Leather Community
The José Gutiérrez Archives reflects the history of Latinos in DC’s leather community. By the late 1980s, some Latinas and Latinos had become active players in the diverse leather, kink, and BDSM scene in the nation’s capital. Many were organization leaders, contest winners and title holders, volunteers, and mentors.
In 2016, Lorena Arellano, Juaniorex, Alejandro, and archives founder José Gutiérrez organized Latino Leather. The group meets once a month at the DC Center to explore different topics with invited speakers, such as leather protocols, leather history, and diverse Leather practices.
Name: RIP Sir Vern Stewart, RIP Mr. Marcus Hernandez and Jose Gutierrez.
Date: Circa 2015.
Place: Washington, DC
Description: Sir Vern and Jose Gutierrez holding an historic photo of Mr. Marcus Hernandez and Sir Vern Stewart.
Photographer: Jose Gutierrez.
Jose Gutierrez Collection.
Name: LGBTQ United March Against Gun Violence.
Date: October 1-2, 2016.
Place: Washington, DC
Description: Our Leather community marching at the LGBTQ United March Against Gun Violence.
Photographer: Jose Gutierrez.
Jose Gutierrez Collection.
Name: Latino Leather Group of Washington, DC.
Date: August 2017.
Place: DC Center of Washington, DC.
Description: Members of Latino Leather group of Washington, DC organized a leather workshop by Amelia Horo at the DC Center.
Photographer: Jose Gutierrez.
Jose Gutierrez Collection.
Name: Amor Prohibido.
Date: June 2018.
Place: DC Center of Washington, DC.
Description: Members of Latino Leather group of Washington, DC and OutWrite organized “Amor Prohibido”, a cultural, kinky and leather event at the DC Center.
Photographer: Jose Gutierrez.
Jose Gutierrez Collection.
Name: El Circulo del Latigo Negro.
Date: March 2020.
Place: Mexico City.
Description: Members of El Circulo del Latigo Negro in Mexico City organized an educational Leather workshop.
Photographer: Jose Gutierrez.
Jose Gutierrez Collection.
