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Justice is served

Interview with Sir Merrill

Lady Justice: Please describe who you are in 30 words or less.

Sir Merrill: I'm the quiet man in the corner of the coffee shop assessing your ass. 

Lady Justice: When and how did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish? 

Sir Merrill: I grew up around firemen, police officers, and EMTs because my father owned an ambulance service.  I was fascinated with the uniforms.  I went the route of being the middle-America boy with a girl friend.  One day, my brain just went, "What the hell are you doing?  This isn't you."  It was a tough and scary adjustment.  I met my current partner online within weeks.  I realized the beginning of my interest in the BDSM lifestyle with a friend of mine. He starting spanking a "trick" we'd brought back to his place and I just had to participate.

Lady Justice: What are your hobbies?

Sir Merrill: I enjoy gardening and motorcycling.  Gardening has been difficult this last year or so because of all the travel for work and leather. I ride the motorcycle as much as I can, usually doing about 20 thousand miles a year.  I also love music.  Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan where there are lots of opportunities to enjoy live music and theatre, my partner and I try to go to wherever we can find something interesting.

Lady Justice: Please tell us about more about your passion of gardening.  What's your favorite activity associated with plants and gardening?

Sir Merrill: Gardening has been difficult as of late since I’m not home nearly as much as I used to be. In itself, the process is the important thing for me. It’s starting with something raw and helping it to become bountiful. Vegetable gardening isn’t a big passion, but I do it because there’s wonder to eating a crop you’ve grown. Native species, in particular, flowers, are my favorites. There’s something wondrous in watching a hummingbird take its time to sip the nectar from every flower on a coreopsis and knowing I put it there just for him.

Lady Justice: What is your favorite quote?

Sir Merrill: It’s difficult for me to come up with a single quote, as it is common for something from a movie or a book to work its way into conversation. It’s all contextual for me. As a child, I was always seen with a Pooh Bear. I read my one Pooh book, The House at Pooh Corner, over and over. Something that always stuck with me was the line, "Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them." It has gained many new meanings, as I’ve gotten older.

Lady Justice: If you were to compare yourself to someone famous, who would it be? 

Sir Merrill: Probably Senator Larry Craig, since I like to get my dick sucked.

Lady Justice: How long have you been involved in the leather community? 

Sir Merrill: My involvement has been just a few years, but I bring my whole heart to it.

Lady Justice: Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today's leather community?

Sir Merrill: No.

Lady Justice: What is your definition of a "leatherman"?  What are his responsibilities? 

Sir Merrill: A leatherman is a person who can go out into the world without a lick of leather on his body and still have others recognize that he knows his place in the world. He’s responsible to be a good Sir, a good boy, a good dog, and good god, whatever. That’s about what all our protocols are supposed to be. We are about being the best, or being willing to improve who or what we are. I look at it as a different sort of religion.

Lady Justice: Which roles in the Leather BDSM lifestyle do you fit?  How do the following words describe you:  master, slave, dominant, submissive, sadist, masochist, daddy, etc…

 

Sir Merrill: I truly hope that the best word that describes me is "Mentor."  I consider myself a Sir/dominant/sadist with a twisted heart.  There's only one person in the world I allow to call me, "Daddy."

Lady Justice: What keeps you passionate about the leather community? 

Sir Merrill: Good times, good people, and good acts.

Lady Justice: to what organizations do you belong?  Are you an officer of any of these groups?

Sir Merrill: I’m mostly GDI. I’m President of the motorcycle club that a friend and I started in Ann Arbor called the Huron Motormen. It’s becoming less ad hoc as we increase in membership. As long as it remains fun, I’ll continue. I’m also a member of LIFE (Leather Institute for Education) in Detroit.

Lady Justice: Please tell us about leather competitions, especially your recent experience with competing for Great Lakes Leather Sir.  What is your fondest memory of the event?

Sir Merrill: Usually, when I go to leather events, and other events of life, my actions create many of the moments I experience. Competing has a different flavor. Instead of being in control of each moment, there is a lot of being the moment’s bitch, asking, "Where do I have to be, and will it require a costume change?" The energy flow was very different. I think my fondest memory was the quiet moment we had immediately after the contest. It was the first time with my new family.

