The last few weeks, we've taking a bit more melllow approach to events; Sir and I have decided to try and hit a few events on the weekends but take the time to balance that with also taking personal time to hang out with friends and do private events as well. To that end, we have been taking the week days to move into our place, unpack, sort and otherwise make our home into just that.
However, we're still hitting events as often as we can. On Saturday the 15th, we joined SEA-PAH (www.seapah.com/) for a romp and play day and it was so much fun to watch all the puppies playing and wrestling and napping. Oh, the puppies napping are SO CUTE. Ahem, sorry ... I sort of have a running love of puppies.
Sunday was the monthly Seattle Men in Leather brunch at CC Attle's - one of my very favorite monthly events, the SML socials are always sure to be enjoyable and rain or shine, there's so many friendly faces. After that, Sir spent the afternoon on the Hill with a friend while I meandered northwards to join a new crafting group and I was so very happy to finally find a Kinky Crafters group where I could be myself and not worry about somebody being offended over who / what I am. I came home feeling so much more fulfilled than I had expected & Sir gave me such a big hug, telling me how happy He was that I had found a group that I was comfortable being around that could help me express my creative crafty side without the constant worry of being judged for my life choices. I am very lucky to have a Sir who accepts, appreciates and loves me for all of the crazy things I am : crafty, energetic, creative, sometimes stubborn, outspoken and devoted.
Enough gushing, though.
This last weekend, we went to Folsom Festival in San Francisco with a friend of ours who has never been. Seeing as we hadn't either, and it was Sir's birthday weekend, we decided it was the best time we could ever have to go to Folsom. On Friday we went to the Bay Area Queer Leather Happy Hour at Tryptych which was packed full of people we recognized and even more people to meet still. Among the many amazing people we met Friday night, was Ann - North American Pony 2008.
There. Are. Pony. Titles.
Just so you all understand, there was a certain level of hyperventilating fangirl in a corner at Tryptych for a while there; and then our friend went over and started a conversation with her because I was far too shy to approach. We ended up sitting together while she was eating a snack and she let me pick her brain about the community and events as well as how she got started. She invited me to join them at the Pony tent on Sunday and Sir assured me we could, if I was interested in going. This was a trick question, Sir knows I am very curious about ponies and would love to one day be His pony although we have not explored that in more than just talk yet.
Eventually we made our way back to our hotel - which admittedly was in San Mateo but just off the CalTrain line so not really too bad of a trip in and out of the city and had the chance to witness Giants (baseball) fans en masse. It was a little terrifying for a non-sports fan.
Saturday, we headed into the city early to enjoy the afternoon and discovered Super Duper Burger. I like that place a whole lot. Good food, somewhat greasy but sometimes a girl needs a greasy burger to really make the day worth it. We wandered around, I got a new belt and some sunglasses, Sir made lots of new friends when we stopped at Mix. We tried to get into 440 Castro, but it was packed so tight there was no way it would happen. So we chilled at Mix until it was time to head over to Powerhouse for the Blackout party. The Black Saturday-Folsom EVE party was insanely busy and the pre-party demo was latex; it was funny arriving in time to see them cleaning up after spraying some poor new kid with liquid latex. I found out later they didn't warn him in advance so he wasn't powdered or anything first... poor cub wasn't very fuzzy the next day, I think.
While Sir chatted with several of the other Mr titles, I had the chance to meet the cutest couple of boys from the UK who (to my amusement at least) met in Australia of all places. They were very curious about our titles and then wanted to keep in touch in case we ever visit because they'd love to take us out. A littlel later, there was what I can only describe as a gaggle of fae. It was hilarious to watch them freak out over latex, leather and anything else they weren't familiar with. By the time the flogging demo was starting, the place was literally standing room only and by the time they got to protocols, I was starting to feel faint from the heat and crowd - it was stifling! It also was getting late, so after protocol wrapped up and the photo ops were over, we made our way outside and headed home again.
At this point, I have to point out that San Francisco has the best idea ever: Homobile.
It's a basic cab service for short distance trips, owned, operated and sponsored by members of the gay community. I think Seattle should have one of these, even if it's only for special events. All the drivers use their personal vehicle, so the driving is better than most of the drivers down there (way better than the cabs) and they don't mind if a guy's wearing a cod piece and chaps. Which Sir was on Sunday, but not Saturday.
Sunday was very busy, we started the morning in the Castro at Miss Donna Sachet's Titleholder brunch - an apparently long standing tradition. It was amazing to see how many sashes, vests, patches, and medals there were all around us as we nibbled on eggs and biscuits. Sadly, we are tourists and the city is a little confusing but we saw other men in leather and luckily they knew where to go to get to the festival. When we got there, we were told to go to the main stage for protocols - by the time we found out the protocols were at a different location this year, we were already too late to get there. Still, we tried. Sir & I were very disappointed that we weren't able to make it but what can you do?
