When I boarded the plane to Atlanta, I was bathed in a sense of excited anticipation. Having spent two decades as a leatherdyke, I thought I understood the essence of the leather community, but this was my first trip to Atlanta—a city vastly different from my home in Boston. I knew the vibes would be unique, and I was eager to see how their community thrived.
Packing for this trip was nerve-wracking. Normally, I’m a bit of a chaos creature so I just throw things in a bag, hope for the best, and go on my merry way. But this time was different. I was representing Women of Drummer (WOD), and the responsibility weighed heavily on my mind. How would I present myself? Would I do justice to the title of Woman of Drummer 2024?
Adding to my nerves was the matter of traveling with over 100 needles in case anyone wanted to make me into a pincushion. I decided to check them in my luggage but still worried about how it would all go down at the airport.
Upon landing, my trip nearly derailed before it even began—I left my phone on the plane! No one seemed willing to help at first, but persistence led me to the right person, and soon enough, my phone was safely returned. The kindness I experienced during this ordeal was my first taste of true Southern hospitality.
From the airport, I Ubered to the hotel to meet Toni, the producer of WOD. Seeing a familiar face was a comfort, and we quickly caught up over a delicious Southern-style lunch. Rich, savory flavors set the tone for the weekend. Afterward, we strolled through the Atlanta Botanical Garden, taking photos and soaking in the vibrant scenery. Exploring the winding paths and gorgeous landscapes felt like the perfect way to begin my Atlanta adventure.
That evening, I stepped into the heart of Atlanta’s leather scene: a dedicated gay plaza with not one but two leather venues—Barking Leather and the Atlanta Eagle. Walking into these spaces didn’t feel intimidating or foreign. Instead, I was embraced by the community’s warmth and openness. At the Eagle, I met the owner, manager, and their titleholders. It was here I reconnected with MsDDom, one of my judges, and got to know her as a fellow leatherwoman.
Goddess MW gifted me a cigar, and we chatted in a booth alongside a group of fabulous Fem Dommes. The evening felt like a whirlwind as I bounced from one fascinating conversation to another, meeting incredible folks like HellOnHeels and Sheba, whose impressions stayed with me long after the night ended.
Across the street at Barking Leather, the energy was electric. Women tried on leatherwear, complimented each other’s sexiness, and bonded over shared moments. My new cuffs were even adjusted to fit me perfectly. One particularly touching conversation with a staff member about chosen family truly melted my heart. The night wrapped up at a Waffle House—my very first—where I happily gave up my waffle house virginity. Exhausted but exhilarated, I collapsed into bed, reflecting on the whirlwind of my first day.
Saturday morning, I donned my vest and headed to Manuel’s Tavern to facilitate a roundtable discussion. Though I’ve led countless conversations before, this one felt different, and nerves crept in. Any doubts were quickly dispelled as familiar faces from the night before started filling the space and soon enough, it felt like I was among old friends.
The discussion flowed effortlessly as we delved into women’s struggles, race, and the powerful influence of Black Atlanta women in representing leatherwomen within the Women of Drummer movement. It was a deeply moving experience to witness the strength and solidarity in the room.
Now, you’re probably wondering—what about the sexy parts? Well, my evening almost took a detour when I was dropped off at a dark, empty parking lot with no leatherwomen in sight. Undeterred, I set off on foot. After running into the neighborhood feral cat colony, I eventually arrived at the right place: a BDSM-themed Airbnb with an impressive setup. The space was filled with about 20 players, catered food, and, of course, sweet tea (my first time trying it!). The food is some of the best I’ve ever had and my jaw nearly dropped when I learned a friend of the group had catered the party.
One regional difference stood out to me: the prevalence of rope and impact play in Atlanta’s scene, contrasted with the blood play and sex I’m accustomed to seeing in Boston. It was fascinating to observe, and I couldn’t resist joining in the fun. With the help of Daddy Cole, I left the party bruised and buzzing from the energy.
Sunday brunch brought the weekend to a satisfying close. Sitting down with new friends, I reflected on how transformative the experience had been. The weekend was exhausting but in the best possible way. I left Atlanta with a full heart, a deeper appreciation for the leather community, and immense gratitude for the Black Fem Dommes of Atlanta, WILA, and Toni for orchestrating such an incredible event.
My first adventure as Woman of Drummer 2024 set the bar high, and I’m ready to take on whatever comes next. Atlanta, you’ve been unforgettable.
Nicole, WOD 2024
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