Peter Pinn Palermo 

Peter moved to the Portland area in 2007 after a lengthy stay in Seattle.  He was born and raised in Boston  in typically east coast Italian upbringing.  A lot of food and yelling. With early interest in music, comics, horror, and sci-fi, which are still his interests.  And leather.  He says, I can’t remember when I wasn’t attracted to it.  I was far too young to understand any deeper meaning to the attraction.  I can remember sneaking into my older brother’s room when he was out and I would put on his black leather biker jacket and something in me turned on.

 It wasn’t until he was 18 that he learned of any kind of leather scene or community for that matter.  After viewing  the movie Cruising with Al Pacino,  a dark film, in the eyes of some.  But for him those bar scenes really open his eyes and say, YEAH!  I want to be part of that!   In his twenties he moved to New York City  and found himself exploring Christopher Street, the lower West Side, the historic meat packing packing district and the Piers. 

 Peter didn’t come out until moving to Seattle in the early 1990’s.  Capitol Hill, the Castro of Seattle, was very welcoming and safe.  Everyone was gay .  He got involved with the gay community by volunteering his time with Chicken Soup Brigade as a home chore volunteer assisting those living with AIDS and fund raising.  He worked with the Tacky Tourist Group as a event coordinated and performer.  He was the host of one of Seattle’s popular and only late night cabarets.  Peter is also a certified Yoga instructor and has worked with  Seattle Naked Yoga for men and as well as being  recognized as Pinn in Portland’s Radical Fairie Community.  

 When he found the Leather Community in Seattle he got involved with the Seattle’s Men in Leather. The Seattle Eagle became a homestead,  it was a great place to meet like minded leather men and the opportunity to connect, play and explore with so many great men.  His time in Portland has been equally fruitful.  He says, I learned a long time ago if you want to meet Leather men go to your neighborhood Eagle. He did and moved right behind it!  Peter says, the men I’ve met in the Portland leather community are fantastic!  The potlucks are a lot of fun and I’ve done some great workshops and it’s only just begun!