2005 Sydney Leather Pride

Sydney is a city of sun, surf and beaches. The leather aesthetic that works so well in colder climes (like Berlin, and even Melbourne) is hard to maintain when it’s 25 degrees and sunny, day in, day out.

But, despite the odds, Sydney is a leather city. Manacle has filled the space left by the closure of The Barracks, and the regular Indulgence parties at the Midnight Shift are always sell-outs.

A highlight of this year’s Leather Pride Week is the return of the Forbes Street Fair to its proper home in Forbes St, Darlinghurst.

This year’s Leather Pride Week theme is Revel and Rebel, an invitation to enjoy the pleasures of leather, and to be free to indulge.

Highlights of this year’s calendar include:

Education A good way to get introduced to leather sex etiquette before Leather Pride Week is at the Dungeon Safety -“ How To Play And Basic First Aid Tips seminar at Manacle Bar on Thursday 12 May from 7pm to 9pm.

Anyone wishing to take more advanced education courses during Leather Pride Week will need to get the basics first. $10/ $5 SLPA members. Phone 0411 471 373 for bookings.

Physique competition See lots of muscles in not much leather at the Love Muscle physique competition on Saturday 14 May at the Petersham RSL, Regent St, Petersham, from 7:30pm. $10.

Leather fair day The Forbes Street Fair is a chance to see all the characters that make up Sydney’s leather community in the light of day. Food, drink and shows on offer.

The Fair will be held on Sunday 15 May from 11am to 5pm between Burton and Bourke Streets. Free.

Inquisition 13 Inquisition veterans are celebrating the party’s return to the Dome this year, combined with Stage 11 at Fox Studios.

Inquisition is the premier leather event on Sydney’s calendar and a favourite for partygoers of all persuasions. DJs include Neal Crawford, Mike Kelly, Mandy Rollins, Sveta and others and tickets are available at Sydney leather retailers.

The party runs from 10pm to 8am on Saturday 21 May. $95/ $85.

Recovery If one night of partying is not enough, head to the Shift for the official Inquisition recovery from 8am on Sunday 22 May, featuring Mandy Rollins, Mike Kelly and Rob Davis. $10.