Human Puppy Dogs at the Folsom Street Fetish Festival

Human Puppy Dogs at the Folsom Street Fetish Festival

By Larry Baumhor

On June 23, 2019 I attended the Folsom Street East street festival at 27th and 10th Ave in New York City. The festival has been an annual fetish/kink event in the streets of New York City since 1997. There were many variations of fetish/ kink participants, such as bondage, dominatrix, body leather attire within the gay, lesbian, and trans community. I didn’t know who was a man and who was a woman. Although sexual excitement ran through my veins, I felt attracted to all the people as a tight knit community. Everyone was communicative, friendly, kind and believe it or not seemed happy. But my true attraction was for the puppy dogs, I desired to cuddle and hug them, kiss the puppies, play with the puppies. It was a fascinating dilemma. Did I want to be a puppy or did I want to be a handler of a puppy, perhaps both?

Photo by Larry Baumhor

“Folsom Street East, Inc. celebrates and inspires participation and pride in fetish, kink, and LGBTQ communities through the creation of safe spaces for public expression of our sexual identities. Folsom Street East promotes and provides grants to other nonprofit organizations serving these communities.

“Where access to a diversity of fetish/kink community spaces is expanded and fear of stigma and negative reper-cussions are diminished. where all people are empowered to challenge sexual norms and embrace and add to a broad spectrum of sexual identities and expressions,” https://www.folsomstreeteast.com/about/

Ruff! Inside the kinky world of 'pup play' in San Francisco where men act like young dogs growling, nuzzling and wagging their tails while donning masks and 'paws,' form packs, and are 'collared' by their handlers

• 'Pup play' is subculture of BDSM in which mostly men behave like young dogs complete with masks and tails”
• While the kink has been around for years, it recently exploded in San Francisco, which has a thriving scene
• There is no one way to engage in pup play, and some create an identity and name as well as join packs
• Most pups, however, will wear a collar and tag, and some are 'locked,' meaning they have a handler
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7010681/Ruff-Inside-kinky-world-pup-play-San-Francisco-men-act-like-young-dogs.html  

 By DUSICA SUE MALESEVIC FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

PUBLISHED: 09:57 EDT, 9 May 2019

Gunner Arsenal with Pup Holster on the right: Photo by Donald Lokuta

“I am Gunner Arsenal, 23-years-old and grew up in the small state of Delaware, where everyone in the gay community knows who is sleeping with who. Once I turned 18, I felt the environment I was living in did not convey acceptance of my sexuality, so I ran away from home. I started dating a guy I had spoken to online. That relationship opened my eyes to the gay world, we would go out dancing in Philadelphia. And our relationship was open, meaning we were polyamorous. After a few years the relationship ended due to secrets that were being kept from me. Every gay guy in Delaware knew I was being cheated on.

“One day I was scrolling on the app SCRUFF and came across a profile that sparked my interest. The profile title had the word pup in it, to my confusion and interest I went on to read the profile. And instantly I knew this community of leather and puppies was the place for me.

“In the world of play, I always wanted to be a dog, getting only good attention, being taken care of, and participating without having to become verbal. It felt like the most natural role I could play. At the age of 8, I knew what kind of person I’d be, introverted, wanting overly positive attention for doing good things, all without needing to convey my emotions through verbal communication.

“The sexual aspect of the leather community is not the appeal I have towards it, although it can be fun occasionally. I think about the leather community with all of these individuals dressing, acting, living the way they feel most comfortable. Leather is more than a fetish in the sheets, it’s a lifestyle in the streets. Unfortunately, not everyone can be loving all the time. I’ve encountered some very mean and unhelpful people in the community who were vindictive and manipulative. As a new member of the community I decided to get a group of puppies together for small events such as bowling, movie nights, walks around Philly. We had brunch at a well know gay sports bar in Philadelphia, Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar. The owner of the bar came to my table and we began planning our first “puppy brunch” which was an 18+ event. I hosted this at a LGBTQ+ sports bar. All ages, races, genders, shapes and sizes showed up for about two years. It was a monthly social event for the pups in Philadelphia. We decided on the name “East Coast Kennel Club” for the group.

