Co-Founder of Women of Leather Florida on coming out and BDSM advice
Self Butterfly sent us the following interview with Miss Rae, co-founder of Women Of Leather Florida and the current MS SELF (South East LeatherFest). The interview focuses on her individual leather journey as well as her current responsibilities as a titleholder.
Self Butterfly: When did you realize you were interested in an alternative lifestyle?
Miss Rae: “I came out my senior year in high school with my first girlfriend and became involved with the GLBT community. However, it wasn’t until college that I started to write my fantasies in the form of BDSM erotica.”
SB: Was there a specific event that changed your view of BDSM beyond what you were writing?
MR: “I met someone who was active in the fetish/leather lifestyle and she introduced me to the community. My first kink event was in 2002 in Orlando. I won a raffle to be a demo bottom for Deborah Addington, author of A Hand in the Bush. So, my first public scene was with Deborah and it was for her fisting class.”
MR: “I was active in the lesbian community but found that there was a lack of support for women involved kink/leather related endeavors. I was missing being able to talk with women of a like-mind so, I created WOLF with a couple of friends.”
SB: According to the website WOLF’s mission is to provide a safe, friendly and respectful environment for group discussion and education. It is open to all women (and those who primarily identify as female) 21 years and older involved in or curious about the leather culture. There has always been a heated debate concerning what constitutes “female.” As the leader of WOLF how do you address the female issue?
MR: “WOLF is open to all women and those who identify as a female in their present life. It doesn’t matter if you were born with male or female parts, it matters whether you live as a man or a woman. When there is a question regarding a particular member I seek input from the group. I will do what is best for the group dynamic.”
SB: You have taught a class on Rhythmic Beating with Drum Circle. Where did your interest in drumming and drum circles originate?
MR: “Before I knew about fetish I went to a women’s fest and attended a drum class led by Ubaka Hill. She is one of the first women to be considered a ‘Master Drummer.’ I also met Hardy Haberman who was teaching a class on rhythmic beating but using a person instead of a drum. I used those two experiences to allow a Top and bottom to have a scene in the middle of a drum circle. This is probably WOLF’s most requested class.”
SB: As Ms SELF 2009 you will be representing at the International Ms Leather contest in April. What are you doing to prepare?
MR: “My pet, chris, is also a titleholder and I have worked with her on different events. I am also studying leather history, making appearances, teaching classes and fundraising. I use fundraising events not only for my travel fund but to raise awareness for other groups. One of the most popular fundraisers is a ‘Casino Night.’
SB: You and chris are both titleholders for different organizations. How difficult has it been to keep your everyday relationship healthy and strong in the midst of titleholder duties?
MR: “It has been difficult in certain areas, but we fall back on our basic structures and protocols for consistency. We have the same goal of living and loving in our fetish and maintaining our everyday rituals keeps us on track. We also have unquestionable trust in each other.”
SB: What advice would you have for others interested in seeking a title?
MR: “You need to know who you are and where you are going. It is important to have a goal for your journey. One of my goals was to network with others to promote education and provide fresh information.”
SB: Who has been most influential in your BDSM/Leather journey to date?
MR: “I always say ‘I want to be Hardy Haberman’ when I grow up. I adore him. I also have been inspired by Royal Grande Mistress Carla, who opened the first dungeon space in this area. She fought for the right to keep this space open, even to the point of going to jail.”
SB: What was the best piece of advice you have been given?
MR: Master Talon told me if you do nothing else but set protocols in place then no matter how difficult your life gets, you still have the fetish part of your relationship that makes you who you are.”
Southeast Leather Fest is scheduled for June 10 - 13 in Atlanta, GA. Info on the event and weekend packages at www.seleatherfest.com
Miss Rae is one of the most amazing women i have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She never stops working for her community!
Posted by: chris | 06/23/2010 at 10:59 AM
Ms Rae Rocks!!!
Posted by: pup | 02/12/2010 at 07:11 PM