ONYX Southwest serves as a bridge for Men of Color to the greater Leather community
BY MARK ARIEL
ONYX is a non-profit organization formed and operated by Men of Color who enjoy the leather lifestyle. ONYX’s goal is 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 to support their community and economic initiatives.
The Southwest (ONYX-SW) chapter is centered in the Los Angeles/San Diego/Palm Springs areas and Southwestern states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah.
Chad Onyx, the current President of ONYX Southwest, was born and raised in Virginia and moved to Los Angeles by way of Chicago in 1998.
When asked how he got involved with the organization Chad reveals that a friend “Ed Greg, who was a member at the time, invited me to an ONYX event. I met the other Brothers and had an instant connection with them. One member stood out to me, and he’s part of why I returned. Now, twenty-eight years later, I’m still proud to be a member.”
“We’re here as a community organization to support you whenever you face injustice. If you’re seeking a place where you belong, there’s a spot waiting for you at our table, and we’re committed to amplifying your voice, not silencing it.”
In 2014, says Chad, “we initiated discussions with Charlie Matula, one of the owners of Eagle LA, regarding the potential for Eagle to serve as the chapter’s home bar. Charlie agreed, and the rest is history.”
“When ONYX Southwest first kicked off, there was a mix of excitement and resistance, like with anything new,” says Chad. “The LA Leather Community wasn’t sure what we’d bring to the table.”
“We’re all about inclusivity,” states Chad. “Anyone’s welcome to join, no matter race, gender, or status, as long as you’re open-minded and keen to learn. That was unheard of in this area so there was some trepidation and chatter about us. Because we’re all about community, we’re super active with fundraising and embrace diversity and inclusivity. Nowadays, people appreciate what we’re about, but that wasn’t always the case.”
To put everything in perspective, explains Chad, “I want everyone in the community to know that ONYX Southwest is a safe haven where you can fully embrace your kinky side without worrying about being judged. We’re here as a community organization to support you whenever you face injustice. If you’re seeking a place where you belong, there’s a spot waiting for you at our table, and we’re committed to amplifying your voice, not silencing it. Learn more about us at www.onyxsw.com.”
