"I deliberately decided to write a kind of guide to leather bars for straight people, for people not into leather, so that people could see what it was all about"

Thom Gunn's quote speaks with the significance of understanding and acceptance of various way of lives. He wanted to create a guide to leather bars for straight people, so that they might acquire an understanding of the culture and way of life without needing to belong of it. He wanted to develop a safe area for individuals to check out and discover the leather neighborhood without judgement or fear. He wished to develop a bridge in between the 2 worlds, so that individuals could acquire an understanding of the culture and way of life without needing to be a part of it. By doing this, he intended to produce a more accepting and understanding environment for all individuals, no matter their way of life. His quote speaks to the importance of understanding and acceptance of different lifestyles, and the requirement for individuals to be unbiased and accepting of those who are various from them.