ONYX Gulf Coast

About Us

Membership

ONYX is an organization formed and operated by Men of Color who enjoy the leather lifestyle. ONYX sets as its goal to provide an informational and social organization to address issues specific to people of color who chose to project the positive aspects of the leather lifestyle and support our community and economic initiatives. Support, spirituality, safety, and saneness are keys to attaining our goals. Toward this end, it is the principle aim of ONYX to develop in its members’ the highest standards of loyalty to the laws and established code of ONYX and to treat all in society with honor, unselfishness, and tolerance. It is the responsibility of each member to uphold the traditions, standards, and practices of this organization as well as the time-honored principles of democracy on which this country was built. It is the fundamental belief of this organization that no finer means is offered for the achievement of these aims than the brotherly association of persons with similar tastes, inclinations, and goals. ONYX was founded in 1995 in Chicago to provide education, fraternization and serve as a bridge for Men of Color to the greater Leather community. Mufasa organized the founding members. The Founding Fathers of ONYX were: Mufasa, David M., Steve B., Nate G. and Wes G. They formed the first Board of Officers with Mufasa (President), Nate (Vice President), David (Pledge Master), Wes (Secretary) and Steve (Treasurer). ONYX’s first pledge was Bill H. and the colors were designed by ONYX brother Charles C. of Caliber Leathers. ONYX has had a long-standing reputation within the Leather Community with members nationwide and internationally. We are the longest existing Leather club for People of Color and are known for our hospitality and our infamous annual ONYX Leather Dance at International Mr. Leather Weekend in Chicago and our Gear Show/Cocktail party at Mid Atlantic Leather in Washington, DC. ONYX celebrates its bi-annual anniversary Weekend Run “BLACKOUT” hosted by one of our Nine Chapters! ONYX has always been involved in charity work. There are nine chapters: Midwest (based in Chicago), Southeast (based in Atlanta), Northeast (based in New York City), Mid-Atlantic (based in Washington, DC), Southwest (based in Los Angeles), Great Lakes (based in Cleveland and Detroit), Northwest (based in San Francisco), Lone Star (based in Dallas) and Deep South (based in Ft. Lauderdale) where each chapter is involved in contributing back to the Leather, LGBTQ and People of Color communities. HIV prevention and care organizations and those that aid youth have always been of note. ONYX Gulf Coast chapter was founded in October 2021 to provide education, fraternization and serve as a bridge for Men of Color to the Gulf Coast community. The Founding Fathers of ONYX Gulf Coast are Marcus, Brandon, Maurice, Leonard and Geius. Their first bar night was held at the New Orleans Phoenix on the Last Saturday of October, Halloween Weekend, in 2021. Our bar night was on the last Saturday of every other month. The brothers in the New Orleans were approached by the Reneged Bears to cover their Beer Bust night for a short several weeks until September 2022. We host a bi monthly club night at the Phoenix bar in New Orleans ONYX Gulf Coast has had the pleasure of connecting with many Leather Clubs/Organizations and LGBTQ events throughout the Gulf Coast area including New Orleans Pride, Southern Decadence, BLeather in Mobile, Leather to Geaux and many more! ONYX Gulf Coast is a regional chapter of The Men of ONYX Inc., which is a National Organization. That means we exist as a chapter to a larger organization that is nationally governed. Our mission is the same as that of The Men of ONYX, Inc. and we hold true to the values and principles of the ONYX Men Code. All who support our cause may become members of ONYX. We thank the elders in the People of Color Leather Community for paving the way for us to exist. ONYX honors that tradition and looks forward to many more years.

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Membership

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

ONYX is a Leather/BDSM Fraternity for Gay, Bi and Trans Men of Color. Our organizational mission is to Educate, Explore and Empower. We educate Men of Color about the Leather/BDSM/Fetish/Kink community, providing a safe space for exploration, and empowering all to live their Leather journey more freely, safely, and happily. There is much more to ONYX than just having a good time or wearing Leather/Kink/Fetish gear. Our Brotherhood is about togetherness and supporting our Leather/Kink Community!

The Vice President and Pledge Master will conduct an interest gathering that could take place at a scheduled bar night or other ONYX Gulfcoast meeting. At this gathering, you will be provided the opportunity to meet all the current members and ask any questions you may have about the organization in general or chapter in particular. Prior to this interest meeting, you would be encouraged to attend our events, allowing you to get to know us and vice versa.

There will also be a vetting process established by the Membership Chair and Vice President that will allow all members to participate in the interviewing process. Those brothers participating will be responsible to reporting all findings to the Membership Chair to determine recommendation to the coming pledge class. Upon acceptance into the pledge class, you will be provided with your requirements, including attending meetings, completing assignments and active participation in ONYX events during the pledge period.

Prospective Pledges and Associates must understand that this is a Leather, Bondage/Discipline/SadoMasochism (BDSM), Kink, Fetish, Gear, Brotherhood, and one MUST have a serious, demonstrable, and abiding interest or advanced training to be an ONYX Man. Not just anyone can be an ONYX Man! When pledging, prospective members will always conduct themselves with respect. If, and when, you become a Man of ONYX or an as Associate, you must understand that you are an ONYX Man whether you are wearing an ONYX patch or not!

To become a member or to renew your membership, please take a moment to complete this form. New members must attach a photo (face pic) along with their application.

Membership Applications will be accepted all year round, but we will have a deadline for specific pledge lines. If you missed the deadline for a pledge line, you will be in contacted when we have a new pledge line!

Applications for our (Summer 2022) Pledge Line is CLOSED!

Membership Levels:

FULL BROTHER: Open only to Men of Color living within the Southeast region (South Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi) with intention of active participation. You will receive voting rights, eligible for elective offices and a seat as a representative at formal business meetings. You must not be a full member of any other club of this type. Leasing of colors granted. Initiation and yearly fees apply. Photo and proof of age required.

ASSOCIATE: Open to all regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identification, club affiliation or distance. Leasing of associate colors (small insignia) only granted. Yearly fees apply. In person or video interview required. Photo and proof of age required.

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