Justice is served
INTERVIEW WITH RUSS COULTER
Lady Justice:
Who are you? Please describe yourself in 30 words or less.Russ: I would say I am just an easy-going laid back country boy that loves leather, and I proudly held the title of Mr. Kentucky Leather 2008.
Lady Justice:
When and how did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish?Russ: Well, the first time I realized I was interested in kink was at the age of 18 when, after a bad car wreck, I was given a TENS unit for pain control and ended up using it in other places besides my lower back for pain control [laughing]
Lady Justice:
What are your hobbies?Russ: I dabble in Interior design. I also have a house that I am constantly doing things to and working on. I also help with sponsoring charity events to help raise money for local charities.
Lady Justice: What is your favorite quotation?
Russ: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Lady Justice: How long have you been involved in the leather community?
Russ:
I have been active in the leather community for about 10 years, give or take a year.
Lady Justice: Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today’s leather community?
Russ: I feel the respect and old school traditions are sadly slipping away.
Lady Justice: Which roles in the Leather BDSM lifestyle do you fit? How do the following words compare to you: Master, slave, dominant, submissive, sadist, masochist, daddy, etc…
Russ: I consider myself a switch. I would say that I am 95 percent dominant top.
Lady Justice:
What keeps you passionate about the leather community?Russ:
I enjoy the leather community very much as well as the brotherhood and sisterhood that we have as a group of people.
Lady Justice:
To what organizations do you belong? Are you an officer of any of these groups?Russ:
I am currently an associate member of The Tennessee Gryphons and an associate member of the Louisville Trailblazers
Lady Justice:
Please tell us about taking the responsibility of Mr. Kentucky Leather just a few months before IML?Russ:
It was a very wild ride for me. As first runner up, I participated in activities and hosted parties at local bars, and I attended numerous events as a representative of Kentucky. Fortunately for me, I am a believer in doing my best and not sweating questions like, "Could I have done this better?" or "Should I have done that differently?" I just went along for the ride and made a ton of wonderful new friends. I got to know existing friends even better. It was a very big honor for me to be able to represent Kentucky at an international level, and I could not have done so without the support of many people.
Lady Justice: How did you find community support to be?
Russ: I found the community to be very supportive. I have a large group of friends here in Louisville and across the United States that rallied and helped me to keep my sanity in the whirlwind of activities leading up to IML [International Mr. Leather].
Lady Justice: If you would, share with us your experience of first competing at IML. What would you have liked to have known then, that you know now?
Russ:
I enjoyed my time at IML very much. I don't think I would really change anything. I made a ton of wonderful new friends and brothers. It was a very emotional time.
Lady Justice:
What is your platform in your role as a titleholder?Russ: For a living, I do HIV/STD prevention work here in Louisville. I would have to say that my work has been my platform during my time as titleholder. Unfortunately, the numbers of HIV cases are rising dramatically across the U.S.
Lady Justice: What is your fondest memory while wearing leather over the years?
Russ:
I believe the fondest memory I have was with my Sir that trained and worked with me years ago, and he presented me with my first piece of earned leather. As a newbie, I had purchased some leather not knowing the culture, but when he explained and presented me that piece, it was the fondest memory I have.
Lady Justice: Have you ever conducted a leather workshop? What was the topic?
Russ: I have taught a few workshops. They are usually focused on safety and the correct use of equipment used in electro play. I have also taught first aid and STD prevention to several leather groups.
Lady Justice: Who do you admire in the community? Is there anyone in the community that you would like to be for 24 hours, and why?
Russ:
Of course the answer is Lady Justice. From the moment we first met, I felt like we had been friends forever. The honesty and integrity that surrounds her is unbelievable.
Lady Justice: What is your stance on Old Guard versus New Guard leather protocols and rules?
Russ: I was trained by Old Guard. However, I do catch myself slipping into some New Guard from time to time. I think things change so much over time and that we should never forget our roots. For some, that is just not as do-able in day-to-day life.
Lady Justice: Do others outside the leather community know you’re into leather? If so, has that created any difficulty?
Russ: Yes. I have numerous friends and family members who know I am into leather and that I was a titleholder in the leather community. I am also out at work as a leatherman. I have been able to educate coworkers so that when clients come to them to talk about issues in their lives, as care coordinators, they can understand what is being discussed.
Lady Justice: What qualities about yourself do you like the most and the least?
