These are the folks who have nominated themselves for the open seats on the Board of Directors, and for the office of President:
Below are the Candidates’ written statements.
Visit Board Elections, 2025 for full nomination and election details.
Nominees for Board of Directors
Name: La Johnny
Residence: San Francisco
Eligibility: Have lived or worked within the boundaries of the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District; have a history of activism in alignment with the Organizations’ Mission and Vision,
Represents: Residential tenants, Youth, Nonprofits.
Candidate’s Statement:
I applied to become a member of the district in February of this year. Since becoming a member I have attended meetings and events, spending time getting to know how the district operates and thinking about how I can contribute my skills to benefit the district and the larger community.
As a current title holder (Team Friendly Ambassador) and now resident of SoMa, I have seen how the district works to keep SoMa kinky and preserve it’s beautiful culture. I have spoken to current board members to hear about their experiences and to learn what joining the board would look like.
The bigger picture; when I moved back to San Francisco during the pandemic, I had a goal of becoming more involved in community work. To care for the City the way it cared for me when I was young and discovering who I was. San Francisco has many boards and commissions that interest me, but the Leather and LGBT Cultural District is the one that most aligns with my personal values. I want to be able to guide the district and larger community in these uncertain times. I want to use my skills, experience and knowledge to contribute to building a strong and inclusive community. I want to channel the love I have for San Francisco in a way that benefits as many community members as possible.
Date Submitted: 7/24/2025
Name: Robert Costic
Residence: San Francisco
Eligibility: Have a history of activism in alignment with the Organizations’ Mission and Vision,
Represents: Nonprofits.
Candidate’s Statement:
I have been involved with the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District (LCD) since 2021 as a volunteer and supporter, and more directly this year through my participation on the Safety Committee. I believe in local LGBTQ+ advocacy and support LCD’s mission to preserve and promote the legacy of the leather, kink, and LGBTQ+ community in SoMa. I’ve admired its efforts to make these spaces inclusive of people across gender, race, age, and experience.
I want to be a Board member because I believe in the District’s vision and want to help shape its future. I bring experience as a nonprofit leader and policy advocate, with a focus on queer community safety, civil rights, and coalition building. I’d be honored to contribute to LCD’s ongoing efforts to resist displacement and protect cultural space for LGBTQ+ people—especially those too often left out of the mainstream. I see the Board as an opportunity to serve alongside others who care deeply about this community.
Date Submitted: 7/28/2025
Nominees for President
Name: Eric See
Residence: Berkeley
Eligibility: Have a history of activism in alignment with the Organizations’ Mission and Vision; have served reliably on one or more of the Organization’s committees for at least one year.
Represents: Families; Nonprofits
Candidate’s Statement:
I am nominating myself for President of the SF Leather and LGBTQ cultural district. I have served on the board since it’s inception and even helped to write the original by-laws. I am deeply committed to seeing the district grow and thrive.
Date Submitted: 7/16/2024
Name: La Johnny
Residence: San Francisco
Candidate’s Statement:
See above.
Date Submitted: 7/24/2025
Nominees: Please contact nominations@sflcd.org