Legends: Celebrating 50 Years of Minnesota’s Leather, Kink, and Fetish History
Minnesota is known for having one of the country’s highest levels of civic engagement. It is no surprise that Minnesotans are deeply connected to their state, their history, and their communities. A recent example of this engagement was the Legends Gallery, hosted by the ALTR Gallery and the Otherworldly Arts Collective on February 28th and March 1st, 2025. This exhibit, presented by Minnesota Leather Pride, honored 50 years of leather, kink, and fetish history specific to Minnesota.
Curated by Yakum and Rev Dominic, with the ongoing support of the Legends Planning Committee, the gallery featured artifacts, photos, and artwork from a variety of Minnesota groups. Attendees had the rare opportunity to view original posters from Minnesota Leather Encounter (a precursor to Minnesota Leather Pride), as well as artwork and memorabilia from Tournament, a major annual gathering of leather and kink individuals hosted by The Knights of Leather until 2020. Other highlights included historic photos, letters, and artifacts from the Knights of Leather, coats, and pictures from the Black Guard, vintage artwork and Lavender Magazine articles featuring the Atons of Minneapolis, and memorabilia from The Cockpit, a now-closed leather and kink store.
Additionally, the exhibit included a photographic wall display by Steve Lenius, a selection of impact and kink items from private collections, and artifacts such as photographs, coronets, and leather colors from the Ladies of the Lakes, the Minnesota chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Each of these pieces showcased the deep and rich history of the community, offering a glimpse into its evolution over the past 50 years.
The Legends Gallery told the story of how multiple leather, kink, and fetish groups in Minnesota have grown and intertwined over the decades. In particular, the exhibit honored the significant contributions of PJ Knight, Vicki Knight, David Coral, Robert (Bobbie) Smith, Samuel “Sam” W. Carlisle, Sergeant Major, Jim Courtney, Michael Delorme, and Lady Carol. Their dedication helped shape the community and its lasting impact.
Beyond individual contributions, the exhibit highlighted the deep connections between groups through fundraising, competitions, and community-building efforts. From filling food shelves to sending titleholders to international competitions, Minnesota’s leather and kink communities have made a meaningful impact locally and nationally.
To our knowledge, this gallery was the first of its kind in Minnesota. The exhibit was made possible through the combined efforts of multiple organizations, individuals, and groups—driven by a shared passion for preserving and passing on our stories. Just as our history has been one of community and connection, we aspire for it to continue that way for the next 50 years.
Photos from the event:
On March 1, 2025, members of the Twin Cities leather community came together to celebrate MNLP Legends 2025, an evening dedicated to recognizing those who have shaped and strengthened our community. This year, we honored 10 incredible individuals whose contributions continue to inspire. The event also featured a special exhibit highlighting the rich history and stories of the Knights of Leather, preserving their lasting impact on our community.
