An anniversary is always a good occasion to look back and look ahead. The LC Stuttgart will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. We spoke with Marco, one of the club’s board members, about the evolution of the fetish scene, the differences between Stuttgart and Berlin, and, of course, we wanted to know what fetish means to him personally.
Question: How has the perception of the fetish scene changed in recent years? Has it successfully made the transition from taboo to visibility?
Marco: In my opinion, in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, fetishists and gearheads are much more visible—and not just because of the numerous events that have sprung up in recent years. On the other hand, we still have to face significant resistance, especially from within the community itself. The question keeps coming up as to whether fetishists are welcome at or belong at CSD events. Of course, the media keeps stoking the debate on this topic. We in Stuttgart are very fortunate in this regard. We have a very strong network with all the queer bars and organizations.
Question: What differences do you see between Stuttgart and Berlin, which is home to Germany’s largest fetish community?
Marco: Of course, you can’t compare Stuttgart to Berlin, the capital. Stuttgart is much smaller and therefore has a few fewer queer venues. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on here in “Ländle.” Fetish guys are always welcome in all queer bars. We have a wide selection of queer bars and venues. And our collaboration with other groups always goes smoothly—whether it’s bars, Pride, Puppys, or the Fetish Pub Crawl. Collaboration and mutual support are standard practice for us.
Question: Which meeting places are particularly important to the scene in Stuttgart, and where is the scene active? How important are events such as parties, conventions, or festivals to the community? Are there any other events besides Fetisch Unity 2026 and the May gathering in Stuttgart, and how does the scene interact with new members or those interested in joining?
Marco: We host numerous fetish events. With the annual Fetish Weekend May Gathering, the Sportswear Party held twice a year, and Kink Factory, we’ve got plenty to offer. We also host our monthly Leather & Fetish Night at our club, EAGLE, as well as a regular get-together for men who enjoy leather. We also meet regularly for open get-togethers at various bars. Anyone can join us there to get to know us or just enjoy a nice evening. People from all over Europe now come to Stuttgart for our events.
Other events not organized directly by LC Stuttgart itself include the monthly Puppy meetup, the Fetish Pub Crawl, and RubberNight. With all these events, Stuttgart is always worth a visit.
Question: What role does social media play?
Marco: A big one, of course. These days, networking doesn’t just happen through personal contacts—it also happens through platforms. That makes it easier for new members and interested people to get involved.
Question: Are there any current challenges that the scene in Stuttgart is facing?
Marco: Here’s a short—and perhaps surprising—answer. Right now, we don’t have anything negative to say on this point. At least as far as Stuttgart is concerned.
Question: What does “fetish” mean to you personally?
Marco: For me personally, fetish and gear are an important part of my life. I wear gear more than just occasionally. Sportswear, sneakers, and the like are always a go. I’ve had a lot of positive experiences here in Stuttgart. Both our club and I personally receive a lot of positive feedback from the community about the progress in Stuttgart. Together, we’ve already made quite a bit of headway here. Now it’s about maintaining and improving all of this so that Stuttgart becomes a bit better known when it comes to the fetish scene. And one thing is always very important: Only together do we have strength!
Thanks, Marco, for the interview
Finally, here's a tip for all fetish fans
For many decades, LC Stuttgart and the International May Gathering—a leather and fetish gathering that is very popular within the fetish community—have been among the club’s main events. This year, to mark the club’s 50th anniversary, another event is scheduled to take place in Stuttgart from November 6 through 8. The 14 German-speaking leather and fetish clubs of the LFC will gather for the Fetish Unity Weekend. On Friday evening, you can dance the night away at the KINK FACTORY at proTON in Gear. On Saturday, the new German Mr. Fetisch will be crowned at the Kursaal Bad Cannstatt.
For many in the fetish scene and at events, those small, handy bottles of Poppers have become a staple. They provide an extra thrill when things are already heating up.
Note About Martin’s Story
Martin originally submitted his experience report in German. For this article, we translated and edited his words for clarity and readability while keeping the meaning of his session and experience.
Note About Robert’s Story
Robert originally submitted his experience report in German. For this article, we translated and edited his words for clarity and readability while keeping the meaning of his setup and experience.