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Published: Monday, April 21, 2025 at 2:45 pm

Chicago Gears Up for Inaugural Leather Pride Weekend: A Celebration of Kink and Community

Chicago is set to host its inaugural Leather Pride weekend, a vibrant celebration of kink, fetish, and sexual identity, kicking off the first weekend of May. This three-day event, a fundraiser for the Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M), promises a diverse array of activities, including a sidewalk march, bar crawls, and fetish-focused events.

The weekend begins Friday with a happy hour at the SoFo Tap, followed by a march through Rogers Park, culminating at the LA&M. Attendees can look forward to a barbecue, a fetish gear dress code event, a night out at Sidetrack, and a fetish cabaret fundraiser. Tickets are available for individual events, as well as weekend passes. WTNB, a Chicago-based group, will also host breakfast at LA&M on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Organizers, including LA&M executive director Gary Wasdin and Mr. Chicago Leather 2024 Vince Jay, are excited to showcase Chicago's welcoming atmosphere for kinksters. The event draws inspiration from similar celebrations and aims to bring more people into the community.

However, the event takes place against a backdrop of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legal challenges. Organizers acknowledge the challenges but emphasize the importance of visibility and community support. In the spirit of "we keep us safe," designated community members will act as security during the march.

The event is supported by local officials and aims to celebrate the safety and support found within the community.

BNN's Perspective:

While the event is a celebration of a community, it is important to acknowledge the current political climate. The organizers' commitment to visibility and community safety is commendable, and the event's focus on fundraising for the LA&M is a positive aspect. However, the event's success will depend on its ability to navigate the complex social and political landscape.

Keywords:

Chicago Leather Pride, Leather Pride Weekend, Kink, Fetish, LGBTQ+, Leather Archives & Museum, LA&M, Rogers Park, Sidewalk March, Bar Crawl, Fundraiser, Vince Jay, Gary Wasdin, WTNB, Anti-LGBTQ+, Community, Safety, Event, Chicago, Pride, Queer, Transgender

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