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BLUF HQ

@bluf.social
1.9K followers 499 following 1.8K posts

Official account representing BLUF, the Breeches & Leather Uniform Fanclub. Posts here may be made by various members of the admin team. See @subdirectory.uk for the former director, Nigel. Find out more at bluf.com

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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 12/09/2026
If you're in Berlin, we've got two places you can pick up Manumission today- Segunda Casa or the Proteus stand at the street fair. Grab one and post a pic with it! #Manumission
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 17/08/2026
Check out this new zine from our former Director, Nigel
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 07/08/2026
Featuring cute owls and more: photos from the Irish National Heritage Park flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1YEY
flic.kr
Irish National Heritage Park
A series of shots at the Irish National Heritage Park, just north of Wexford. Items include bronze age mine, viking boat shed, pre-christian and early christian buildings. Shot on long-expired F...
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
BLUFBear @blufbear.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Nigel Whitfield has now handed over BLUF after 17 years. We spoke about desire becoming infrastructure, the hidden labour behind queer community, and what happens when caring for it consumes the person doing the caring.
blufbear.blog
When Nigel from BLUF Became Nigel Again
For seventeen years, Nigel Whitfield helped turn BLUF, the Breeches and Leather Uniform Fanclub, from a specialist website into an international leather community. As he steps down, he reflects on desire, belonging, gatekeeping, invisible labour and the personal cost of becoming inseparable from the community he sustained.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
London Leathermen @londonleathermen.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
The countdown is over - London Pride is tomorrow 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Before you head out, make sure you’ve got everything you need for a safe, comfortable and unforgettable day. Check out our final march checklist! Let’s make some noise and make ourselves seen! ❤️🖤💙 @bluf.social @blufclub.bsky.social
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subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 28/06/2026
If any BLUF members are marching in the London Pride Parade next weekend, and would like the BLUF pink triangle flag I have here, get in touch
A black flag with the BLUF logo above a pink triangle
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 27/06/2026
Dublin, Helsinki, Oslo: have a great Pride today
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 26/06/2026
It's time for more top secret info, before the Council of Elders silences me forever! Help me, IML Kenobi, you're my only hope!
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subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 20/06/2026
Going through the very kind personal messages some of you have sent me this week. I'll try to get to everyone as soon as I can.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 19/06/2026
EU Store update: New EU customs rules from 1st July will add a charge of €3 per item on tie clips, badges, keyrings & epaulette sliders for members in the EU. Order in the next week if you are in the EU and want to receive items before the new charges come into effect. Nigel, aka SubDirectory (3)
EU Store update:

New EU customs rules from 1st July will add a charge of €3 per item on tie clips, badges, keyrings & epaulette sliders for members in the EU.
Order in the next week if you are in the EU and want to receive items before the new charges come into effect.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
Leather Cruise at Underground @leathercruise.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
❤️🖤 LEATHER CRUISE SATURDAY 20 JUNE - 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ EDITION Join us at Leather Cruise from 7pm-Midnight at the Underground Club tor an evening of leather, socialising, cruise and community. @bluf.social @londonleathermen.bsky.social
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 18/06/2026
But not a modern one, full of plastic and designed to wear out. Be like my Kenwood Chef, which used to be my mother's, and is still chugging along reliably, turning our bread and cakes, when it must be at least 60 years old.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 16/06/2026
Sadly, you don't get a soundtrack to posts on BlueSky, but if you read it on Insta or visit the blog, this is what you'll have to accompany your reading, from Randy and Joe. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEwY...
youtube.com
End of the Line
YouTube video by Joe Sample - Topic
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 16/06/2026
Signing off bluf.com/b/737
And so, it ends. Today marks seventeen years since I took over running BLUF from Leon. It also marks the official end of the transition of BLUF to the new team.
The full text of my final post is on the BLUF blog.On events

It’s not an exaggeration to state that, each year, thousands of people around the world attend BLUF events, both members and non-members. 
And it’s these meetings, hosted by volunteers in over fifty cities, that really are the beating heart of the club, helping people to make connections in real life. Some of those people will become members, and it won’t be long before we have over 6,000 of them.
A heartfelt thanks - I really can’t say it often enough - is due to the many members who have put in their time, and in some cases, their own money, to bring BLUF events to an increasing number of cities.What's next

Though my involvement with BLUF will be much reduced, I’m certainly not stepping away from the leather scene; in fact, I’m hoping to spend much more time involved, now as just “Nigel” rather than “Nigel from BLUF.”
Later this year, look out for another new project, which will be a zine focussing on providing a space for people to share thoughts and theories about leather, kink, and SM.
There are plenty of other ideas and projects on the drawing board too - keep an eye on my social media for announcements as those come to fruition over the coming months and years.And finally

