The History of ONYX

     The Men of ONYX Inc was founded in 1995 in the city of Chicago, Illinois.  The organization was founded by five men of color who enjoyed the leather scene but felt no sense of camaraderie in the leather community, which is predominantly made up of white men.  The founders of the group wanted to develop an environment for Black Men and other men of color, where they could feel safe and could ask questions about the leather community. 

     The founder’s mission and goal for the organization was to provide a fourm in a social setting to address issues specific to gay or bi-sexual men of color who choose to discuss and or participate in the Leather/SM/Fetish lifestyle.  In order to reach their goal, they provided an outlet for its members to feel safe, find support and spiritual growth in a safe and sane manner.

     In order to grow and reach other like minded Men of Color, the founders of The Men of ONYX opened the group to membership on three levels.  The levels are Full Brothers, Full Associate Brothers and Associate Brother.  To be considered for membership (in all three levels), a candidate must be at least 21 years of age or older.   To join as a Full Brother, one must be a man of color living within the city of Chicago.  Voting rights, elect officers and closed meeting are open only to full brothers.  Full Associate Brothers are men of color that live outside the Chicago area and are not members of any other club of the same kind.  They may attend closed meetings and lease the groups colors.  And any interested man, regardless of his current club affiliation, may become an Associate Brother, therefore allowed to lease associate group colors. 

     To become a member, a candidate must undergo a pledge period which is a minimum of 90 days.  During this process the candidate learn ONYX history, general leather history and private information for personal growth. 

     The founders felt that Men of Color living in Chicago would seek membership, under any of their three levels, would be for three main reasons.  First, the majority of men would join because it would give them a new found sense of freedom.  Second, some would join because they are attracted to the leather lifestyle and want to experience a sense of brotherhood.  And finally, there would be some that would join because they seek the sexual connections and innuendoes associated with the leather life.

     The founders did not view the organization as something that was separate from the leather community, but ONYX was the only leather group that was created that was specifically for Men of Color.  That factor alone made ONYX different and unique.  The founders also knew that there were a lot Men of Color in Chicago that did not know anything about the leather community.  They just knew they were attracted to it and the lifestyle.  Through educational seminars, community service and parties, the Men of ONYX often made connections with Black Men who have felt very isolated and all alone in their desires.  Since its founding, other leather groups have accepted them and has greeted them in a positive manner.

     Since 1995, The Men of ONYX has reached out to other Men of Color in different cities and states.  To date, The Men of ONYX has charted three other chapters. They are ONYX – New York, ONYX – DC/Mid-Atlantic and ONYX- Southeast.  There are other chapters forming in the mid-west and on the west coast.

     The Men of ONYX holds an Annual Meeting/Convention called “Blackout” in October of every year. 
This is the time when all chapters come together for workshops, seminars and fellowship.  The meetings are specific to Men of Color and their community.  They include but not limited to health issues that affect Black Men, sexual and mental health issues, community awareness and service, fund raising, education on the leather lifestyle and fetishes.

Members: ONYX - New York