“If this sling could talk….”.

Fresh from release this year, leathermen and their friends have the opportunity to attend the screening of Age of Consent, a documentary style film with plenty of graphic scenes. This looks at events in recent UK gay history using The Hoist in London as a backdrop.

LeatherWest are proud to support Bristol Pride in having secured this film with a clear ‘gay leather theme’ in the week long LGBT film festival at Bristol’s favourite arts house.

Following the news that leathermen will have a presence at Bristol Pride for the first time ever, with events woven into the week long Pride Festival, details are released of another first for the West: a leather film night at Bristol’s favourite ‘arts house’, the Watershed at the habourside.

Covering the seminal moments of gay leather history through landmark events the film gives us an interesting and fresh perspective. From the decriminalisation of sex between men in the 1960’s, through the 1970’s state sponsorship persecution of gay men through police entrapment and public hostility; the AIDS crisis and controversial government anti-gay legislation of ‘Section 28’of the 1980′ s; the infamous intrusive Spanner Case in the 90’s, into the new century with digital age of the internet sites and mobile apps.

The documentary charts the story of The Hoist, opened since October 1996. According to the film’s publicity, The Hoist is “..now one of London’s only surviving leather bars”. However, isn’t this an oversight? - what about London’s East End leather club The Backstreet? Granted, one very small error which should not detract from your viewing the film. The film is informative with’pop eye’ moments for the ‘uninitiated’. For example, more gay men were arrested, charged and convicted of “gross indecency” in 1980’s than in the pre-decriminalised 1960’s! Throughout, the film is unflinching whilst being graphic with no hint of an apology.

So, the call is out for leathermen in the West and their friends to come along for a “night out at the flicks in your leather!”. Wearing leather is strongly encouraged for this event. However, being a public place, bare butts and nips are not allowed!

At LeatherWest we have experience of what a leather film night can be like. We covered the World Premiere showing of Folsom Forever in London earlier this year - and what a great atmosphere! We’d like to see it repeated here in Bristol - you won’t regret it.

Already proving popular, event pages on Facebook indicate a large crowd, leather and leather friendly, looking to attend. So do let other people know you are coming! Check out the events pages from LeatherWest and Bristol Pride and click to say you’re coming (in some leather of course!).

Don’t forget there’s a Film After Party to “celebrate leather at Bristol Pride” for the first time ever. So, after the film, head over to the Old Market Quarter and the Bristol Bear Bar, where there’s an opportunity to catch up with leather mates, make new contacts and mingle with the organising team from Bristol Pride.

Gay Leather men are arriving at Pride are fully welcomed and almost certainly making their presence felt in 2014 - come along and make it a success! After Party is hosted by LeatherWest, Bristol Pride and Bristol Bear Bar from 10pm until midnight.

Notes:

• Film showing starts at 8pm on Sunday, July 6th. Duration , finishing approximately at 9.30pm. After Party at Bristol Bear Bar 10pm-midnight.
• Tickets prices £8.00 full / £6.50 concessions - check the Watershed’s website for details.
• Tickets can be booked direct on-line with the Watershed or by calling the box office at 0117 927 5100.
• The Film Night marks the first ‘leather event’ in the week long calendar of events of Bristol Pride 2014: look out for ‘Leather on Parade’, the LeatherWest pitch and tent at the festival and Leather Wild West all on Saturday, July 12th, Bristol Pride Day.
• “Age of Consent” is directed by Chris Lumm and Todd Verow. Included in the cast Frankie Villantoro (Mr Hoist 2013 & 2014) Gary Burgess, Marc Angelo, Kilker Alcaraz (Mr Leather UK 2012, Mr Leather Europe 2012).