A task like this, similarly to being a “Mr,” can mean that you are almost always “on duty,” leaving less time for making truly personal connections - though I have met some amazing, wonderful people over the years, and made some firm friends.
Our new team, Rich #4, Shamil #6 and Simon #8 have between them the skills and the enthusiasm to take BLUF forward into the future. I hope you will all give them support as they plan and shape the future of the club.
I leave you somewhat tired and emotional. But looking forward to the future, and working on new projects.
For both myself, and the club, this is the start of a new era; I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 12/06/2026
If you want to add a touch of militancy to your uniform this Pride, these are now available at store.bluf.com
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 10/06/2026
It would go nicely with some sort of uniform. I'm thinking Richard Gere at the end of "And officer and a gentleman" Carrying me off from my drab job to the strains of "Up where we belong"
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 09/06/2026
This account will be handed over to the new BLUF Admin team shortly. For continued access to my wit, snark, filth and occassional cat pics, follow me @subdirectory.uk Nigel
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 09/06/2026
Here's to the boys in the backroom
What lies beneath

When you look at a website like BLUF, as an ordinary user, what you don’t see is just as important.

Behind the scenes, there’s a whole other side, for administration, which is almost as important. Nor do you see the dozens of daily emails, reports and other things that make it all happen.

And the same is true of clubs, of titleholders, of businesses, and anyone else who serves the community.

The events you go to, the people taking the stage, the stores you visit - they are just a part of it all.

What lies beneath is often where the hardest work is done.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 08/06/2026
Latest from the UK government: A scowling nun, embedded in your phone.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 08/06/2026
Some photos from my archives of past London Leather Socials: Picnic, July 2014: flic.kr/s/aHsjZJwCLt November 2014: flic.kr/s/aHsk5PzRWo March 2015: flic.kr/s/aHsk97KAMA
flic.kr
Leather Social, March 1 2015
A set of photos from the London Leather Social on March 1st at Comptons. The social is held from around 5pm in the upstairs bar on the first Sunday of every month. No dress code, and everyone is we...
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 06/06/2026
Today's factoid: since 2016, I have written over 300,000 lines of code for the BLUF websites. This doesn't include the app.
300, 000.

Number of lines of code written for the BLUF websites since 2016.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 05/06/2026
Snap! I too have no idea what the cool kids say these days.
A man with a beard smokes a cigar
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 04/06/2026
Some thoughts on the rainbow flag, and why you probably won't see me with one this month.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 04/06/2026
I have tweaked the back end, so results for social network searches are now organised by user name.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
BLUF Events Feed @events.bluf.social · 03/06/2026
Deep Inside Friday 19 June Eagle London, 349 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5QY, UK, London, United Kingdom bluf.com/e/6688
Poster for Deep Inside
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
Race Bannon @racebannon.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Our Kink Is My Superpower crew has launched a YouTube channel using documentary footage already shot and other new content. Here I explain why I think kink communities need a balance between affinity spaces and highly inclusive spaces. Like, subscribe, click bell, share. youtu.be/IxBBiITHq04?...
youtu.be
Gatekeeping vs. Inclusivity — The Kink Community's Hardest Conversation
YouTube video by Kink Is My Superpower
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
London Leathermen @londonleathermen.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
This Pride Month we reflect on what Pride means to us at LLM.
londonleathermen.co.uk
What Pride Means to Us
This Pride Month we reflect on what Pride means to us at LLM. For many of our members and non-members leather is more than a style, a flag, or a community. It’s a home, a place where people have found friendship, love, belonging and chosen family. Pride exists because generations of LGBTQ+ people, including current and previous club members, refused to be hidden and refused to accept exclusion.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 02/06/2026
Any questions? DM me any questions about my time running BLUF and I'll try to answer as many as I can.
Any questions? 

Got any questions about BLUF?

My 17 years is almost up - send me questions and I'll try to answer as many as I can
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
BLUF Events Feed @events.bluf.social · 01/06/2026
Welcome to June! This month there are 44 events in the #BLUFclub calendar. #gayleather Find them all here: bluf.com/events/thismonth
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 31/05/2026
Hard to say, but I think in some it's a sense of shame, a desire to keep their head down and out of trouble - something that perhaps many of us pick up as a result of homophobia growing up. And some don't manage to get past it.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 28/05/2026
This is a drum I am always happy to bang. Whether for BLUF specifically, or leather more generally, you absolutely do not have to break the bank to look good or stand out. Sure, if you want to spend money on a 'signature' piece, go ahead. But even a look like BLUF can be done on a budget.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 28/05/2026
The latest update to our app is now available via auto-update for Android and iOS.
The latest update to our app is now available via auto-update for Android and iOS.

This adds an “On BlueSky” option, which will show you all members who have added their BlueSky ID to their profile.

Long press on a member in the grid or list views to go directly to their BlueSky profile, so you can follow them.

You can also access their BlueSky profile via the link menu (the chain icon) on BLUF profiles.

