LEATHERMEN'S DISCUSSION GROUP

About Us

2008
Steering
Committee

Elected Officers

President
Rick Osmon

Vice President
Paul Johnson

Secretary
Greg Sullivan

Treasurer
Carl van Os

Sub-Committee Chairs
and Appointees

Programs
Troy Arnold, Chair

Communications
Open

Member Relations
Carl van Os, Chair

Volunteer Coordinator

Chris Bransford

SF Leather Forum Representative

Steve Ward

Members at Large
Roberto Gonzalez

support

media coordinator
Thomas Walsh

Webmaster
Paul Johnson

PAST
LEADERSHIP

ORIGINAL COORDINATOR
19961998

Salem Buchholz,
deceased

Past Presidents

2004
Bradley Finegold

2002-2004
Glen Baird

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EATHERMEN'S DISCUSSION GROUP [LDG] is an independent, community-based, not-for-profit organization of men who voluntarily serve the educational needs of the BDSM leather community.

“LDG is vital to the continued growth of the BDSM/Leather community. While the Internet has revolutionized the way kinky people meet and communicate, there's no replacement for actual live discussion and training to enhance one's erotic repertoire.”
– Race Bannon
BDSM Author and Publisher

Founded in 1996, and now approching its 10th anniversary, LDG continues its commitment toward building a stronger sense of community through serving the educational needs of leathermen and their allies. Featuring informative, interesting and prominent guest speakers, LDG hosts nearly 30 demonstrations, workshops, community forums and expert panel discussions each year. Its twice-monthly programs cover a wide range of sexuality, community, and personal growth topics, from BDSM technique, health and safety to relationships, fantasies, spirituality and much more. Although LDG's regular programs are focused on the specific needs and interests of kink-minded men, adults of all genders and backgounds are welcome to attend.

LDG also offers special hands-on workshops with training in various areas of BDSM specialty for all levels of experience. Depending on the appropriateness of the topic and the nature of the activities, some workshops will not be available to non-male genders.

Responding to the aftermath of the HIV/AIDS crisis, LDG strives to reinvigorate the culture of mentorship that once played a vital role in the passing down and preservation of our community’s collective knowledge and wisdom. By creating a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment, LDG also empowers individuals to step away from silence, isolation and stigma into a positive state of open communication, participation and acceptance.

“LDG quietly does the necessary and the doable. Rather than relying on ‘somebody else’ to provide,they just went out and did it. I consider the Leathermen‘s Discussion Group a great example of manageable, intimate and successful community efforts.”
–Robert Davolt [posthumous]
S.F. Leather Daddy XIX

Throughout the years, LDG has served as a community partner, collaborating and co-sponsoring in numerous outreach and education efforts with similar organizations such as Stop AIDS Project, The Ring, Society of Janus, S.F. Pride Celebration Leather Contingent, Center for Sex & Culture, kinkyGAM, Leather/Levi Weekend and others. During Leather Week in late September, LDG produces Fetish Fair, a two-hour gala highlighting the best of LDG, featuring a wide range of over 20 spectacular BDSM scenes, all demonstrated and narrated by some of the hottest, most knowledgeable and reputable experts in the community.

There are new and exciting challenges ahead as LDG completes its first decade. Current goals include the development of more hands-on workshops, expanding outreach to those beyond our community’s frontiers, building capacity for more leadership and support, and strengthening community ties by partnering more with other organizations.

For more information, please contact us. We eagerly invite you to get involved and discover the reasons why LDG has become an invaluable community resource.