GMSMA Milestones
By Gil

August 2, 1980

Brian publishes an ad in Gay Community News with aim to start an organization for men interested in s/m.

December 1980

The name Gay-Male-S/M Activists is adopted.

January 14, 1981

GMSMA holds its first public meeting.

June 1981

GMSMA marches in the Gay/Lesbian Pride Parade for the first time.

December 1981

GMSMA holds first Bizarre Bazaar at the Mineshaft.

December 1981

GMSMA logo is created by Peter.

April 1982

GMSMA's first newsletter, GMSMA News, is published.

August 20-22, 1982

GMSMA's first Board Retreat is held at Green Mountain View Inn, in Tannersville, N.Y.

January 15, 1983

First Masters Auction is held at the Spike.

August 17, 1983

The full phrase safe, sane, consensual is formulated by GMSMA's David.

October 1983

GMSMA moves meetings to the newly opened Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center.

June 3, 1984

GMSMA organizes the first Pride Night at the Spike with the Defenders, the Pocono Warriors and LSM, to benefit the Gay and Lesbian Pride March and Rally. Over the years, this annual fund-raising event evolves into Leather Pride Night.

October 20, 1984

GMSMA's first Dungeon Demo, called "The School for Lower Education," is held at the Mineshaft.

September 1985

Membership structure changes from attendance-based to dues-based. In the first year, 356 join.

November 2, 1985

GMSMA co-sponsors the Second Annual Mr. Leather-New York Contest at the Paradise Garage.

November 23, 1985

GMSMA's first LeatherFest is held at the Spike.

November 1986

GMSMA spearheads the organizing of a special Leather-S/M contingent for the 1987 March on Washington, and for a National Leather-S/M Conference to be held there the same weekend.

Winter 1987-88

First issue of NewsLink is published.

August 1988

GMSMA establishes Hocutt-Ferguson PWA Assistance Fund.

June 25, 1989

GMSMA organizes massive S/M-Leather Contingent for the 20th Anniversary of Stonewall Lesbian & Gay Pride Parade in New York City.

December 1990 - February 1991

First Novices Special Interest Group (SIG). For tops only, it had nine participants and held seven sessions. Since 1997, they have been for tops and bottoms mixed, averaging more than 22 participants each year for 13 sessions.

March 8-9, 1991

GMSMA celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a Friday night Reception at the Center, a Saturday afternoon Conference, Workshops, and Art Show, also at the Center, and a Saturday evening Banquet and Show at Surfside at Hot Rods. A 10th Anniversary Booklet (over 50 pages) is produced.

April 1993

GMSMA participates in organizing the 1993 March on Washington.

June 23-26, 1994

GMSMA co-sponsors the International S/M-Leather-Fetish Celebration in New York City (with vendors, workshops, more than 200 presenters, and 1,500 attendees) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

February 10, 1996

GMSMA celebrates 15th anniversary at the Eagle.

Spring 1996

GMSMA launches its site on the World Wide Web, making information about GMSMA and s/m available to all.

June 22, 1997

First Folsom Street East is held on West 13th Street.

November 12, 1999

Bobby Hancock is named Gotham Leatherman 2000. He goes on to be sponsored by GMSMA at the International Mr. Leather contest the following May in Chicago.

June 2000

James, (aka Fiona James of the Imperial Court of New York) becomes the 501st member of the 1999-2000 season, putting GMSMA's membership at an all-time high.

November 10, 2000

GMSMA celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a spectacular LeatherFest, including an Art Show, a buffet, a slide presentation and workshops at the Center.

April 2001

GMSMA publishes this special 20th anniversary double issue of NewsLink.