Lady Justice: What is your platform in your role as a titleholder, or what do you wish to accomplish in a year?

Sir Merrill: My goal is to reach youth groups, to show young GLBT persons that the leather community can also be viewed as a support system through its hierarchy and leather families. I’m the first to admit I’m not qualified 100% for this, but I will be leveraging the experience of others in my local area for input on what topics to discuss. Maybe one of these "kids" will see the guidance of a Sir or Master as an alternative to suicide. I’ve made contacts in Michigan with some youth groups and am planning to visit with them during upcoming youth meetings.

Lady Justice: What is your fondest memory while you were wearing leather over the years?

 

Sir Merrill: There was a moment at this last CLAW where I standing outside during a break in the big closing show. I can’t really remember who approached whom, but there was a boy there who just looked cold. I just held him close. There was something in that embrace for me that completely defined the connection between a Sir and a boy. He later told me that he felt safe and connected. We’ve continued to stay in contact.

   

Lady Justice: Who do you admire in the community?  Is there anyone in it you’d like to be for 24 hours, and why? 

Sir Merrill: There are many people I admire and respect, but one person I tend to follow is Jack Rinella. I have a lot of respect for someone who can consistently explain our lifestyle. I enjoy reading his weekly column that I get through his mailing list, and I was disappointed that I missed him at this year’s Inferno Word was that he did a pretty hot scene. I don’t feel like I want to be someone else. Most of the people that come to mind are way too busy. Who’d want that?

Lady Justice: What is your stance on Old Guard, versus New Guard leather protocols and rules?

Sir Merrill: Sir Shane and I have discussed this.  I agree with his stance of referring to New Guard" as New Attitude.  I can't honestly say I can fully appreciate all that is Old Guard because it was such a different time. The precepts of honor, integrity, and protocol are important to me.  New or old, if you have these, we can get along.

Lady Justice: Do others outside the leather community know you're into leather?  If so, has that created any difficulty? 

Sir Merrill: Yeah, they pretty much know.  My boss is oddly interested in some of the lifestyle.  He's straight, boys, so settle down. I even gave my mother a poster of me advertising MML ’08. So far, I haven’t encountered any negative resistance or criticism.

Lady Justice: What qualities about yourself do you like the most and the least? 

Sir Merrill: I try to stick to my word, and if, for whatever reason, I cannot, I will let those affected know and try to resolve the issue. My least-liked quality is I have a lot of trouble keeping people and faces in order. My brain just doesn’t process social information well. I have to do the nerd thing and use spreadsheets to track people I’ve met.

Lady Justice: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?  If you could change anything about others, what would it be? 

Sir Merrill: Generally, I’m happy and confident with whom I am. I think it’s difficult to fundamentally change one’s core.

  

Lady Justice: What is the last book you read that deals with leather, and the last book you read on a non-leather topic?  Why did you choose those books? 

Sir Merrill: Here he is again. My last leather book was Jack Rinella’s, Partners in Power. I’ve added this to my recommended reading list for those who want to learn about the BDSM lifestyle. My last non-leather book was, The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime, by Jasper Fforde. I read both as of recommended reading. The first was recommended by a fellow leatherman, and the second, by my partner.

Lady Justice: Tell us more about your lifestyle in the BDSM leather world.  What are you into, and what's the one thing you've always wanted to do but haven't yet done?

Sir Merrill: The first thing I’m into is motorcycles. As for my favorites in a scene, I really enjoy breath control, with bastinado (foot whipping) being a close second to a nicely tied up sub. I’ve joked about it repeatedly, but I’d really like to try figging (anal play).

Lady Justice: When you flag, which colors do you wear?  Do you wear them on the left or the right?

Sir Merrill: This weekend I was flagging yellow, gray, navy blue, and puppy paws, always on the left.

Lady Justice: Do you have a dungeon or play space?  If you do, tell us about it.  If you don't, tell us how you would design your dungeon. 

Sir Merrill: I've been working on a play space for about a year.  It hasn't gone too quickly.  My boy and I built a nice suspended bondage board (that sometimes gets used for folding laundry since it's next to the dryer); we have lumber and plans for more equipment, but haven't had much time.  There's a nice steel I-beam that I like to use, plenty of room for flogging, and a friend has given me a St. Andrew's cross, as soon as I figure out how to transport it across the state (it would certainly look interesting on the back of the motorcycle). We’ve also cleaned out a root cellar and are going to convert it to a prison-like space.

