I am over the moon excited to say that I have become a patched Tribe member of the Leather Culture Club – Northeast, which is a sister organization to a Leather group run by the esteemed Master Oakman and slave diamond, in South Florida and the newest chapter in Atlanta.

So what exactly does that mean Suze?

“Patched BDSM leather clubs and organizations are structured groups within the leather subculture that use specific patches (often referred to as “colors”) on vests or jackets to identify members, signify rank, or represent affiliation. These organizations often emphasize community, education in safe, sane, and consensual (SSC) practices, and traditional, often historical, leather protocol.  They definitely hold themselves and their members to a higher standard of behavior.“

Needless to say, it is quite an honor to be asked to join a leather club in the first place and then of course you must go on to meet the criteria they require for you to earn your patch. In the leather and BDSM community, these terms describe the transition from being a newcomer or “prospect” to becoming a recognized, full member of the subculture or a specific club. 

Earning Your Leather

This phrase refers to the idea that leather is not just a fashion choice but a symbol of experience, service, and commitment to the lifestyle. 

• Symbolism of Gear: Traditionally, leather items were earned in a specific order: boots first to show you are walking the path, followed by pants, and eventually a vest or jacket to show community involvement.
• Mentorship: It often involves a period of learning under a more experienced “Leatherman” or “Leatherwoman” to understand the protocols of respect, integrity, and honor.
• Gifted Leather: In some traditions, significant pieces of leather are not bought but given by a mentor or inherited, carrying the stories and values of those who came before. 

Being “Patched In”

This term specifically refers to gaining full membership in a Leather Club or Motorcycle Club (MC). 

• The Process: A person typically starts as a “hang-around” before becoming a “prospect”. During the prospect phase, they must prove their loyalty, perform tasks for the club, and learn its history.
• The Colors: Once the club votes to accept them, they are “patched in” during a formal ceremony and granted the right to wear the club’s full colors—the patches on the back of their vest (or “cut”) that signify their chapter and rank.
• Full Membership: Being patched in means you are a full brother or sister with voting rights and are expected to defend the club’s honor and follow its strict protocols.

I am also very proud of our “colors” because we have a wonderfully inclusive group that honors the flags of a very diverse array of kink and lifestyle people. Check out this graphic describing our central patch.

My patching ceremony took place at “Church” in New Paltz on Feb 28th and most of the members of the Leather Culture Club Northeast Tribe were there, and had me in tears as each member spoke on my behalf, and said out loud why they felt I deserved this and why they were happy to welcome me as a sister.

One of the most emotionally impactful moments for me was when Mitch of ASWGT phoned in remotely to speak for me and tell me how proud and happy that his is for me. I have always considered him to be my “kink God father” because he was one of the first people that I met in the scene that I knew I could trust to always advise and steer me straight. The entire day was a truly wonderful event for me that I will never forget!

My Patch Acceptance Speech –
I would like to thank Master Sno, Master X, slave Athena, Wendy, and Mike as well as brothers and sisters at the Leather Culture Club, of the Northeast, and Master Oakman, who leads our sister chapter LCC‑SF, for this incredible honor.

When I began my journey into the BDSM lifestyle nearly thirty years ago, I didn’t know where the road would lead—only that I had found a missing piece of my heart. My early education was haphazard at best until I met Mitch and Gerry of ASWGT; in those first days they became trusted mentors and guides who kept me safe and taught me to take this seriously. I was also fortunate to meet Lady Catherine of SELF, whose example of class, style and leadership showed me the type of person I aspired to become.

Early on I learned about Old Guard Leather and immediately recognized it as the pinnacle of the kink world to aspire to. What struck me was their seriousness about craft and character: newcomers would enter at the bottom—literally and figuratively—and be expected to learn, serve, and prove themselves through practice, mentorship, and experience before moving up. It wasn’t about shortcuts or flashy status; it was about mastery earned over time through humility, discipline, and steady growth.

Old Guard people didn’t merely play sexy, kinky games for fun—they lived the lifestyle as a whole way of life. They held one another to standards of respect, safety, and responsibility, passed skills from one generation to the next, and built a culture of mentorship and mutual care. Members were called to give not only for their own gratification but for the well‑being of the community: teaching, protecting, and supporting those who came after them. I loved that ethos—the idea that leather is as much about stewardship and service as it is about kink.

At the same time, I discovered something else about myself: I enjoy both sides of the whip. I’ve been a switch from very early on, and thirty years in, that still hasn’t changed. Those Old Guard values shaped how I live that identity: I strive to balance play with responsibility, to prioritize consent and safety, to mentor when I can, and to hold space for others. In the end, leather to me became less about gear or status and more about character, community, and the commitment to give back. But sadly, back then, switches were often not taken seriously—either because they were confused and hadn’t chosen a side or hadn’t yet met the right dominant yet.

Also, professional dominants were frequently met with disdain. Still, I believe it is my life’s calling to bring connected, accepting, and loving play to those who enter my space. For a long time, I thought being part of a leather family was a dream that would never come true.

Then I found my way to the Church and finally discovered the leather family I had only ever dreamed of. I am profoundly grateful to all of you for accepting me as I am. I am incredibly proud to wear this patch and will strive always to embody the qualities it represents: honesty, integrity, accountability, pride, and loyalty. Thank you.