There's a new zine Iaunching in time for Folsom Europe and for the leather / kink community, called 'Manumission'.
It has been conceived of, championed and actioned - by Nigel Whitfield (he), one of my co-members of the Leather Hall of Fame Committee, and a journalist also involved with the kink and leather scene since the early 90s. Nigel created the UK's first LGBT internet email list - uk-motts. Nigel was director of BLUF from 2009-2026, from which he stepped down from running the club only recently. He has also organised IGNITE evenings at Backstreet, and led the campaign to save the venue from redevelopment, and is an all round legend in the kink scene.
The associate editor is Kell w Farshéa (they), a long time queer activist and founder of the Countdown on Spanner campaign and SM Pride. It’s published by SubDirectory Ltd.
Each issue will feature a selection of essays, which may include politics, media, history, theory and practice. They intend to aim to include a broad range of writers, across genders and sexualities. (If you’re kinky, and have something to say, the Manumission team would be delighted to hear from you. You may also want to refer to their style and submission guide.)
I have been busy over the weekend whizzing up an article for the first edition of Manumission, which is titled: 'Reaper of the birch meadow'.
What's with the name? It's on the 19th Century Governess Dominatrix Theresa Berkley, including - and tied into the headline - my recent discovery that Theresa means harvester or reaper, and Berkley - means birch meadow. Thus Theresa Berkley's name meant 'Reaper of the birch meadow'. The 4 page article includes all kinds of titbits about Berkley's operations, her equipment (including the famous 'Berkley Horse'), the women working for her, what distinguished the profession in the 19th Century, and what makes for a good Governess Dominatrix.
The website for the zine is https://subdirectory.uk/manumission
I hope the world kink community will embrace it. Nigel says the first edition is free of charge, and out at events in UK / Europe this autumn. Subsequent editions Nigel is hoping to have out at around £10 including worldwide postage.
Amongst topics to be covered will be:
* Spiritual homes - focus on a venue or club that was an important part of the scene but is no longer with us - like Chain Reaction, Der Putsch and The Backstreet in London, Mineshaft in New York, or Argos in Amsterdam.
* Sacred texts - a review of key texts of leather and SM, reassessing it for the 21st Century
* From the archives - some of the best or most important writing from previous publications, and highlight the work of archives in preserving the stories of our community.
* Focus - A look at a club or venue that plays an important part in the scene today. What is it, where is it, how do you access it, and why it’s special.
* Need to know - A profile of a significant person in the world of kink, leather or SM. From early practitioners, to gear makers, event organisers, and more, we’ll spotlight the stories and contributions of people who helped make our culture.
For those wanting a copy of the first issue - you can reserve one for £3.50 postage on the website. So hop to it! (Whip stroke):
https://subdirectory.uk/manumission