How a Campfire Speaks to Our Leather Values

The essential elements of the House Wayward colors are the campfire, trees, stars, and moon. There's some implication that you might already be among the stars, and that's up to your own interpretation.

A lot of folks ask why there is a campfire; it's not a particularly common image to associate with Leather, kink, BDSM. For us, a campfire is a temporary hearth and a perfect representation of our philosophy and the fundamental reason that we exist.

Temporary hearths can foster permanent connections. A campfire offers a provisional home. It offers respite for the weary. A campfire is also a hearth you can take with you on your journey.

The House of Wayward Leatherfolk has never sought to be anyone's permanent home. It is not why we exist. For most folks, we are a stop along the way to finding that lasting hearth and home. We hope that in your time with us we can help you learn to know yourself and your connection to the values and precepts of Leather culture. We believe that in your time with us you will engage in the introspection and study necessary to develop an ongoing commitment to radical anti-oppressive work. We know that in our time with us you will gain direct experience working with Black Queer Feminist leadership and praxis.

We want to be a small part of what you take with you always. As you move through the world a more practiced and resolved anti-racist, you take us with you. When you see something and say something, you take us with you. When you meet your next Leather family, house, or club and you share with them the lessons you have learned on your journey you will also take us with you. And yet you are and always will be free to lay your own stones, build your own circle, start your own campfire.

The select few who determine this place of self-examination, study, and raucous laughter is home? We may invite you to place your stone in our circle and to declare this campfire a forever home. Unless and until that becomes relevant we will encourage and support you in learning from the past while living in the present.

For Head of Household Miss Shiny, a practicing hearth and cottage witch, a hearth is an essential part of what it is to make magic and medicine. We understand these to be essential acts of care for community, family, and self. An orientation to magic as applied speculative science is not necessary to join us and sometimes it may help. 🏕️🧭✨