GAYMPLAN: In the simplest of terms, what is GEAR XL?

GEAR XL: GEAR XL’s goal is to put on a party to meet and mingle with those who enjoy wearing or admiring gear, leather, or any kind of fetish wear. GEAR can be whatever ignites your desire, be it leather, neoprene, rubber, pup hoods, harnesses, leashes, chains or any kind of fetish BDSM GEAR. Chat, meet, or dance the night away - ALL are WELCOME!

GAYMPLAN: What should people expect of this year GEAR XL? Anything different this year?

GEAR XL: We’ve got two parties this year! Friday night, our second Pride Edition of GEAR XL at The Brass Rail and GRINDcity, our Saturday night party at Platform 34 at Skylight Venue on 5th avenue – a block away from The Brass Rail. We’ve got an amazing lineup of DJs, Dancers, and entertainment at both events. Our staff is crewed by Leather Titleholders and others within the community itself – including the bootblacks, fetish demonstrators, dancers, and more! At GEAR XL you should expect more of the same, just with the notch turned up! New decorations, lighting effects, a HUGE number of dancers and some INSANE DJ talent and you’ve got one helluva party that goes until 4am! Saturday at GRINDcity, we’re turning the hall into an industrial playground. We have some really creative stage builds by Joshua City, our collaborator on the event, some of the best dancers San Diego has to offer, and a DJ duo that is out of this world!! We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on for this event!

GAYMPLAN: Why two parties? // What’s it been like working with Mr. City?

GEAR XL: We work closely with Joshua City from Mr. City Entertainment, especially on Fetish Gras Weekend – he is a great producer, event manager, and friend! GRINDcity, our second party of the weekend, is the latest in our collaborations with him. This second event of the weekend in a big, new space gives us all a little more creative freedom to really be able to transform the venue into an immersive environment more so than we can in the bar. We’re excited to bring San Diego an all-new event in a space we really think you’re going to love! Mr. City, with the help of our right-hand man Joe, has dreamt up some really cool stage design elements that is really going to draw you into the vibe of the party. We’re excited!

GAYMPLAN: What’s the DJ line up this year?

GEAR XL: We’re bringing back an insane line-up of DJs who we’ve worked with before. On Friday night, we have DJ Jason James from Washington DC doing the opening set, with DJ Alex Ramos from Miami taking over and spinning until 4am! Jason James has joined us before, for our December ’25 party, while Alex Ramos is a returning favorite from our Fetish Gras Weekend party in February of ’25. This is a KILLER combo and we can’t wait for Friday!!

On Saturday, we’re bringing in Rhythm Machine, the B2B duo of DJ Brady Prince (Chicago) and T’Don (Atlanta). Both Brady and T’don are Fetish Gras Weekend alum as well, having spun on Friday and Sunday nights (respectively) earlier this year. This combo is not one you want to miss – so you can grab a double-party pass and catch them both for one unbeatable price of the weekend!

GAYMPLAN: What would you tell someone who’s nervous about going to something like GEAR XL?

GEAR XL: Please don’t be nervous! We’re a friendly crew. San Diego has an amazing community of leather and BDSM-minded individuals, and we all just want to have a good time. But if you’re nervous your first time, wear something you feel comfortable in – you don’t have to go all-out on the first go! Sit with our bootblack, chat up our coat-check guys, or find one of us to talk to – we’ll be happy to help ease some anxiety. Coming early also helps, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming walking into a room already full of people!

GAYMPLAN: What should people wear?

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in at Gear XL. Or take a risk. No one will judge you.

GEAR XL: Leather, neoprene, rubber, pup hoods, harnesses, leashes, jockstraps, chains or any kind of fetish BDSM GEAR! Whatever you feel comfortable in, that’s what you should be wearing. Clothes check is available at both events, so you can dress down when you get there!

GAYMPLAN: What do you dislike seeing at your parties?

GEAR XL: People not respecting consent rules. Please, ask before touching or photographing. No means No – be respectful of other people, their space, and their boundaries!

GAYMPLAN: What do you love seeing at your parties?

GEAR XL: People able to be themselves! To wear what they want to wear, to be comfortable in the crowd that is of like minds, to be able to flirt, frolic, and dance the night away somewhere safe, for them, and by members of their own community. We love watching people relax and be them – and we definitely love seeing the heavy petting!!

GAYMPLAN: Anything we should expect to see in upcoming gear parties?

GEAR XL: We’re always looking for ways to improve the event. From decorations, new lighting, new ideas, we reinvest in the party itself and try to make it better for all of you! We’ve got plans for new DJs, out-of-town dancers and entertainers, and been playing with projection mapping and lighting designs to help really bring you into the space and break away from the outside world for a while. Keep showing up – we’re working on it for you!

GAYMPLAN: Thanks so much for your time guys! See you out at Pride!

GEAR XL: Thanks! See you soon!