Tampa Bay Bondage Club

The Leather Community is often associated with the BDSM world, and that’s completely okay with Ross Scudder and Tim Thomas, the founder and president, respectively, of the Tampa Bay Bondage Club.

The club was formed as a way for gay men to share their interest in leather, rope and steel bondage, the group’s website explains. It also encourages the promotion of safe and consensual practices of bondage.

Thomas, who is recognized around Tampa Bay as a volunteer for numerous non-profit groups, is relatively new to the Leather Community.

“I’m a novice, I guess, and a boy to only one man,” the 54 year old says.

He has been partnered for 22 years, but is also the exclusive boy to Sir Craig. He explains the arrangement has the approval of all three men.

Scudder, 55, identifies as a sub or bottom, has been active in the leather community for three decades. He is partnered and he and his significant other have an understanding when it comes to recreational play.

The Tampa native says his interest in the community came about because of his attraction to “masculine men.” Interestingly, he is also an ordained deacon with MCC Tampa.

“Religion and leather go together,” Scudder explains. “There’s a spiritual element in both. I truly believe that when I am flogged, I go into a trance—into the space before God.”

Scudder was raised Episcopalian and identifies as a Christian. He says he didn’t venture into the leather community until after he graduated from college.

Both men relate to the “Old Guard” of the Leather Community, meaning they have a respect for traditions. Thomas is hopeful that the “Young Guard” coming up will develop similar feelings.

“The younger crowd needs to pay attention to the 60-years-and-older people,” Thomas says. “They are not always pretty, but they are full of knowledge and they know what they are doing.”

For more information on the Tampa Bay Bondage Club, visit TampaBayBondageClub.org.

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