LeatherWest (the trading name for LWEvents CIC) is dedicated to supporting the gay male leather community in the south west of the UK - a section of the LGBT population that is often under-represented and despite its high profile through common stereotypes, is often misunderstood. Through our work, we aim to unite guys with a common interest and support them in developing their social networks (online and in reality) while providing social experiences and opportunities. We also help guys access resources and impartial information which are of interest and strive to education the wider community and dispel myths.
In 2013 we became a community interest company which allows us to operate as a non-profit organisation with responsibilities to reinvest for the benefit of gay leathermen in the south west.
A Community Interest Company (CIC) is a limited company, with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage.
LeatherWest exists to support and develop the gay male leather fetish community in the south west of the UK. Monies that are available after covering operating costs (website and event expenses for example) are used to invest in our community to ensure that leathermen in the south west have a visible presence and voice; an outlet for their interests and sources of information and education.
LeatherWest is staffed and run entirely by volunteers. Our events are managed by our team, the website and publicity is processed in-house and we engage with members of our community who have special skills or talents that we can utilize for the benefits of all. If you feel you could contribute or help out, please do get in touch - email us at [email protected] with an outline of what you could offer.
Since we began we have raised the profile of leathermen in the south west of the UK. We have run events which have given leathermen an environment in which to feel comfortable socialising with like-minded people. We have facilitated a vibrant on-line community which has allowed us to support many leathermen and answer their questions. Through our events, local leathermen have got to know each other, increased their circle of friends and in many cases reduced their sense of isolation.