Lady Justice: Do you remember your first time in a leather bar, and what was memorable about it?

 

Sir Merrill: It was the DC Eagle during a fundraiser.  The place was packed with men.  I was fresh meat.  I still have the clothespin I earned that day.

Lady Justice: Let's pretend that you're placing a 35 word personal ad in the column.  How would it read?

Sir Merrill: Sir seeks fit, furry, redheaded boy to abduct for a weekend. Must be able to fold laundry before play, and not afraid of fire. No sash queens.

Lady Justice: What do you think our community needs to successfully move into the future?

Sir Merrill: I don't think just our community, straight/gay/pansexual/your name it, but also the whole GLBT community needs its rights recognized, even though I don't think we can agree on what those rights should be.   Pride festivals aren't going to cut it.  We need real political clout on a national level.  We need laws that allow consenting adults to practice BDSM sexual acts without fear of prosecution.  We need to be just as loud and obnoxious as the girl at the pride festival saying she loves me, but written on her sign is, "You're going to Hell."

Lady Justice: Would you like to tell us more about your new endeavors?

Sir Merrill: Right now, I’m focusing on fundraisers. I’m working with some other leathermen on a CLAW Nation fundraiser (http://clawinfo.org/kzoo.html) and a CLAW fundraiser.

Lady Justice: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us? 

Sir Merrill: Did I mention I really like coffee?

Lady Justice: Where can we find you online?  Do you have e-mail, business information, or a web site you'd like to share with us?

Sir Merrill: I’m on recon as motorrod. My email is glleathersir09@gmail.com.
Great Lakes LeatherSIR 2009
http://www.greatlakesleather.org/
http://www.milsb.org/

View My Calendar:
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=glleathersir09%

Justice is served

Interview with Phil Redmond

Lady Justice:  Who are you?  Please describe yourself in 30 words or less.

 

boy Phil:  I am never very good at this.  The first thing that comes to mind is I‘m a leather boy. The next would be that I‘m an alpha boy.
 
Lady Justice:  When and how did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish?

 

boy Phil:  I always thought that the guys whom I saw wearing leather were so hot.  I also liked the stories about the leather guys in the JO magazines.  I even had a friend who dressed me up and took me out one night, but I was too scared at the time to embrace it.   I did not really know, nor was I ready until I was 28 and a friend of mine called me on Memorial Day Weekend and said that he was taking me to get my first piece of leather.  I got a vest and a jacket.  I later went to the Eagle and found myself in the bathroom in the "hole".  I met a man there who wanted to show me the ropes and make me his slave.
 
Lady Justice:  What are your hobbies?
 
boy Phil:  I like to bike along the lake in Chicago.  I enjoy reading a good book on a quiet night.  I can also jump up on a box at a dance club and dance the night away.  I like to hangout with my friends at leather events.

 


Lady Justice:  What is your favorite quotation?  

 

boy Phil:   "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death."
 
Lady Justice:  How long have you been involved in the leather community? 

 

boy Phil:  The rough estimate is about 14 years, give or take a year or two.
   
Lady Justice:  What is your definition of a "leatherboy"?  What are his responsibilities?  What is the role of a good boy in his community?

 

boy Phil:  My definition of a leather boy is someone who wants leather sex and let’s face it, we all want that, but who also wants or needs guidance and a little bit of control from a Daddy/Sir or Mama/Ma’am.  I also want to make a note here that a leather boy is not defined by gender or age.  Some of the best boys I have met along the way have been females or older then me.

 

I feel the role of a good boy in his community is to be a mentor, not only to other boys, but to young or new Daddies/Sirs or Mama/Ma’am.
 
Lady Justice:  What are the three tips you'd give on how to a better boy?

 

boy Phil:  My top three I give in order are:

 

Always be respectful even if you feel you are being disrespected.  There are ways with in protocol to speak your mind and never be disrespectful.

Be aware of your Sir and also the community’s needs and it will come back to you.

