Leather Archives & Museum
LA&M entrance (2023) | |
| Established | September 18, 1991 |
|---|---|
| Location | 6418 N Greenview Ave Chicago, Illinois 60626 United States |
| Coordinates | 41°59′55.06″N 87°40′5.93″W / 41.9986278°N 87.6683139°W |
| Founder | Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase |
| Executive director | Gary Wasdin |
| Website | leatherarchives |
The Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) is a community archives, library, and museum located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Founded by Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase in 1991, its mission is making “leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish accessible through research, preservation, education and community engagement." Renslow and DeBlase founded the museum in response to the AIDS crisis, during which the leather and fetish communities' history and belongings were frequently lost or intentionally suppressed and discarded.
The LA&M is a leading conservator of queer erotic art. Its permanent collection features some of the most iconic LGBTQ artists of the twentieth century, including most artwork by Bill Schmeling and many works by Dom Orejudos.
The museum is open to patrons 18 years of age and over. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM). Research assistance is available upon request.