#TraditionThursday Folsom Street Fair ✊⛓️
Did you know the biggest leather event in the world started as a housing protest? In 1984, redevelopment threatened to bulldoze SOMA. The leather community joined forces with local activists to throw the "Megahood" fair.

Learn more: 🔗 buff.ly/CVFS2LB

#TraditionThursday: When the 80s AIDS crisis hit and the government stayed silent, our community took care of our own. From ACT UP street protests to underground buyers' clubs, we fought for survival and changed medical history. 📖 Learn More: www.glbthistory.org/aids-treatment-activism

#CLAW #C26

This #TraditionThursday we honor The Catacombs (1975-1984). 🌉 Beyond the legendary Crisco tubs, this referral-only SF dungeon boldly bridged the gap between the gay & lesbian kink worlds before tragically closing its doors due to the AIDS epidemic. 🕯️ #LeatherHistory #CLAW26 #CLAW #C26

🛡️ Why do Dykes on Bikes ride in front? To protect the pack.

In 1976, they took the lead and used their motorcycles to physically clear the streets, acting as a shield against traffic and hostility for the marchers on foot.

They paved the way so we can walk. 🏍️💨

#TraditionThursday #CLAW26

#TraditionThursday: Pup Play 🐶 We went from the strict "Dog Slaves" of the Old Guard to the colorful Neoprene Revolution of today.

Modern pups now honor that history, mixing the discipline of leather with the joy of the mosh pit to define exactly who they are.

🧣 Left or Right? Before Grindr or Recon, we had back pockets. The Hanky Code was the original "bio"—using color and placement to signal exactly what you were into without saying a word. #TraditionThursday #HankyCode 🔗 www.sfgayhistory.com/2014/08/27/o...

✏️ Before Tom of Finland, gay men were often stereotyped as frail. His art changed everything. He gave us the blueprint for the Leatherman: cops, loggers, and bikers with confidence and power. Art created reality. #TraditionThursday #TomOfFinland 🔗 www.tomoffinland.org

👑 Meet one of the pioneers of the leather community. Chuck Renslow opened The Gold Coast (the first true leather bar) in 1958 and later founded International Mr. Leather. He built the world we play in today. See His Legacy🔗 www.chuckrenslow.com #TraditionThursday #IML #C26 #CLAW26 #CLAW