LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Leather Beach |
Two years ago there was a rumor going around that a leather bar was going to open in Rehoboth. Some folks just didnt understand the whole thing, saying things like: "Whod go to a place like that?" and "Theyll never make it down here." I strongly disagreed and assured the doubters that such a bar would be a hit and was sorely needed. The Double L opened New Years Eve 1997, and the nay sayers were wrong, the place is still packing them in. It gives people who fancy such places an added incentive to come to Rehoboth. Consequently they are discovering the towns other delights. Who would have thought that all this would happen because of a little touch of leather? So, whats the leather scene all about? Wearing leather can signify a number of things, from extreme fetishes to a mere enhancement of ones masculine image. From my own experience, I find that most people who like to wear leather are not at the extreme end of the spectrum. Most guys I know who wear leather do so because they like the way it looks, feels, and smells. More than just the sensual side is the image wearing it produces. Some people refer to leather as drag, but it is more than that. It is an accentuation of a mans masculine qualities. All men, I dont care who they are, posses these qualities in one way or another; putting on an outfit has a way of bringing them to the surface. In the gay world, many men have been taught since their coming out to play up their feminine side, to camp and act swishy. The leather community turns that conception on its head. Instead of accentuating these feminine attributes, why not accentuate the masculine ones? Gays, unlike straight men, usually have no trouble showing their feminine sideperhaps it is a disservice to ourselves not to cultivate masculine qualities as well. Without getting into a lot of explicit definitions, I will attempt to go over a few pointers on some of the codes that go along with the way you wear your clothes and accessories to a leather establishment. Do you have to get all decked out to go to Double L? No, unlike some other leather bars they have no dress code, but if you want to get into the spirit of things I have a few suggestions to make your evening more festive. Once again, you dont have to be into S & M to wear leather, but you are creating an S & M look. There are signals you will be sending by the way you dress. If you are interested in seriously exploring S & M, and want to try some, I first suggest that you go to Lambda Rising Bookstore. They have several good books on the subject that can guide you, but those topics are a little outside the realm of this article. If you do this you can at least acquaint yourself with what you are getting into before jumping in blindly. Remember simple clues can guide you; for instance, dont assume the cat of nine tails a leather daddy is wearing is just for decoration, assume that he might want to use it on you. When going to bars like Double L, you dont have to spend a fortune to look great. There are many masculine looks for you to try out. Remember the Village People? With things you can probably find in your closet you can dress like a construction worker; wearing old cut-offs, a tattered T-shirt, baseball cap, and hiking boots is enough to create an intriguing image. In Rehoboth there is a serious dearth of leather, so finding an outfit at the last minute can be challenging. For those who like to plan ahead, if you visit a big city there are leather shops to be found, you just have to use your tour guides and I guarantee that youll locate at least one. If you arent traveling, something as simple as your International Male catalogue can be a source of inexpensive vests and accessories; they have everything from chaps to leather jeans, to arm bands and wrist bands. In the summer time remember minimalism, dont be afraid to bare your chest under your bar vest. If you wear a hankie in your pocket make sure you know the codes. A few of the most common ones are: navy blue means youre looking for anal sex, light blue oral sex, hunter green represents daddies, black S & M. Most importantly dont wear brown, red, or yellow unless you know what they meanif you really want to know, precise definitions are to be found in leather hand books. The side you wear items on also means something. Armbands, hankies, jewelry, and keys you wear items on also means something. Armbands, hankies, jewelry, and keys worn on the left means youre a top, on the right that youre a bottom. If you are versatile, wearing something on each side will get the message across. If leather isnt your thing, dont despair, there are also uniforms. Transform yourself into a cop or a soldier. If you are into the military look, youre in luck. Theres a great place to buy military attire in Rehoboth, Teds Military Surplus on Rt. 1 in the Midway shopping center. For under $100, Ted will equip you with full camouflage fatigues, combat boots, even dog tags. One stop shopping at its best. No matter what you wear, have fun with it. Dont go in to the Double L (or anywhere else) with a moody or serious attitude. Real men laugh, have fun, and dont need to have an attitude. Remember, warmth and sincerity will get you further with that dude you are cruising than sulking in a dimly lit corner. Be yourself, remember you are bringing out your own masculine traits. Theyre inside you and simply need to be revealed. When I put on my leather, I dont believe I am projecting something that I am not, but that I am revealing something I have inside. Theres a biker, a construction worker, or a soldier deep inside you, too. He just needs to be revealed. Why not let him out of the closet a while? |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 6, June 4, 1999 |