Russ:
I think it would be that I am very nonjudgmental. There are things that I am not into (fetishes, etc.), and many people will make judgments based on that. I don't do that. Everyone has things they are into and not into. As for the quality I like least. I would have to say I tend to be too trusting at times, and I sometimes get railroaded.
Lady Justice:
When you flag, which colors do you wear? Do you wear them on the left or the right?Russ:
Gray, black, brown lace, fuchsia on left and purple on right.
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.Russ: I do have a play space in my basement. It has a locker room and shower area. It is equipped with an exam table, a St Andrews Cross, a bondage table, a sling board and a bondage chair. As for small stuff, I own the usual restraints, ropes, chains, breathing circuits, paddles, etc.
Lady Justice:
Do you remember your first time in a leather bar, and what was memorable about it?Russ: My first trip to a leather bar was to The 501 in Indianapolis. I was serving my Sir at the time. It was the night of a boxer rebellion party. I was stripped to my boxers and hooded, and then chained to a bar stool. As guys would come around and play with me, Sir would be telling me what they looked like and what he was going to let them do to me!
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?
Russ: AOL: kybdsmtrainer
Bear411: Russc
Recon: kybdsmtrainer
Yahoo!: leatherone1974
INTERVIEW WITH Justin Costello
Lady Justice: Who are you? Please describe yourself in 30 words or less.
Justin: I am a Double Scorpio Marlboro leatherboy and artist, intensely driven to see beyond the façade of the human condition; yearning to connect, to inspire, to learn, and to love.
Lady Justice: When did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish? How did you come to that realization?
Justin: My first memory of the fetish goes back to when I was a child; I think around 4 or 5 years old. My father’s friends would visit the house and I’d sit next to them and run my fingers and face against their arm hair. Why the Parental Units, and friends, for that matter, allowed me to do this, I have no idea! But body hair was definitely my first fetish, followed close behind by the Marlboro Man. As far as leather and BDSM, I guess when I was around 10 or 11 years old, I first saw the film, Hellraiser. The danger, the sex, the intrigue, the leather and the Über-masculinity hooked me, no pun intended.
Lady Justice: What are your hobbies?
Justin: It really depends on the company I am with, as I’m extremely outgoing and spontaneous. I love anything at all to do with horror, or limit-pushing forms of art. I’m a sucker for history and culture, and always up to worship someone via a massage. When alone, I like to write, sketch, people-watch, read, watch reality TV shows, and spend time in nature.
Lady Justice: What is your favorite quote?
Justin: "Living and dying, we feed the fire." Clive Barker in the movie, Sacrament
Lady Justice: How long have you been involved in the leather community?
Justin: I have been involved in the leather community in one form or another since 1998.
Lady Justice: Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today’s leather community?
Justin: Honestly, I think we are missing, as a whole, our identity. There has been movement for homogenization in recent years, and I find the community, in mainstreaming itself, is beginning to lose some of its edge and original roots. I think that the community is in a transition period where it needs to redefine what it wants to be before having a solid base with which to move forward.
Lady Justice: What is your definition of a leatherboy? What are his responsibilities? What is the role of a good boy in his community?
Justin: Simply put, a leatherboy is one who identifies with the leather culture and lifestyle, and takes the submissive role pertaining to that lifestyle in the D/s sense. It’s not about age, race, or gender. Being a leatherboy, more than anything, is a mindset, and deals with the mind and emotions as much as, if not more than, the physicality of sex and sensuality. Each and every boy is different. Their situations are different. Their identities, wants, and desires within the lifestyle are different. Based on their own wants, opinions, and needs, the role of a good boy in the community is as varied as the individual.
Lady Justice: What are the three tips you'd give on how to be a better boy?
Justin: First, never stop learning. The world, lifestyle and community are constantly changing. Education is key to our success and a more fulfilling life.
Second, it’s okay to say, "no." Just because you are a boy, people will often put demands on you. To say "no" to not overextend yourself is okay.
Thirdly, keep true to your identity. No matter in what situation you find yourself, keep true to your ideology and your own personal constitution. You’re a boy, not a slave, for a reason. No matter how submissive you are, you are still you, and that is a beautiful thing that should never be shattered.
Lady Justice: What keeps you passionate about the leather community?
Justin: Every time I see or feel the connection between a Dominant and his submissive, I get a tug in my heart. That ultimate connection, bond and energy is what keeps me passionate towards the leather community.
Lady Justice: To what organizations do you belong? Are you an officer of any of these groups?
Justin: I am currently in the NLA-I. I am honored to serve on the Education Committee there.
