Leathersex: Meaningful aspects of gay sadomasochism

Abstract

Sadomasochism (S/M) is popularly misconceived as the sexual confusion of pain with pleasure, and is generally associated with meaningless and violent acts of sex (McCary, 1967: 358–60; Kando, 1978:108). Actually, S/M is a catchall term for a wide range of individual passions and practices, with an endless spectrum of possibilities for expression. Among homosexuals, S/M is institutionalized to the extent that particular symbolic acts of dominance and submission are more common than others, most of which involve no pain whatsoever. Also, an elaborate scheme of norms control certain aspects of the scene, especially the action itself. Finally, a common path of entry can be traced. The action of gay S/M is termed leathersex, and its members are leathermen. This study may serve to construct an enlightened view of gay S/M.¹