Always have these six things on you when you go out
a. Blank pieces of note paper for a Sir/Daddy or Mama/Ma’am to write something down, and you do not have to go on the hunt for paper
b. Pen, for the same reason
c. Cigar cutter
d. Lighter that can be used to light Cigars, Cigarettes and even candles
e.  A small flashlight so you can find something that has been dropped in a dark dungeon or bar without a light
f. A rag to clean off boots or other things


Lady Justice:  What keeps you passionate about the leather community? 

 

boy Phil:  What keeps me passionate about the leather community are the people that I have met and all the fun that I am having.
 
 
Lady Justice:  To what organizations do you belong?  Are you an officer of any of these groups?

 

boy Phil:  I am a founding member of the Windy City Boys Troop.  At this time I am not an officer of the club, but enjoying being a member.
 
Lady Justice:  Who do you admire in the community?  Is there anyone in it you would like to be for 24 hours, and why? 

 

boy Phil:  There are a good many people who I admire in the community:

 Dean Ogren, Master Mike Zuhl, David Katzenberg, Fay Folts, Ray HallAnd, and any person who looks at his/her community and tries to make is stronger.

 

Who I would like to be for 24 hours would be someone who was at the beginning of this community.  I would like that so I could understand and learn to appreciate all they had to go through so that I can enjoy the community that they built.


Lady Justice:  What is your stance on Old Guard versus New Guard leather protocols and rules?

 

boy Phil:  I am considered to be somewhat "Old Guard" in my views on protocol and my use of protocol, but as I have mentored the next generation I have learned and have embraced some of the New Guard. I guess the best answer is I am now a hybrid of both.
 
Lady Justice:  Do others outside the leather community know you’re into leather?  If so has that created any difficulty? 

 

boy Phil:  People outside the leather community know I am into leather.  A few years back, I took part in a documentary about leather and they were shopping it to HBO.  I felt that I needed to be the one to tell my family, before someone came up to them, or they saw it for themselves, so I did.  One Christmas, my Grandma, who is a counselor called me into her office and asked me about the leather community.  My boss at work even knows and when I ask for time off, she sometimes asks is this for a "leather thing" and I tell her if it is.  If this has created any difficulty, I do not know about it, so I would have to say no it has not created any difficulty.
 
Lady Justice:  What qualities about yourself do you like the most and the least? 

 

boy Phil:  I feel uncomfortable answering questions like this. I always feel like I am being conceited, so please understand I do this with as much humility and honesty as I can. I like honesty, respect and hard work. I least like my tendency to talk too much, my initial shyness and my somewhat low self-esteem.


Lady Justice:  If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?  And if you could change anything about others, what would it be? 

 

boy Phil:  I wish I could wave a magic wand and solve my self-esteem issues, and I would also change that in others I know who suffer the crippling effects of that.


Lady Justice:  What is the last book you read that deals with leather and the last book you read that is a non-leather topic?  Why did you choose those books? 

 

boy Phil:  The last book that I read dealing with leather was Leather Relationships, by Jake Rinella.  I was giving the book to a friend who was starting out on his leather journey and I wanted to make sure it was appropriate for his needs. The last non-leather related book  I read…do textbooks count?   I am in school right now and I am doing a great deal of reading this semester.
 
Lady Justice:  Tell us more about your lifestyle in the BDSM leather world. What are you into? 

 

boy Phil:  Well I am into a few things: flogging, single tails, fire play, electric play, sensory deprivation, bondage, and some water sports.

 


Lady Justice:  When you flag, which colors do you wear?  Do you wear them on the left or the right?

 

boy Phil:  I wear them all on the right! I wear hunter green, blue, gray, black-and- white check, and black.
 
Lady Justice:  Do you have a dungeon or play space?  If you do, tell us about it.  If you don’t, tell us how you would design your dungeon. 

 

boy Phil:  I do not have a play space, but if I could design one it would be in a large space. On one wall would be several floggers of all sizes and types of leather, and an array of rope in several sizes and colors.  There would be a cross, a bondage table, a bondage bench, a sling, and a wench in the ceiling.  The lighting would be for the most part indirect, except over the cross, which would have a dimmer switch so that you can have the amount of light you desire.  
 
Lady Justice:  Do you remember your first time in a leather bar and what was memorable about it?

