A Band of Brothers
by JT

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be never so vile. This day shall gentle his condition. And gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.” - Henry V.

I first learned of the Conductors through the local gay rodeo group I had been a part of for several years - we had a joint event one night at our former home bar, and I got to meet many of the members. I only had a vague understanding of the Leather/Levi scene, and even at that only the Old Guard precepts of masculinity, honor, respect, and brotherhood. These are high ideals but I did not know how they could become integrated into a group's dynamic.

The Conductors were approachable and friendly, and seemed like a group of regular guys. I liked the service orientation, supporting Nashville CARES and the vital work it does within the community, and I liked the social aspect as well. Pretty soon I was hanging out with the group regularly, and then became an Associate. I noted with pleasure how cohesive the group was; I saw the true friendships among the members, and I admired the dedication to supporting CARES, and the participation in other fundraising efforts and support to other organizations.

I also learned more about leather culture, how we distinguish ourselves from other groups through the wearing of leather, and the emphasis on individuality instead of the association with leather exclusively as a branch of the BDSM scene. I learned even more at the Run, Track XXVIII, as I got to meet guys from all over the Conference and witness the brotherhood that exists between us all.

I was deeply honored to be offered the chance to pledge with the Conductors, and I enjoyed the three-month pledge period – I was welcomed more personally, encouraged to take time to get to know the members to strengthen the bonds that had already started to form, learned more about leather culture and the regional leather clubs, more about what the Conductors stand for and the history of the club, and given an in-depth orientation and support throughout. Sure, my pledge brothers and I did all the grunt work, but we were in it together and had a lot of fun. I'll never look at a jello-shot in the same way again.

I was even more honored to learn that I had been accepted as a full member at the end of the pledge period - receiving the ‘big patch' at the club's Christmas party was a moment of pride I will never forget, and I'm now looking forward to working on the 2011 Run, Track XXIX, as a full member, one of this fine band of brothers.