If there’s one thing that Peter Hansen wants to be clear on, it’s this: Don’t be afraid of the leather community.
The Vice President of the Tampa Leather Club has been an active member of leather communities across the country for 20 years. He serves as vice president alongside his partner, Tom Maiolo, who is the president of the long-running group.
“We love to educate and share knowledge about our history,” Hansen says. “Just approach us. A stigma is that we won’t be receptive. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Currently the club has approximately 40 members—and that includes associate members, a status reserved for non-locals and women.
“Pansexuality has seen a global movement and it has been an issue for leather groups,” Maiolo says. “I know some fully embrace it where women are full and equal members while others say they don’t want any women involved. So we’re the middle of the road with that.”
Maiolo, 44, is in medical sales. Hansen, 47, works with in the pharmaceutical industry. The couple share a home in Tampa.
Hansen grew up in New Jersey and frequented leather clubs in New York, where his interest in leather progressed.
“I was attracted to more masculine men and that’s what the leather community represented for me,” Hansen says. “I was fortunate that there was a large, local community and a lot of mentors to help guide me.”
Maiolo, a Tampa native who identifies as a “Capped Sir,” says he became interested in the leather lifestyle 22 years ago. His attraction to the look, smell and feel of leather motivated him to join the brotherhood.
“I learned of the Tampa Leather Club at that point, actually, and it was taking a break,” Maiolo recalls. He has been involved with the club ever since.
Both men say that too many misconceptions about the leather community still exist, and that while sexuality is a big part of it, there is a deeper, more meaningful connection for those involved.
“I think people believing it’s all about sex is an easy out and I don’t give that a lot of weight,” Maiolo says. “I think that’s what people want it to be. We have a lot of members that are not in it for the sexual aspect. We have people that want to meet other true leather individuals, not just someone online who looks good in leather.”
For more information or to fill out a membership application, visit TampaLeatherClub.com.
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