LadyHugs
Posts: 2299
Joined: 1/1/2004 Status: offline
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Dear Rover, Archer, Ladies and Gentlemen; Old Guard is in of itself a term and a mark in history. In my sense of the word "Guard," the community standards of our generation and those following, will always take things from the past and borrowed from the past, just like the "Old Guard" did when tying in military protocols and such to the 60's and 70's. Indeed, there are things of value that benefits each generation and their guardianship of such knowledge, skills and values; to which inspired the "Old Guard" of Leather Gay men of their time and is worth visiting to inspire today and in years to come. Touching briefly on it in prior posts, to where the sense of community was more than words but, put into motion. Certainly, not all are able to help in specific ways but, connections might lead to those who can help in specific ways, such as medical care and difficulties finding solutions. Things to which often get missed, to where we all are "Guards" when we practice, we teach, we mentor, we reach out unselfishly. No leather and or lifestyle generation has it easy. There are at times same problems but, manifested in a different way. But, like any Guard, to those seeing from the outside, they see no need for "Guard" mentally/logically. But, in a sense--Guards are family, a brother-sisterhood, in which the aspects of watching out for each other, helping each other and sharing with each other is more the 'mind's eye' I see as "Guards." In my day, in the 1970's; it was indeed entrenched "Old Guard" Leathermen who were indeed excluding all but Gay men. There were those cut from the same cloth but, saw there was a dire need for them to venture into the Heterosexual community to help uncover their own foundation stones as to create their own 'community.' It wasn't undermine of the Gay Leather Community in doing so, nor was it undermine of "Old Guard." But, it was that 'hand out to help up' mentality of Old Guard to which we benefit from and, in my mind's eye we would benefit more from, if more practiced it--rather than 'b_tching' about. It is stepping "in" to help regardless if it is Gay Leatherman into Heterosexual or Heterosexual stepping into Gay Leathermen's community. It isn't taking over either but, a form of rallying and supporting and withdrawl as to let that community go on about its business. It would be no difference in a time of need, seeing Marines stepping in to help the Army. When the Marines needed a bit of support, Army stepping in. Its all the same 'mission' and that is seeing people finding their life's bliss (happiness) with all the loving and helpful support of those with like mind. It all boils down about the care of other people, helping others without the intent to make a big pat on the back and draw attention to themselves sort of deal. Many give silently. Our attitude was, how may I be of help?! The hope was always, to see budding relationships last for a very, very long time. Masters counciled Masters, helping through times of pain, confusion or discovery, technique issues and or passing on new ideas. Slaves counciled slaves, helping through times of pain, discovery, confusion, passing on ideas and helpful hints, especially when their efforts in bootblacking was hard to grasp at first, as well as leather care and such. For Masters (Mistresses) and slaves a like; there was never a dumb question and there was never a sarcastic or mean response; even if it was asked 1,000,000 times before. Sometimes, there was a pebble of information that didn't surface before, when answered, 9,999,999 times prior. The, no better than anybody else attitude, is another gem that comes to mind; to which I would like to see more of. Things like that, I would like the Guards to pass down to the next Guards. Respectfully submitted for consideration, Lady Hugs
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