make sure we all step out from behind the computer regularly, the online leather community is as strong as ever. So make sure you join in with the discussions on Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. On this blog we have a great new discussion system (see below) that links in with your favourite social networks to make it easy to join in the conversation. So if you have something to say, say it!

Pledge #9

Support a charity

There are many good causes out there that do great work on our behalf to help make life better for many people. Among those that benefit our community are GMFA, THT, Gay Switchboard, EACH, and FFLAG. It’s not just money that these organisations are looking for - they are always looking for volunteers to help make things happen. So get involved and give something back.

Pledge #10

Treat yourself to something new and shiny!

Let’s be honest, this is the easiest pledge of them all and probably the one you are going to do anyway! However, use this as an opportunity to reward yourself only if you’ve managed to complete seven of the above! Maybe 2014 is the year of your new jacket? Or are those gym workouts paying off and you’re soon to be seen in chaps and harness? Or are you making the Leather Pilgrimage to Portland to pick up your Langlitz? Whatever you’re planning, let us know and send us the pictures!