1/4/2026
2026 Updates!
A new year always invites reflection—but in leather, reflection is never abstract. It’s personal. It’s relational. It asks us to look not only at where we’re going, but who carried us here and who we are responsible for becoming.
I’m honored to share that the next issue of From Hide to Heart, " Legacy & Leather Family", launches this Tuesday, January 6th.
This issue is intimate. It explores the families we choose, the traditions we inherit and transformed, and the ways leather lives not just in titles or ceremonies, but in daily acts of service, mentorship, and care.
In this issue, you’ll find some additions:
From the Stands: a new recurring segment centering bootblacks and their lived wisdom
More Than a Patch: Highlighting Community House's and Leather Families
Reflections honoring Black Veterans and their enduring impact on leather history
Debuting our Leather Ofrenda — Providing a space for our community loved ones who have passed. We honor them in this issue.
Deeply needed perspectives on Latinx identity and leather, visibility, and belonging.
This time around, we received fewer submissions through our open form but what unfolded instead created something so beautiful. We were able to pivot and through long nights of searching and outreach on FetLife and other social media, I invited folks to share pre-written work/photos, or create pieces specifically for this issue. What emerged is an issue rich with wisdom, lived experience, and perspective. We have more contributors, more voices, and more depth than before; and I am incredibly proud of how tailored and thoughtful this issue has become.
Please consider donating and supporting our work. Why? Because you believe in building something that will outlast us all and allow the newer generations to learn from real people’s perspectives and insights.
~From Hide to Heart is more than a magazine. It’s becoming a lighthouse of stories, memory, mentorship, and culture. Your donation helps strengthen that beacon.~
Looking ahead: Call for submissions
Our next issue, themed: Love & Power, is already taking shape. We invite you to begin thinking about what you’d like to submit—or what you hope to see reflected in its pages.
Submission deadline: February 28, 2026
Release date: March 31, 2026
All submissions are now submitted on our website, we are no longer using the google form.
More details and prompts will be shared later this month.
Thank you for continuing to read, reflect, share, and build alongside us. From Hide to Heart exists because of you and because community is something we choose, every day.
A quick update on Print Orders
I also want to share a brief, transparent update. All orders for Issue One have officially been sent out.
We experienced an unexpected issue with our publisher during the holidays that resulted in a longer delay than anticipated. The issue has been resolved, and I want to thank every single one of you—our readers, contributors, and supporters—for your patience and trust. Community-driven work doesn’t always move quickly, but it moves with intention, and your grace made a real difference.
Thank you for the grace.
P.S. We only have 8 issues available of Issue 1. Get yours before they’re gone!
Purchase Our First Issue Here!
Next Issue Will Be Published on 3/31/2026.
Much love to you all,
Master Bren (They/Them)
Editor-In-Chief
