Leathermen By Mike Ruiz
MIKE RUIZ
What inspired you to begin this project?
This project was born out of my deep desire to explore a part of myself that has been underlying my entire life. After a year of pandemic-induced introspection, I realized that I had been denying a part of myself mostly out of self-imposed shame. You see, as a gay man, I’ve lived through the toxic shame of being gay, being attracted to men, having sex with men not to mention body shame. I decided that once I was vaccinated, I would explore these things without embarrassment or apprehension. And I did! I sought out ways to experience a sexual liberation that I hadn’t known before. Not only was it intoxicating, but it was also therapeutic. From that I was introduced to the leather community and some of its history. I discovered that being a leather man wasn’t only about wearing leather or having kinky sex. It’s about a community of men who form a very strong brotherhood with a rich history rooted in community service and inclusion dating back to the 60s. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I figured the only way to get an accurate account was to go to the sources. I wanted to do something that would satisfy my personal interests and celebrate these men in the process. THE LEATHERMEN MIKE RUIZ PROJECT WAS BORN.
What is it about leather and leather men that is so attractive/inspiring to you
To me, it/they denote sexual freedom and authority. There is something raw and carnal about the uniform and what it represents. Much like many gay men, I’ve always been hugely inspired by the hyper masculine aesthetic of Tom Of Finland’s art. Not only have I tried to adopt it for myself but it’s manifested in my work as a photographer from the earliest days of my career. Having come of age in the 80s, I understood the need to present as hyper-masculine as a way to compensate for being gay but as much as I was turned on by the leather man aesthetic, I was too riddled with shame about sex to embrace it. I was aroused by it but was terrified of it. Arousal ultimately won that internal struggle at the age of 56 and now I’m consumed by it! Fortunately, I can work out a lot of my stuff through my work. Photographing all of these men is so satisfying to me in so many ways beyond creative gratification.
How were you able to find so many well-respected men from the leather community to participate in your project?
It was a combination of throwing out a broad net by making a post on social media and the help and guidance of a couple of well-respected Leathermen whom I had befriended prior embarking on this project.
How has this project impacted you personally?
When I started this, I could never have anticipated how personal it would become. Firstly, I’ve met and bonded with some incredible men. Also, by seeing how free and empowered they are is empowering to me. As this progresses, it’s helping me understand parts of myself without judgement. This has happened thanks to the warm and supportive conversations I’ve had with a few of the guys.
How do you think this project is impacting the men you are photographing?
I couldn’t tell you. You might have to ask them. What I have observed, however, is how it’s created a network of Leathermen who are only connected by this project. Being a conduit for this is really gratifying for me. Also, I’ve been getting a lot of really heartfelt emails from leather men from around the world telling me how powerful it is to see men like them being represented. This gentleman from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has allowed me to share his email which is representative of so many that I’ve received.
“First, I would like to say what a beautiful job it is. beautiful photos, beautiful looking at these men, for the emotion and if all that it takes us, beautiful collection that makes us travel in a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. my humble congratulations.
Unfortunately, we're not very close, I say now in a physical way, because a lot brings us together in some way and your photos, your profile and your words made me believe that I'm not alone, we're not alone and we're not here. Feel free to quote me or use any part of me as something that really made me very happy tonight.” @alex_lthr_
What will the final result from this project be?
A book and gallery show are in the works. Who knows what else will come from this? I hope that this project will become a time capsule that will keep the leather community’s rich history alive for a long time to come. As it progresses, so many men from around the world are wanting to participate. As long as there is interest I will keep going.
You are a staunch animal activist. How do you reconcile your advocacy for animals and celebrating leather?
It is possible to have diverse interests simultaneously. One does not preclude the other. I’m a complex person with varied ideals and interests. I’m hoping that they will all seamlessly converge. Also, It’s not only about the wardrobe for me. I’m drawn to the mindset and the approach to living and loving.
PETE & BILL
PETE
Being a Leatherman is more than just the leather I wear; it is symbolic of the person within and for me it’s the submission I give as a Leatherman. From my first time being taken to The Hoist in London and being taught certain ‘Old Guard’ Leather traditions and protocols I knew that this ‘tribe’ was where I belonged.
Now, I’m often in service as a bootblack and I’m humbled that the Leathermen I admire come to receive my service; it’s always with pride and devotion that I kneel and serve. For me also being a Leatherman is parallel with being a bdsm submissive. To be part of this project gives me a huge pride to stand alongside incredible leather men and be counted as one of them. Thank you Mike Ruiz for clicking a lens on leathermen, and if he’s out there; I’m “still looking for Mr. Benson.”
