SFLDG About Us
About LDG
LEATHERMEN'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.
Founded in 1996 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.
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.
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“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 |
“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] |