What is a Leather boy in Old Guard Leather

The use of the word “boy” in the leather scene and more generally in the kink scene has become one of the most frequent and over-acted terms in use. Actually, in Old Guard Leather being a boy is an actual title (which therefor has to do with identity and attitude) and comes with a meaning, rights and duties. Like everything in leather culture, differently from what the scene has become in the late second decade of the 21st century, titles, words and actions have a meaning and a value that goes beyond cosmetics and appearance.

What is a Leather boy?

In Old Guard Leather traditions, newcomers to the scene would always start as boys, if they wanted to pursue the correct path to becoming a Leatherman. In the community there were figures that were able to give appropriate Mentoring: Leather Daddies (who could also be subs), Leather Masters, and other experts.

Normally the boy would seek mentoring from a man he had admired for his skills, power, commitment, intelligence and so on; while normally the boy would most of the time be a submissive, as most of the young men attracted to Leather, this was not a rule. Boys who wanted to be Mentored to become Masters were and are extremely welcomed and sook after.

To train an Alpha boy and to plant the seeds for everything that you are as a Leather Master, and to know that your heritage will live on in that boy and the future generations, is priceless and hast to do with something that rides with the basic human instincts since the dawn of time.

Being a boy in the context of Leather lifestyle

Being a boy in the Leather scene often signifies a newcomer’s journey, usually guided by a Mentor or the search for one. This initial role can evolve as the boy discovers his true identity, whether that be as a slave, dog, horse, pig, Sir, Master, or any other identity within the Leather community. However, some choose to remain boys, finding deep satisfaction and pleasure in this identity.

The essence of being a boy revolves around identity. Some men become boys to learn and grow under the guidance of a Mentor, while others find fulfillment in embracing and staying as a boy. This journey involves significant learning and absorption, often marked by patience from Dominants who understand the boy’s need to confront fears, taboos, and emotional challenges at his own pace.

Learning Respect is paramount for a boy in Leather. He must honor all titles within the community, recognizing that others possess knowledge and experience from which he can learn. The boy’s journey is supported by the community, which acknowledges the struggle and sometimes painful path of self-discovery and acceptance.

A boy is neither always right nor always wrong. His development stage often dictates a more flexible application of High Protocols and the postponement of certain practices, especially those involving heavier BDSM, until he is ready. This careful attention and patience are his right but should never be abused or taken for granted. The boy must appreciate those aiding his growth and learning curve.

Learning to let go of pride and ego is crucial for a boy. Understanding that being a Leatherman is an honor, not a default right, means respecting the duties that come with it. A boy has a duty to respect others, listen, learn, grow, ask questions, and know he is free to leave if Leather life is not for him, but he cannot change the community to suit his preferences.

Service to his Master is a fundamental duty. A good Master provides a path and framework for the boy to develop and become his best self, without bending him to his will gratuitously. Being a boy does not grant the freedom to act as one pleases; it means receiving guidance with a softer hand from the Mentor, who still maintains a firm approach.

Being a boy is a privilege. Honest and total submission is an achievement, not demeaning. This submission fosters gratitude and admiration for the Mentor and for himself, helping the boy understand the basic mechanism of power exchange. A good boy never abuses his privileges, recognizing them as temporary measures to ensure a safe and comprehensive introduction to a world of honor, courage, love, commitment, pain, discipline, and intense power dynamics.

Ultimately, a boy learns the foundational aspects of the Leather scene and, alongside his Mentor, determines his path of development. Whether he remains a boy or transitions to another role, the training shapes him into a true Leatherman.

What a Leather boy isn’t

A boy is a very different figure from the general submissive or the slave. While the term sub indicates the general submissive identity (a slave is a submissive, a boy is most often a submissive, a submissive bottom can be submissive whilst not being a slave or a boy), and is generally used to define a person who has not a fixed strong identity associated with this personality, the term boy just like the term slave indicates a very specific identity.

First off, a Leather boy is not merely a younger submissive bottom. This role involves responsibility, commitment, and accountability for actions. A Leather boy does not shirk duties or avoid accountability. They are not brats testing boundaries without a sense of dedication and respect.

Contrary to common misconceptions, a Leather boy is not necessarily young. They are not know-it-alls who feel entitled to alter rules to suit their own agenda. The identity does not grant them the right to hurt others’ feelings under the guise of being a boy. This role demands seriousness and commitment to the lifestyle, making it unsuitable for those seeking an easy path.