Lady Justice: Whom do you admire in the community? Is there anyone you’d like to be for 24 hours, and why?
Justin: There are several people I admire in the community, each for different reasons. Is there someone I’d like to be for 24 hours? Honestly, I don’t know. Most of those I admire are Dominants, and if I had to be in their skin for 24 hours, I know I’d be the worst dominant ever. It would be like "bring me my boots, boy." And when boy brings boots, I’m responding, "I’m sorry. Are you okay?"
Lady Justice: What is your stance on Old Guard versus New Guard leather protocols and rules?
Justin: When I first entered this lifestyle, my Sir at the time really had me focus on history, and with that history comes rules and protocols. What I found while indulging in these facets of the community, going back to the 1940s military, was that the rules were strict and blunt for a very specific reason. It was a different world then, and these men were all, for the most part, veterans of the most horrific war this world has seen to date. Many of these rules were for their protection. Many were also to separate their identities from the stereotypical ‘homosexual’ with whom they simply didn’t identify.
The protocols were carried over from the military, and I love them. Not only are they perfect for a D/s mindset and relationship, but many of them are fun and sexy as hell! I have been called a traditionalist and an elitist, because I truly value the Old Guard ways and lifestyle. This doesn’t that mean the New Guard, and Internet Guard and No Guard is wrong. My mindset just happens to be most at home in the structured, ritualized, protocol mindset of the Old Guard.
Lady Justice: Do others outside the leather community know you’re into leather? If so has that created any difficulty?
Justin: Yes, most people who know me realize that I am into leather. In fact, since I entered the community, I have made it a point to either flag, or wear some symbol of leather on my person each and every day. Has it created any difficulty? Well, of course it has. In fact, over two-thirds of my maternal and paternal families have denounced me and refuse to speak with me since they discovered my lifestyle choice. It’s sad, but I am not going to change who I am as a person, in order to gain another’s acceptance. I’m not one to kiss ass unless my lips and tongue are actually touching that ass!
Lady Justice: What qualities about yourself do you like the most and the least?
Justin: I like the fact that I am creative, and no matter where I am, I can make myself laugh. What I don’t really like about myself, that is definitely part of who I am, is that if you hurt me one too many times, then you are dead to me. Plain and simple, I never forget and very rarely ever forgive those who have done me great wrong. Yeah, that’s not a good quality, and I'm working on it, but it's hard.
Lady Justice: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? If you could change anything about others, what would it be?
Justin: I would have more chest hair, most definitely. Maybe not back hair, but definitely chest hair that would pop up over the top button of a dress shirt. I would also be about 50-70 or so pounds lighter, which is my goal. In others, I guess to like them to be less judgmental when it comes to physical appearance. People miss out on meeting some amazing guys because they deem them in a lower physically attractive league than they are. That’s just foolish to me. If we were all carbon copies of one another, how banal would the world be?
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?
Justin: The last leather oriented book I read was Hardy Hagerman’s Soul of a Second Skin. I read this book because, I grew up ‘go Jesus’, and have since opened my eyes and left the established Roman Catholic Church. I wanted to strengthen my spiritual connection, and was intrigued by Hardy’s personal journey.
The last non-leather oriented novel I read was Laurell K. Hamilton’s Blood Noir, part of the Anita Blake series. What can I say? I’ve been addicted ever since I read the first in the series, and can’t wait for Skin Trade!
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?
Justin: I’m into many things, though I will admit to being attracted to the more sensual and mental fetishes. My top favorites are: body hair, smoke fetish (cigars and cigarettes), watersports, bondage, mummification, body worship (certified in massage), rituals, uniforms, flogging, and the list goes on!
Something that I would love to do someday would be to be the massage and smoke boy for a weekend long party for Marlboro Leather Men!!!
Lady Justice: When you flag, which colors do you wear? Do you wear them on the left or the right?
Justin: I like to flag yellow, hunter green, navy blue, robin’s egg blue, rust, fuchsia, black and white checkered, tan, coral, and my favorites, a box of Marlboro’s and a traveling- sized hair conditioner bottle! I flag always, always on the right.
Lady Justice: Are you working on any new community projects?
Justin: Actually, I have some projects in the very early stages of development, but they are taking a sidebar due to my focus on my art and career.
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.
Justin: Although I don’t have a dungeon/play space yet, I have conceptualized and designed one that will take visitors on a decent into hell. It will be multi-level and named after the place, "where the monsters live". A version of the space exists already in some of my art. It’s a dream project of mine and hopefully some day in the future, I will be able to make it happen.
