Contributor Guidelines

Thank you for helping preserve the history, culture, and lived experiences of gay BDSM communities. Every contribution — a story, a photograph, a flyer, a memory — helps build a richer, more accurate archive for future generations.

These guidelines ensure that all submissions are handled with respect, clarity, and care.

1. Consent & Permissions

🔹 Only submit material you have the right to share

You may contribute:

• • Your own writing
  • Your own photographs or artwork
  • Materials you created for clubs, events, or organizations
  • Items you have explicit permission to share

If other people appear in your materials, please ensure they would be comfortable being included in a public archive.

🔹 Anonymity is always an option

You may:

• • Use your full name
  • Use a pseudonym
  • Remain anonymous

We respect your privacy and your boundaries.

2. Content Standards

🔹 Keep submissions non‑explicit

The archive focuses on culture, history, aesthetics, community spaces, and personal reflections — not graphic sexual detail.
Stories should center on:

• • Identity and self‑discovery
  • Community traditions
  • Leather culture
  • Mentorship and relationships
  • Activism and organizing
  • Personal experiences with consent, trust, and communication

Images should document:

• • Events
  • Clubs and community spaces
  • Fashion and symbolism
  • Pride and protest
  • Social gatherings
  • Historical materials

🔹 Respectful language

Submissions should avoid derogatory or demeaning language toward individuals or groups.

3. Accuracy & Context

🔹 Provide dates, locations, and background when possible

Even approximate information helps future researchers and community members understand the significance of your contribution.

🔹 Identify people, places, or events if you can

If you’re unsure, feel free to note that — the archive welcomes partial information.

4. Safety & Community Ethics

🔹 Emphasize consent

BDSM communities have long histories of teaching negotiation, boundaries, and safety. Submissions should reflect those values.

🔹 No depictions of harm or unsafe practices

This archive is not a place for content that promotes or glorifies dangerous behaviour.

5. File & Format Guidelines

You may submit:

• • Written stories or essays
  • Scanned photographs or digital images
  • Flyers, posters, or event materials
  • Oral histories (audio or transcribed)
  • Artwork or design materials

If you’re unsure whether something fits, you’re welcome to ask — the archive is broad by design.

6. How Your Contribution Will Be Used

By submitting, you agree that your materials may be:

• • Displayed publicly on the archive
  • Included in curated collections
  • Used for educational or historical purposes

We will never sell or commercially license your materials.

If you ever want your contribution removed or updated, you can request that at any time.

7. Community Spirit

This archive exists because people like you choose to share pieces of their lives.
Your contribution helps:

• • Preserve queer history
  • Educate future generations
  • Celebrate the creativity and resilience of gay BDSM communities
  • Ensure these stories are never lost or erased

Thank you for being part of this work.