File:Leather, Latex, and BDSM pride.png

Freedom of sexual expression for all. Lighter version (for userboxes) at Image:Leather, Latex, and BDSM pride2.png.

The Leather Pride Flag was designed by Tony DeBlase and was first displayed at the 1989 Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago. It was quickly adopted as a symbol for practitioners of S&M, leather fetishists, and by extension any proud aficionado of BDSM or related practices.

DeBlase has stated that he intends for each person to interpret the shapes and colors of the Flag as they wish. Here is one interpretation, according to Stacey, Ms. National Leather Association International 1996: "The red heart stands for the love we feel, and the white stripe is for purity [she did not explain what she meant by purity, but the most likely interpretation is that this refers to the purity we attain when we express that love in an open, honest and consensual way]. Black is for leather, and blue is for denim, two materials commonly worn (and eroticized) in our community."