Lady Justice: Do you remember your first time in a leather bar and what was memorable about it?
Justin: The first leather bar I went to was Rawhide, in New York City, and to this day, it’s my favorite. The first time I went I remember walking through the black leather curtain inside the entrance door. The darkness, the scent of sex, the dark beat of the music, the dirtiness of it was amazing! I spent most of the time kneeling at my Sir’s side as he waited for a friend of his to arrive. Once the friend arrived, we left. It was a brief stay, but a very memorable one. I make sure to stop at Rawhide every chance I get. It is definitely my number one bar in the States!
Lady Justice: Let’s pretend that you’re placing a 35 word personal ad in LeatherBear’s column. How would it read?
Justin: Hairy, devoted smoke cub boy seeking to serve, worship and love a masculine Marlboro/Cigar Sir/Daddy who will help mold me into a better boy. Pierce Brosnan look-a-likes always welcome! WOOF! Need a light, Sir?
Lady Justice: What do you think our community needs to successfully move into the future?
Justin: I think the community needs to keep sight of its goals and not get too distracted by mainstream politics and alternative individual agendas.
Lady Justice: Would you like to tell us more about any of your newest endeavors?
Justin: I am currently casting, and in pre-production on a multi-media staged presentation of a film script I have been working on called, Amongst the Living. The presentation will take place in NYC in early 2009. I am also writing a, gulp, romance novel, although not straying from my style of art. I have written about 150 pages, and I can tell you that it’s in no way the happy pretty postcard view of romance. The title of the novel is Dirait-On.
Lady Justice: What's the biggest obstacle you see within our community?
Justin: To use an old cliché, "Can’t we all just try to get along?"
Lady Justice: When can I get that massage you so kindly offered?
Justin: For you? Just let me know when you want it, though definitely the next time I see you! You’ll get the special! I’ll even light you up a cigar when I work on your front side! If you know of any hot hairy Dominants, I’ll gladly massage them as well!
Lady Justice: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Justin: Please give someone a hug today. They may need it more than you think.
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?
Justin: You can find me at paleatherboy2006@yahoo.com
Interview with Daddy Will
Lady Justice: Who are you? Please describe yourself in 30 words or less.
Daddy Will: I'm a "retired" 61 year old man - raised as an army brat, former ranch/rodeo cowboy/ army officer, had my own business consulting for agribusiness, been with my partner 30 years.
Lady Justice: When did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish? And how?
Daddy Will: Like being male directed, a lot of it was there from a very young age, but it seemed to come out when I was working on a ranch in Arizona having a "relationship' with the other cowboy on the ranch.... There is a lot of "proving who's tougher;" and one weekend while the owners were gone we got sort of drunk and tied each other up in the corral and used a bullwhip as a lash to see who could stand the most. As it turned out, over 5 or 6 repeats, he liked getting it and I liked giving it, as determined, I suppose, by which side meant the biggest boner. We had been playing around with piss before that too, pissing on each other, pissing our jeans, letting them dry in the heat. We had both quit wearing underwear since the two lubes readily available, tobacco spit and motor oil, both stained boxers pretty bad.
Lady Justice: What are your hobbies?
Daddy Will: I read a LOT of history and politics, we two dogs, both shepherd crosses, have a major garden and I accumulate old or interesting photographs, especially cowboy and military images and pre 1970 male erotic photos. My oldest cowboy images go back to the early 1880s, the oldest military to the civil war, and I have about 25 daguerreotypes dating to the late 1840's
Lady Justice: What is your favorite quote?
Daddy Will: "Be what you would wish to seem."
Lady Justice: How long have you been involved in the leather community?
Daddy Will: I have been involved in the organized leather community since about 2003, though I would stop in the Ram Rod in PHX when I worked in Arizona back in the mid 1970's and occasionally in the old Gauntlet II in LA in the 90's and '00s before I got formally involved.
Lady Justice: Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today’s leather community?
Daddy Will: Given my relatively short involvement in the organized leather community, this may sound presumptuous, but I think there is a lack of a sense of continuity from the beginnings of what we would call "Leather" after WWII to the present date. Some of that is inevitable with the loss of such a great part of the generation that came of age in the 1960's. Some of that occurred also as "leather" became increasingly visible and available to a greater number and variety of people who in many cases could participate without the extended "apprenticeship" that was common in the 50's. These left a void in social connection and style that has been filled by the practitioners who've come after, and to some extent, has led to a mythologizing of the forebears. To the extent that mythology, often referred to as "old Guard," encourages our community to higher levels of integrity and skill, it's a good thing. To the extent it leads to division based on style instead of substance, it seems detrimental.
