The Leather Fraternity, the leather culture classified ad and correspondence organization was founded by John Embry (1927-2010) in the early 1970’s during the formative years of Drummer magazine. The materials here begin in about 1973. Fraternity appears to have grown out of Embry’s leather-oriented mail-order publishing concern and bimonthly brochure distributed in Los Angeles gay bars, each under the name Robert Payne. The Fraternity ads were an integral part of the early DRUMMER magazine issues.

Interesting all documents and files are restricted due to the personal and private nature of the files until 2055 @ Stanford University. [From dealer information]

*CAN YOU HELP?

Since 2008 Back2Stonewall has strived to educate the LGBT community about our history and noteworthy news stories. I have done so out of love, pocketing all expenses for all these years to avoid annoying potentially harmful ads. But due to the overwhelming medical bills I cannot continue on without your help. (And believe me I do hate to ask) As many of you know, and many don’t for the past 2 years I have been suffering with infections in first my left foot and then my right ankle which looks like it will have to be amputated in the near future. Medical bills, equipment, medications have wiped out my savings and retirement fund because I have been unable to work and disability retirement is extremely backed up because of COVID and quite simply I am out of funds to run the site or deal with my bills and mortgage.

If you can make a donation , any size to help keep Back2Stonewall and my life going it would be greatly appreciated and never forgotten.

Thank you: Will

PAYPAL will@back2stonewall.com

VENMO @Will-Kohler-1

GOFUNDME: https://gofund.me/a1ea206a