I apologize for the long gap between blog posts. I meant to write, but I was working on other projects and hobbies for a while. I was also in a bad headspace for a while. That doesn't mean I haven't been wearing rubber, though. I've done several self-portrait shoots at home as usual, and I've continued attending the monthly Seattle Rubbermen SkinTight Socials.
This blog post will serve as a recap of my life these past few months as I start to create new content for the website.
Making friends
One thing I am incredibly thankful for these past few months is making new friends. I wasn't sure what I'd get from attending these rubber socials. I feared that everyone would only be interested in a superficial relationship that only revolved around our mutual love for latex and rubber. But that hasn't been the case. I've felt genuine connections with others, and I get the sense that everyone cares about one another as people.
Two such friendships have moved beyond just meeting up at the event and into more normal or "muggle" activities, such as hiking, at least while the weather was nice. Hiking with @rubberthedoc and @xanndmore was probably the highlight of the fall season for me.
Two of the hikes were purely regular fun between friends, and on another, @xanndmore and I took photos with a rubber hood and gas mask in the woods and fog. That was pretty cool.
Some other rubbery friends have talked about hanging out in Seattle to help show me around the city so that I can decide if I want to move there. And, many have invited me to check out other local fetish events in Seattle.
Wearing rubber less due to life circumstances, but I still try to as often as I can
Because I don't live alone, dressing up in rubber and keeping this side of me a secret is challenging. it'sIt’s even more challenging right now, as I haven't had the opportunity to suit up as often as I would like. But I've still been able to at least once or twice per month, and attending SkinTight helps.
My mental health
I'll be honest with you all: my mental health hasn't been great lately.
One reason is dating. I haven't been able to go on any dates in a year. I keep using dating apps and trying to socialize at SkinTight, but it isn't going anywhere. It certainly made my self-esteem and confidence take a huge hit, as I've felt like a failure and a bit unwanted.
Another was the recent presidential election. The future of the U.S. and the freedoms and safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals are at risk, and I'm frightened. I've been seeing so much hate lately. I fear for myself. Will I be attacked for being gay? Will my rights be taken away?
I was also dealing with increasing pressures at work and self-doubt regarding my own abilities and hobbies.
All these things hit me at once, among other things I'll keep private. I hit a low point right after the election. I'm not someone who cries, like ever. But, I cried a lot. That's how I knew I needed help, and I went to therapy for the first time. I've gone a few times now, and it has really helped me so far.
Milestones
There are also some recent milestones I'd like to celebrate.
My Instagram has seen exponential growth recently, and I've gone from reaching 1,700 followers in August to more than 2,100 at the end of December. My YouTube channel has also grown by about 100 subscribers in that time. I also transitioned away from X and to Bluesky.
The most significant milestone of all is that while few people know about my rubber kink, I'm now fully out as a gay man, and I couldn't be happier about that. Now, I'll be able to be more authentic in my daily life than I've been living previously.
Looking ahead
Looking to 2025, I want to make it the best year ever. I know, so many people say that, and usually nothing ever comes of it. But I'm willing to put in the work and have been putting in the work to make it so.
Therapy has been helping me tackle so many issues that I'm facing, and it will help me get closer to becoming the person I want to be. And that's exciting!
Coming out was also a huge step, and it means I can be myself in 2025. I was nervous about doing too much before coming out, as I didn't want anyone to know about my sexuality until I was ready. So, I never attended pride activities or anything like that (save one small event). I want to do more this upcoming year to show my pride and support the community.
Rubber-wise. I want to attend more events. I'll continue to show up at SkinTight as often as possible, and I want to attend other local events to continue meeting people. I'd also like to leave the country for the first time and attend Rubbout. Let's see if I can make that happen. Finally, I'd also love to explore more rubber events around the country. As I make friends, it becomes easier to go to new places. So…San Francisco? Chicago? Somewhere else? We'll see, but I want to make it happen.
Making new friends and dating is a huge goal for 2025, and as I make friends, I want to do more. Go on hikes, road tips, see new places, etc.
I have some ideas for this website to support the rubber kink community. I'm starting to lay the groundwork. I'm working on probably the most ambitious article for the website so far, and it involves interviewing many people. I'm also planning to write feature stories on other rubberists and kinksters. So, if you're interested in being featured, let me know.
I know this wasn't completely rubber or kink-specific, but I wanted to recap how life has been lately and recommit to Rubberium. I hope you all have happy holidays and a great New Year. I'll see you in 2025.