Lady Justice: What is your definition of a "leatherman"? What are his responsibilities?
Daddy Will: In my mind, there are three almost cliched qualities that define the Leatherman. The central quality is almost so old fashioned as to be off the radar, and that is Honor. A strong sense of maintaining one's own sense of honor is at the center of being able to command respect and earn trust. Honor consists in the maintenance of one's integrity, doing what you say will, not saying (or implying) what isn't - to the best of your knowledge - true. Honor consists in not shirking your responsibilities to others and to yourself, making every effort to do what you promised, to others or to yourself, to make right mistakes or wrongs you have done, even if it was inadvertent. Honor is in helping to take care of the weak, helping shelter the homeless, helping feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted. The leather community, by the way has a tremendous record in this regard. You maintain your own honor by respecting yourself enough to believe you HAVE honor worth defending, and to the extent you demonstrate that, people will come to trust you as you trust them and respect you as you respect them.
Lady Justice: How did you come to know yourself as a leather Daddy? And, what do you think are the qualities of a good Daddy?
Daddy Will: When I hit somewhere around 45 of age, even before I was involved in any organized Leather scene, friends of some standing began calling me Daddy somewhat in jest, but - not entirely. On a trip a group of us took I was pointed out to bellmen, and agents and such with the phrase – "There's our Daddy he’ll handle it." When I first went on a support crew team for the California AIDS Ride in 1998, I was Daddy as much as Will, partly; I am sure for being the oldest man on that crew. And when I became heavily involved in gay rodeo, it seemed to happen that at nearly every rodeo at least one or two of the younger guys on being introduced with my name would say "Hi, Daddy." It felt right, in that in many of these cases I was exercising the responsibility of Daddy, in giving direction, authority and setting examples.
A Good Daddy has to have pretty much the attributes of a Good Master: integrity, self-confidence and knowledge, balanced by appropriate humility with the ability to admit to one’s self when something isn't working. Further, I see it as part of my duty to help my boys develop the best that's in them and help them know themselves. A boy of mine might well develop into a Daddy or Master himself, or he might develop into a more thorough-going submissive than he is now. Either way I try to help develop what is in his essence and help him be justifiably proud of himself, of the quality of his service to me and to the community, and, I hope, proud of his Daddy.
Lady Justice: Would you like to tell us about your boy/s and what makes them special to you?
Daddy Will: There are three boys I am especially concerned with at this time: my boy
Ron was collared to me at CLAW in 2007; he is a high energy boy of 31 who seems to have a natural affinity for protocol it was at his request that I even considered him as my boy. Having known him for several years I knew he was interested in the broad area of "leather", but he began to discover the boy side of himself, even though he felt he was more "dominant." He asked me to help him uncover that part of himself and I think together we have made some good progress.
My boy Cody, I had also known for a number of years and he had been nearly exclusively dominant in his relations with other men. He had some military, leather and rodeo background. The first time we spent some extended time together he came to me and told me he looked upon me as something like an older brother, but before that time was over he told me he started seeing me more as Daddy, with much more authority than a big brother might have. All of my boys have a pretty strong erotic drive but this boy, at 36, has been discovering his pig side with me.
The other boy Sean, just turned 20 he was given a family collar in the Leather Bear Tribe last January at Southwest Leather Fest. He has had precocious leather experience but three of us in the Leather Bear Tribe Family felt he needed some sort of formal recognition of a connection and of being watched over, since at his age it is perhaps premature to seek a full time collar of ownership. Sean is as full of life and mischief as his age would suggest. He told me a while back how much he wanted to learn to ride bulls in the rodeo and at the gay rodeo last month in Las Vegas we got him started with steer riding. While he did not complete a qualified ride, he did very well for his first outing and made me very proud of him.
Lady Justice: What keeps you passionate about the leather community?
Daddy Will: The erotically charged atmosphere, the freedom to like what you like and to live your own style, and the people who give me so many examples of Honor, Respect, and Trust, to emulate.
Lady Justice: What organizations do you belong? Are you an officer of any of these groups?
Daddy Will: I am an associate member of the Knights of Malta, Yosemite Chapter, which is based in Fresno, 100 miles north of my home. I do not hold any offices at this time though I was Road Captain for the year I held the title of Mr. Central California Leather 2006, which the Knights own. I am also a member of Mama’s Family in Leather, Mama’s Cowboy Daddy.