Search “BLUF Navigator” in the Google Play or the App Store.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 27/05/2026
Same but just not my pecs. Oh.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 27/05/2026
New in the BLUF Store: stainless steel 500ml water bottle £25 / €30 Get yours at store.bluf.com and stay hydrated this summer Nigel, aka SubDirectory (3)
New in the BLUF Store: stainless steel 500ml water bottle

£25 / €30

Get yours at https://store.bluf.com and stay hydrated this summer
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 27/05/2026
It's another hot day in London, but thanks to this stylish BLUF water bottle, I don't have to worry about dehydrating on the bus.
A bearded man holds a metal water bottle with the BLUF logo on it
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 26/05/2026
Store update: As part of the BLUF transition, there will be some behind-the-scenes changes to the BLUF UK/worldwide store. You may now see the name SubDirectory appear on your credit/debit card receipt. The EU store is not affected by these changes. Nigel, aka SubDirectory (3)
Store update:

As part of the BLUF transition, there will be some behind-the-scenes changes to the BLUF UK/worldwide store.

You may now see the name SubDirectory appear on your credit/debit card receipt.
The EU store is not affected by these changes.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
hobbler 🔜 MLW @hobbler.ie · 25/05/2026
My 4th place speech. A bit of fumbling at the start but it came together. I need to work on my posture a little more when I’m speaking but happy with overall delivery.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 24/05/2026
Want to march with BLUF and London Leathermen at Pride? To join us - please follow the link in the event description to sign up. Remember, spaces are limited - first come, first served. And please don't forget to let us know if you can't make it. bluf.com/e/6676 Nigel, aka SubDirectory (3)
Want to march with BLUF and London Leathermen at Pride? To join us - please follow the link in the event description to sign up. Remember, spaces are limited - first come, first served. And please don't forget to let us know if you can't make it.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 23/05/2026
Testing some new tools to make it easier for the new admin team to create social posts across multiple platforms
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 23/05/2026
This is a test. Nothing to see here. Please move along. Nigel, aka SubDirectory (3)
This is a test. Nothing to see here. Please move along.
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Reposted by BLUF HQ
subdirectory.uk @subdirectory.uk · 23/05/2026
Nobody is free until everybody is free
Nobody is free until everybody is free

Intersectionality – the way different types of discrimination interact – matters. We may all have different needs, and face different hurdles, but we’re stronger together.

And you can see this clearly in the new trans guidance for the UK, which even the government’s own assessment acknowledges may mean disabled people face even more limited access to toilet facilities, as trans people may be forced to use them as well.

Women who don’t conform to traditional standards of femininity are also more likely to be harassed by self-appointed “toilet police” as a result of these new guidelines.

It’s far better to fight together than to fail alone. Everyone wins.
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 21/05/2026
Repulsive; just imagine someone writing "because they are worried about sharing a service with someone who appears to be of a different ethnicity" No one would agree that, even if there is discomfort, or distress, the racist should be pandered to, would they?
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BLUF Events Feed @events.bluf.social · 21/05/2026
Deep Inside Friday 22 May Eagle London, 349 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5QY, UK, London, United Kingdom bluf.com/e/6668
Poster for Deep Inside
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 19/05/2026
Nor me; I left, and got my organisation to leave. And who the hell wants to be posting shit for Nazis to read twice an hour?
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 18/05/2026
It's an insane thing to do; when I edited the technical section of a computer magazine years ago, we had a columnist who plagiarised something else for his monthly piece. A reader spotted it, and that was the end of that writer's regular gig for us. I'd rather he'd said "I can't submit this month"
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 11/05/2026
Change and evolution: some of the notable events in my 17 years running BLUF. This is my penultimate blog post. bluf.com/b/733
bluf.com
Change and evolution
BLUF blog: Seventeen years is a long time; both BLUF and the wider world have changed a lot, and we've faced challenges along the way. Outwardly, on BLUF itself, while the club remains the same at its...
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 10/05/2026
That wouldn't go down well at King Street Junior #TheArchers
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 09/05/2026
Sigh... once again, message from Meta that our FB page isn't eligible for recommendations. Nothing has changed since the last time they did this, then flip-flopped a few days later. Again, for those at the back: Meta hates queer expression.
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Gay Community News @gcnmag.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Meta is facing renewed criticism following account suspensions. Read 👉 buff.ly/ocrZjRr #GCNnews
The hand of a person holding a phone with the app Instagram visible on the screen. It has a blue and purple gradient with the GCN logo and the article's title that reads: "Meta faces backlash over increased censorship of LGBTQ+ content". At the bottom of the image, a message says: "Read more on www.gcn.ie at the link in bio".
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BLUF HQ @bluf.social · 08/05/2026
A lot of people are convinced that they're not racist, because they don't throw bricks through people's windows, or paint roundabouts. They just quietly absorb the shit in the media, complain about mixed race families in TV ads, or hearing foreign languages in the street. But no bricks, no racism
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