A Commitment to Diversity
ONYX centers the needs and desires of gay, bisexual and queer Men of Color in our activities and policies. Although a majority of our Brothers identify as African-American/Black, ONYX is for ALL Men of Color, including our Brothers of Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Arab and Native American heritage. We are committed to ensuring the unique cultural experiences of all communities of color are incorporated into the life of ONYX.
Our Brotherhood is open to men of all genders. We recognize and celebrate the unique journeys that bring each of us to manhood. It is the responsibility of all Brothers to support and stand for one another and to educate ourselves about Brothers whose experience is different from our own. This means standing up (when necessary and/or asked for) for our trans Brothers, our fem-presenting Brothers, our Pearl siblings and others in traditionally gay male spaces, and in places and locations where transphobic, fem-phobic, or anti-woman language or behavior is exhibited.
Our Brothers bring differing levels of ability, and we believe that these levels should not restrict their ability to participate fully in the life of ONYX. Some of our Brothers are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, so we strive to provide sign language interpreters to our events. Other Brothers have mobility challenges, and may use canes, crutches, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices. We work to ensure that venues where we have events are wheelchair-accessible. Where that is not possible, we see it as our responsibility to ensure all of our Brothers and guests can access our events.
The Men of ONYX come in all shapes and sizes and hues. We exist along a continuum of masculinity and femininity. Our Brothers represent men of many different generations. Through our imagery, programming, and policy, we continue to ensure that ALL Men of ONYX are represented.
The larger ONYX family includes the ONYX Pearls and our Associates of all genders/ gender expressions and ethnicities. The Men of ONYX are committed to participation in the larger community of kinksters, fetishists, and leatherfolk, while continuing to center Men of Color specifically, and all People of Color generally, in our words and actions.
A Commitment to Education and Community Service
For many Men of Color in across the world, ONYX is an introduction to Leather/Kink/BDSM through our bar nights, parties, events, and kink demonstrations. Our lecture and demonstration program, called T.E.A.C.H. (To Educate and Cultivate Hotness) provides education on various Leather, BDSM, and Kink topics including temperature, impact, and ass play, as well as poly relationships. As a part of the program, we have partnered with educational institutions LGBTQ+ Pride events, Community Health events and more.
We are committed to serving our community. Many of our ONYX Chapters have fundraising events throughout the year to help HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ organizations including: ONYX Mid-Atlantic has their annual Cocktail Party and Gear Show, part of Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, ONYX Southwest raises funds every bar night for HIV/AIDS organizations throughout Southern California and our other chapters are doing similar events in their respective regions. Also, our ONYX Chapters have marched in support of gay rights, equal rights for women, and trans rights. Our Brothers, Associates, and Pledges make a specific point to support the LGBTQ+ and People of Color-owned and -operated business and organizations that support us. Lastly, we support our community through service as titleholders.