We headed over to see the Puppy tent and lo! There were SEAPAH puppies - a sure fire way to cheer me up, puppies.
And then there was the parade of Ponies that trotted by, proudly displaying their gear and paces. Oh ponies. See how I swoon for you.
We went to Stompers' Boot Party, over to Mr. S to pick out a new hat for Sir since we lost is Maui cap when we were in Portland for Oregon's Leather Weekend & Title contest. We also stopped by the Venus tent - although by the time I got there, apparently I had missed all the interesting events. But now I know to go earlier next year.
Eventually, we tottered back to the CalTrain and it was an early night in bed and the men watching TV while the girl passed out into blissful sleep.
Unfortunately, our trip home was dramatic and stressful; but we did make it home and are now safely back in Seattle and back to our normal day to day lives.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
SlutWalk Accomplished!
Firstly, a thank you to everyone who came out to SlutWalk yesterday - it was a great turn out and the crowd had amazing energy. Thank you to each person who was a body and a voice speaking (more accurately screaming) against rape and victim-blaming. Seattle, as is the norm for young events, decided to threaten storms but that didn't slow down any of the proud marchers who came out in all shades of attire (or lack thereof) to show support and we had a decent crowd gather as we ramped up and pushed through the city center.
Marching at the front of the group with Sir and our friends who joined us, I was so proud of our city - Seattle truly is a wonderful place to live. I sometimes forget how many cities around Seattle aren't as supportive of alt lifestyle and don't consider the rights of the victims to be nearly as valid as the rights of the attacker. Whenever I remember these things, it scares me a little bit; I realize how frightening and hateful the world can be and how small a person I am and how easy it would be for something truly terrible to happen.
Fortunately, whenever I start to feel down, I just have to look around myself and at the community - we're strong and we protect our own. Like a pack of wolves, we don't like to see one of our own hurt and we fight to keep it from happening with loud howls of injustice and fierce fighting on all levels. We are strong and we are proud and we do not let fear control our lives. I am proud to be a Leather woman, to be Sir's girl and to be one of these strong people who knows the difference between what is wrong and what is right in the world.
This week is going to be chaotic for me; we have unpacking/cleaning to do at home as well as events possibly Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Next week, we leave for Folsom and I'm so very excited! It'll be my first time at Folsom and I'm not sure what I'll be wearing just yet. It should be fun either way though!
Marching at the front of the group with Sir and our friends who joined us, I was so proud of our city - Seattle truly is a wonderful place to live. I sometimes forget how many cities around Seattle aren't as supportive of alt lifestyle and don't consider the rights of the victims to be nearly as valid as the rights of the attacker. Whenever I remember these things, it scares me a little bit; I realize how frightening and hateful the world can be and how small a person I am and how easy it would be for something truly terrible to happen.
Fortunately, whenever I start to feel down, I just have to look around myself and at the community - we're strong and we protect our own. Like a pack of wolves, we don't like to see one of our own hurt and we fight to keep it from happening with loud howls of injustice and fierce fighting on all levels. We are strong and we are proud and we do not let fear control our lives. I am proud to be a Leather woman, to be Sir's girl and to be one of these strong people who knows the difference between what is wrong and what is right in the world.
This week is going to be chaotic for me; we have unpacking/cleaning to do at home as well as events possibly Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Next week, we leave for Folsom and I'm so very excited! It'll be my first time at Folsom and I'm not sure what I'll be wearing just yet. It should be fun either way though!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
How a Leather girl becomes a Leather Woman
I talk a whole lot about what we're doing and a lot more about what we're going to be doing; I haven't talked a lot about the actual emotional journey this title has taken me on and today is the day that I want to talk about that.
In February, Sir and I had a long conversation spanning several days about the upcoming contest; I wanted to run but felt I would be the "easy out" contestant as I am a queer woman in a long term heterosexual monogamous relationship. Despite being a leather woman and identifying as such for the last two years, I thought myself a "lesser" competitor because I felt I'd be dismissed as "not as much of a member of the leather community" because I don't play with lots of people and have only had one leather partner - Sir, whom I adore and love dearly. In His ever infinite wisdom, Sir told me that I wouldn't be written off because I was a leather woman - and I was His leathergirl. Feeling reassured - knowing that Sir saw me as I wasn't able to see myself yet - and eager to be a part of the experience, I filled out the contest application and submitted my name.
The next weeks, I spent almost all my free time researching the community's history, learning names and dates, reading about my judge's panel and all their contributions to the community I love and cherish so dearly. Every page of information made my head swim - so many amazing people and I thought myself worthy to represent them? I struggled to believe I had what it would take to do our community justice. Sir and I studied all the information and talked in great lengths about what it all meant and how history had truly shaped the world we were living in that day; ironically, we also got to hear RuPaul's Drag Race talk about Stonewall and the way those days had also shaped the drag community into what it is today which had a great deal of impact on me personally.
