For those who embrace the more kinkier things of the gay scene, and also those who have been curious, these next two weeks will be quite the exciting time. Brisbane Leather Pride 2011 is here!

Playing host to a variety of events, such as dance parties, workshops and movie nights, there’s bound to be something for everyone during this year’s festival.

Sunday the 21st welcomes in Leather Pride with the Official Launch Party. The party includes The Dark Arts launch – an art exhibition about leather and fetish. Leather history display launch, and Boot Co celebrates its 21st anniversary being the longest running men’s leather group in Australia.

Now if that wasn’t enough for a celebration, the launch party will also introduce this year’s Mr Queensland Leather competitors.

Friday the 26th of August, Tom’s Bar takes over upstairs at the Wickham, kicking off the Mr Queensland Leather competition with Round 1. Who will make it to the final is anyone’s guess. Now let’s not forget about the DJs who will keep you dancing to the early hours of the morning.

The Leather Dinner is set to go off on the 27th with a sensational spit roast including jacket potatoes, selection of vegetables and salads, dessert, coffee and the birthday cake. Be treated to an erotic reading during dinner, video slide show, and of course a good gathering that would give the last supper a run for its money!

To take the festival out with a bang is CORIUM 2011 on September 3rd , Brisbane’s most anticipated leather dance party of the year, taking place at St Pauls Tavern, there will be two dance floors featuring DJ Master Sergeant, DJ Fradge, DJ Magnus and Sydney’s DJ Ben Drayton, who will keep those leather Chaps dancing all night. Also taking place will be the Mr Queensland Leather Competition final which will award Best Leather Boy, Best Leather Bear.

Then make your way to the Mineshaft Bar for the Official CORIUM After Party. Think sweaty bodies, leather and dirty tunes, what more could you want?

Not much of a party person? Well never fear there is still a lot to do, with both Mondays of the festival playing host to movie nights up stairs at the Wickham.

From Tuesday August 23 to Thursday August 25, The Dark Arts Exhibition will be on show upstairs at the Wickham and will include the Leather History Display and 21 years of Boot Co memorabilia.

For those that have a curiosity into the darker things of the gay scene, be sure to check out some of the great work shops taking place this year, the 27th in the morning sees Basic Bondage and Ropework and in the afternoon is Intermediate Bondage.

Sunday August 28 is an Introduction to S&M and also Cock & Ball Torture. Then on the 29th My Favourite Things takes place where men bring their favourite toys. Pieces of equipment or object that turns them on. Think of it as a little off beat ‘show and tell’.

Even though these workshops might not be for everyone, we encourage you if you have the slightest curiosity to check them out as the workshops aim to provide a safe and engaging environment for its participants.

There is so much going on for this year’s Brisbane Leather Pride, and for someone naive to the leather scene, the line-up of events has definitely sparked my interest. Who knows, you might see my face pop up, but don’t expect to see me in a pair of chaps!

Will YOU be checking it out?