About Us
Founded in 1972, the Atons of Minneapolis are one of the United State’s oldest continuously active Leather/Levi social fraternities. We are a leather social club for gays, bisexuals, and men who have sex with men, along with our friends. Through social activities, we promote a positive image of leather. We seek to foster both the unity and diversity of the leather communities and work to encourage local, national, and international fellowship.
The Atons of Minneapolis orchestrates various events, encompassing monthly meetings, social gatherings, and an annual celebration.
To foster camaraderie, we organize “runs” – trips to meet with other clubs. Our version is a camp-out, extending invitations to other clubs and leather community members nationwide for a weekend filled with enjoyment and camaraderie, typically on the second or third weekend in September.
The leather community, rich in diversity, unites individuals with varied interests and passions. Yet, we all share a common interest in leathersex and its encompassing culture. The Atons champion this blend of unity and diversity, aiming to cultivate a cohesive community. We support various fundraising activities to unite, express our identity, and celebrate our culture, with proceeds aiding club initiatives and broader LBTQA+ community causes, including charitable organizations and AIDS services.
We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join us. If you’re interested in participating in our events or considering membership, we encourage you to contact our President or Vice-President.
In The Beginning
Over fifty years ago, in the spring of 1972, a group of Twin Cities leathermen came together to form the Atons of Minneapolis.
At the time, the world—and the LGBTQ+ community—looked very different. The Gay Liberation movement had gained momentum following the Stonewall uprising in 1969, but it was still in its infancy. The first Gay Pride celebration had just taken place in Minneapolis. It was also several years before the onset of the AIDS crisis, which would profoundly impact the Atons and our community.
Before the Atons, leather culture in the Twin Cities was virtually invisible. People who were into leather often kept their interests hidden. Jim Courtney, one of the Atons’ founding members, reflected on the climate of secrecy:
“I was told you don’t wear your leather in town. You go out of town [to wear it]. Nobody seemed to want their friends to know they were interested in that sort of thing.”
The spark for the Atons’ formation came from Larry Daniel, Courtney’s partner at the time. Inspired by friends in New York City’s leather community, Daniel returned to Minneapolis with the idea of hosting a leather “run” (a party or gathering) in the city. A group of local leathermen came together to make the event a reality.
The result was AQUA-I, the Atons’ first leather run. Unlike today’s hotel-based runs, AQUA-I was an in-city event where visitors stayed in Atons members’ homes. Approximately 30 people attended, including many members of the Second City Motorcycle Club of Chicago, with whom Courtney had been involved before moving to Minneapolis.
The success of AQUA-I led to the formal establishment of the Atons, with Larry Daniel serving as the club’s first president. From those modest beginnings, the Atons grew into a cornerstone of the Twin Cities leather community, fostering camaraderie, visibility, and pride for decades to come.
Atons Interviews: Jim Courtney, founding member
25th Anniversary Article from Lavendar:
25 years ago this article appeared in Lavender Magazine, covering the first 25 years of the Atons, and featuring the then-upcoming Atons Silver Anniversary run. The article includes details about the founding of Minnesota Leather Pride and The Black Guard of Minneapolis. It also includes quotes from Russ Helbig, a founder of Knights of Leather.
