Hi I’m Pine, one part of Vulpine, the other being Parker! I’m a queer transguy, equal parts Leather Daddy and boy. If you’re thinking of coming in 2025, I thought this post might give you a flavour of what it was like…

I think organising Boundless 2024 is one of the most satisfying things I’ve done in my life. I feel really proud of what Parker and I created and delivered with Sixxten, aided by 5 wonderful helpers, 2 lovely bootblacks, 9 workshop presenters and 50 attendees.  Not to mention the venue for hosting us.  We are very grateful to all who made Boundless what it was! I felt euphoric reading the comments about what the best bit of Boundless was for people, things like: ‘All the “ohhh, my people!’ moments of connection’, ‘so much creativity + hotness’, ‘the kind & inclusive atmosphere’, ‘conversations, connecting, community, learning, being horny for 48hrs straight!’, ‘acceptance’ and of course…’Sixxten’!   

These are some of the moments of joy that I wrote about shortly after:

Smoking a cigar in the courtyard on the Friday night, just enjoying seeing people in their leather, listening to people beginning to connect. Feeling the happiness in the group at connecting with queer people of all genders drawn to Leather and SM. As a transguy being in a space with gay, bisexual and queer cismen, as well as those that would be present at a FLINTA event, really mattered.

Wrestling in the MMA ring. At first, interest was slow but suddenly it caught fire and there was raucous, exuberant, lusty enjoyment of each match. Added to which I had the unexpected pleasure of winning the Boundless tournament against the odds, robbing S of his rightful victory with a sneaky toe-grab of his hanky! We have promised each other a rematch in which he can right the balance.

Watching Parker welcome everyone on the Saturday morning and listening to them talk about Leather history at our group discussion, feeling so much pride and admiration at who they are in the world. They’ve been Leather much longer than I have and I learn everyday from their desire to think and interrogate what that means.

Buzzing with excitement as two bootblack challenges got underway with 5 undertaking a timed bar shine in 25mins and 6 tending to some mauled tech boots in 40mins. There were also bootblacks sitting for, and watching, other bootblacks, as well as people just supporting. Those taking part ranged from the experienced to the very new, and of the latter it was so satisfying that several had come into bootblacking via the Bootblack Munch at the Birmingham Bizarre Bizarre which we run. It felt so good to see that much community and to feel part of it flourishing in the UK.

As an organiser, I only got to attend one workshop but learning about fireplay with Tara and then experiencing it a little with her and Parker was memorable, to say the least! Feeling scared of the flames on my front but enjoying leaning into the trust.

Getting to play with some favourite people!

Reconnecting with people at brunch on Sunday before people left or went onto Queer Space; hearing the warmth in their voices as they talked about their experiences of Boundless and trading contact details.

Being instructor Pine and leading a class at Queer Space on Sunday. This rivalled the bootblack joy for me. I had wonderfully mischievous and inventive students under the observation of inspector, Parker. Together we co-created a scene that had us all laughing (or trying to hide our laughter); play in the true sense of the word. Rapped knuckles, reddened palms, chastisements all round. And little origami presents (and googly eyes on my back) from the ‘students’ to say thank you. I think Boundless ’25 is going to have to have a class session!

When we advertised Boundless we used the strapline: ‘Bond, Learn, Play’. I feel like we delivered that fully and the most precious part is that we get to do it all over again (with new additions) in 2025.