Welcome, family, to a very special episode of Wonder’s Spotlight. This time, host Jayy Wonder takes us on a deep, unflinching journey into the often-overlooked history of trans people in the leather community.

More than just an episode—this is a living archive. A long-form reflection on identity, authenticity, and resilience, told through stories that span decades. From post-WWII roots and the rise of leather bars to battles for inclusion and the powerful presence of trans folks in leather today, we explore the people and moments that shaped a culture—and continue to transform it.

Why leather? Because leather has always been about truth. About claiming space in a world that would rather you disappear. And that’s exactly what trans people have done, generation after generation.

Unfolding across time and memory, this episode honors those who were erased, remembers those who resisted, and centers the voices and histories too often pushed to the margins.

Settle in—whether you listen all at once or piece by piece, this story is for all of us. You’re not just hearing history. You’re part of it.

What makes someone an icon & leader in the community? is it awards? the titles? The Gear? Status? Or something deeper...The service, survival & showing up when it counts really what makes a leader?

In this episode I will take you on a personal & community rooted journey through what it really means to lead & make a way to be an icon. Not by chasing the spotlight but by being the light. From mentorship & activism to presence & principle, we will breakdown what it means to carry this culture with pride, purpose and accountability.

We talk about the heavy truth that being a leader isn't always glamorous, its work. Its healing. Its holding space. And sometimes, its showing up for someone who thought no one would.

Whether you're brand new to the leather scene or decades deep, this episode is for those ready to rise, give back and maybe just maybe become the icon & leader someone else needs.

This isn't just a conversation its a spark.

In this episode, we delve deep into CLAW 25, a non-contest leather event held in Cleveland, Ohio, from April 17-20. CLAW, short for Cleveland Leather Away Weekend, has been organizing such events for 24 years. Given its long-standing presence in the leather community, one would expect a well-organized convention. However, my personal experience at CLAW 25 revealed a complete lack of situational awareness and thought that went into this event.

In this episode, we will explore the diversity, visibility, accessibility, and integrity of CLAW through my own experiences. I publicly shared my thoughts on the convention, and they did respond. While I’m not certain if the entire board addressed me, any response is better than none. We will discuss their response and delve into my overall experience.

How does an organization sign with honor , integrity & respect when we experience the lack of it this year!!!!

So, get ready for an exciting episode of Wonder Spotlight! Stay tuned for all the juicy details.

This episode addresses trans-misogyny within the leather community, an issue that demands our attention. As a trans/non-binary person, I've personally experienced discrimination, exclusion, and violence for living authentically in this space. The fetishization of gender frequently leads to the erasure of trans and non-binary individuals, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and marginalizing our experiences.Through sharing my experiences, my goal is to highlight the systemic oppression faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in this community, and to seek accountability from those who claim to value inclusivity and diversity. It's crucial that we confront trans-misogyny within the leather community to foster a more inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity.

Cruise LA was hosted by The Eagle LA located at 4219 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles,CA.

It was a free event with RSVP at Eventbrite. It was 4:00pm-8:00pm

About Cruise LA: is a space for queer people in the BDSM & leather community to meet, play and feel safe free of judgment! NO homo/bi/lesbo or transphobia or any phobia or bigotry allowed. BE KIND, USE CONSENT, & HAVE FUN!!!

Cruise had Speed Dating, local DJ’s, GO-Go dancers, Bootblacking and just so much more!!!

Leather, Kink, fetish gear are all highly encouraged.

Social Media & Events:

https://www.instagram.com/cruise_la/

https://www.instagram.com/eagle_la/

https://www.instagram.com/badlandssac/

https://www.instagram.com/faces_sacramento/

https://fb.me/e/2qOeLDmXY

https://linktr.ee/thejayywonder

https://sunburstprojects.org/

-There’s no such thing as the "perfect" non-monogamous relationship structure. Whatever type of polyamory suits – or doesn’t suit – you and your partner(s), if you and the people you love are happy, you’re doing it right.-

Hiya Im Jayy Wonder, your host of Wonder's Spotlight and in this episode we are going to talk about the 4 types of Polyamory.