Lady Justice: What is your stance on "Old Guard" versus "New Guard" leather protocols and rules?
Daddy Will: I think when all the parties understand their uses and standards, a lot of the protocols we think of as "old Guard" are of great use, (though about 75% of what we think of as "old Guard" protocol is really not much more than forma military manners/courtesies). These were generally taught by example; and those who aspired to entry into what was then truly underground secret society, had to learn by watching and doing, and being corrected for failure. But at the end was, hopefully, a marking of a passage into the group. This explicit recognition of belonging may be missing.
Formality is a dying thing in much of our society, and most people under about 35 or so, have had much less exposure and may therefore value it much less, than many over 50. If one attempts to impose that kind of protocol on someone who has not assented to it, it’s like trying to teach a pig to whistle, it’s a waste of time and besides, it annoys the pig. There is some practice of versions of Old Guard Protocol light which may be what the future of that is.
Lady Justice: Do others outside the leather community know you are into leather and if so, has that caused any difficulty?
Daddy Will: In the last ten years my social life has become largely limited to the LGBTQ community; virtually everyone of them who knows me at all knows I am into leather and indeed my oldest friend, his wife and family who I know from my
Army days know about it. I have not, to my knowledge, had anyone in my life
react negatively, though I think perhaps I have been open enough that I shouldn't expect to win public elective office, at least in this highly conservative community
Lady Justice: What qualities about yourself do you like the most? The least?
Daddy Will: Much of my life has been marked, as I look back, by the willingness to jump both feet first into activities and events that appealed to me. That was how I came to work as a cowboy and try riding broncos in rodeos in the 70's, how I came to meet my partner (soon to be husband - after 30 years its about time!) how I came to do the AIDS rides in California 5 times, three as a rider, and twice as a crew member, as well as crewing on the Texas AIDS Ride and crewing an Avon Three Day Breast Cancer walk, becoming a certified judge for gay rodeo circuit and being named to two leather titles.
I really dislike my lack of organizational ability, if asked to help your event with specific tasks or if its just me, I’ll probably get it done fine, but don’t ask me to organize a fundraiser or contest, or anything more complicated than a backyard BBQ (my Texas style smoked brisket and spareribs are good enough to make you smack yo’ grandma, though!)
Lady Justice: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
Daddy Will: I'd make my self neater and better organized.
Lady Justice: And if you could change anything about others, what would it be?
Daddy Will: I’d hope to give them greater self-confidence and willingness to jump for what they want while maintaining their self-respect and honor.
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?
Daddy Will: I am reading Robert Rubel's Master and slave relationships right now after having met Dr. Rubel earlier this year. There is always a lot to learn about human dynamics. I just finished John Preston’s "the Arena" all hot fiction. John Preston was a great writer of fiction and has some intriguing thoughts about Leather, in his essays.
For a non-Leather book I am reading about 3 right now, but the main one is "Ike, an American Hero" by Michael Korda a biography of an underestimated leader and president. Also reading Andrew Bacevich's The Limits of Power" about the projection of US military power in a changed world. I am trying to make sense out of these times and it helps me to find out more about where it call came from.
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 yet?
Daddy Will: I live with my partner of 30 years and soon to be husband in a conservative small city with no gay men’s leather scene. It’s close enough to Los Angeles; most guys go there to play. My partner is not much into to Leather or BDSM, but is very supportive of my working Leather and rodeo as well, and my work with boys as well. Because of where, I live 100 miles from any large city, I don’t get to too many play parties, but I DO get to a few and I enjoy smaller situations and one on one as well. I enjoy tying guys up and using them in ways that I choose, along with flogging, some CBT, fisting, and piss.
I have a fair selection of tools, rope, etc… and I like adapting or perverting things from my cowboy and ranch background. There's a wide variety of horse related stuff that works well. I'd like to have a week or two in a cabin in the country with a couple of eager boys, both the planned activities and the spontaneous ones should be memorable.
Lady Justice: When you flag, which colors do you wear? Do you wear them on the left or the right?
Daddy Will: Colors are hunter green, gray, black, red, yellow and dark and light blue 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.
Daddy Will: I don’t have a dungeon or play space but some times the garage can be used.... I'd like building a dungeon literally in a large basement about 800 square feet should be enough, ideally with a 12 to 14' ceiling. I don’t need much fixed equipment besides a sling, flogging bench, stocks, and a cage. Floor drains and plumbing for both hot and cold water and sprays along with an area for a boy to clean himself out, and lockers for the guys.
