"In recent years, large numbers of men and women have coalesced into a vibrant community that generally refers to itself as the leather/SM/fetish community. This community is defined by a common interest in styles of sexuality that are broadly described by the term "leather/SM/fetish." With the emergence of this fledgling community, as with any other, struggles to delineate common goals, definitions and political agendas are inevitable. This book examines such issues in a forum that, from the start, embraces the concept that people may define themselves and the community to which they belong by their erotic orientations and preferences. This special community is coming of age, and this book helps to pave the way to all who are part of it."--Back cover.