 

boy Phil:  Yes I do remember it. My first time in a leather bar, I was scared and nervous.

 

Lady Justice:  Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today’s leather community?

 

boy Phil:  I feel that we are missing a large portion of mentors and leaders due to AIDS.  When I came out as a leather boy in the 90s, AIDS had already devastated the community a great deal.  I had very few people to show me the way.  I got very lucky and found mentors who showed me what the community was all about.  Some people who started out at the same time I did were not so lucky. They had to find their own way, and some made it fine while others did not, and some disenchanted along the way. 

 

Having mentors in my life at an early stage gave me the sense that I needed to reach back and share what I had been shown to the next generation.  I have done that, and I have seen that people who had to find their own way do not share this feeling. This is part of the reason why at contests and other places we keep hearing speeches about mentoring and showing others the way.

 


Lady Justice:  Let’s pretend that you’re placing a 35 word personal ad the column.  How would it read?

 

boy Phil:  Alpha boy looking for a strong Daddy/Sir who can help me become more then I already am and with whom I can grow.  I may be an Alpha boy but I am always respectful.
   
Lady Justice:  Would you like to tell us more about any of your new endeavors?
 
boy Phil:  Right now the only thing I am working on is next years IL Leather Sir/boy.

 

Lady Justice:  Where can we find you online?  Do you have e-mail, business information, or a web site you’d like to share with us?

 

boy Phil:  I am on Recon and  my yahoo e-mail address is boytoyil@yahoo.com  

 

Interview with Sir Rick

 

Lady Justice: Who are you?  Please describe yourself in 30 words or less.

Sir Rick: My name is Richard Mora, (Sir Rick). I was born and raised outside New York City. I am a 46-year-old Libra, and try to keep a very balanced life. I lived in Atlanta, Georgia, and I currently live in Louisville Kentucky. I was the first to have the title of Leather Sir in Kentucky.

Lady Justice: When and how did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish?

Sir Rick: After coming out, a friend of my ex wife, who was a Dom/Mistress, wanted me to play with her slave. It just came natural to me and I felt this is where I belong. It was very exciting to have a sub tied up to play with, and I came three times that night. I wanted to learn as much about the gay lifestyle, so I met with some doms and worked to where I am today. I wanted to experience it first before I tried it on someone else. I thought I was a bottom, but as my mentors soon found out, I wanted to be in control. I am always learning and perfecting techniques as well as training beginners in the scene. I am not afraid to submit to a more experienced Dom if it will give me more knowledge. As a kid, I used to take grandma’s needle and thread and sew my fingers together and I was a bit of a thrill seeker. I haven’t mentioned the wooden spoons and leather straps from my parents.

Lady Justice: What are your hobbies?

Sir Rick: I like to work around the house, fixing things and working in the yard. I also like to collect lighthouses and sailing ships. I think in a past life I must have been a sailor. I love going to the ocean, and going to flea markets and yard sales when I can. It’s amazing the toys you can find there as well. I enjoy meeting new folks and playing when I can, and having hot sex!

Lady Justice: What is your favorite quote?

Sir Rick: "What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger!"

Lady Justice: How long have you been involved in the leather community? 

Sir Rick: I came out in 2004 and was mentored by few doms and masters and getting to know the folks in the community. I did volunteer work at IML in 2005. It was really exciting to be part of that event. When I won the Leather Sir title in 2007, I became more involved in our community by helping wherever it was needed, such as fundraisers, or Den Daddy for the GLLA region.

Lady Justice: Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today’s leather community?

Sir Rick: I think with the Internet there is less personal contact these days. The younger folks and those new to the scene are getting more of their education from the Internet and not from personal hands-on training and mentoring. They stay at home and only get out when there is a major event. I think the Internet has helped more come out, but it’s a double edge, as some get false information. Just because you can purchase leather, and buy toys on-line does not make you a leatherman or leatherwoman.

Lady Justice: What is your definition of a "leatherman"?  What are his responsibilities?

Sir Rick: Be true to yourself and treat others as you want to be treated. Give back to your community. Set a good example for others to follow. Be honest and have respect for others, not just in the leather lifestyle, but in everyday life. I believe having good manners is also very important. Say please and thank you. Help when you can, and teach others about honesty and respect. Look out for others.

