As you have attended one of our events and your character and age have been verified we trust you to act like an adult who knows how to act in civilized society. However this space has been designed as an alternative to the existing offerings in Scotland (and the wider UK) which we felt placed more emphasis on dating, polyamory, sex, virtue signalling, performative kink and ‘Swinkimg’ rather than safety, tolerance and Lifestyle BDSM as a distinct subculture. While we don’t judge if any of the former is your thing please bear the following in mind:
- We run Leather Belt under a triadic model of kink emphasizing: Social, Political and educational endeavours for those of the LGBTQA and BDSM communities. Framed within Leather values and HIRT (Honour, integrity, respect and transparency)
- We use a 1 strike rule (Two infractions within a year means a ban)
- Serious infractions which result in an immediate ban
- Proven sexual assault
- Doxxing/Outing
- Harassment/Stalking
- Threats (Inc implied)
- Intolerance - Any form of discrimination, prejudice or hostility directed at any person or group on the basis of sex, gender race, nationality, religion or views.
- Participation in whisper campaigns, dogpiling or witch hunts.
- Anything that would fall under Rule B that is too serious/extensive for a single strike
- Accountability: Self-moderation and humility is expected.
- Keeping tradition is important to us: This space is for kinksters who value hierarchy, structure, safety and certainty within the community. It is felt Leather practice has persisted as it provides these.
- Community recognises community. Titles, protocols and archetypes are earned and honoured through community recognition here. Unless a person has indicated they are happy not to, observe these then respecting these practices is expected.
- This includes things like:
- Deferring to a D-Type in matters of their s-type. Including contacting, speaking or any other thing relevant to the s-type
- Use of Titles
- Not using personal archetypes/Titles that haven’t been earned through community recognition.
- “Not my dynamic” “You aren’t my X” etc has no place here. You chose to enter our space.
- Respect: Freedom of opinion is good, extreme binary views and intolerance of any kind are not. If you disagree, great but be respectful. You chose to be in a Leather space. You will hear contrary interpretations on a variety of issues. Others have as much right to these. Refusing to approach difference in a respectful, nuanced way is not acceptable.
- A few areas are locked to specific archetypes to allow those archetypes the ability to express themselves freely without pressure. Message a Council member to request the relevant roles.
- Regular “Role flipping” will be seen as attempting to circumvent this
- If you are in a role which allows you to access multiple locked areas you are expected to act as if you were the relevant role within that area.
- Non-consensualDisclosure of any content outside of these locked areas is treated as an infraction.
- This isn’t a dedicated dating/sex site. Don’t assume people are here to hookup or find partners. Posting suggestive, sexual or explicit content etc is not consent for flirtation, lecherous commentary or propositioning etc unless explicitly indicated.
- Consent is Key: Non-consensual perving, degradation, fantasy pushing or other non-consensual behaviour is not allowed publicly or in DMs/groups without the recipients explicit invitation.
- If you aren't sure, ask. Assumption is not an excuse
- Consent is revocable at any time.
- Personal consent does not excuse violating someone else's wishes with regards to recognition of dynamics, titles, contact restrictions etc. you chose to be here. The community takes priority over the individual.
- If an s-type indicates you are to ask their D-Type. We treat that as the s-type consenting to their D-Type consenting for them. We expect you to do so too.
- Private disputes or incidents outside of Leather Belt spaces (Virtual or physical) are not our concern. You are expected to deal with these privately unless they affect the wider community or they are brought into our spaces.
- We will mediate if requested (if we can be impartial)
- if you ffeel something has broken a rule then email our council at leathercollectiveuk@gmail.com or DM the vetting officer in the first instance.
- This list is non-exhaustive and will be interpreted on a common sense basis. If you are unsure of anything ask a Council member via our email above, via DM or at an event.
- In the event of uncertainty regarding interpretation or rule conflict council will have final say.
- Our house, our rules: By using our space. All people here are treated as having agreed to abide by the above and the Leather Belts Community Charter available here