Birmingham Pride 2015: Leather on Parade

Mr LeatherWest 2015, Neil of Swansea, reflects on the events of Birmingham Pride, who, by helping to organise ‘Black Hide for Pride’, resulted in the highest ever profile for leather men in the heart of the UK.

Any hesitation that ‘Leather men on Parade’ would not receive a warm reception proved unfounded: immediately. The crowds love the leather men! The police love the leather men! Even the Lord Mayor of Birmingham loves the leather men! This was the first time that there was an organised leather presence at Birmingham Pride.

In my role as Mr LeatherWest, I was delighted to see a fantastic response by leather men in the West and the Midlands to the plan to be a part of the Pride Parade.

It was the most amazing weekend at Birmingham Pride. I really don’t know how to thank everyone I shared it with. I caught up with old friends, made new friends, danced till I dropped (yes - leather men dance you know!); drank till I dropped further and all in the name of friendship and leather brotherhood.

The weekend proved to me yet again how powerful our leather community is and how they can enhance each and every one of us. It is so important for our leather communities to have a profile, to be approachable and to smile! That way, those who are curious, attracted to the life of being a leather man then have the confidence to approach and start their own journey into ‘leatherland’. Oh so many came forward at Birmingham and it was a real privilege to have conversation with those wanting to get ‘into their leather’ and reassuring for them to speak with people who know exactly how they feel.

However, a quick chance to rest before the summer prides in Bristol, Cardiff and Bournemouth, where LeatherWest will have an ever a bigger and more organised presence than last year (Bournemouth being the first time). I am delighted and a little sacred at the same time to be leading the team for Bristol and Cardiff.