Lady Justice: Would you like to tell us about your boy and what makes him special to you?

Sir Rick: My boy, Joe, is very special to me and is a big part of my life now. We met at CLAW last year. He had the sweetest puppy dog look on his face that just said, "Take me home," and I was that person. I can’t explain it, but from the minute I saw him, I had a good feeling about him. He followed me around for a while and it seemed that every time I looked up or turned around, there he was. I introduced myself and the rest, as they say, is history. We hit if off great. They say there are soul mates, and I really believe there is. Since we are in different cities, we don’t get to see each other as much as we would like to. Not a day goes by that we don’t speak. I look forward to those calls, because boy Joe is just getting into the lifestyle. I love playing with him and watching him as he grows in the lifestyle.

We are leather, but we also have a life, and being curled up on the couch watching a movie or waking up in the morning is just as important as a good flogging. He earned his first piece of leather from me, and I am very proud of him. He makes it easy to be Sir, mentor, friend and lover. I don’t know what I would do without him now.

Lady Justice: What keeps you passionate about the leather community? 

Sir Rick: First, my boy, Joe, and then my leather family, I enjoy seeing someone new come in and watch them grow in the lifestyle. I enjoy learning together as a community and watching it grow by expanding and adding new members to our family.

Lady Justice: To what organizations do you belong?  Are you an officer of any of these groups?

Sir Rick: I am an associate member of the Chicago Hellfire Club, Atlanta Solidarity S/m, Tennessee Gryphon’s, Louisville Trailblazers, and the Bluegrass Bowling Committee. I am co-chair on run book for the bowling tournament. 

Lady Justice: You've had an interesting journey through the leather contests and back again. What is the most valuable lesson you've learned?

Sir Rick: I learned a lot about myself and about this community, and most of all, friendship and family. All of us will not always agree on everything, but we can come together with a common goal.

Lady Justice: What is your stance on Old Guard versus New Guard leather protocols and rules?

Sir Rick: I was not around for what is known as Old Guard. It was a passion for being honest as well as treating others with respect. There was an order of how things were done, and if you wanted to be a part of that, you had to comply. It is about looking up to your elders for guidance, and learning from them. Most of those leathermen are gone.

Today we have what is called New Guard, and I think it has lost some of the traditions, philosophies, and protocols of the past. You can do what you want and not have to answer, but we always have to answer, and if we want the community to grow, we have to keep some sort of order. Things like Earning your Leathers, or being covered is not treated as important today as it was years ago. In today’s world, not all the protocols and rules of the past would or could work. Take advantage of the Leather Archives. Everyone needs to visit and see our history, and realize that we should all respect each other and that we may not always see things the same way.

Lady Justice: Do others outside the leather community know you’re into leather?  If so, has that created any difficulty? 

Sir Rick: Yes, I am out to family and friends as well as at work. So far, it has not created any problems. There have been some questions and I answer them honestly and I think it helps.

Lady Justice: What qualities about yourself do you like the most and the least? 

Sir Rick: I think of myself as a good person by not trying to hurt anyone, unless they ask for it. I have an even temper, and I make a good friend. I am honest, but sometimes I am a bit of a procrastinator.

Lady Justice: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be, and if you could change anything about others, what would it be? 

Sir Rick: My weight…need to get back in the gym. I am such a procrastinator at times. I need to work on that too. I learned a long time ago that you cannot change others. You can, however, set a good example for others to follow, but it’s up to them if they want to change.

Lady Justice: What is the last book you read that deals with leather and the last book you read on a non-leather topic?  Why did you choose those books? 

Sir Rick: I picked up a copy of SM101 and have been thumbing through it. It’s good to refresh every now and then. Non-fiction? I read a Harry Potter book because I love the fantasy and adventure.

Lady Justice: Tell us more about your lifestyle in the BDSM leather world.  What are you into?  And, what’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done?

Sir Rick: I love going to Leather events, and helping makes me feel more a part of the community. Hanging out with my family, meeting new folks, and just having a good time is also important. I also love playing just as much, and spending time with my boy. As play goes, I am into flogging, spanking, hot wax, clothes pins, CBT, bondage, and getting my boots licked while smoking a good cigar, or having a boy on his knees taking care of my cock, fisting, w/s, and electro play. I would love to take a trip to Germany and go on a cruise.

