Black Leather Legends
Join Black Queer Dom Society (BQDS) and The Exiles for an extraordinary evening celebrating Black leather history, leadership, resilience, and community.
A Once-in-a-Generation Conversation During Folsom Week
For the first time in years, four original members of the legendary Pearls: Lady D, Queen Cougar, Jill Carter, and Goddess Lakshmi, will gather for an intimate conversation reflecting on decades of leather history, chosen family, activism, mentorship, and the enduring legacy of Black women in leather.
Moderated by Black Queer Dom, the evening will begin with a community grounding, creating space to honor the generations of leaders who built the communities we enjoy today. Together, our panelists will share personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and reflections on preserving Black Leather history for future generations.
The evening will conclude with a special recognition ceremony presented by BQD, honoring the panelists through gifts and flowers in celebration of their lasting contributions to our community.
Whether you've walked beside these legends for decades or are hearing their stories for the very first time, this promises to be one of the most memorable educational events of Folsom Week.
A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
you must register to attend
Reserve Your Spot
Seating for the Leather Legends Panel is limited, and advance registration is required. The panel itself is completely free to attend.
The $50 VIP Meet & Greet is optional and is available for those who would like social time with the panelists while helping support their travel and expenses during Folsom Week.
VIP Meet & Greet
Spend time with the panelists before the discussion begins in an intimate meet-and-greet.
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Tickets: $50
All proceeds go directly to our Leather Legends to help support their travel and expenses during Folsom Week.
Leather Legends Panel
Time: 7:00-9:30pm
Tickets - FREE
Featured Panelists
Lady D
Queen Cougar
Jill Carter
Goddess Lakshmi
Moderator: Black Queer Dom
Bios Coming Soon
Visit the BQDS Pop-Up Shop
Be sure to stop by the Black Queer Dom Pop-Up Shop, featuring a variety of wellness products. Your purchases directly support BQDS's educational programming, cultural preservation, and community-building initiatives.
Who Is This Event For?
This event is open to everyone. We especially encourage members of the leather, BDSM, and kink communities, historians, educators, and anyone interested in Black queer history and community leadership.
About Black Queer Dom Society
Black Queer Dom Society (BQDS) is a community organization dedicated to uplifting Black queer Dominants through education, leadership development, cultural preservation, and community building. BQDS creates spaces where Black leather history, power exchange, and ancestral knowledge are honored while fostering the next generation of Black kink leaders.
https://www.blackqueerdom.com/
About The Exiles
Founded in 1997, The Exiles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing leather education, history, mentorship, and community. Rooted in the legacy of Samois and Outcasts, The Exiles creates educational programming, social events, and community spaces centered on women, nonbinary, and transgender leather, BDSM, and kink communities.
https://theexiles.org/
About the Tenderloin Museum
The Tenderloin Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history, culture, and resilience of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood through exhibitions, educational programming, and community partnerships. As the home of Compton's Cafeteria Riot, the museum is dedicated to preserving LGBTQ+ history and amplifying the stories of the communities whose activism and resilience have shaped the Tenderloin and beyond.
https://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/
Explore the Full Festival
These events are part of Unapologetically Black: Folsom 2026, a collaborative celebration organized by Black Queer Dom Society (BQDS) and produced in partnership with organizations and community leaders throughout Folsom Week.
From educational panels to social gatherings, play parties and community events, Black Folsom highlights the richness, resilience, and creativity of Black queer leather communities.
Visit Bennett’s Website for the full schedule.
https://www.bolt-cutters.com/black-folsom