Site Name: John’s Guide to London’s Leather, Bear & SM Scene
Web Address: www.paws.dircon.co.uk/London.htm

Review:
The first time I went to London I was fifteen. I stepped into that city, looked around, and was just awed by its metropolitan power. For a boy from the Midwest it was quite a culture shock. The first time I went to a gay club in London I was nineteen, and I think it really did change my life. It pushed me out of the closet like nothing else at the time could have. Being surrounded by gorgeous gay men, in a London superclub for the first time sort of makes everything else all right.

However, I really did have to rely on the kindness of strangers to get me through a few of my trips. Sometimes the Lonely Planet guide will only get you so far! I’ve just stumbled upon a great gay guide to London though, which will undoubtedly make your first trip that much easier. Plus, not only is John an expert on the gay scene, he’s an expert on the gay leather scene. Which I certainly don’t remember ANY mention of in Lonely Planet!

The page is just that, a page, so don’t go hoping for any fancy designs, but it was just updated earlier this month, so all suggested itineraries should still be pretty current. There are sections on basic things like transport and drugs in London clubs, as well as the typical tourist attractions and uber-gay gyms where you can be sure to find fun in the showers! John’s even gone all out to list all fine retailers that stock fetish gear and those that do private appointments for when you need the perfect fit and you’ve left your chaps at home. Web links are provided for all of them so you can have a look around at their services first.

The important stuff obviously though is where you’re going to go play! I’ll just tell you now John speaks very highly of The Hoist and The Backstreet but then lists dozens of other clubs that host fetish nights, so you’ll be hard pressed not finding something to do. Besides all this there’s information for you if you’re new on the leather scene and it’s your first time to a leather bar. (I think we all remember that experience!) This page makes a great beginner’s guide to leather in London if you’re planning a first trip or even need some refreshing. Now if we can just get some of these clubs dispersed to the rest of the world!

www.margaretcho.com

Just in case all you Sydney-siders have been living under a rock, or chained up in the dungeon for the past few months, Margaret Cho is premiering her insane comedy show in Sydney later this month. She’s always been a huge draw for the gays, and I highly recommend her filthy mouth to all you filthy fuckers out there. If you’ve any doubts just check out her Notorious C.H.O. tour, which is about as gay friendly as a pansexual Asian-American fag hag can give. I’ve even heard rumors that there’s a fist-fucking bit… can’t wait to find out!

As the Sydney party season gets closer and closer everyday (and some insist it’s already upon us) I’ll be featuring some upcoming events for the area, not only for locals, but for those tourists who might need some entertainment while they are in the area. First up is the invite only Sydney M.E.N. party. These events create an erotic space for “guys who enjoy uninhibited, safe, group sex with HOT yet WARM MEN.” Sounds good to me! Now nearly 15 years old and still as popular as ever, M.E.N. always has a bevy of talent attending. They have two parties quickly approaching in the next couple of months so it would be worth heading to their website and getting your name on the invite list now!