Life After IML - November 2005


Looking over the nature reserve and beach near the Faro Maspalomas lighthouse
On holiday in Gran Canaria, October 2005
Photo credit: Dave Harris


I'm often asked if I believe there's such a thing as a leather or SM community. Surely you can't describe people from so many different social backgrounds linked by a single interest as a "family" or "community"? Perhaps you could call us "tribes" or "special interest groups" - but nothing more.

My answer is to watch when the group in question is under attack. If the people scatter and do nothing to help each other, they were just a bunch of partygoers having fun. But if those people of different backgrounds join forces to unite against their attackers - then they can rightfully claim the title "community".

Guess what? Our SM community IS under attack on many sides. Do you want to respond to the attacks, or do you want to be one of the socialites who ignores the threats and then wonders in a few years time where all the good SM clubs, magazines, websites and events have gone?

Even if you're not into SM - attacks on what consenting adults get up to in private are attacks on personal freedom. If you don't want religious fundamentalists, politicians or the legal system to interfere in your private life please read the following examples of recent attacks and see what you can do to help:


Please support BACKLASH, THE NATIONAL COALITION FOR SEXUAL FREEDOM and the FREE SPEECH COALITION.

If you sit back and do nothing our attackers might come after your personal freedoms next.


Thanks for your help.


Best wishes,

John Pendal
International Mr Leather 2003


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