The 15th Anniversary of Living In Leather is upcoming June 29 - July 3 in Seattle, WA. "Yeah, so what?, " you say. "Why would I want to go to this particular leather event vs. any others?"

There are lots of reasons actually. There are the traditional reasons - over 70 workshops, a fetish ball, 4 nights of play, awards, vendors, artists, a dungeon quest to test things out, great entertainment, and the opportunity to meet a bunch of great leatherfolk.

Then there are the reasons that might be important to FTM's and their partners. The National Leather Association International (NLAI - the sponsor of LIL) is not only one of the oldest SM organizations, it is one that has actively included trans people in its mission statement. I've been on the board of directors since 1994 - since before I transitioned. I am currently the president of the organization. In addition to myself, we have on our current board of 9 members, 1 MTF, 2 FTM's, and one TG Butch. That is, to my knowledge, the highest percentage of trans people on a board of directors of any organization that is not trans oriented.

Our staff is not only friendly to trans people but knowledgeable as well. In my experience, LIL is a great place to explore your SM education amongst people who are totally cool with trans people and certainly unlike many other events that I have been to that are not as welcoming or understanding of trans leatherfolk.

I certainly hope you'll join us in Seattle for LIL 15.

Rooms are only $95.00 per night for up to 4 people at the DoubleTree Inn SeaTac. This is a newly remodeled facility just minutes from Sea-Tac Airport. They offer spacious rooms, excellent restaurants, 24-hour room service, a pool and hottub, and more!!! We think you'll like it. Free airport shuttle will take you to the hotel! Be sure to mention NLAI or Living In Leather when booking your rooms to get this special rate. You can contact the DoubleTree at 1-800-222-TREE (8733).

If you'd like more information about LIL or to register, please contact us at: NLAI, 3429 NE Sandy Blvd #155, Portland OR 97232 or via the web at www.livinginleather.org, or email us at LILSeattle@aol.com.

I never had the light to illuminate your soul.
my submission is to an enigma
my trust to a body and spirit I cannot truly reach.
my gift is my Self
and I pray it's enough.

maybe not, I ponder
as I brace myself against the wall, presenting myself to you.
my spirit is separate, apart from your own.
your intensity, your dreams, your blending
take you on a journey I cannot fully see.
my pain is my helplessness.
I want to follow.

you shower me with sparks, crisp and blinding.
your spirit guides me, challenges me, marks me.
each stroke mirrors the pain of isolation
searing deep, cutting rivets to my core.
your core is what I seek, but cannot reach,
your blended spirit under a haze of warm ice.

yet as the sparks fly from your body to mine
your spirit encompasses mine, through my pain and tears
giving me glimpses of your searching,
of the paths you must explore to unite your whole.
my tears are my tribute.
your Self is my inspiration.

I never had the light to illuminate your soul.
another holds that gift -
and as the sparks fade to precious burns
I bless her, with sadness.

my hope is for our journeys
that we will find common blendings
to light the way within our futures.

FORGE+/FTM+/SOFFA Webpage

Please check out some of the revisions at:
www.execpc.com/~dmmunson

While this page is still under major construction, it offers a place where FORGE events will be posted, as well as other topics of interest to FTM+/SOFFA’s in the Midwest and around the country. I welcome any feedback you care to share!