“The East Coast Kennel Club (ECKC) was affiliated with Wolfstryker Leather. We would help them set up their stands. They shared the venues with us. We would frequent a resort called “Rainbow Mountain Resort” a remote resort in the East Stroudsburg mountains. Wolfstryker helped the ECKC get a lot of attention and we were on our way to becoming an official group. Though it didn’t happen. The group ended up crumbling before it could get a footing. It got too big too fast without enough help and funds.

“This is my third year going to Folsom East. The festival has grown to become two blocks. Seeing such devotion from the patrons and workers warms my heart. Folsom Street East is different than your average leather event. You don’t see people having sex on the street or doing (kinky activities) that aren’t part of demonstrations. Folsom Street starts at 18-years-old, which in my opinion is the best move we can do for this community. Bring in the young and curious, answer their questions, save them 10 years of confusion with one after-noon of knowledge. Recently they have been giving exposure to LGBTQ+ performers of all kinds, from fire swallowers, to drag queens shredding a guitar, to some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen spinning fans and flags. People explore their unique life, skill set, sexual desire, body positivity, personality, and kink.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today if I never talked to that boy on Scruff. Along with my current boyfriend Sir Sapper, he has made a very large impact on my views of kinky and non kinky people as well. Showing me how to read more than just the cover of the book. He’s helped me gain confidence to “let my freak flag fly” no matter who is watching. I try to pay those acts of graciousness and selflessness forward to any and all who have questions for me (kinky related or not), whether it be in person, on telegram (an app pups will use to communicate with each other around the globe) or social media.

“We call ourselves the Arsenal pack, like in wild Wolf-packs. There is an alpha, head strong leader/protector (myself). The wisdom of an older generation to teach the pack norms and history of the wilds (that would go to Wagger Arsenal). And the rest of the pack who is protected, taught to love, taught to embrace loss and most importantly how to get along (Beta Pups: Bailey, Zero, Archer, Holster, Trigger, Dusk, Ish). Unlike a Wolfpack’s dynamic we have humans as well, who we call handlers (My Sir Sapper, Sir S. and Sir T) who help keep us safe when we want to embrace our puppy mentality the kink world calls headspace.

“Headspace is a trance like state of mind when the brain can feel like it’s turning off all thinking and concentrates on feeling and instincts, (different for everyone but that’s usually how it goes for me in any kink I’m involved in).

“The strangest thing most don’t understand about the Arsenal pack is that we don’t have a physically sexual relationship. I look to these betas like little brothers. I’m always here when they need to talk, cry, scream or even if they need me to spot them some cash. I only look for their happiness in return,” Alpha Pup Gunner Arsenal.

• – •

“My name is Pup Holster Arsenal, on the right of Gunner Arsenal. I am 23-years-old and live in New Jersey. I was introduced into pup play two years ago by my friend Alpha Pup Gunner Arsenal. Soon after I first met him, I received my collar from Gunner and began my official part of his pack.

“Growing up, I never had many friends who genuinely cared about me and tried to get to know the true me. I’ve always been a very introverted individual and suffered from severe social anxiety. This was due to the fear of not being able to fit in and be accepted. One of the first requests I asked Gunner was to help me with things I was always afraid of doing, such as going out, having fun and meeting other people. Gunner helped me with my fear. Gunner and his friend Sir Sapper have helped guide me to become the person I am today. In the past two years, I’ve accomplished social things I would have never done if I hadn’t met Gunner. Gunner is more than just my Alpha; he is also one of my closest friends. I respect and admire him like an older brother. Being the oldest of two siblings, I never had a role model who guided or understood me. I am grateful for all the things Gunner has done for me, helping me become the person I am today. 

“Before attending Folsom Street East (FSE), I was anxious about what to expect. I had never been there before and only attended one leather/fetish event prior to it. However, once there, I had nothing to be afraid of. FSE was a place where people of all different backgrounds and varying interests come together in an environment where they feel accepted. It attracted all types of people, from the vanilla to the kinky, and all were equally as accepting to the presence of a human pup. I roamed the festival in my pup gear without worrying about anyone judging me negatively. In fact, I was very surprised by the number of people who wanted to take photographs. At one point we must have had at least six people taking photos of us at once. I had such a blast at FSE and look forward to attending more events like it,” Pup Holster Arsenal.