The days rolled by and the contest drew closer; I wondered daily if I really was ballsy enough to believe I was the right person for the title and the more I thought about, the more I questioned it, the louder the leather girl in me screamed "YES!". Thank goodness for that; because when we finally got to the contest, I was pretty sure the little leather girl in my brain was crazy or lying, but I desperately wanted to do my community - my Sir - proud.
I remember parts of the contest, by only snatches of it now; it all seemed so amazing and exciting and overwhelming like being on a roller coaster. The meet and greet at DogHouse was so busy, there were so many amazing conversations and people. By the time I got home that night, it was already jumbling together and just piling into my anxiety about the contest. I questioned if I was ready, if I was capable, mostly I was afraid I'd forget my speech on stage.
That night; while trying to sleep (which really, no contestant ever sleeps enough the night before a contest, let's stop lying to ourselves here) I realized I didn't like my speech and that I didn't feel passionate about it. I sat there trying to figure out what to do, finally I realized I had one option : throw it out and start over. That was terrifying, and I cried all night thinking how hopelessly unprepared I felt. Sir held me and kissed my hair and let me be a mess, He knew I needed to just process.
The very next morning, I knew what I had to do; I had to stop trying to please the judges and be true to me. So I decided to not worry about my speech too much and just figure out what I wanted to talk about, once I had a topic, I knew the words would be easy. During my interview, it was brought home to me that my passion, my truest interest in the community was actually the community. How simple! When my world was upside down, I was scared and hurting, it was the community who took me in, who held me and comforted me, who offered advise and wisdom. All I wanted was to give back to them even 1% of what had been given to me.
That night, I was astounded when the contest ended and I was announced as Washington State Ms Leather 2012; I looked at Sir and saw such pride on His face. Giddy and so amazed by the outcome, I watched as Sir too was announced as Washington State Mr Leather 2012. We were both astounded, we were both so very proud of each other, so excited - and a little bit in denial. We could hardly believe we would be sharing a year as title holders. We woke up the next morning and there, hanging beside each side of the bed was a sash, a visible proof that we were, in fact, sharing the next year as sash-husband and -wife.
Sir turned to me that morning, His eyes very wide, and said "Holy shit, those are real. We did it."
I couldn't have said it more honestly than that.
The next months were filled with going to events and parties, helping with fundraisers and anything else we were asked to help with all while trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our year. It wasn't hard, we wanted to help the community; I wanted to focus on increasing tolerance within the community for all members and challenge some of the older (and maybe outdated?) prejudices against folks of a different gender/orientation or those older/younger/less or differently experienced. It hurt me to know we could be so harsh to our own family and I wanted to work towards breaking down those barriers respectfully and with compassion and understanding. Sir turned His attention to helping the smaller communities in our state to network, working together and sharing information and experience to help each other grow. We chose to focus on working to build the smaller groups so they could succeed and not just fade into oblivion without the larger groups ever hearing of their existence or struggles.
I have had the opportunity to meet people all over this state from all walks and an amazing array of histories; each person I meet has left a little imprint on my heart and this leather girl has never been more honored to be a part of the community. I get tired, sometimes, and feel like all my energy isn't enough but then I remind myself how a little thing can sometimes be the world-changer for somebody who you'd never expect it to impact so strongly. One day, I hope I'm that pebble in somebody else's pond.
Until that day (and for every day after it), I will work to continue to learn and grow and be the best damn girl Sir could ever imagine.
I want to thank the community - my community - for taking me in and giving me the chance to find myself.
My world is full of amazing people and experiences - and lots of gorgeous leather!
In February, Sir and I had a long conversation spanning several days about the upcoming contest; I wanted to run but felt I would be the "easy out" contestant as I am a queer woman in a long term heterosexual monogamous relationship. Despite being a leather woman and identifying as such for the last two years, I thought myself a "lesser" competitor because I felt I'd be dismissed as "not as much of a member of the leather community" because I don't play with lots of people and have only had one leather partner - Sir, whom I adore and love dearly. In His ever infinite wisdom, Sir told me that I wouldn't be written off because I was a leather woman - and I was His leathergirl. Feeling reassured - knowing that Sir saw me as I wasn't able to see myself yet - and eager to be a part of the experience, I filled out the contest application and submitted my name.
The next weeks, I spent almost all my free time researching the community's history, learning names and dates, reading about my judge's panel and all their contributions to the community I love and cherish so dearly. Every page of information made my head swim - so many amazing people and I thought myself worthy to represent them? I struggled to believe I had what it would take to do our community justice. Sir and I studied all the information and talked in great lengths about what it all meant and how history had truly shaped the world we were living in that day; ironically, we also got to hear RuPaul's Drag Race talk about Stonewall and the way those days had also shaped the drag community into what it is today which had a great deal of impact on me personally.
