In that spirit, this coming weekend, on February 10 and 11th, RGV Bears will be hosting their First Annual RGV Leather Weekend. They are partnering with the Valley Aids Council to help destigmatize sexual expression and to create an environment for people to have that freedom.
“While it is not a sexually driven event, we do want to acknowledge that there is more than what is conventional out there,” the RGV Bears member explains.
Friday will be their Kink Ball, so expect to see latex, leather, masks, and chains. Saturday, the Valley Aids Council will host the Love, Leather, and Lace Market, where vendors will have gear, fetishwear, and adult toys. Demonstrations on safe play and how to enjoy some of the things that have been marked taboo or stigmatized by mainstream culture are also scheduled.
A significant component of their efforts is sexual health literacy. “This is the event to say that it is normal to have these kinds of interests, and if you want to try these things out, these demonstrations will teach you how to do so safely.” In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to get access to PREP, HIV testing, and to learn safe sex practices like using condoms and dental dams.
Saturday night, the Mr. Leather RGV Pageant will crown a winner who will represent the region in the International Mr. Leather 2023 competition. The event will end with a Leather Ball with music by DJ Soze and Live Gogo Entertainment hosted by Mistress Lady B.