Leatherfest is a San Diego-originated leather event, which offers BDSM/fetish education, set up much like a conference. There are educational workshops, entertainment, dungeon space for BDSM play, and lots of networking. Although closely associated with Club X, San Diego’s largest pansexual BDSM organization, they are separate entities. However, board members of Club X have often served on the board of Leatherfest. Such was the case with this year’s Co-Executive Director Jake Lee.

Leatherfest XI had been anticipated since 1999, and seemed to hold the promise of turning over a new leaf for the event’s reputation, according to sources. Since 1998, mishaps involving law enforcement, the fire department, and a lack of venues willing to book Leatherfest caused the event to be postponed until this year.

One of the most well publicized controversies over the past few years has been regarding the content and inclusion of people of color within the workshops and Leatherfest organization. Though this problem clouded past events, few were quick to point out the minimal representation of people of color three years following the controversy at Leatherfest X.

The controversy began at the previous Leatherfest X event, when a scheduled panel discussion specifically for people of color had been cancelled. This cancellation caused an uproar in the community.

Zak Topor, a former ClubX board member, and “Elaine” were two of the most vocal advocates for people of color during that year’s Leatherfest.

As stated in his February 18, 1998 installation of “Leather Rap,” Topor wrote: “When I hear that an organization like Leatherfest decided to simply not have their ONE [workshop] that targeted people of color, I was appalled.”

The controversy spread and gained the attention of several notable gay leathermen, who authored national leather journals, newsletters and columns. The call was to boycott Leatherfest X on behalf of people of color.

Leatherfest X then decided to add a “Diversity workshop” and a “Diversity Closure Reception” not specifically set up to address the issues of race and culture, but to be inclusive of physical challenges and gender issues.

This does not appear to be the case. According to their own website, Leatherfest XI offered 50 plus workshops dealing with everything from genital modification, to S/M etiquette, but offered no workshops dealing directly and specifically with the issues facing people of color.

Elaine, an African American leather woman told the Gay and Lesbian Times that the current Leatherfest board had attempted to ban her from the event, possibly because of her advocacy role. However, she said that the motion to remove her from the event never reached a vote.

She said, “The VP of Club X… stated he forewarned and advised them (Board members) that if they attempted to enforce or act this out; it would definitely come back to bite them on their ass later. Two board members immediately stated they would not be a part of any group who sought to ban or bar someone from participating.”

She added “(Leatherfest) strives to remain as a WASP organization. … It appears that they utterly refuse to reach out to minorities.”

Attempts to reach Jake Lee for comment were not return. Jaynee, a leather woman of many years who asked that her name be omitted out of fear of retribution, has been involved with Leatherfest since the second event.

“If you look at the Leatherfest XI web site they have all of their staff and presenters listed by name and photo. I know these people, and I would guess that out of the 31 workshop presenters shown, only one, maybe two appear to be people of color. Out of the 29 staff pictured, only one appears to be a person of color,” she said.

“The city of San Diego, even the San Diego leather community, is very culturally diverse. The amount of people of color represented in staff and in presenters is disproportionate to the population. I’m sure they had volunteers who were people of color, but there’s a big difference between being a volunteer and being asked to present or to sit as staff in the more important positions,” noted Jaynee.

When asked to answer to these concerns, co-Executive Director Michelle Zornes declined an interview, but stated via email, “I am a person of color as I am of Hispanic descent. The Registration [co] Coordinator is also of Hispanic descent ... Let me be very clear. ANY person is welcomed to step up and volunteer for Leatherfest.”

Many believe that due to the call to boycott, Leatherfest X was not heavily attended by gay men. In contrast, this year’s Leatherfest XI boasted its highest attendance of gay Leathermen to date.

According to “Papa” Tony Lindsey, in his recently published Internet newsletter for gay leathermen: “From a gay male standpoint:, the last few Leatherfests didn’t have many gay guys amidst the pansexual crowd, and I sure missed ‘em... This time around there were scads of gay leathermen attending, and I think maybe about 10 percent of ‘em didn’t feel comfortable.”

Overall, many believe that Leatherfest XI was the beginning of a new era. This year’s location was reported to be very private and one of the nicest ever used.

One participant, Arielle W. stated, “It was a wonderful leather event, very well organized and the location in Palm Springs was superb.”

Most attendees that were willing to comment stated that they had a very good time and would support Leatherfest again next year. This sentiment was reflected in presenters as well as demonstrated by the comments of Master Steve Sampson, Master/slave 2000 and staff member of the Boy/Girl Training Academy: “The boys and girls Training Academy touched my heart and spirit. It was a wonderful event and I am pleased to have been a part of it.”

Although Leatherfest was unable to sell out the entire hotel and didn’t draw the kind of numbers they had anticipated, it seems that overall, people found it to be a success.

Some involved in the leather community said they were optimistic that the organization would continue to improve its reputation and that there was room for improvement.