“What’s this UNION Leather thing all about then?”

If there’s one thing that unites people is that we don’t like feeling we’re missing out. As word of UNION spread throughout the region, it became clear here at LeatherWest HQ that guys’ curiosity was stirred.

The strong branding and imagery of UNION had caught men’s imagination and they wanted to know more. Through the event page, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ as well as word of mouth, guys learnt that UNION was something different - an event crafted and forged from a need to approach the Leather Scene from a fresh perspective.

1) The five leather tribes are alive and thriving

Leather clad in Union.

UNION’s name says it all - it’s a union of leathermen, a coming together of gay guys with a passion for wearing leather, no matter what style. This was certainly clear at UNION’s inaugural event. There was representation from those into leather uniforms including some BLUF members as well as several guys wearing biker gear. Into the mix, add those guys in chaps and harnesses and those sporting a great leather jacket. The only tribe not in evidence was the cowboy crowd. However, looking at some of the boots being worn and the enthusiastic discussions about chaps, many guys are keen to give the look of the wild west a try!

2) Friendly equals sexy

Friendly equals sexy at UNION

BLUF@Bristol regulars are familiar with how friendly the LeatherWest crowd are. It was wonderful to see new faces really appreciating the warm welcome and attitude free environment.

One guy new to the leather scene in the West was so surprised by the fact people came and chatted to him, he was heard to comment that guys are so much more attractive when they’re friendly. That’s something we’ve known for a long time!

Leather can be intimidating for those outside looking in but if we can guarantee guys a friendly welcome to reward their courage, then our community is in a good place. It will grow. It will be solid.

3) We have a responsibility to celebrate our culture

UNION had a different feel in The Den: thanks to the decor sourced from around Europe.

UNION was able to recreate the look and feel of a classic leather bar but bring it into the 21st Century. It was once said “black walls + red lights = leather bar”.

UNION used the old rule as a base and moved forward to today.

We leathermen have a culture and a history to be proud of and while the internet can keep it alive in the virtual world, we also need to keep it alive in real world.

Through leather meets and events such as UNION, leathermen are able to pass on their stories, experiences and knowledge - helping to advise and support newcomers.

And while we all may enjoy a bit of porn, it’s not the best place to go to learn about leather play. It’s highly produced, air brushed and filmed over several days. It doesn’t reflect reality. Guys have a duty to celebrate our culture and promote a safe and accessible leather community.

 

4) Everyone knows a curious guy

Social, friendly, sexy, chilled.

Let’s be honest. We all started our lifelong love affair with leather by admiring leathermen from afar.

As our courage grew we would make contact with those that we felt were approachable - either online or at the local bar.

However, many of the guys at UNION are now the men being approached and the event proved to be the perfect introduction to those starting out in their leather life.

Many of those attending on Saturday spoke of people they knew on Recon, Gaydar or Grindr who are looking for a non-threatening and safe way to mix with like-minded guys.

Plenty of guys on the night are committed to encourage the curious to attend the next event, now knowing it was the perfect introductory social event to the leather scene.

 

5) Leathermen have high standards

A vast range of styles of leather came together in UNION.

The Leather Scene has often been portrayed by outsiders as seedy, dirty or unclean. For many leathermen, we know this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The leather uniform guys have exacting standards; the bikers like their leathers to shine; the chaps and harnesses of party boys must fit right while the street leather boys’ image must be on trend. As for the cowboys, they may be rugged, but even the wild west had standards! In short: leather guys have rules, take pride and don’t take short cuts.

UNION gave all leathermen a night where attention to detail was in evidence - posters to decorate the bar specifically sourced from mainland Europe; the high-tech lighting to generate the right mood; ‘food-to-fuel’ snacks at midnight; the offer of a complimentary whiskey shot on arrival and of course, bar staff in leather!.

Even the bespoke UNION beer mats added to the feeling this was a quality night created especially for leathermen - exactly what our community should expect. Quality.

A big vote of thanks should go to Pete and Shuan at The Den for hosting UNION. Pete worked really hard to ensure the bar looked good, had the right ‘feel’, and he got into the spirit of UNION by slipping into his leathers too! Thanks Pete, you looked good!

Feedback. What the guys are saying:

- Biker Chris, Cardiff
“Thank you gents again for another great leather night! Just the right atmosphere and great mix of tunes not too loud. xx”

-David, Gloucestershire
“I just wanted to say a personal thank you for last night [UNION]. You organised a really enjoyable evening, so friendly and relaxed, and it really did make for a chilled alternative to both the usual BLUF socials and the more frantic fetish parties (fun though both can be !!). I hope the event goes from strength to strength.”

- Tom, Bristol
“Very horny seeing the range of gear on display. Will be at the next one.”

- Bootbrush, Cheltenham
“A brilliant night last night [UNION]: well done to the guys for arranging such a relaxed and friendly evening! And how fun to be on 2 legs for a change!”

- Martin, Bath
“Three words to say about UNION. Fresh, sharp and sexy. Well done lads. Will be back for the next one.”

Postscript:

  • One local leather guy in Bristol, arrived in full BLUF leather uniform. Having had a pre-event drink in the Bristol Bear Bar, he walks through Old Market to UNION. As he’s crossing the road a biker drives by and wolf-whistles. He was clearly a little flustered telling us the story on the door (and quite chuffed by the event!). So think about it: full leatherman walks through Bristol, and a gay leather biker just happens to be passing, obviously liking what he sees. Bristol’s Old Market is get all leathery!
  • Amongst all the styles of leather guy on the night, we can’t finish the story of the night without mentioning the Cigar fans. Leather and cigars have had a mutually asthetic relationship for many decades. So it was good to see some leather guys arriving, kicking back and having a cigar and socialise in the beer garden. All very relaxed. All very chilled. Leather guys sharing what they like in the company of men into the same.
  • Several men arrived on their bikes. We do enjoy seeing a biker arrive, helmet in hand. It’s always a classic look look. We manage to store away the helmets, but we were running out of space. Always a good sign!
  • One newbie to the leather circuit was “Lucky Luke”. Just Luke at the beginning of the night, but very lucky by the end. His reward to his Master for good behaviour was a very interesting situation involving a new sleepslack and gas mask. We have heard reports back on what happened when they got home. We’ll be discreet. However, search Facebook and you might find out! We’ll give you a clue: keyword, “Langlitz”.

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