The days rolled by and the contest drew closer; I wondered daily if I really was ballsy enough to believe I was the right person for the title and the more I thought about, the more I questioned it, the louder the leather girl in me screamed "YES!". Thank goodness for that; because when we finally got to the contest, I was pretty sure the little leather girl in my brain was crazy or lying, but I desperately wanted to do my community - my Sir - proud.
I remember parts of the contest, by only snatches of it now; it all seemed so amazing and exciting and overwhelming like being on a roller coaster. The meet and greet at DogHouse was so busy, there were so many amazing conversations and people. By the time I got home that night, it was already jumbling together and just piling into my anxiety about the contest. I questioned if I was ready, if I was capable, mostly I was afraid I'd forget my speech on stage.
That night; while trying to sleep (which really, no contestant ever sleeps enough the night before a contest, let's stop lying to ourselves here) I realized I didn't like my speech and that I didn't feel passionate about it. I sat there trying to figure out what to do, finally I realized I had one option : throw it out and start over. That was terrifying, and I cried all night thinking how hopelessly unprepared I felt. Sir held me and kissed my hair and let me be a mess, He knew I needed to just process.
The very next morning, I knew what I had to do; I had to stop trying to please the judges and be true to me. So I decided to not worry about my speech too much and just figure out what I wanted to talk about, once I had a topic, I knew the words would be easy. During my interview, it was brought home to me that my passion, my truest interest in the community was actually the community. How simple! When my world was upside down, I was scared and hurting, it was the community who took me in, who held me and comforted me, who offered advise and wisdom. All I wanted was to give back to them even 1% of what had been given to me.
That night, I was astounded when the contest ended and I was announced as Washington State Ms Leather 2012; I looked at Sir and saw such pride on His face. Giddy and so amazed by the outcome, I watched as Sir too was announced as Washington State Mr Leather 2012. We were both astounded, we were both so very proud of each other, so excited - and a little bit in denial. We could hardly believe we would be sharing a year as title holders. We woke up the next morning and there, hanging beside each side of the bed was a sash, a visible proof that we were, in fact, sharing the next year as sash-husband and -wife.
Sir turned to me that morning, His eyes very wide, and said "Holy shit, those are real. We did it."
I couldn't have said it more honestly than that.
The next months were filled with going to events and parties, helping with fundraisers and anything else we were asked to help with all while trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our year. It wasn't hard, we wanted to help the community; I wanted to focus on increasing tolerance within the community for all members and challenge some of the older (and maybe outdated?) prejudices against folks of a different gender/orientation or those older/younger/less or differently experienced. It hurt me to know we could be so harsh to our own family and I wanted to work towards breaking down those barriers respectfully and with compassion and understanding. Sir turned His attention to helping the smaller communities in our state to network, working together and sharing information and experience to help each other grow. We chose to focus on working to build the smaller groups so they could succeed and not just fade into oblivion without the larger groups ever hearing of their existence or struggles.
I have had the opportunity to meet people all over this state from all walks and an amazing array of histories; each person I meet has left a little imprint on my heart and this leather girl has never been more honored to be a part of the community. I get tired, sometimes, and feel like all my energy isn't enough but then I remind myself how a little thing can sometimes be the world-changer for somebody who you'd never expect it to impact so strongly. One day, I hope I'm that pebble in somebody else's pond.
Until that day (and for every day after it), I will work to continue to learn and grow and be the best damn girl Sir could ever imagine.
I want to thank the community - my community - for taking me in and giving me the chance to find myself.
My world is full of amazing people and experiences - and lots of gorgeous leather!
Slutwalk Seattle 2012 - Join Us!!!
Per the Slutwalk website, "We will meet [Noon, Sunday 9/9] at Occidental Park, march north on 4th Ave, and rally at Westlake Park."
Are you considering marching - or planning to march - and looking for a group to march with? Washington State Mr & Ms Leather 2012 invite you to march with us this coming Sunday to support the Slutwalk cause! Join us to help stop rape-mentality and victim blaming. Calling all leather (and kink) friendly and more individuals to meet with us at Occidental Park at 11:30am, bring your Pride and spirit and dress however you feel comfortable (all sluts should show it proudly!). No signs or chants needed.
See you there!
Are you considering marching - or planning to march - and looking for a group to march with? Washington State Mr & Ms Leather 2012 invite you to march with us this coming Sunday to support the Slutwalk cause! Join us to help stop rape-mentality and victim blaming. Calling all leather (and kink) friendly and more individuals to meet with us at Occidental Park at 11:30am, bring your Pride and spirit and dress however you feel comfortable (all sluts should show it proudly!). No signs or chants needed.
See you there!
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