Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Long Beach Pride Reflections

So, we have all recovered from Long Beach Pride and as many of us prepare for IML, I though it would be a good time to reflect.

Long Beach Pride was my first time marching in a Pride parade and it was amazing.  Besides the near 40,000 spectators, I was able to share this experience with so many of my FMLA brothers, Gus Norris, Bill Robertroy, Carl Dove, John Freeman, Eric Crow and so many others.  Furthermore the attendance at the Leather tent was spectacular.  I wandered in, for the second time, around 1:30pm on Sunday to say hi and see what was going on...and the demo area was packed.  It was thrilling to see...then to hear they had already had over 500 attendees, I couldn't have been happier.

Yes, I am sure some were lookey-loos and other might have been turned off by things, but I am sure there were some people out there discovering new things about themselves.  The lights I could see behind people's eyes were mesmerizing.  And so this inspires me.

We must reach out to these people at LA Pride on June 7, 8 & 9.  There will be more newbies there waiting for someone to say hi and break the ice.  They will have attended and watched...the rest is up to us.  So, let's bind together and welcome this new crop of Fetish Men.

Monday, May 13, 2013

The Upcoming Events and FMLA Discussion Group

Hey everyone!
This has been such a busy week...many things have moved forward!

We have finally decided on dates for our regular FMLA Discussion Group.  Our regular hang-outs will be the first Saturday of every month, from 6pm to 8pm.  Now, because the FM Reunion is on June 1st (the first Saturday on June), we will be rescheduling our next gathering for Friday June 14th, 2013 from 6pm to 8pm. 

One of the reasons we chose a weekend was because of what happened after our FMLA Kick-Off event.  When 8pm came around people were getting into groups...people that hadn't met before that night were going out together.  It was amazing...new friendships, new bonds were immediately translated to going out socially.  It took the concept of a Discussion Group and gave it the possibility of turning into an event for the entire night.  I wanted to give us all that option every chance we got together.  And so, Saturday early evening was chosen.

Now, I would like to give you a run down of the events coming up this week.  We have a Fundraising
Event by Mr. Eagle LA Leather 2013, Bill Robertroy, benefiting GLEH, Gay & Lesbian Elderly Housing.  This is a great organization and I would love to see you all there supporting him and GLEH. 

This weekend is also Long Beach Pride.  Come on down to Long Beach and support our Southern LA brothers! 

As I had previously discussed, FMSD is throwing a Family Reunion for all the Fetishmen Groups in California.  We are all getting together on June 1st at 9pm in San Diego, at the Birch North Park Theater.  They will be showing "Interior. Leather Bar." at the movie theater for $10 a ticket.  There will be socializing and a mini-contest...it should be a very fun evening.  now, I know for LA it is very far to drive and can be a hassle, but if we carpool it will make life so much easier.  Also, Papa Tony has offered his services in finding a place to stay if anyone wants to spend the night instead of driving back to LA at 2am...lol  He can be reached directly regarding this at PapaTony@mac.com

For more information regarding this event go to www.tinyurl.com/fmreunion.

Please remember that I need your input and help maintaining out Master Fetish Calendar.  If you don't see something that should be there or if info is incorrect, please let me know.  I want to make sure this is the most extensive and accurate Event Calendar in Los Angeles.

Thank you to everyone for all your help and support and I will see all of my FMLA brothers very soon!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Hey Guys!

OK, I want to let you guys know about some important things on the horizon.

First off, we have Jay R. Lawton's memorial at Eagle LA.  This is Saturday May 11th, 2013 from 12pm to 3pm.  Jay was not only an extremely talented artist, but an amazing person.  I was very fortunate as to have my photo taken by him...and I must say he was a genius.  He was a staple of the Leather community and will be greatly missed.  Please come out and support our brothers.  This will be a celebration of his life, so no sad faces.  Let's love and hug and support each other in his honor.  This is exactly what he wanted.

Next, we have our next FMLA Discussion Social.  This has not found an exact time or place yet, but know it will be a regular monthly event.  Probably during the first week of every month.  Stay tuned for more info!

Lastly, we have a Festishmen Family Reunion.  FMSD is throwing a weekend get together in San Diego Saturday June 1st through Sunday June 2nd.  It would be an annual gathering of all the Fetishmen groups, FMSD, DFA and FMLA.  I will forward details as they emerge, but it sounds like fun to me!  We can carpool down there in groups and I hear they are arranging it so we can all stay somewhere cost-free, if we want.  I will keep you posted!

Of course, all of these events will be in our Master Calendar, which is accessible from here or on our website, www.fetishmenlosangeles.org.

Thank you to everyone and talk with you soon!