Some SF Leather/BDSM Resources for Men who play with Men

Nearly all our EduKink events are intended to be pansexual - welcoming all genders and orientations. Depending on the event, we usually have a wide range of attendees, many of whom don't subscribe to strict binary definitions. This means that you can feel accepted and quite at home among the diversity. And you can learn a lot about different ways people explore their desires. On the other hand, it means it's not a perfect location if you're there mainly to cruise. Our events are listed on:
groups.yahoo.com/group/EduKink
EduKink.tribe.net
EduKink.org/main.html

The monthly Newcomer's Series is aimed at beginners and intermediates.
The monthly Paideia Series is aimed at intermediates to advanced.

If you're new to leather, you might feel most comfortable starting with a few classes and/or discussion groups. These can be less intimidating than a bar or party.

Other resources:

For men-only events at SFCitadel:
groups.yahoo.com/group/sf_citadel_male_energy_list
sfcitadelmen.org

Some more tribes for local info and hookup:
tribes.tribe.net/newtobdsm
sfkinkyqueers.tribe.net
sfcitadelmensgroup.tribe.net
powerhousesf.tribe.net
tribes.tribe.net/bdsmtribepointers
tribes.tribe.net/gaysextribesinfo
erossf.tribe.net
tribes.tribe.net/polygaybimen
For a wide range of technique and specialized tribes, go to:
people.tribe.net/edukink
At the bottom of "My Tribes", click "view all".

We always recommend Leatherman's Discussion Group (LDG), whose programs range from beginner to advanced:
sfLDG.org
Great bunch of guys - friendly, not heavy cruising.

One leading Gay Leatherman club is The 15 Association:
the15association.org

Leather Levi Weekend is four days on Planet Leather. Usually the second weekend in August. Sells out.
LeatherLevi.org

Three events calendars of interest:
sfLeatherCalendar.org
SOJ.org/calendar
localendar.com/public/SFCitadel

These four events should be in your datebook:
Leather Alley at SF Pride Last Sunday in June.

Up Your Alley Fair Last Sunday in July. Hardcore.
FolsomStreetEvents.org/Alley

Leather Week Approximately the nine days leading to Folsom Street Fair. Leather events galore.
FolsomStreetEvents.org/Leather-Week.php

Folsom Street Fair Last Sunday in September.
The largest leather event in the world.
FolsomStreetEvents.org

If you're into bars, some places to start are:
sfEagle.com
Powerhouse-sf.com
MenInGear.com
sfLeatherAndBear.com/bars.html

There are many more resources, but these can get you started right.
See also sexuality.org/sanfrancisco.html

Suggested attire for your first parties: Whatever makes you feel in the mood. A lot of guys wear a little or a lot of leather, if they have it. Anything black fits in. Anything butch fits in.
There's a lot of variety, but most guys will wear one or more of: leather vest, leather harness, shirtless, leather shorts, chaps, or boots.
Don't go buying a lot of gear until you've been to a few events to see what's really going to work for you. And don't wait to attend, just because you don't have the perfect outfit. When you're ready to go to your first party, just go, even if you only have ordinary street clothes.

Suggested approach: Be honest. If you don't have experience, don't pretend. Everyone started at zero. If you're not sure exactly what you're looking for, that's ok too. Plan not to play, just watch and talk your first few visits.