WildnWicked
Posts: 50
Joined: 2/26/2004 From: Lancaster, California Status: offline
|
I am really glad you brought this thread back up. *s* And no worries that there was any offense taken. I respect your views and can appreciate that you live differently than me, but travel in some of the same circles. Neither of us are better or more "twu" than the other. We have taken different paths and both are equally valid and respected. For those who have yet to meet a "zealot" let me introduce myself. lol I will clarify something first. Leather is who I am & BDSM is what I am into. Meaning, I live within the Leather Community and on occasion engage in BDSM activities. The majority of my friends and family (including bio family) are in the Leather Community. I don't see WIITWD as a form of entertainment, rather a lifestyle that is rich in history, traditions and culture. Did you know that when the AIDS epidemic first hit, the Leather Community was the FIRST to jump in and hold a fundraiser? And, if my facts are correct same goes for Katrina. Some Leather organizations have raise millions to help various causes. Did you know that the Stonewall Riots were not only started by the Trans Community, but the Leather Community, too? (why here is such a division between the two now really bothers me..but that is a different topic) Now it is my turn to ask that people understand that the following is NOT intended to set myself or others apart or above the rest. We all serve different purposes and this is my view of the role I play. If not for those who immerse their life into WIITWD where would the groups, organizations and legal representation be? The events, playparties, dungeons, munches, and various other forms of what some call ‘entertainment’ would be very limited if existent at all. I am called to be a part of the ‘machine’ if you will. I believe in the fight for sexual freedom and not only believe in it, I feel a deep need to be a part of that fight. There is a war being waged that not only affects the gay community, but the Leather community as well. Having been around both communities growing up, I can’t ignore or be passive about what is going on. Although I identify as a Top, I feel a need to serve this community. I don’t begrudge those who play or socialize when it suits them. I find some level of peace and reward that you CAN do that. Just maybe it is because of the work that those before me, those standing with me, and those who will stand in the future, have done to ensure that it is possible. I do have a family and a job. Thankfully I am in a position that both of those areas of my life are conducive to the activism work that I engage in. I do live this lifestyle moreso in the social & activism end than in the play aspects. I find it to be rewarding and fulfilling. And the group? It is my heart and soul. I believe in what it is that we are and are striving to do. I believe in it enough to fight to keep it going and endure the emotional rollercoaster it has been the last three and a half years. The payoff is things like celebrating wedding anniversaries of my friends who met in the group. And somehow finding a way to bring people together in a lifestyle unfriendly area, so we don't feel so alone.
_____________________________
We live in a society of victimization, where people are much more comfortable being victimized than actually standing up for themselves.-- Marilyn Manson
|