“I find the Folsom Street East event interesting because it fits into a series of photographs that I am making in New York City. Anthropologists call these dressing-up opportunities such as parades and festivals, “symbolic inversion.” Events such as Folsom Street East make it socially acceptable for a person to escape into another reality. This gives participants a chance to make their fantasies real, and this is something we especially need at this time. When I photograph at Folsom Street East, I find the people friendly, kind, out-going, and they have a positive community spirit. My photographs are about the human experience. I believe that Henri Cartier-Bresson sums up my belief when he said, ‘One must always take photographs with the greatest respect for the subject and for oneself,’ Donald Lokuta.  “His career as a photographer, painter, professor, and historian spans over forty years.” http://www.lokuta.com/

Pup Basil and Rouka on the right: Photo by Larry Baumhor

“My name is Pup Basil, a 27-year-old pup struggling with Asperger’s/Autism.  I was born in Dayton, Ohio and lived there for 12 years. Then I moved to Sugar Land, Texas. After dropping out of college in 2013 I moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey and went to work on my associate’s degree in accounting, graduating in May 2017. Currently I am fulfilling my lifelong dream of being a Rutgers alumni by taking courses to receive my bachelor’s in accounting at the Camden campus. During the day I am an AP Coordinator at a not-for-profit charter school in Philadelphia and work part time for a CPA firm. Throughout my time living in the Philadelphia area, I have been involved in the Philly, New York, and D.C. Leather/Puppy Play/Little scene, creating the pup identity of Basil, a fox/Great Dane hybrid.  

“I still remember my first pup event at the 12th & Walnut Street location of Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar in Philadelphia. It was a puppy brunch hosted by East Coast Kennel Club I was so scared due to my social anxiety I was shaking and spent the time sitting in the corner not talking to anyone. But I went to another one and another, then soon I made friends and met a pup who now means the world to me. 

  

“I absolutely love going to Folsom Street East, it is definitely a highlight.  It’s a great way to see old friends, meet new ones, to express yourself by showing that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, and help remove the stigma that we have to act or look a certain way. Because of events like Folsom Street and pup play I have less social anxiety. I am more comfortable expressing myself in ways I want to,” Pup Basil.

Pup Kenzo: Photo by Larry Baumhor

“I am Pup Kenzo, who has been part of the Leather and BDSM community for a little over a year now and it practically saved my life. I have been into ageplay, (a very young age) and into pup play for over 4 years now. I have been attending Folsom Street Festival for 3 years and each year I develop a bigger self-awareness of who I am and the person I want to become. I am part of two major organiz-ations that was represented at Folsom Street this year. One being Onyx, which is an organization that helps educate and empower men and women of color about the leather lifestyle. Another is my leather family called the Kink Collective, which taught the fundamentals of what it means to be part of the leather lifestyle, and that we are people before kink. I appreciate that Folsom for me means everyone is family. Everyone is free to be who they want to be,” Pup Kenzo.

Allegra Spread:  Photo by Larry Baumhor

Allegra Spread is a Brooklyn based performer, producer and nightlife personality who grew up in Brisbane, Australia. Also known to some as burlesque chanteuse and costumer Satine S' Allumer. This fiery creature has been tearing up stages since she could walk. An internationally published model and photographer, shimmying her way across the world. With a background in musical theatre and a fine art photography degree, Allegra has New York as her playground and loves meeting and mingling with all types of folks! Allegra performed twice at the Folsom Street East festival this year. She can be found all through the boroughs producing and performing. Follow @allegradrag on Instagram for updates on where to find her next! 

“Folsom Street East is a melting pot of kink and fetish folks from all walks of life and definitely has a community vibe and approach. A no judgement zone with plenty of babes to connect and mingle with, whether you’re looking for a friend or a fuck. It was great to see local advocacy groups promoting safe sex/play and the presence of Act Up and so on. There were playpens for pups, leather for gays and all kinds of different strokes for different folks! I bumped into friends I hadn’t seen in years who I didn’t know would be there. It felt like a wonderful reunion. To feel safe and celebrated and not embarrassed was great!” Allegra Spread.

