Introduction:
Along my journey in Leather, I’ve encountered several forms of gatekeeping. I’ve enjoyed the benefits of those created for establishing and maintaining safe spaces occupied by personalities who have been vetted and vouched for. I’ve also been forced to acknowledge and recognize the multifaceted nature of systemic racism, gender prejudices, kink shaming, and their subtle nuances that were often presented as a form of gatekeeping. I’ve also witnessed a profound transformation that has taken place, reshaping the very concept of gatekeeping and ushering in the ensuing chaos as unvetted personalities entered BDSM and Leather spaces, often engaging in abusive behaviors, which many have sought to combat. For example, Advice Notes Regarding Keeping People Safer From Abusers At Events by Dea Nexa provides some sound tips on addressing situations where abusive behaviors have occurred.
As a heterosexual Black Man engaging in BDSM and Leather Culture, aka WIITWD, I’ve been an outspoken advocate for creating exclusive self-segregated spaces for Blacks, POC, and BIPoC personalities (Blacks, POC, and BIPoC are not exactly the same, and the debate still continues about their differences) within BDSM and Leather Culture, to combat these prejudicial nuances. The Gateway To Alternative Lifestyles Center, a club that I once owned, was such a space. While I still hold firm to the belief that exclusive self-segregated spaces hold some benefit for different segments of our uniquely constructed subcultures, I also believe that since we are all exposed to the onslaught of the same enemies that endanger the futures of our ever-evolving world of BDSM and Leather Culture, it is prudent that we also come together in safe spaces to celebrate our “alternative” lifestyles and engender a sense of unity in those areas where we can be united as members of BDSM and Leather Culture. In this spirit, I believe that traditional gatekeeping isn’t the answer, and having no type of gatekeeping is even worse.
In this article, I will delve deep into a paradigm shift that may represent a pivotal moment in our collective BDSM and Leather Culture journey. I hold no disillusions that the concept I’m going to present in this article will create an instantaneous transformative shift in how we try to create and occupy safer spaces for all. My hope is that this article will ignite the conversations necessary to invoke the changes we all need to ensure that our spaces are void of abusers, allowing us to do what we do best…live our best kinky lives.
Please allow me to lead you on the journey of exploring a concept that I call “Exclusive Inclusivity.”
Disclaimer: I don't believe that I'm the creator of this terminology, however, I've given considerable thought in how it can benefit our respective subculture communities.
I will discuss how this new paradigm has emerged in my mind – challenging the conventional practices of gatekeeping while celebrating diversity within the framework of exclusive inclusivity. We will examine and unravel the various facets of this new paradigm, from the role of education and mentorship in fostering inclusivity to the practical initiatives that build a more diverse and welcoming BDSM and Leather Culture community.
Join me on this journey as we navigate this exciting evolution, where the gates can be open to all who share a genuine respect for the traditions and values that define our unique community while remaining shut for those who don’t.
Rethinking Gatekeeping in BDSM and Leather Cultures.
Traditionally, gatekeeping has been seen as a means to preserve the essence and integrity of our communities. However, as our subcultures evolved and our understanding of diversity deepened, it became increasingly clear that a more inclusive approach was needed. In its rigid form, gatekeeping inadvertently excluded many who were genuinely interested in participating safely in our subcultures simply because they did not fit neatly into predetermined criteria. This exclusionary stance not only stifled the growth of our subcultures, especially on the local level, but also contradicted the very values of consent, respect, and trust that Leatherfolk is supposed to advocate.
As practitioners of BDSM and Leather Culture, we find ourselves in yet another era of transformation. We are being called to respond appropriately by not discarding the gatekeeping concept. Instead, let’s re-engineer it as a dynamic process that invites diversity while cherishing the core principles that once protected and defined our communities. This evolution can position us to accept that we are not calling for a rejection of our traditions but a reaffirmation of our commitment to those traditions. By embracing the concept of exclusive inclusivity, we can continue to honor our communities' rich tapestry of identities, orientations, and backgrounds. This shift does not dilute the essence of our respective subcultures; instead, it revitalizes it by ensuring that our doors are open wide to all who share a sincere reverence for our values, kinks, and lifestyles (WIITWD). It's a journey towards ensuring that our subcultures are more vibrant, inclusive, and united, where the gates are not barriers but gateways to diverse and thriving communities.
