Miki Rei

My vest is a piece of working gear. I went with a riding vest over a bar vest for pragmatic, functional, and symbolic reasons. It better reflects the origins of my Leather journey, and at a glance, tells my story now in a way that makes sense to me. Also, it has a ton of pockets. Each pin and patch on my vest tells my Leather story, and the people, causes and connections I place value in and do work for.

My Leather House, House Arashi, is mil-spec structured so there is clear representation of the time I spent in a different uniform on my vest. I feel strongly that for Leatherfolk who are veterans, there can be significant power and meaning in our continuity of service. The same principles, skills, and values that informed and motivated us then can very much continue to be the lenses we see our service to our communities through, now.

Front Patches:

- Name and House tapes. The contrast makes it a lot easier for people to read from a distance and say, "Oh, that bitch."

- House Arashi Flag. The white kanji for Arashi translates to Storm. It represents our commitment to action and movement with focused intent. The red Enso circle surrounding the kanji is a traditional Zen symbol. It represents strength, emptiness, and the mindfulness of our steps when we do move. The colors and design are an homage to the Leather Pride Flag. It represents awareness and respect for our origins and values, and how those inform our collective steps as a Leather House. This is the symbolic representation of our House. We’re not the calm at the center of any storm. We’re the storm contained within the calm we strive for.

- Florida Power Exchange 2013-2023 celebration patch. This is an event I have close connections to and deep affection for. I've been honored to be offered the chance to educate at FPE a few times now, and it's always an incredible experience supported by amazing people. I continue to enthusiastically support FPE in any way or capacity I am capable of whenever I can.

- Armed Equality. This is self-explanatory. Or should be.

Back Patches:

- Women of Leather Florida. This is a group of amazing women who not only welcomed me, but told me that what I had to share and contribute held meaning and value for them. Fewer things are more empowering for me when there can exist so much anxiety and uncertainty around 'belonging' in Leather. I remain humbled and grateful for them seeing me, and temper my steps by the expectations wearing this patch and being a Pack Member represent.

- Various Navy Patches. Very often, the steps and lenses of my past directly inform the directions my Leather journey takes me. Those times and experiences from the life I lived before still matter so much to me. They carried me exactly to where I am, now.

Pins:

My pins run the gamut from people and things I feel very strongly about and support with all my heart, to bits of enameled silliness that were gifted to me in the spirit of laughter and smiles. All of them matter, and not a single one has found it's way onto my leather by accident.

If I had to pick a single facet of my vest that makes me smile the most, it would be the wide range of incredibly diverse people, groups, and causes represented on it. The stories told, and the mindsets and attitudes shouted visually. It's never only about any one thing for me. It's always about service with and for the many things that matter. I feel strongly that's the most nourishing lens I can possess, support, and offer to pass along to others on my own journey.

Acta Non Verba.