LRA-Chicago
Hans Blanken and the Leather Rose
The LRA, as you know it today, differs greatly from the initial legacy organization that sought to provide a haven for those in the Chicago land D/s community. LRA feels privileged to be the heir to the high-minded ideals and commitments that first gave birth to its predecessor over twenty years ago.
More than twenty years ago, two gentlemen, Dave and Hans were engaged in the publication of D/s-related newspapers in the Aurora area. They shared an intense interest in this area of sexuality and were dissatisfied that there were no organizations in the area for like-minded people to gather. Initially formed as a couples club, the organization met over their print shop and provided a place where local D/s friendly folks could get together to meet and socialize.
A few years later, upon the break up of their partnership, Hans devoted his efforts full-time to promoting the D/s lifestyle. He moved to Chicago and began operating an online D/s bulletin board as well as selling and renting S&M videos that were not available at your local video store or elsewhere in the area. Again realizing that people were searching for a place to socialize with like-minded people on a regular basis, Hans created The Leather Rose. The Leather Rose was the first public dungeon club in Chicago and was initially located in the Cornelia Arts Center, located on Ravenswood in Chicago. As Hans will agree, municipal regulations were never his biggest concern and eventually, he closed the club, deciding to focus on the production of D/s events at local clubs like Shelter, Aftermath, and others.
After a few years of producing local events and regularly being asked when the Leather Rose would reopen, Hans found the club's new home on West Fullerton Avenue. He combined an enlarged retail presence, along with a new dungeon that was substantially larger than the Cornelia Arts Center location. Once again, local D/s devotees again had a welcoming place to socialize and explore their interests. During this time, Hans was assisted by many, including his right-hand person, local Mistress Simone, who devoted countless hours to improving the club.
Sadly the new millennium was not kind to small local music, theater, art, and alternative interest clubs in Chicago. The City of Chicago enforced a crackdown of its public place of amusement ordinance, and many small venues that could not afford this expensive license were forced to close. Not wishing to see the club disappear and deciding it was time to return to his native Holland, Hans approached several long-time members of the Leather Rose and asked if they were interested in continuing the club.
Determined not to run afoul of city ordinances again, the members and Hans consulted with local attorneys, and it was determined that the ideals and the desire to provide a safe kink-friendly club could be fulfilled by creating a not-for-profit organization that would be run by its members. Once the necessary legal documents were completed, The new LRA was born. LRA would be an independent organization from the former Leather Rose, yet still committed to the same ideals and desires.
In 2004, LRA moved to its current space on Clark Street. The new space provided off-street parking and more playroom along with the possibility of expansion for coming years. The LRA has been ably served by all its members but especially by the three individuals who have served as its president since its creation. Steve C, Steve E., and Lady Isis. They have all made valuable contributions and have worked hard to improve the club for its members and the community at large. LRA is fully licensed (by the City of Chicago) and insured and remains committed to serving its members by maintaining a place where those who have an interest in this area of sexuality can come and explore it in a safe and welcoming environment.
http://www.lra-chicago.org/lra-chicago-bdsm-leather-history.html
See also [ Vetting ]
Welcome to the LRA! The LRA Board and its Members Welcome You! LRA is a volunteer operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides education, space for social and community-building activities, and support for adults who share an interest in the many different expressions of power dynamics in love and play.
LRA is the oldest Chicago pansexual organization, open to those of any sexual orientation. Our space is open to those aged nineteen (19) or older who wish to explore these interests in the context of consensual, caring relationships. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and safe environment in which to learn and practice with others who have similar enthusiasm for our mission.
LRA holds regular educational events, open to the public, on a regular basis. Please see the calendar and check our FetLife group for upcoming events..
For the enjoyment of its members and their guests, the LRA provides over 2,500 square feet of BDSM dungeon space with multiple play areas covering all interests. There is also a relaxing social area where you can have a non-alcoholic refreshment at the bar, watch movies or meet new friends. So come on in, take a tour, or plan a visit to us and see why you should be at the LRA.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the LRA board members. Please let us know how we can make your experience even better!
We welcome all messages and friend requests. For a quick response to inquiries, please contact us at club-services@lra-chicago.org.
Gopride.com website Updated: April 2023 |
The LRA is a private, non-profit membership organization that provides a welcoming social club for the many different expressions of power in love and play. The LRA is a support, education, and social organization for adults aged nineteen (19) or older who share these interests in the context of caring relationships. The LRA is a pansexual organization open to those of any sexual orientation. We aim to provide a comfortable, safe, and discreet environment where one can meet others of like mind.
LRA BDSM Dungeon Leather Social Club
- 6525 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60625
- member-services@lra-chicago.org
- http://www.lra-chicago.org
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