Message From Our President & Vice President.

The leather community from across the country converged on Sydney during July. We all had a super fun time during the hugely successful Sydney Leather Festival 2025. The festival was world class. We can be proud and thankful of the organisers, volunteers and those of showed up and supported the events. This is community and our strengthened bonds of friendship will carry us through any challenging circumstances we will sometimes have to navigate. 

Luis, Sydney Mr Leather 2025, has made a bounding start to his title year. We ask all Sydney Leather Men to come along to our social this Friday 15th (Oxford Hotel) to offer your support to him. The fundraising for his title year will also start soon in earnest. Please give whatever you can as every dollar invested will be used by Luis to represent Sydney Leather Men here in NSW, Australia and on the world stage. Luis will also soon release details about his chosen charity.

 We would also like to extend our congratulations to the other newly sashed Sydney titleholders:

Sydney Mx Leather 2025 – Zed

Sydney Ms Leather 2025 – Switchstress Margo

Sydney Bootblack 2025 – Mia

 We’re excited to support each of these titleholders journeys where we can and look forward to seeing the impact they will make during their title years. As always, we would love to hear your feedback and ideas for the continued evolution and growth of SLM. Talk to us at our events.

 We would like to extend further congratulations to the inaugural winners of the Sydney Leather Titles Community Awards, a wonderful new initiative celebrating those in our community who do amazing things without a sash: Krypto Pupper from SYDPAH, recognised as Volunteer of the Year; Studio Kink Sydney, honoured for providing safe spaces for growth and their generous community support; and our own Treasurer and co-founder Mick Watson, awarded Person of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community.

 We also want to see your backsides proudly displaying the new SLM hankies when they come out! Please pre order one from our website & we thank you for your support.

Phil & Igor

The committee of SLM would like to announce that one of our co-founders, Peter Rayner, has decided to step down from his formal role as Vice President to focus on other passion projects, most notably Boys on Bikes. 

While we are sad to see Pete leave the executive, we are encouraged by his commitment to continue volunteering where needed and staying involved. Pete was instrumental in founding this current iteration of SLM in 2022, helping in shaping the vision and concept we’re so proud of today. His leadership, calm guidance, and ability to keep things on track have been invaluable, SLM would not be where it is without him. Thank you, Pete, and all the best in continuing your work with the Boys on Bikes community.

 Following this change, the committee met last night and, in line with our constitution, appointed Sydney Mr Leather 2023 – Coach as Vice President and Sydney Bootblack 2023 – Jon Nguyen as Secretary through to the 2026 AGM. Both are valued existing committee members, and we’re confident in their leadership moving forward.

 With these changes, we are currently onboarding some wonderful new committee members, and will make these announcements shortly.

 As many of you know, we recently introduced a $5 entry fee for non-members attending SLM events. Our financial members still enjoy free entry and coat check, but we wanted this small contribution from guests to serve a bigger purpose.

 After asking our members to vote, we’re excited to announce the charity we’ll support for the remainder of 2025 is TWENTY10 with our fundraising expected to sit alongside the chosen charity of Sydney Mr Leather 2025, Luis.

 SLM have already made a $100 donation to TWENTY10 after this was determined and moving forward, 50% of all non-member door fees will go directly to TWENTY10, and the other 50% will go to Luis, who can choose to donate it or put it towards travel costs during his title year.

 It might not be a huge amount, but every bit counts, and this reflects our shared commitment to support, community, and giving back. Together, we make a difference. #WeAreSLM

The Naked Barber

Sydney Leather Men is proud to shine a spotlight on one of our long-time supporters, Richard Savvy, The Naked Barber. Known for his cheeky charm, and professional expertise, Richard has built a reputation as Australia’s kink-friendly barber.

 Richard’s studio offers far more than just a haircut, it’s a safe, welcoming space where you can be yourself, relax, and enjoy high-quality grooming without judgment. Whether you’re after a sharp, classic cut, a bold new style, or some of his signature ‘clothing-optional’ services, you’ll always be treated with professionalism, respect, and a genuine smile.

 A passionate long time member of the leather and fetish community, Richard actively supports local groups and events, and provides sponsorship for our titleholders, and is a reminder that community thrives when we support one another.

 Next time you need a trim, a tidy-up, or just a feel-good experience, book in with Richard Savvy, The Naked Barber and discover why he’s more than just a barber, he’s a community icon.

 SLM Members receive a 15% discount on presentation of your membership card, so what are you waiting for book in for a groom now.

📍 Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney

🌐 Website: www.thenakedbarber.com.au 

SYDNEY LEATHER FESTIVAL 2025

What an incredible 10 days it was, and yes, SLF are already planning for next year! Mark your calendars now: Sydney Leather Festival returns 16–26 July 2026.

 This year, much like 2024, was packed with events across 10 days, but the energy, engagement, and community spirit were truly next level. Attendance numbers blew everyone away: the first weekend was up 25%, and the closing weekend up a staggering 40%. That’s a 33% increase overall, and a clear sign that the festival is growing and hitting its stride.

 There was so much positive feedback, that indicates the festival is on the right path. The vision remains the same: to celebrate, uplift and showcase Sydney’s Leather, Fetish and Kink community, and to continue evolving into a global destination event for kinksters around the world.

 While international reach remains a goal, it was heartening to see a rise in domestic visitors this year, and we hope you’ll help us grow that even further by spreading the word, and sharing your stories.

 Planning for 2026 is already well underway, and our strategic theme will be consolidation and stability, which means we’ll be keeping much of the programming format that clearly worked, while making considered tweaks where needed.

 This festival wouldn’t be possible without community groups, events and businesses.  You are ALL what makes Sydney Leather Festival what it is.

UPCOMING EVENTS