Can love have the perfect form? Are there some kind of platonic ideal of affection that should be the standard of sex, relationships & friendships?

What if you are in a group that embraces free love?

We talk about Ethically Non- Monogamous (ENM) relationship dynamics can look different for each individual but can look like polyamory, swinging or open relationships.

COMMUNICATION!!! COMMUNICATION!!! COMMUNICATION!!!

1.Relationship Anarchy - best described as love free of concrete definition.

2.Pancake Poly- a relationship where said poly folx share common interests or even live together.

3. Whips & Chains - a BDSM form type of Poly.

4. Unbalanced Poly- an in between of Relationship Anarchy & Pancake Poly

Let's remember that poly isn't ideal for everyone but rather changing evolving thing. there isn't a manual to craft the "perfect" non mono structure.  Remember to educate, grow and love oh yeah and HAPPINESS

Thank you  for Tuning IN!

THEJAYYWONDER - on SOCIAL MEDIA

Mr.Reno Leather Contest 2023 was held at Carl’s The Saloon located at 3310 S Virginia Street Reno, Nevada 89502.  Next Year February 10th 2024 MR RENO LEATHER CONTEST

Empress 46 of The Silver Dollar Court Sharpay Evan-De Leon in association with Reno Men in Gear presented the 2nd Annual Mr. Reno Leather.

1st Place Winner received the Official Leather Stole & Crown, a Custom Leather Vest from Hok Leather. Mr. Reno Leather 2023 Pup Sparky, CONGRATS! Great success in your title year.

Judges : Pup Blaze ( Mr. Reno Leather 2022) has been active in the Reno Leather Community since moving back from Indianapolis. His first leather bar was the 501 Eagle, where he was a regular visitor in his younger days.  His favorite color is Red.  He is passionate about community and mentorship.

Matt Bunch returns to judge Mr Reno Leather after judging our first contest last year. Matt has been an active part of the leather community  since his first trip to the San Francisco Eagle. He is a past member of the Sacramento Valley Leathercorps, co-founded Queer Leather Association Sacramento, served as Mr Sacramento Bolt 2014, reigned as Emperor 41 of Sacramento, and has been the Den Daddy at numerous contests across Northern California.

Gustavo was born in Zacatecas,Mexico and moved to Sacramento, CA in 2007. He describes himself as an adventurous guy who likes to try new things. He started this leather journey at the Bolt Bar where he used to be a bartender. You still can see him pouring some shots, selling raffle tickets, and Jell-O shots, and picking up some glasses during main events at the Bolt. Gustavo was chosen as Mr. Bolt Leather 2012 and had an amazing title year representing his bar and his community, promoting, and producing events to promote wellness and health, like screening for STI, HIV, Cancer, etc., or fundraising events for other organizations. He keeps working with his community but now in the medical field. He thinks education, screening, and adherence are the best tools to stop some of the most common diseases that we have. He lives in Sacramento, CA, and enjoys reading, hiking, dancing, knitting, cycling, and sometimes just being a couch potato. His motto: Live, Learn and Enjoy.

Imperial Courts:

https://renosdc.org/

https://internationalcourtsystem.org/

https://www.cgnie.org/

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/thejayywonder/

BARK! Welcome back! Im your fab host Jayy Wonder. This is a recap of the last time i got to be here. Lets play catch up and find out how 2021 and 2022 had so much growth road bumps, and triumphs. XOXO JAYY WONDER

Lets get down with the topics we all need to have. Coercion & Consent!!! Two very important factors in life, love & relationships. So what defines these two words. So lets put Consent & Consent into the Spotlight. 

Below you can find assistance for help with : Safety & Prevention, Mental Health, Sexual Violence, Identity, Homelessness, Healthy Relationships,  & More services.....

https://gettested.cdc.gov/

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

RAINN ( Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

-Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

-Online: https://www.rainn.org/

Love Is Respect

-Hotline: 1-866-331-9474

-Text: "Love Is" to 866-331-9474

-Online: https://www.loveisrespect.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline

-Hotline: 1-866-799-7233

-Online: https://www.thehotline.org/

The Trevor Project

-Hotline: 1-866-488-7386

-Text: : "Start' to 678-678

-Online: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/