Thank you, and tonight's Leather Cultural District Meeting (Patreon)

Thank you so much for coming out and speaking from your hearts about how much Wicked Grounds means to you as a community space and resource. Your stories were poignant, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny. You showed the Leather community at its best. 

And thank you also to everyone who couldn't make it last night but watched online, sent emails, or planned to attend the Leather Cultural District meeting tonight. 

As I joked after taking a spot poll yesterday, I've never before -- and may never again -- see 200 Leatherfolk in unanimous agreement on anything. 

I could gush much more, but let's get to the updates -- and what we as a community need to do next. 

At the end of the meeting, Starbucks mentioned that they are going to pull out of the Leather Community District meeting tonight, and regroup. (We still want you there. Read on.) They are reconsidering their application for the L7 space, and asked if they could consult with Wicked Grounds for future potential locations further away in SOMA that would work for both parties. We aren't out of the woods yet, but this is very encouraging. 

This experience has been a crucial first test of the Leather Cultural District in action. 

I'm amazed and encouraged by the strength, resiliance and ferocity of the Leather community. This gives me a great deal of faith that we can build a Leather Cultural District that is a strong, effective advocate for our local leather culture and businesses, and avoid becoming a "leather historical district". 

It is also clear that the Leather Cultural District needs further processes, communications strategies, clarity and leadership in order to effectively serve both the Leather members of the district and the businesses trying to work with us. (I'll be honest: As someone who put a lot of work into architects and designers for a cafe that never opened, I had a lot of empathy for the poor design team for the L7 shop. This must have really sucked for them, and I think they were just as blindsided as we were . . . ) We have a strong vision for the District, but a vision is not enough. We need the ability to execute that vision as a community. 

The topic for tonight's Leather Cultural District meeting states:  the “Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District” now exists... but how will it be managed and overseen? Who will advocate to protect our remaining Leather and LGBTQ businesses, and assure that the neighborhood retains its kinky character? 

These are not rhetorical questions. These are the critical questions we faced last night as a community. Let's use that momentum now to build a District that truly serves our community. 

Wednesday, July 18th 6:30 - 8:30 pm 

Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District Community Meeting

SF Catalyst - 1060 Folsom, SOMA, SF 94102 

I look forward to seeing many of you tonight! 

Yours in the kinky queer revolution - 

Mir & the Wicked Grounds team