The Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago has named Dr Tuppy Owens Centurion in recognition of her significant service to the 20^th-Century Leather Community. Her award will be presented during SM Gays Meeting, Thursday 20^th July 2,000 by a member of Chicago Hellfire Club on behalf of the Leather Archives & Museum.

Dr Tuppy Owens’ award recognises her work in organising the Sex Maniacs Ball and Erotic Oscars for the benefit of the charity, Outsiders and in the process, bringing together people from all the sexual communities. Outsiders was founded 21 years ago to help disabled people find partners.

The Leather Archives & Museum opened in its new permanent premises in Chicago in February 2000. To celebrate this and the end of the first century of leather/ SM / fetish sex and sexualities, a number of Centurion Awards were made at the opening. These recognised those who, in the opinion of the Museum’s Executive Director, Joseph Bean, had contributed most to the making of the first century of leather /SM /fetish sex and sexualities. The awards recognised leather men, women, clubs and authors: some for their pioneering work, being “out” about their leather/ SM /fetish sexuality, long before it was widely accepted; others who created powerful bonds between sexes and orientations; and others who made significant individual contributions.

The Leather Archives & Museum online

For more information contact: Ian Gurnhill, Leather Archives & Museum’s UK Regional Co-ordinator Tel: 020 7736 3477, and

Dr Tuppy Owens: Tel: 0370 884985

Presentation:

Date: Thursday 20 July 2000

Time: During SM Gays meeting, around 9pm

Place: Hoist Bar, Railway Arch 47c, South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London SW8

Photographs are available here