The Modern Leatherboy: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Evolution
What an incredible honor it is to contribute one of the very first articles for the Leatherboy Blog. My deepest gratitude goes to Cade Raven for creating this space and entrusting me to help set the tone for something truly meaningful. This platform is more than words on a screen, it’s a living archive, a resource, and a beacon for those who wear the title Leatherboy with pride.
The topic of the Modern Leatherboy is not just about a role, it’s about an identity that has depth, succession, and history. For decades, Leatherboys have been part of the heart of our culture, embodying a spirit of service and strength that is anything but passive. Recently, I have been in awe of Leatherboys of Color take up the mantle in starting chapters nationwide. They are leaders in their own right - mentors, educators, and cultural torchbearers who understand that power is not always about dominance but about purpose.
When I look back on my own journey, I see the parallels. In my early years, I identified as a service boy. That role shaped me profoundly. I discovered my voice, my confidence, and my identity through service. And let me be clear: service is not weakness. In fact, it is a superpower when rooted in authenticity, consent, and intentionality. Service taught me humility and strength; it gave me a foundation for the man I am today.
Now, standing firmly on the D-side of the slash, I carry those lessons with me in every interaction, scene, and leadership space. Dominance without empathy is hollow. True dominance recognizes that every relationship, whether erotic, emotional, or educational - is built on trust, mutual respect, and an understanding of what it means to give and receive.
This is why conversations about Leatherboys matter so deeply. They are not just submissives. They are often the culture-keepers, the ones who maintain our traditions while challenging us to grow.
They bring balance and beauty to a community that thrives on diversity of power dynamics, roles, and identities.
This perspective aligns deeply with the work I’ve committed myself to in my book, “Leather Mentorship” (published in 2023). In it, I explore the transformative impact of guidance within our culture; how it shapes leaders, preserves history, and ensures that our traditions evolve without losing their soul. Mentorship is not just teaching, it’s listening, sharing, and co-creating the future of Leather. To me, the Modern Leatherboy is a calling. It’s about reclaiming the depth and dignity of this role in a world that often flattens it into stereotypes or hypersexual caricatures. It’s about honoring the past while being fearless about adapting to the present. And it’s about making sure that boys - no matter how they define themselves - understand that they are essential threads in the fabric of Leather culture.
My hope for this article is simple: that it sparks conversation, invites introspection, and maybe even inspires someone to reach out and mentor or be mentored. Because in the end, our community is only as strong as the bridges we build between generations. This is how we preserve our history. This is how we write the next chapter - together.
Master J. Tebias Perry Author, Educator, Activist
