Getting Sleazy San Fran Style on SameSame.com.au

Next month Folsom Street Fair, the world’s largest leather event, will take over 13 city blocks in downtown San Francisco for a fetish filled day of fun, frivolity and the occasional spanking. Same Same chats to Folsom’s Demetri Moshoyannis about why so many Australians are keen to get sleazy San Fran style.

What numbers are you expecting for Folsom Street Fair this year?
We expect a great turnout this year with approximately 400,000+ people. With the global economy in its current state, we expect to see more Californians and fewer international visitors. Although, I have to say, our Australian numbers are particularly high again. Based on the sales of our Magnitude tickets (the dance party the night before Folsom Street Fair), it appears that the Aussies will outnumber all other foreign nations combined this year. I guess you know a good party!

September is also the best weather in San Francisco so it brings everyone out for a bit of fun in the sun!

What highlights are you particularly looking forward to at Folsom this year?
What most people don’t know is that Folsom Street Fair is the grand finale of a full week’s worth of events during SF Leather Week. So, we’re throwing a Leather Formal Dinner with Varla Jean Merman as our entertainment, the Magnitude dance event with DJ Paul Goodyear, and, of course, the Fair. This year, we have a stellar line up of indie dance and electro bands playing including Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, M.E.N. (featuring JD Samson of Le Tigre), Dirty Sanchez, and an amazing Trannyshack! set with Christeene. If you haven’t seen her Fix My Dick video on FunnyOrDie.com, (NSFW) you’ll be both thoroughly entertained and disgusted. We also have a two dance areas in addition to our two stages and 250 adult exhibitor booths.

What sets Folsom Street Fair apart from other leather/fetish/adult events?
I have visited leather/fetish events all over the world, and most of them are indoors; there are very few that are street festivals. But, compared to the other ones that do exist, like in Toronto, Berlin, New York, I have to say ours is by far the biggest and sexiest. We put a lot of thought into how our Fair is presented, and I like to think it shows. Our exhibitors are also pretty “out there,” featuring creative adult games, super sexy demonstrations, and innovative products. Also, while the men far outnumber the women at Folsom Street Fair, I do think we host way more women and trans people than our counterparts. It’s nice to have a big event in which everyone comes together because everyone has their separate parties before and after anyway.

What do you have to say to Folsom ‘virgins’ who are need a little more convincing to come along to the Fair?
The most important things to know are that you absolutely have to come in the spirit of the fair. That means dressing up in your favorite fetish gear – anything from a sexy sports fantasy to a classic leatherman look – and coming with an open mind. There is a lot to see and do when you’re there, and you can learn a lot just by engaging people and asking the right questions. Stop by a few exhibitor booths, maybe buy a harness, dance and drink, and see a live performance by your favourite band. I’m still so impressed that we’ve had The Presets play out with us not once but twice! In the end, no one’s gonna beat you… unless that’s what you’re looking for.

It’s amazing that Folsom Street Fair gives away all proceeds to local charities. Last year’s donation of over US$340,000 is staggering! How does it feel to be able to inject these funds into needy organisations? And how important is the fundraising aspect to Folsom?
The fundraising aspect of what we do is so important to us that it’s a part of our mission statement. We feel very strongly that we should be giving back to the community, particularly in the areas of public health, human services, recreation and the arts. At the end of the day, it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of our work. A few years ago, we started to donate to charities across North America as well. I’m hoping that we can extend this work internationally in the near future. We’re constantly thinking about ways in which we can engage nonprofits in the profit-sharing of our events.

You’ve mentioned that there’s a steadily increasing Aussie contingent at Folsom Street Fair. Why do you think more Australians are making the 14+ hour trip to San Francisco for Folsom?
I like to think that it’s a direct result of my participation in Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the past two years. But I know I haven’t slept with that many Aussies! Seriously, I think there are a few reasons: Australians and Americans genuinely get along and connect in a very fun-loving way; San Francisco is a special American city because it is more like Western Europe in its values and overall feel; and, I like to think that we do know how to stage some truly fun events! Some of the things you see and experience at Folsom Street Fair are like nothing else – crazy, sexy, outrageous, cool, and truly entertaining. So why not make the trip? You only live once, right?

How important is Folsom Street Fair to San Francisco? And why?
Most major cities each have a special event with which it is connected. So, Rio de Janeiro has its Carnival, New York City has its New Year’s Eve in Times Square, and Sydney has its Mardi Gras. I think that San Franciscans know how special Folsom Street Fair is. The Fair has been voted Best Street Fair by the readers of the SF Bay Guardian for the past five years in a row now.

But, Folsom Street Fair is about creating a safe space for fetish expression. In what other city in the world would you be able to close down 13 city blocks for a day to do that? Of course, The City of San Francisco understands that Folsom Street Fair helps to generate travel and tourism dollars… and, well, in this economy, that’s important too.

Is Folsom Street Fair embraced by the city of San Francisco? An event like that in Sydney would be shut down by the Police in minutes!
San Francisco is one of the most liberal places on the planet. Our values are reflected in our local politicians and even in our police force. For example, many San Francisco events from Bay to Breakers – a big race across town – to SF Pride allow nudity. Nudity in and of itself is not against the law. I think our fairgoers are particularly fond of it, though. Also, the police and the city see how professional we are; we run a tight ship. If there are ever any complaints, we address them quickly and effectively. We work co-operatively with residents, business owners, and even politicians to make sure that the Fair is a winning outcome all around.

The 26th Folsom Street Fair 2009 will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 11am to 6pm. For the full scoop click here (NSFW).