To Be Gorean and a Leatherman

Can there be such a thing?
I have always been an individual that does not follow the crowd. I have been raised from early childhood to be independent. To evaluate, decide and act on any matter based simply on what is most important and is best for me and those in my charge; not to bend to peer pressure or be influenced by others opinions.

TO BE GOREAN
Over 30 years ago I started wrestling seriously with the concept of living and calling myself a Gorean. Back then there was no internet. No social media or easy way to find others of like mind or belief. The few I knew in my local area and had fellowship with, were all beginning to start their journey and discover for themselves the definition of what defines us.
I began reading the Gor Book series as a young teenager. I was impressed and agreed with many of the concepts, principles and ideals found throughout the Books. The idea of a male dominated perspective and a Master/slave relational dynamic resonated deep in my inner being and was something I knew that would have a life long impact.
There are many, many things that are found throughout the Book series that are the foundation and cornerstones of what and why I believe the way I do today. A few are mentioned below, but the list is not exhaustive.

Gorean Philosophy
Oftentimes, you will find agreement and disagreement of what is the Gorean Philosophy. This is something that each person needs to examine for themselves, identify what is important to them, and finally make a conscientious decision to strive to live up to the standards and principles in their daily lives.

TRUTH
Goreans stress the importance on truth. Seeking the truth is important, maintaining honesty in all actions concerning any matter or subject, or generally on all subjects.
INTEGRITY
Goreans stress the importance on integrity. Being true to yourself, keeping your word, adherence to moral and ethical principles; act upon the soundness of moral character.
HONOUR
Goreans stress the importance on honour. That which attracts self respect, dignity and courage; especially excellence of character, high moral worth, virtue, and nobleness.
FREEDOM
Goreans stress the importance on freedom. The state of being free or at liberty. To establish personal sovereignty over oneself, and those under our responsibilities. By our action, word and choice.
STRENGTH
Goreans stress the importance on strength. Accepting accountability for your choices, and standing against adversity and opposition. Acting with boldness, perseveran rece and self reliance.
DUTY
Goreans stress the importance on duty. The binding force of something that is morally or legally right, A call to respect or obedience to country, family or position.

Gorean Lifestyle
Lifestyle is expressed in both work and leisure behavior patterns and in activities, attitudes, interests, opinions, and values. It also reflects people’s self image or self concept; the way they see themselves and believe they are seen by others. Lifestyle is a composite of motivations, needs, and wants and is influenced solely by the principles and ideals mentioned throughout the Gor Book series.

POSITION
Goreans stress the importance to one’s position. You are either Free or slave.
RESPONSIBILITY
Goreans stress the importance of responsibility. The Master for his slave; protection, teaching and ownership. The slave for her Master; being pleasing, meeting his needs and obeying his wishes.
OWNERSHIP
Goreans stress the importance on ownership. A slave is a Master’s property, owned and Collared.
CULTURE
Goreans stress the importance on culture. The distinct way that people, who live differently, classify and represent their experiences, and acted creativity. These include relating to artistic, social pursuits or events considered to be valuable and important. It is a straightforward and openly Master/slave relational dynamic. Some of the more visible demonstrative impressions would include such things as the Collar, structure, protocols, traditions and daily rituals such as slave dances, slave positions, and mannerisms.

Being Gorean is simply following the Gorean Philosophy and living the Gorean lifestyle day to day. The principles, ideals and values are things that have been most rewarding to me over these many years.

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TO BE A LEATHERMAN
Around the same time as I began reading the Gor Book series; I also started discovering and socializing with the biker crowd. They are a breed apart from all others. These individuals bow to no one, test the boundaries of all and give their devotion to few. The patch is worn with pride by those who choose not to settle, not to give in to polite society but instead ride with the wind in their face and their back to the status quo. Only another Leatherman can truly understand what belonging takes. Leather finds freedom in the style they see fit and apologizing to no one for it. Leather is the ultimate expression of liberty.”

Leather is a subculture of practices and styles of dress organized around sexual activities. Wearing leather garments is one way that participants in this culture self-consciously distinguish themselves from mainstream sexual cultures. It is the use of the body and erotic energy to explore spirituality.
There were many things that impressed and had a lasting effect on who and what I am today. Listed below and the main tenets of what Leather means to me.

FAMILY
Leather stresses the importance of belonging to something bigger than just yourself. Belonging to a Chosen Family. Being accountable, supportive and productive to others who rely and depend on you through your word, action and deed.
COMMUNITY
Leather stresses the importance of community. To be visible, active and be a positive influence through service where we live locally. This includes social, political, sexual and educational activism.
INDIVIDUALLY
Leather stresses the importance on individuality. Setting and walking your own journey. Being accountable, responsible and motivated to live with honour, integrity and pride.
SPIRITUALITY
Leather stresses the importance of spirituality. Living between eroticism and spirituality. Spirituality exists, even in those who deny any interest, it manifests in their ethics, codes of honor, values, and a quality of their spirit.
*PRIMAL*
Leather stresses the importance of being primal. It is to start from or get to a place, where the feelings are primary – pure, raw, animal emotions, sensation and/or instinct. It could be fear, vulnerability, desire, grief, or any profound emotional state.
TRADITIONS
Leather stresses the importance of traditions. The handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice:

Being a Leatherman is simply being Leather. It is who I am on the inside. It is my soul and being.

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To be Gorean and a Leatherman 
* One is a belief and practice. (Gorean)
* One is who you are. (Leatherman)

**BOTH are what [I AM WHO I AM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAZI2c8W2Mg&feature=youtu.be)