Episode 35 - Austin Abernathy

Howdy y'all, welcome to the Thirty Fifth episode of the Kink Kloset.It gives me great pleasure to introduce our next guest of the Kink Kloset, riding in from Houston Texas, we have the sensational Austin Abernathy! Before interviewing Austin, I would not have imagined the rollercoaster journey that he has been through. Upon graduating high school, moving to the big city, and getting ready for college, most young adults would be enjoying their new found freedom, Austin was reminded of his mortality. It was this time when Austin received his HIV diagnosis, which shifted his world for life, and felt isolated especially with the remorselessness of the person who passed on the virus to him. I had to hold back my tears when Austin recounted his depression talking about how he felt he "Didn't aspire to much" and "Stopped dreaming big and stopped smiling". Thankfully Austin received treatment early to help repair physically, yet it took many years and the support of his cherished friends to rebuild himself mentally to regain his self-worth. The biggest learning for Austin was how to be comfortable to safely play with others now that he is living with HIV, which is something we have not discussed on the Kink Kloset. For Austin, being transparent and honest with his status was non-negotiable with how he navigated play, to ensure everyone had agency and all avenues were able to be discussed respectfully. It is a reminder for all of us about safe and consensual play practices for which I applaud Austin for employing to help him reconnect with his kink side. Austin recollects from this period of his journey and says "going through darkness to become a champion", which is a strong premonition for what is yet to come.Upon coming out the other side of his personal darkness, Austin started to reconnect with leather and the queer community through working at his local leather bars. Leather was always required, and a few simple pieces kickstarted his hunger for more. It was during this time he was introduced to leather contests and studied with deep fascination to learn the fabric of a community representative. The Mr Firedancer title resonated with Austin as it is an intentional 2 year leather title with strong values tied to the native lands for which it is founded on, resulting in a dedicated focus on community growth/projects. Already in Austin's first year he has smashed his community fundraising goals being a real force for good both locally, statewide, and in the online sphere. What has been a humbling moment for this community leader, is when helping out the Trans community with legal barriers, he was told by folx "You might not remember my face after today, yet I will remember yours and will not forget the kindness you showed me here in my time of need", which was the light he was given during his HIV treatment to help him become a champion.