Old Guard

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What exactly is the "Old Guard" in leather culture? It's a question that sparks heated debates, reverent whispers, and sometimes bitter divisions within our community. This episode cuts through the mythology to reveal surprising truths about leather history and traditions.

Dr. Ty, clinical sexologist and leather title holder, joins Edge to share groundbreaking research from his dissertation defining the Old Guard. Rather than simply referring to the original leathermen of the 1950s, the term has evolved to describe a style of play centered on "obedience, structure and protocol." Most surprisingly, Dr. Ty's research reveals there was never a singular "way" of Old Guard practice—different cities developed different traditions long before national leather organizations formed.

The conversation challenges common assumptions about mentorship in leather communities. Despite the perception that Old Guard practitioners had formal mentoring structures, Dr. Ty's research found no statistical difference between how Old Guard and New Guard approached mentoring. This finding has inspired his work developing a more accessible mentoring program, addressing a critical gap for newcomers seeking guidance.

We also explore the often-conflated relationship between leather and kink identities, title holding traditions, and practical resources for those seeking knowledge. Dr. Ty shares details about his Kinky Book Club, which provides a non-sexual space for exploring leather history through literature and other media.

The episode concludes with an all-Texas edition of Ask Edge, featuring questions about advice for younger selves and the challenges of properly vetting title holders in today's community. Whether you're a leather veteran or just curious about these traditions, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on how we understand our shared history and build a more inclusive future.

Useful links:

• Dr. Ty on Instagram
• Kinky Book Club
• Playing Well with Others

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Ask Edge! Go to https://www.speakpipe.com/LTHREDGE to leave ask a question or leave feedback. Find Edge's other content on Instagram and Twitter. Also visit his archive of educational videos, Tchick-Tchick.