Lady Justice: When you flag, which colors do you wear?  Do you wear them on the left or the right?  

Sir Rick: I wear black, yellow, and red, all on the left.

Lady Justice: Do you have a dungeon or play space?  If you do, tell us about it.  If you don’t, tell us how you would design your dungeon.

Sir Rick: I believe my whole house is and can be a play space. I do have equipment in the basement and the attic. There is a spanking bench, A St. Andrews cross which I made, and a few slings. I am building and adding a bondage table.

Lady Justice: We just spent a great weekend together and went on a Halloween steamboat cruise on the Belle of Louisville. Could you tell the readers more about that event?

Sir Rick: The Blue Grass Bowling Tournament committee puts on this event as part of a fundraiser and to help fund our bowling tournament in Kentucky. Everyone comes dressed in Halloween costume for a three-hour ride up the river, with lots of dancing, drinking and friendship. There is a contest for the best dressed, and a small leather contest for best in leather.

(Interviewer’s note: I HIGHLY recommend it!!)

Lady Justice: Do you remember your first time in a leather bar and what was memorable about it?

Sir Rick: My first time was around my birthday in October of 2003. The leather bar was the Atlanta Eagle and I was to meet with a Master I had been chatting with online. A friend of mine gave me a pair of chaps to wear. I will never forget seeing all the hot guys in leather. With all the Sirs and boys, I felt at home.

Lady Justice: What's the one movie you could pop into the DVD player and watch anytime?  And, why?

Sir Rick: Steel Magnolias, because it shows how a community with all of its differences can come together. Friendships and family mean a lot to each other. They laugh and they cry.

Lady Justice: Let’s pretend that you’re placing a 35 word personal ad in this WVQN column.  How would it read?

Sir Rick: Dominant looking to train and mentor those interested in the BDSM Leather lifestyle. I am 46 years old, 235 pounds, 6ft with goatee and hairy chest. I will only do what has been done to me in a safe and sane setting. For information, contact Sir Rick at kybdsmrick@aol.com

Lady Justice: What do you think our community needs to successfully move into the future?

Sir Rick: We need to set a good example for the young and new folks coming into our community. We must keep an open mind.

Lady Justice: Would you like to tell us more about any of your new endeavors?

Sir Rick: I have some time off from work and will be doing some traveling, see some old friends, and hope to make some new ones along the way.

Lady Justice: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? 

Sir Rick: I would like to thank those who have come into my life as my mentors, my friends, and to my leather family.

Lady Justice: Where can we find you online?  Do you have e-mail, business information, or a web site you’d like to share with us?

Sir Rick: You can reach me at my email address:

kybdsmrick@aol.com or Recon: Worldleatherman.com/kyrick

 

Dear Readers:

 

There’s much going on and in future columns, I’ll be sharing it with you!  Several leatherfolk interviews are in progress. 

 

And, also in the works, is an article about communication and problem solving in our community.  Next week you’ll be reading about the Leather Ball 3:  Great Lakes Olympus & North American Pony Trainer Contest weekend. 

 

If you don’t want to just read about the action after it happened, come spend the weekend with us in Wheeling, WV.  Friday night the party will be at O-Zone and Saturday finds all the evening festivities at the new Club La Cage.  Take my word for it, it promises to be a hot weekend!

 

In the meantime, I’ve compiled some quotes to amuse and entertain you.  I hope you enjoy them.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours… and in the spirit of the holiday and this week’s article, a quote to start things off!

 

 

“The Puritans gave thanks for being preserved from the Indians, and we give thanks for being preserved from the Puritans.”

 ~Finley Peter Dunne (1987-1936)

 

In Leather,

Lady Justice

 

“Sex between a man and a woman can be absolutely wonderful - provided you get between the right man and the right woman.”
~Woody Allen

 

“I'm all for bringing back the birch, but only between consenting adults”.
~Gore Vidal

 

“The radical right is so homophobic that they're blaming global warming on the AIDS quilt.” 

~Dennis Miller

 

“Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common.”
~Dorothy Parker

 

“Are not laws dangerous which inhibit the passions? Compare the centuries of anarchy with those of the strongest legalism in any country you like and you will see