Kinksters massed at SF City Hall on Sunday, September 22, 2024, and proudly paraded through SOMA for LeatherWalk!
The walk is over, though donations are still accepted!
The Walk started with greetings by Cultural District President Reika Faust, and a warm welcome by District Six Supervisor Matt Dorsey.
Each walker received a free LeatherWalk 2024 pin as they lined up behind the color guard flags. Several local organizations organized fundraising teams for the Walk (including The 15, The Gauntlet, BLUF SF, the Yellow and Black Group, and the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District) and carried their banners in front of their members and supporters.
The Walk stepped out promptly at 11:30 am. SFPD officers stopped traffic, and volunteers helped keep everyone safe, as Walkers proceeded to the Walk’s first Stop, Oasis.
After a pause for libations and a massive group photo, the Walk continued down Folsom to Stop #2, where some Walkers visited the Hole in the Wall or Powerhouse, while others stepped across to Azúcar Lounge for edible refreshments. Stop #3 was Leather Etc., where Walkers received discounts on gear of all kinds. At Stop #4, Mr. S Leather, several authors and contributors signed copies of their new book, “Kink Is”.
After that, volunteers stopped traffic to allow walkers to proceed safely to Ringold Alley, where John Brett, Minister for the SF Night Ministry, offered words of inspiration and a “Blessing of the Leathers”. Then it was on to Stop #5, the Lone Star Saloon, for more camaraderie and cocktails.
The Walkers then regrouped and strode the final leg of the Walk, to the SF Eagle’s Leather Pride Fest which closed Harrison street from 11th to 13th Street.
At 3 pm, the huge Leather Pride Flag was ceremoniously raised above Eagle Plaza, officially heralding the start of Leather Week. Partying in the street continued until 7 pm. Many leather/kink festivities continued throughout South of Market and all of San Francisco, right through the Folsom Street Fair the following Sunday.
We estimate that roughly 200 Walkers enjoyed LeatherWalk 2024. Kink pride was visible in the District, and our LeatherWalk tradition was joyously preserved.
Fundraising for LeatherWalk continues until Sunday, October 13, to give fundraisers the opportunity to reach their goals. Proceeds from LeatherWalk directly support our Leather Legacy Landmarks sidewalk plaques initiative to install plaques at 77 iconic and sometimes raucous SOMA locations, honoring places that began serving our community in the 1960s.
Donors have contributed more than $13,000 towards our $22,000 goal of funding the installation of the first 17 plaques, all on Folsom Street. There is still time for your support get us over the top! Please making a meaningful donation today at www.leatherwalk.org. Support your favorite walker!
Please visit this page for galleries of photos and videos from the event.
And please join us in extending thanks to the many individuals and groups – including our generous donors, the participating bars and businesses, the many volunteers, and the specialists at Do Good Stuff, – who deserve thanks for making LeatherWalk 2024 such a grand success.
You can continue to make donations to the Leather Legacy Landmarks initiative here.