Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend (CLAW)

Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend (CLAW) in 2025 is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, April 16, to Sunday, April 20 in Cleveland, Ohio. This annual event features workshops, social gatherings, vendor markets, and community-building activities tailored to the leather and fetish community​

Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend (CLAW) is one of the largest annual gatherings for the leather, BDSM, and fetish communities in the United States. It focuses on education, community building, and fundraising while providing a welcoming space for participants to celebrate their interests and identities. Here’s a detailed overview of the event:

1. Event Highlights

• Workshops and Classes: CLAW offers educational opportunities on a wide range of topics related to leather, BDSM, and kink. These workshops are led by experienced members of the community and focus on safety, technique, and personal growth.
• Vendor Market: A robust marketplace featuring leather goods, gear, fetish wear, art, and other items of interest.
• Social Events: Includes themed parties, dances, and bar crawls at LGBTQ+ venues around Cleveland. The event also features smaller, more intimate gatherings and networking opportunities.
• Entertainment: Events such as the “Kinky Kabaret” and other performances showcase live music, comedy, and other talents from the community​
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2. Philosophy and Mission

• CLAW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting adult education, charitable fundraising, and volunteerism within the leather and fetish communities. The event emphasizes that interest in leather and BDSM is natural and healthy and focuses on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment​.

3. Charity and Volunteering

• Proceeds from CLAW are distributed to various LGBTQ+ and kink-related charitable organizations. CLAW has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to causes like HIV/AIDS support services, LGBTQ+ youth programs, and other community needs over the years​​

4. Inclusivity

• CLAW welcomes individuals of all genders, orientations, and levels of experience. Its goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for everyone interested in leather, kink, and BDSM.

5. Logistics for 2025

• Dates: April 16–20, 2025
• Location: Various venues and hotels in Cleveland, Ohio. The event has partnerships with local hotels to offer discounted accommodations​

6. History and Growth

• CLAW has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a key event for the leather and BDSM community. It is widely regarded as a gathering place to connect, learn, and celebrate shared passions​.