Leather Levi Weekend (LLW)

LLW is a four-day (Thu-Sun), all-inclusive, all-volunteer, kinky, queer/trans, summer camp in a private resort. We get 130-220 people, and take over an entire valley about two hours north of SF. Cabins, bunkhouses, tents, pool, hot tub, meals, classes, indoor and outdoor dungeons, parties, events, camaraderie, etc. Relaxed, hot, and clothing optional.

Remember that fantasy of having unlimited sex and kink at summer camp? Maybe a pony or puppy-play fetish? Welcome home.

Started in 2001, this was originally an all-male revival of the old guard motorcycle runs. It's now evolved to welcome the entire LGBTIQ spectrum. Through 2010 it was mainly gay male, with lots of lesbian, trans, and genderqueer folk also attending. Some bi folks and couples have attended. (The cruising opportunities have all been same-sex.)

Starting in 2011, it's about an equal mix of gay male and lesbian, with a good proportion of genderqueer, trans, bi, and some intersex.

All attendees are into (or curious about) some form of leather / gear / kink / fetish / bdsm, as that is the main theme. LLW is good for both newbies and old hands alike.

This is a very inclusive event, if you are any type of queer. There are about an equal number of attendees who are single / looking, vs coupled / in leather families. A good mix of top, bottom, switch, or unsure. Equal acceptance of both poly and mono folks. Some people play all weekend, some just chill. It's all good. There is a broad spectrum of LGBTIQ attendees. The only recent, similarly inclusive event we can think of is the Primal parties.

(If you're looking instead for an mainly-straight kinky camp, or an single-gender summer camp, we can point you to those too.)

The energies that you won't find at LLW:

• Vanilla. All attendees have some interest in kink, and are comfortable around a broad range of other people's kinks. If you're judgmental about other people's consensual activities, you won't like LLW.
• Straight. All attendees identify as some form of LGBTIQ. If you're not comfortable at the Powerhouse, Eagle, Lone Star, Dore, Pride, or similar, you won't enjoy LLW.
• "Tranny chasers". There exist straight-identified cisgendered men ("admirers") who non-consensually objectify certain types of trans folk. This would be unwelcome at LLW, as is the word "tranny". (In contrast, friends and allies are most welcome.)
• Swinger. This energy usually assumes that all men are straight and all women are bi. LLW does attract bi folks, but these are not the "I'm bi because it turns my boyfriend on" type. The bi folk at LLW seem interested in other bi or queer folk, but not as interested in straights.
• Irresponsible. There exist other events where people mistreat each other, or spend the time too high/drunk. That's not LLW.

For those who have never been to any leather run, there are a limited number of first-timer discounts. (It's OK if you've been kinky for decades; if you've never been to an out-of-town kink weekend like LLW, you qualify.)

Come spend four days in Queer Leather Heaven.

LeatherLevi.org home site
SaratogaSprings.com the venue
fetlife.com/groups/6144 group on fetlife.com (recommended)
fetlife.com/events/51535 2011 event on fetlife

The facebook links are very optional:
facebook.com/profile.php?id=1773684866 identity on facebook, for optional friending
facebook.com/groups/180156858715554 new
facebook.com/event.php?eid=147612868646509 2011 event on facebook
tribes.tribe.net/LLW group on tribe.net (apparently inactive)

Even if you're not able to go this year, it's good to get on their (low volume) announcement list, via LeatherLevi.org

24-hour dungeons. The dedicated play spaces (big tents) are open all weekend. Come watch and learn. Play if you like. Visit them as much or as little as you like. Indeed, you can play indoors or outdoors anywhere, anytime, (being respectful of people sleeping, of course).

Outdoor, poolside dungeon. A different energy. Casual, diverse, social, intense.

Group meal gatherings. When was the last time you shared a meal with 200 like-minded kinksters?

Mellow and hot. Everyone is relaxed, but there's also some light (and effective) cruising, if you're in the mood.

Sampler. An evening 12-ring simultaneous hands-on class, where you can see (and try, if you like) various play techniques from recognized experts.

Spirituality track. For those wanting to clear their head of the stress of daily vanilla life, the spirituality track helps. An opening ritual (Thursday before dinner) at the labyrinth transitions you into Leather Heaven. The closing ritual (Sunday) consolodates the weekend. And in-between are many leather-spirit events of various types.

Outdoor showers. Several outdoor showers, both private and not, are available around the camp. A special treat. Indoor showers also available.

Consensual. You won't be pressured into anything. Indeed, no play is provided. This is a self-help environment. If you and one or more consenting attendees decide to enjoy some play, that's nice.

Giant Hot Tub. Always open. Can get very busy, even late night. Watch the meteor shower.

Warm Pool. Bask, invent games, play volleyball, or any other camp activities.

Discussion Groups. Lots of structured and unstructured chances to talk with people on your path. Wide variety of topics and interests.

Watersports area. Private area for those inclined to yellow hankies.

Warm Nights. The weather is conducive to activities any time. Clothing becomes decoration or personal statement.

Good Food.
Most years the yummy food is produced by MacroChef.

The Attendees. An amazing bunch of people, from new to long-time community leaders. Friendly, respectful. People are approachable, and look out for each other, without being either too formal or too forward. We become one leather family during the event.

Roving Cocktail Party. Before dinner on Saturday, a group tour of leading leather / kink / bdsm / gear / fetish organizations of northern California. Humor, fellowship, information, eye candy. Most people formally dress (or undress) for the occasion. Past attire has varied wonderfully, including: formalwear, leather, latex/rubber, gear, uniforms, high fetish, historic wear, denim.

Clothing optional. There is little of the judgement and body-consciousness of the outside vanilla world. A few folks spend the whole weekend naked. Some go for naked hikes around the valley. Most wear what makes them feel right, at that moment. There's no staring or evaluating, just respect. Natural becomes normal.

Run Show. Bawdy camp skits, music, humor. Quite a hoot. Begins with (old guard style) parade of colors.

Gathering of the Tribes. LLW brings together people from all parts of the many communities. You get to see / learn techniques and styles you might otherwise not come across. Nowhere else has this variety. Make a broad range of friends.

Pups and ponies. Most years there are puppy piles, and/or a pony cart.

Hook Pull. A sun dance energy ritual.

Acceptance. Spend four days in a space that doesn't judge you for your gender, sexuality, or (consensual) kinks. And be accepted by all types of people. Be out and proud in one of most diverse and non-judgmental events on the planet.

Organizers. An amazing group of volunteers has created and evolved this event for over a decade.

Ongoing Community. There are follow-up events, and the friendships you make at LLW remain special year-round.

Welcome to Planet Leather!