The Leather Man has a long history of employing women, people of color, and transgendered individuals in both sales and management positions. Civil liberties and the right to openly be who you are have been principles The Leather Man has upheld throughout the decades. In this pre-Stonewall era, being gay, let alone being a Leather Man could result in arrest, persecution, and discrimination.
The Leather Man was founded in 1965, a period in American history where the Civil Rights Movement was just gaining traction and the Gay Rights Movement was barely in its infancy. “We are deeply saddened that the specific interaction in question was, in any fashion, construed to have any racial overtones,” the post continues.Ī number of rumors and misinformation about a supposedly racist incident taking place in our shop have been making the rounds on social media. “Throughout the worst of the AIDS epidemic, many HIV positive individuals found both employment and a safe home at The Leather Man when confronted by fear and discrimination elsewhere.” “The Leather Man has a long history of employing women, people of color, and transgendered individuals in both sales and management positions,” according to the statement. The statement denounces “rumors and misinformation” about the alleged incident. Since Konnor went public with his allegations The Leather Man has issued a statement denying any racism via Instagram. Haynes and Konnor say no one asked them to put their phones away during their visit to the store.
“If they were white, he would have done the same thing it’s his age.” “It wasn’t a matter of race,” Jordan added. “They said something to him and that just set him off.” “When they came upstairs he asked them not to use their phones because people come in and take photos and stuff and never buy anything,” said Jordan. Store employee Scott Jordan told OUT that the issue was the owner, Chuck Mueller, doesn’t like phones used in the store. Haynes says there were still 10 other people in the store. The duo exited the store and the front door was apparently locked after their departure. Konnor says he told the shop keeper he didn’t need to be “watched.” The owner then allegedly raised his voice telling the men to “Get out of my store.” Konnor is nominated for three awards at the 2019 GayVN’s including ‘Performer of the Year.’Īfter being told the design he’d hoped to have made for the awards ceremony wouldn’t be possible, Konnor and his designer, Maxfield Haynes, continued to browse the store and pulled out their phones to call for a car.Īt that point, Konnor says the owner approached him saying, “We really don’t have time to watch people that aren’t going to buy anything.” Please let them know that this behavior will not stand. The owner of just kicked me out after coming in trying to get an outfit made for the awards.
Guys, I just experienced racism full force.
Konnor took to his Twitter account on Saturday, December 8, writing: "Guys, I just experienced racism full force. Adult performer and GayVN Award nominee Max Konnor has accused New York City leather store, The Leather Man, of discriminatory behavior while he was in the store.