ONYX was founded in 1995 to provide education, fraternization and serve as a bridge for Men of Color to the greater Leather community. ONYX sets as its goal the provision of an informational and social organization to address issues specific to people of color who chose to project the positive aspects of the leather lifestyle and support our community and economic initiatives.
Great Lakes was voted in as a fully functioning Chapter on November 22, 2016. Founded by members of the Midwest Chapter who lived in this region, Great Lakes is based out of Cleveland, OH and Detroit, MI. This chapter covers the states of Ohio, Michigan, Western Pennsylvania, Northern Kentucky (including Louisville), and Canada (Toronto). The founding chapter members are, in no order:
Counselor Ochumaré ONYX
Jay Phoenix ONYX
Joshua Jah ONYX
Dan Panther ONYX
Derek ONYX
John Havoc ONYX
Support, spirituality, safety and saneness are keys to attaining our goals. Toward this end, it is the principle aim of ONYX to develop in its members the highest standards of loyalty to the laws and established code of ONYX and to treat all in society with honor, unselfishness and tolerance. ONYX is also known for our support of all in their leather journey, including our sisters within our family or in our sights. The chapters, Midwest (based in Chicago), Southeast (based in Atlanta), Northeast (based in New York City), Mid-Atlantic (based in Washington, DC), Southwest (based in Los Angeles), Great Lakes (based in Cleveland, OH and Detroit, MI) and Northwest (based in San Francisco) all are involved in contributing back to the Leather, LGBTQ and People of Color communities. HIV prevention and care organizations and those that aid youth have always been of note.
All who support our cause may become members of ONYX. We thank the elders in the People of Color Leather Community for paving the way in order for us to exist. ONYX honors that tradition and looks forward to many more years. For more information on the ONYX history, visit our national page at www.onyxmen.com.
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