Lady Justice: Do you remember your first time in a leather bar and what was memorable about it?
Daddy Will: It was in Phoenix, Arizona, the old Ramrod out on Black Canyon High way , a leather and biker bar, I had never seen a gay bar with such a big percentage of men who I found appealing very exciting. It was very scary since the whole scene was pretty much unknown to me. My cowboy buddy and I got to be pretty much regulars there in the mid–to-late ‘70’s
Lady Justice: Let’s pretend that you’re placing a 35 word personal ad in LeatherBear’s column. How would it read?
Daddy Will: LeatherCowboyDaddy seeks a few good boys looking for discipline for growth. You have high moral and physical standards for yourself and some sense of independence you are willing to give up for future growth.
Lady Justice: What do you think our community needs to successfully move into the future?
Daddy Will: What some of us of a certain generation feel is important in Leather might well be distilled into attitudes we wish to pass on and see perpetuated rather than specific details of dress or specific behaviors. I would nominate emphasizing Honor Respect and Trust. It seems to me that expecting a large number of people under about 30 to find us may not be realistic, though I hope we can welcome those who do find us and help them develop. Somewhere around 30 or so, more people have a clearer idea of who they are and a more settled existence that can allow them to explore. I would hope that the highest standards would be upheld, recognizing total success is not mandatory but trying for it IS.
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?
Daddy Will: I have a fairly detailed profile at
www.recon.com/leathercowboydaddy, and I am seriously involved in gay rodeo as will, please check out www.igra.com .Interview with Dave Castro
Lady Justice: Who are you? Please describe yourself in 30 words or less.
Dave: My name is David Castro, and I was born and raised in Chicago. I am 55 years old. I moved to Cleveland in 1994 to be with my partner, and have been here ever since. I have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from DePaul
University, and I am the first and only person in my family to have a degree.
Lady Justice: When and how did you first realize you were interested in leather/BDSM/fetish?
Dave: It was in the early 90's, and at first I became interested in leather because the men were more my age and hot! I got into more of the fetish scene after I met hot leather men and started to learn more about the different scenes.
Lady Justice: What are your hobbies?
Dave: I love to read although I don't have much time for it. I try to keep up with local news and politics, and of course GLBT issues through the Advocate. I have played volleyball for 31 years and still play in a Sunday league. Once I'm done playing, I will become a certified referee.
Lady Justice: What is your favorite quotation?
Dave: So many quotes, so little space! Anything from FGT! "Hold on, it's going to be a bumpy ride" (Bette Davis).
Lady Justice: How long have you been involved in the leather community?
Dave: I became involved in the community around 2002 when I joined New Age in Leather N.A.I.L.
Lady Justice: Do you feel there is anything vital missing from today's leather
community?
Dave: Well, I wish there was more diversity within our community. I would like to see young men and women get involved at an earlier age.
Lady Justice: What is your definition of a "leatherman"? What are his
responsibilities?
Dave: Well, first of all, I think a leatherperson should be a responsible person, one who is honest; and willing to be a friend/brother/sister to everyone is our community. I also think that a leatherperson should be someone who is willing to give back to the community and make life easier for others who don't have it as good as we do.
Lady Justice: Which roles in the leather BDSM lifestyle do you fit? How do the
following words compare to you: master, slave, dominant, submissive,
sadist, masochist, daddy?
Dave: Well, since I am a Libra, I am very versatile. I love to role play. I'm not too much into the sadist/masochist scene, but give me someone willing to role play, especially someone who is submissive or wants a Daddy, and that really gets my juices flowing!
Lady Justice: What keeps you passionate about the leather community?
Dave: I love the fact that we can have fun and work for some great causes. Making money for a good organization really makes me happy. The fact that I've met so many wonderful people who have become friends keeps me going strong.
Lady Justice: To what organizations do you belong? Are you an officer of any of these groups?
Dave: I have been an officer of NAIL since 2002. I have served as president for two years, and I am currently the treasurer. I have also been involved with CLAW and was a board member for 2 years, although currently I am not serving.
Lady Justice: Please tell us about the importance of back patch clubs. What is your fondest memory of your club over the years?
Dave: Leather clubs are where the action really is. These are the groups who do a lot for the community and where the friendships begin. Most of the people in my club have become my friends and I can say they are truly my brothers and sisters. I have many fond memories of my club since I joined, but probably the most memorable is when I looked around and realized, hey, this is my family!