BILL
I came out as a gay man when I was 25, and it has taken me this long to feel where I fit in the world. This very much includes leather. The Brotherhood of men that I have found, I have the highest respect for, and I have my closest friendships within the leather community. I have not found these types of friendships and relationships anywhere else. For the first time in my life, I truly can be me. A lesson learned better late than never!
BRUIN & CODY
BRUIN
There’s a lot I love about leather. Obviously, wearing it to a bar, a party, or an event like IML, however that’s not my favorite part. My favorite part is one that no one really ever sees. To me it’s the pomp and circumstance behind wearing it. Before an event I’ll choose which harness I want to wear based on how I want to present myself. After that it's picking the accessories to match. Does the harness have buckles or snaps? Is there a color I’m flagging that night? I make sure to coordinate those small details to make the outfit complete. Once I have all of the pieces chosen its then treating the leather to make it look and feel its best. I put on music and pour myself a drink to get into the headspace for the occasion. These moments prior to the actual wearing the leather make the leather itself special. The harness is just an accessory, the boots are just shoes, my Muir cap it just a hat without the respect I give all of it before I go out. That is why I love leather.
CODY
Leather and subsequently my leather journey has shaped my life in ways I could not even begin to describe. I would not be the man I am today without it. In my leathers, I feel and become the most powerful version of myself. I feel at home in my own skin as I settle into my proverbial second skin, becoming one with my own duality. Leather brings about the man I want to be and gives me the ability to channel that man into everything I do. It has shown me respect for tradition yet let me feel emboldened to break the rules. It has made me feel in control, even in moments of giving up control and has made me submit, when given the power of submission from others. It has shown me beauty in the ideals of liberation, and the expansion of oneself, in all realms. It has given me an outlook on life, charged with connection and care. There is a ritualistic side of donning your gear, and the respect you place on it, that makes me want to show that respect every time I step out the door. For me, leather isn’t just a look, a piece of clothing, or a fetish, but a way of life that has profoundly changed mine.
RAIF AND MARK
Our journey in the leather community has been one that is an embracing and nonjudgmental one that allows you to explore and evolve. Not just as gay men but ever evolving souls.
ED & SHANE
ED
Sir's hands will play with you, punish you, and pleasure you. But most importantly, they will protect you, always.
SHANE
For most of us growing up we were indirectly taught to suppress who we are. At a young age I didn’t know that I was gay but what I did know was everything around me was telling me that I shouldn’t be feeling the way I do. After years of self discovery and adventure I don’t surpress anything anymore. Wearing leather is a literal FU to surpressing any feelings that others want to impose on me. It gives me a feeling of strength and protection. And most importantly it is a symbol of independence from the norm.
JUAN & PAUL
We (Paul & Juan) have been exploring roles identified by the BDSM community for over 12 years, discovering together leather, SM, rubber,etc.
We don’t only feel empowered when wearing full leather uniform, it also comes with an authoritative alter Ego which enables us to enjoy playing equally with the psychological and physical aspects of sex as a couple.
JARED & DAVE
JARED
I never felt that I was a great match for most gay bars/clubs but I realized that the places that I was welcomed with open arms, saw a great sense of community, and felt seen has always been the "Eagles" of the world. Although you would think a bunch of guys in leather would be the tough guys...they are the ones with the biggest hearts.
DAVE
There’s a comfort in being a leatherman. Not just the physicality of it all, but more deeply. There’s so much history, adventure in exploring the boundaries of it, and most importantly the bonds you grow.
JUILIAN & MICK
JULIAN
It was at around 10pm on October of 2015 in a beautiful full moon evening in Paris; he said let’s go to the leather bar and I’ll show you off as my boy. You’re too sexy and people need to see that you’re mine, only mine.
I was just following the rules as I had met him about three days before and his energy was very dominant and for some reason I felt completely drawn to it. There was a strong connection. I dressed up in full leather with his gear which fit me like a glove.
Even though he was in control, I felt a very strong connection and it was not necessarily sexual. I felt like leather had transformed me into this big confident persona.
MICK
Becoming a Leatherman in 1991 was a defining moment in my life. It was the first time I was truly accepted for exactly who I was. Not for what I should be, or could be, or owed to others; but for exactly who I was at that moment. For a mixed race young gay man from a conservative background and religious upbringing, this acceptance was unprecedented. I hope that by mentoring within the leather community, I continue to promote the pillars of Philanthropy, Education, and Inclusion, and make those who have worked so hard and gone before me, proud of what we have done. Coming out of the shadows and into myself, I am proud of the leathers I wear, what it represents, and excited for where it will lead me.
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Producer, Photography and Interview by Mike Ruiz
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: YOUR SPACE NJ
