Come join us at Platform F Forum at The Laird. Hosted by BB, Laird Leatherman 2025 and Dean Arcuri, we will discuss finding your community in the Fetish and Kink world. BB and Dean will be joined by a crew of fabulous collaborators who will share their experiences and stories.
CHECK OUT BB'S CHAT WITH QNEWS
Platform F is focused on people with intersectional experiences and sharing their lived and living experience stories on finding their community and people and a common ground within fetish and kink community. You can find Platform F podcast brought to you by BB, Laird Leatherman 2025, on Spotify and YouTube. Follow Platform F on socials for more information.
Thursday 7th August. 7pm-8pm (Bar open 6pm). Free Entry
Date and time - Thursday 7th August, 7-8 pm at the Laird, Free event
Men only VCAT H14/2022
GET TO KNOW YOUR PANEL
Dean Arcuri is an entertainer, journalist, photographer and passionate community leader. As a cabaret comedian he has performed for over a decade in festivals around the country; as both himself and his queerer alter ego, the fabulously furry Frock Hudson. A well-known media personality, Dean has long been a vocal advocate for queer representation in media and beyond. He currently serves as the Managing Editor of QNews.
Johnny Bro has been dedicated to Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community since the 1980s. A founding member and President of the now reformed Melbourne Leather and Melbourne Leathermen, he’s helped shape inclusive spaces for kink and leather folk. He’s served on the VicBears Committee, offering first aid and community care. Johnny also leads as Volunteer Coordinator and Lead Nurse at Campfire events. His work centres on connection, safety, and chosen family.
Sir Z is a Shibari practitioner known for blending traditional Japanese rope techniques with contemporary queer aesthetics. With a focus on precision, control, and emotional connection, he uses rope as a tool for art, pleasure, and discipline. His practice is grounded in trust, consent, and a playful edge, inviting others to explore the transformative power of surrender through rope, while creating a safe space for his community.
Seth is a Narrm/Melbourne-born musician who has only recently started to connect with the kink and fetish community. He finds parallels between the leather and heavy music subcultures in both their style and values. From his experiences in the scene so far, Seth has been proud to discover new forms of self-expression and personal growth.
Luc Spencer-Gardner brings a background in community development, welfare, and more recently, user research and behavioural insights. He’s a warm, approachable Leatherman who naturally creates inclusive and welcoming spaces wherever he goes. Luc also served on the board of OGAE Rest of the World, one of 43 official Eurovision fan clubs with members primarily from the Americas, and held the role of president for five years. He recently stepped down to focus more on being present within our local community.
BB is a passionate community volunteer with years of experience across youth and leadership development, HIV & AIDS awareness, advocacy, and governance within Queer-focused spaces and organisations. Originally from Sri Lanka, he now works in the mental health sector. With a deep commitment to empowering fetish and kink communities, BB proudly holds the title of Laird Leatherman 2025.