Lady Justice: Who do you admire in the community? And, is there anyone in it you would like to be for 24 hours and why?
Dave: This is a tough one, because there are many people I admire and it's
hard to pick just one. I think two people in my mind right now are Bob Miller and Dennis McMahon. I love that they are both very driven to make CLAW a success in order to continue to give to great charity groups for years to come. I am pretty darn happy with me and can't think of anyone I would want to be for 24 hours!!
Lady Justice: What is your stance on Old Guard versus New Guard leather protocols and rules?
Dave: Well, I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this question. I am lucky
that I started with a leather club later in life and didn't have to deal much with the Old Guard stuff. I think most of the older leather men realized that they have to change along with everything and everyone else or their club won't survive. I think the inclusion of women into clubs happened a while ago in the west, especially California. The Midwest was a little behind in this thinking, but
we're coming along.
Lady Justice: Do others outside the leather community know you're into leather? If so has that created any difficulty?
Dave: I have been lucky enough that all of my non-leather friends don't think
too much about my involvement. They know we do tons of great things for the community, so if there is any question as to why I'm involved, they put them to the side.
Lady Justice: What qualities about yourself do you like the most and the least?
Dave: To this day I trust everyone I meet until something happens to make me feel otherwise. If someone needs help, I'm always the first to say "what do you need"? The thing I like the least about myself is sometimes I don't always say what I feel, especially if it is something negative. After the fact I'll say, "Damn, I should have told him or her what I thought."
Other than physical things, I'm not sure what I would change. I'm old enough to be comfortable where I am at this point in life. If I could change something about other people, I would want to stop the drama! Why do we have to have it? It's so negative and counter-productive.
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?
Dave: I have such a busy lifestyle that I don't get to read many books, I'm sorry to say. I have never read a leather-related book before. Although I have read some books here and there, the one I remember the most is Con Aqua Para Chocolate', or Like Water for Chocolate. I read this one because part of my heritage is Mexican, and it has to do with Mexican history, cooking and relationships that don't work.
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?
Dave: Again, my lifestyle is very versatile, depending on what the person I'm
with is into. As far as something I haven't done yet, there is a certain desire to be sitting in a bathtub, surrounded by hot men with yellow hankies in their left pockets...
Lady Justice: When you flag, which colors do you wear? Do you wear them on the left or the right?
Dave: Well, my favorite colors are dark blue, yellow and red, all on the left side. Light blue, magenta and pale yellow can be worn on either side.
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.
Dave: I don't have a play space, but I do have a basement that would make a
great dungeon. I would have to be draped in lots of black material, with a sling, bench, and a tub big enough to lie down in.
Lady Justice: Do you remember your first time in a leather bar and what was memorable about it?
Dave: My very first time in a leather bar was at the Gold Coast in Chicago. I was scared shitless and went down to the basement only to discover that men were playing down there. I was very uncomfortable because I was in a tank and tennis shoes, but I remember it because I got a fabulous blow job from a hot leather man!
Lady Justice: Let's pretend that you're placing a 35 word personal ad in
this column. How would it read?
Dave: Wanted, fun, piggy bears and leathermen to play. I can be as
sensual as tender kissing with no tongue, but as piggy as spitting in your face. Not looking for an LTR, but if we have so much fun, we become friends, and that's a good thing!
Lady Justice: What do you think our community needs to successfully move into the future?
Dave: I believe the leather lifestyle needs more exposure, especially with the
younger crowd. They need to see that we are regular people, just a little kinky, and if you’re not into that kink, then that's cool too. I've seen so many young men say, "Oh, I could never get into wearing leather," and after putting a harness on them, it's another story.
Lady Justice: Would you like to tell us more about any of your new endeavors?
Dave: I'm not a title holder, so I don't have an agenda other than to continue having fun, meet new people, and raise hell and money for a good cause.
Lady Justice: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Dave: All I have to say to my leather brothers and sisters is, keep up the
great work. Also, be outgoing, talk to new people, even if their not part of "our" scene and you never know who you may have interested in putting on a nice leather vest.
I would also like to let everyone know that I have a great partner of 15 years, Scott, who lets me be who I am and appreciates me for who I've become.
Dave: I'm pretty old fashioned when it comes to having my own site or posts.
Also, I work on a computer all day, so when I get home, I do what I need to do and get off, so to speak :) This interview was exhausting! If anyone would like to contact me, I can be reached @ dpcastro@ameritech.net
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