Reflective Discussion Question:
How can the shift from traditional gatekeeping to a more inclusive approach, as discussed in the article, benefit our subcultures as a whole? What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in this transformative journey, and how can individuals within our communities contribute to making this shift a successful and meaningful one?
The Introduction of Exclusive Inclusivity.
Exclusive Inclusivity can stand out as a compelling response to the changing landscape of BDSM and Leather Culture. Its emergence can reflect a profound evolution within the community, one that acknowledges the need for a more diverse and open-hearted embrace of all practitioners and newcomers. While BDSM and Leather Cultures have rich traditions, protocols, and customs that are cherished, exclusive inclusivity invites us to reevaluate how these traditions, protocols, and customs can coexist harmoniously with the evolving tapestry of identities and orientations that are occupying our communities. Exclusive inclusivity embodies the idea that the strength of BDSM and Leather Culture lies not in its exclusivity but in its capacity to adapt, learn, and welcome all who are genuinely interested in WIITWD, our values, kinks, and lifestyles.
This paradigm shift will not negate the importance of preserving the heritage of our subcultures but rather challenge us to reimagine how we can safeguard our spaces while remaining inclusive. It calls for a thoughtful balance, where seasoned members can share their wisdom with newcomers, and newcomers can bring fresh perspectives and energy to our communities. It calls for our various communities to accept each other and share knowledge, wisdom, and even spaces openly with each other. The introduction of exclusive inclusivity signifies a commitment to an even brighter and more vibrant future for BDSM and Leather Culture, where the doors are open wide, and the bonds of trust and respect continue to flourish.
Reflective Discussion Question:
In the context of BDSM and Leather Culture, how do you envision the harmonious coexistence of tradition and inclusivity, as discussed in the article, contributing to the resilience and growth of the community? How can individuals within the BDSM and Leather Culture community actively participate in this evolution, ensuring that the values of consent, respect, and trust remain at their core while embracing diversity and change?
Education and Awareness: The Key to Inclusivity.
Education and awareness serve as the pillars upon which the concept of inclusive gatekeeping firmly stands. In Leather Culture, as in any vibrant community, a deeper understanding of its history, principles, and customs is essential for both newcomers and seasoned members. Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about fostering respect and appreciation for the unique tapestry of Leather Culture. By prioritizing education and providing resources for all members to learn and grow, we empower individuals to engage meaningfully in the community while respecting its traditions.
Awareness, closely intertwined with education, extends beyond knowledge acquisition. It involves consciously creating a culture of respect for diverse identities, orientations, and backgrounds within Leather Culture. This awareness allows us to navigate the nuances of inclusivity, promoting an environment where every member feels acknowledged and valued. In essence, education and awareness are the keys that unlock the doors to a more inclusive and enriched Leather Culture, where the wisdom of the past and the vibrancy of the present come together to shape a brighter future for the community.
Reflective Discussion Question:
How can education and awareness initiatives within Leather Culture effectively bridge the gap between seasoned members and newcomers, fostering a culture of mutual understanding and respect? In what ways do you believe that increased knowledge and awareness of Leather Culture's history, principles, and customs can enhance inclusivity and contribute to a more cohesive and vibrant community?
That's all for now.
In part two, I will discuss mentorship programs' vital role in connecting seasoned members with newcomers, ensuring a supportive transition into our communities, and practical steps to promote inclusivity, including the use of inclusive language and anti-discrimination policies as we embrace newcommers. Last, but not least, I'll explore the exciting potential that diversity holds within exclusive inclusivity by emphasizing that celebrating a wide array of identities and backgrounds enriches the Leather Culture community and ensures a brighter, more vibrant future.