In this interview, I sit down with Barclay or Leather Edge, an amazing voice in the leather and kink community. Barclay is deeply respected worldwide for his insights into Kink and authentic power exchange. He hosts his own popular podcast, where he shares reflections and guidance on navigating the kink lifestyle.
In this episode, we dive into his life and 30 year journey into kink and discuss the importance of mentorship, connection, and self-acceptance for those on their own path in this lifestyle.
Subscribe and listen to the Master/slave podcast and interviews
Guest information and links
- You can find Leather Edge’s podcast and all his other links at his podcast.
What’s in this epsiode of the Master/slave podcast
- Introduction to Barclay: Background, early days, and initial interests in bondage.
- First Experiences in Leather: Discovering leather culture in New Orleans, mentorship from a leather couple.
- Navigating Identity: The evolution from a bottom and boy role to recognizing a dominant identity.
- Leather Community Lessons: Understanding the concept of “coming of age” in leather, learning community values, and building connections.
- Transition to Dominance: Barclay’s gradual journey into a dominant role and overcoming imposter syndrome.
- Mentorship and Learning in Kink: The importance of mentorship, learning through mistakes, and finding core community connections.
- Reflections on Substance Use: Barclay’s experience with crystal meth, the impact on his leather journey, and finding recovery.
- Embracing Authenticity in Power Exchange: The importance of desire and genuine connection, Barclay’s demisexual perspective on power exchange.
- Modern Leather Life and Social Media: Barclay’s journey from AOL profiles to social media presence and the role of digital platforms in kink today.
- Closing Reflections: Advice for newcomers, thoughts on community growth, and Barclay’s gratitude for his journey.