A leatherwoman is an individual - often, but not exclusively, a lesbian or queer woman - who embraces leather as a central element of her identity, sexuality, and community involvement within the broader leather and BDSM subcultures. For leatherwomen, wearing leather is both a personal and political statement. It symbolizes empowerment, sexual freedom, and a connection to a community that values authenticity and consensual exploration of power dynamics. Leatherwomen may identify as dominants, submissives, switches, or occupy other roles within BDSM practices, often emphasizing mentorship and the transmission of knowledge and traditions.
Origins of the Term
While the leather subculture initially gained prominence among gay men in the post-World War II era, women began carving out their own spaces within this community during the 1970s and 1980s.