Sister Effilia Upendown, of the NYC (dis)Order of Sisters, by Larry Baumhor

Sister Effilia Upendown, of the NYC (dis)Order of Sisters was originally a member of the Abbey of the Windy City Sisters (Chicago).  Effilia (Effie) joined the NYC (dis)Order of Sisters in 2013 when they came to town to pursue a creative life in fashion. Effie is a queer, creative, loving and an imperfect being.  The NYC (dis) order of Sisters strive to be visible and to show others that they are not alone and that they, too, can be themselves.  As a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, Effie continues to uphold their mission to spread omniversal joy and expiate stigmatic guilt.  Effie's work focuses on being visible for those who cannot, truly seeing those who are ignored in our community and supporting those doing the work. 

“This year, the (dis)Order was asked to return to the Folsom Street Festival to welcome the community into the weekend's festivities through a magically faerie blessing. This having been my first time attending the festival, I was blown away by the love both for and within the community.  Events like Folsom East create a space for individuals to find community and to know that they are not alone in their kinks. This event is a place where we can allow ourselves to be seen by others in the way that we want to be seen.

“I was filled with joy seeing sexy humans walking, or crawling, proud and unashamed.  One of my favorite parts was seeing the inter-actions between the festival participants and the rest of the local community.  There were a lot of encouraging shouts from cars passing by as participants waited to cross 11th Avenue.  There were also shocked and inquisitive looks from those who walked by.  It takes courage to step out into the world being your authentic self.  Just crossing the street, going between two spaces where you feel safe, can be a scary place.  I was so proud to see the confidence and the joy on the faces as folks strutted across the avenue, giving shows to the stopped cars. I find it so interesting when those who are part of the mainstream are instantly placed in a space where they feel so othered. It is an opportunity for growth and self-reflection if that person is willing to let go of ego to truly see those around them and to know that love and sexuality exist in a myriad of ways. Then there is hope that we can come together as human beings in order to stop doing harm to each other and the planet.

“Honestly, I was nervous about attending the festival due to my own insecurities and fear of being so visible, but I made a promise to myself and my community to show up, and I did.  Any nervousness was washed away the moment I stepped out of the cab and was welcomed with shouts of encouragement.  We can get so caught up in our own insular worlds that we forget that there are people out there who love us, who need us, and who find us so incredibly sexy.  This world can be a lonely place but events like Folsom East remind me that I am not alone and that we, as a community, are stronger when we come together to support each other,” Sister Effilia Upendown, of the NYC (dis)Order of Sisters.

Photo by Larry Baumhor

Photo by Larry Baumhor

Photo by Larry Baumhor

Photo by Chae Kihn

“I love this festival.  It is one of my favorite events all year.  I have been coming for I think 10 years.  My good friend and mentor Mary Ellen Mark and I used to come together.  I love it because I know a lot of the people who participate and can catch up with them.  We stand around talking for a long time before I take their photographs.  They are friends I only see once a year.  I love it because it is so open and people are free to be who they are.  It is a place where they can be themselves and be a part of a community that not only accepts them but loves them.  At this festival there is something for everyone; anything you might be into.  Everybody is so friendly and welcoming to outsiders.  It reminds me that we live in a great city.  In New York City everyone can find a community, friends and family no matter where you come from or what you are into.  I believe the saying ‘Love is love ... is love," Chae Kihn.

“Chae Kihn is an artist and professional photographer renowned for her evocative documentary essays and portraits.”  https://www.chaekihnphotography.com/ 

The American Dog by Larry Baumhor

My video satirizes American freedom. My home town of Philadelphia is called Killadelphia for its incessant senseless murders. About every day somebody is knocked off, many innocent victims including children. Families are afraid to leave their house; children are not allowed to play outside fearing a stray bullet. This scenario is played out throughout our major cities. Thousands of hard-working people who are sick and dying are without health care. I can go on but what's the sense, we're free, or are we?

Photo by Larry Baumhor

You are cordially invited with me to attend the 2020 Folsom Street Festival. Come as you are or who you want to be. I will not bite you. “What the world needs now is love sweet love. It’s something there is too little of.” I guarantee that you’ll find love at the Folsom Street Festival.

"What The World Needs Now" - Mather Dance Company

"What The World Needs Now" This piece was created to raise awareness in our world that is in such need of love, peace and compassion for one another.

Choreography by- Shannon Mather Music By – Reign