A Leather boy is not someone who casually tries out people and relationships without commitment. Boys are not simply bottoms seeking tops, nor are they exclusively bottoms. The title does not require ownership of expensive leather or a particular level of sexuality, whether hypersexual or asexual.

Importantly, a Leather boy does not manipulate the Dom’s empathy using past difficulties or traumas as excuses to avoid growth. They are also not toys for others’ amusement, nor do they occupy a princely or princess-like status within the community. Like everyone else should, a Leather boy works hard and contributes meaningfully to the Leather world.

Everyone has the right to be a boy, in Leather.

Many people grow up in environments where showing vulnerability is discouraged, with societal expectations defining “being a man.” In Leather, you are reborn, starting anew with identity awareness and fulfillment. At this stage, it’s normal and expected not to know everything and to need guidance.

In Italy, we say, “nobody is born learnt.” This means that as children, we aren’t expected to handle everything or understand complex matters without guidance from attentive parents, and the same goes in Leather. You are not supposed to know everything. You are supposed to have the humility of admitting what you don’t know, and the curiosity and humbleness to be available to learn

• Everyone has the right to put down their Muir Cap and ask for Mentoring.
• Everyone has the right to be a boy and be cared for.
• Everyone has the right to fail and learn in training.
• Everyone has the right to be submissive, even the strongest Masters.
• With true commitment, everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in a relationship that builds them up.
• Everyone has the right to be a boy regardless of age, body shape, or attractiveness.
• Everyone has the right to be a boy, as long as they are serious and committed.

In Leather, the right to be a boy is grounded in sincerity, commitment, and personal growth, allowing for vulnerability and support in a nurturing environment.

Different types of boys in Leather culture

Although every setting and family can have their own definitions, frequently a boy has a sufffix or prefix to his title, to define his personality to the community or the pack, and also to validate it and make it official, depending on the boy’s tendencies and nature.

Hereby follow some examples:

Alpha boy: usually a boy who is learning the path to become a Sir, and has gained privileges of Alpha over the rest of the subs pack. He will have also more responsibilities though; an Alpha boy takes body discipline heavier than other boys, has to do harder work than other boys, has to be an example to the other boys and has to put the boys to sleep when it’s time, or assist them in their emotional and physical journey. An Alpha boy is protective towards the pack, but is not justified from the duties of a boy. He is generally dominant with other subs, but also needs to be submissive.

Beta boy: as the name suggests, he is not an alpha and he is actually submissive to not just the Sirs but also other boys. He is in most cases a submissive who is going to develop into a slave or a full time sub, or to stay a boy. He is an individual that takes a lot of pleasure out of providing service, and doesn’t need to be constantly compensated or told he is doing a good job. He feels at the highest when his help or service are required also by other parts of the family, and is often a creative and sweet person.

Sissy boy/girl: being a sissy has to do with the emasculation or feminization of the masculinity in a boy who feels so much better and more comfortable in a male-female dynamic, where his femininity is not only welcomed, but valued and requested. Often in chastity, and having only sexual intercourse with his mouth and anus, can be wearing female clothing and detailing, or simply feminine underwear. The sexuality with these type of boys is generally different and less “Extreme BDSM” oriented than other boys, and requires therefor the right Master for it. This doesn’t mean that a Sissy boy is a less strong individual than an Alpha boy. To accept and embrace every kind of radical identity requires bigger balls than any.

Pussy boy: A pussy boy is pretty much like a sissy boy but without the necessary feminization or emasculation. He is, behaves and feels like a male boy that is used by other men and especially older men for their pleasure. The boy feels good about being always at any time available and of service and at the same time being poked in a friendly and consensual environment with sexist comments or names by the Dominants. This enriches both his and the Dom’s experience in a healthy way, as to both of the individual this isn’t a toxic dynamic, but something that feels very good.

Conclusions

These are simply some examples; the most beautiful thing in this lifestyle, once the basic core values and Protocols are respected, is the freedom to express authenticity. I, for example, was called boy-boy during my training, even though I was an Alpha boy; as I have embraced all the Fetishes and I was an Alpha, my Mentor thought so highly of me to consider that I was, in his own mind of course, an all-rounder boy.

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