Asking Spring Hill couple Sir Shadow and Topher if they support marriage equality will elicit a sly smile. That’s because the two, who identify as a Dom and a pup, respectively, were legally married in New York last year.
“He is my husband first,” explains Topher, 33.
Sir Shadow, 45, agrees, adding that “We’re equal partners in the relationship. The play lifestyle is far down that list.”
During the day Sir Shadow works in tech support. Topher is employed by an insurance review company.
Both admit that maintaining a successful marriage is difficult, especially with so many different sexual dynamics in the Leather Community. But they are very clear about the rules of their relationship, even while running the Florida Puppy Contest each fall at the Flamingo Resort.
“The Leather Community has a history of being very visible,” says Topher. “Of course we support marriage equality and the community is at the forefront of that fight. The Old Guard actually laid the groundwork for where we are now in history. It was them who stood up with the drag queen at Stonewall and demanded an end to discrimination.”
And by remaining visible, the Leather Community still stands for an end to discrimination, although oftentimes it’s something it must combat from fellow LGBTs.
“I want people to come ask me questions,” Topher says of the overall LGBT community. “Everyone is ready to share their story. Stay off the internet and the bad sites with misinformation and find local people you can trust to safely help you explore the lifestyle.”
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