www.atons.net
www.argonautsll.org
www.grrivermen.net

I think it’s really important to belong to a sense of community, whether virtual or physical. They provide different assets to people all looking for various needs to be met in their search for the other. That’s why I’m gonna spend this entry doing a shout out to some really great organizations in the mid-western United States dedicated to fostering men’s social communities through leather, levis, bears, and good ole fashioned sex. First up …

Probably the most oddly named of the bunch, the Atons of Minneapolis should be wary of the esotericism of their moniker so they don’t lose potential members. That being said, their website is one of the most clearly laid out and well-designed membership sites I have seen. They seem to have a thing for aliens (perhaps that’s a Minneapolis or Minnesota thing I am unaware of) as evidenced by their upcoming retreat to a secluded wooded camp they’re calling “Close Encounters.” Make sure you bring your own anal probe! Once you have a look at their calendar they seem to have a lot going on, as well as some good-looking members!

While being next door neighbors to their friends the Atons, the Argonauts website does not seem quite as extensive or detailed. I’ve been told this is not reflected in the activities of the group; apparently, they are quite social and always ready to have some fun, they just don’t always advertise it to the world. Their next big outing is a camping trip in mid-August, where facilities include, “locker room style showers, saloon and dungeon open 24 hours, and an open bar 24 hours from your time of arrival on Friday thru departure on Sunday.” It sounds like I need to take a trip to Wisconsin! If you’re already there and you’re not going on this trip you’d better check your pulse … you might be dead. I mean, that’s not just a 24 hour bar, that’s a 72 hour bar, and who knows where that could lead!

The names just keep getting better! I can’t decide if these are leather groups or superhero groups trying to get their own comic book series! Either way, I’d leave the tights at home guys! The Rivermen are an active group with events like their own Hug Me XXIV Fetish Festival coming up at Campit Resort! A bit tongue in cheek, eh? You can also check out their latest newsletter on their site. But really, what interests me the most is their “Power of the Paddle” tag line, which they boast is a secret initiation ritual. I think we could just all crash their Fetish Festival and see how many times we can actually get initiated!

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!