Leather/kink people, stop listening to those who claim to know how to be a "real" leather person/kinkster. Avoid anyone who utters such nonsense. Be kind. Abide by consent and safety. Treat each other well. Take care of yourself and others. Have fun. Play. Socialize. Make friends. The rest is noise.
I have always been of the opinion that whenever a person says "A real [noun] does/does not [verb]," is not actually an expert on what they're talking about. They're just bloviating to make themselves feel important. The people who really ARE "real [noun]" don't refer to themselves that way.
"Those who know, don't say, and those who say, don't know." Old saying in spiritual circles.
I've not heard this saying before, but it's very apropos here.
Preach!
And continue to learn!
Communicate!
I think social media has also had a bit of a negative impact on our community in how we perceive "real" kink. Gives folks a constant sense of FOMO and needing to be a "perfect" rigger, Dom, Sub, Master, Slave etc, etc, etc without understanding the nuances of connection and communication.
I believe you are correct.
When I hear people boast about being "real" leather / kink persons to elevate themselves or deteriorate others, in my head I hear Ricardo Montalban touting fine Corinthian leather, and I just chuckle a bit to myself.
wonderful image there....
oh so true.
Kenn Kennedy can learn from this.
So much truth!!!
In my experience, each self-labeled “real“ leatherman usually harbor an unsettling nostalgia for the bygone era where consent was not deemed as important as it is today
To be a real leather person you must use real leather. None of that faux stuff.
Amen.
Amen
👍🏼 Excellent Advice!!
I've found that I attract friends and connections more slowly this way but they have lasted much longer than the relationships I've formed through the quick sessions
Most people who claim to be a "real" anything in kink are usually those who are trying to skirt playing safely bc "they know best" On the flip those who say "don't listen to..." are often doing the same Instead of saying don't do "X" just advocate SSC, PRICK, RACK & stay away from the rest