Alex Creece

In queer history, leatherdykes are often discussed within the context of pre-Stonewall butch-femme bar culture. But that’s only part of the story. Since the 1950s, the leather queer subculture has existed in most cities around the world. Leather queers are represented across many communities and identities, from men who ride (and appreciate) motorbikes, to BDSM butches and more.

Content warning: This article briefly mentions queerphobic violence. “Sexuality is one of the things that we humans enjoy and demonstrate, just like we demonstrate our taste for clothing, or our appetite for food, activities or hobbies,” Independent Catholic priest Father Albert Risdorfer, shared with me during a Zoom interview this past winter. Fr Risdorfer is an independent Catholic priest and pastor at Our Lady Undoer of Knots Inclusive Catholic Community. “It’s all of these things.

Alvin Quah is a two-time MasterChef Australia finalist and a cast member of the upcoming celebrity edition of The Traitors Australia. A Malaysian-born communications strategist based in Australia, he has spent more than two decades working in health care and pharmaceuticals. He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne in biomedical science.