A Casual Chat with the President and Vice President
By Cory David, Mr. Eagle WIlton Manors 2020 / 2021
I had the pleasure to meet with my friends the newly elected President and Vice President of Onyx Deep South (ODS), Pusckatt and Blade. We enjoyed a casual evening while they answered some questions I thought could inform my readers, including their vision, events and history.
These two leaders serve our community with commitments on the ODS Board, and are title holders as well. Blade, Mr. Ramrod 2019 and Pusckatt, Mr. Florida Rubber 2022.
Cory: How would you explain ONYX to someone unaware of your group or understand who you are?
Pusckatt: First and foremost, we are a brotherhood. ONYX is a leather fraternity established in Chicago in 1995 for people of color to have a welcoming in the leather community. At times, people of color felt like outsiders who were not welcomed.
Today, we are nine chapters strong across the country. Their work for inclusiveness has raised awareness where it may have been overlooked. While the community was fighting for equality, our gay and lesbian people of color still felt separated within our leather community.
The Onyx Organization brought people of color together for social leather and fetish events. Over the years, membership grew, new chapters formed and an awareness of the group grew, while educating others why the founding members created this necessary group and always leading with a positive philosophy
Cory: How large is ONYX Deep South, members and chapters?
Blade: ONYX Deep South currently has 14 full members, 17 associate members and 2 alumni members. Full members require a person to be gay or bisexual man of color, the associate memeber is extended to everyone. We are an all inclusive club, everyone is invited and must be 21 years of age.
Cory: Why the age requirement?
Blade: Due to the adult nature of our leather, fetish and kink, that’s a requirement. Since ONYX addresses many problems that affect gay/bi men of color specifically, voting rights are extended to full members only in order to maintain control of our own destiny.
Cory: Now holding these positions, what is your vision?
Pusckatt: We will continue to build off the previous board’s footprint to grow membership: we will continue supporting and assisting our local organizations, focusing on shining light on the smaller organization and their work in the community.
Upcoming Events
Signature Event “Beach Bash“ yearly event, April 2023 due to the Bi-Annual National Event
“National ONYX Blackout Party” Gallery One / Doubletree – host hotel, including Yacht Party and Eagle Bar WM October 7th -10th, 2022
ONYX Deep South Social 2nd Saturday of every month 9pm at Eagle Bar Wilton Manors
Cory: In closing, what do you want the readers to understand about ONYX Deep South?
Blade: If there is a misconception that we are an organization just for people of color, that’s not true. Please understand that we address many issues that specifically affect gay and bisexual men of color, members have voting privileges, so that we may honor and control our destiny respecting the vision the founders had for us still today.
Pusckatt and Blade:
We are an all-inclusive organization, that welcomes everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender indentity, etc. Everyone – come visit us at any of our events. All are welcome.
