Started as a night for guys into rubber to meet and socialise at a time when rubber fetish was very underground, Gummi celebrated its 21st birthday this year and is one of London’s longest running fetish nights.
QXMEN: How would you describe Gummi?
ROB BOUGH: Gummi is a place where rubber pervs can get into gear, have a pint and meet other like-minded guys in an intimate and sleazy environment.
Where is Gummi held and how often?
Gummi is based at the Hoist in London and runs on the second Sunday of the month from 6pm until midnight.
And what kind of guys go?
Gummi attracts a wide range of guys of all ages. You’ll find guys in all sorts of gear such as rubber suits, rubber pups and rubber skinheads. But most importantly you’ll always find a good sleazy and friendly group of guys at Gummi.
Is there a strict dress code?
Gummi has a dress code of rubber only and this encompasses rubber through to Neoprene, PVC and heavy-duty industrial waterproof gear. We do allow guys to wear things like bleachers and leather providing that it’s worn with predominantly rubber gear.
Where would you recommend guys should go if they wanted to get themselves a rubber outfit?
There are three places I’d suggest to guys who’d like to get themselves some rubber, and they’re RoB, Regulation and Invincible Rubber. They all have a great range of rubber and can also cater for one off designs. But more importantly the guys who work there are friendly and always willing to help you find that perfect outfit.
Is there a knack to putting on and taking off rubber gear?
Rubber can sometimes be tricky to get on and off, depending on the item. Using talc or silicone lube can make life a lot easier. You don’t need to use large amounts though, just enough to help lubricate the rubber against the skin.
Do you have any tips for cleaning and storing your rubber?
I’d always recommend that once you’ve worn your rubber you should wash with warm (not hot) water and then allow to dry before storing away. There’s a brilliant product called Vivishine that you can use to clean you rubber and this can also be used to obtain a high shine. Vivishine also has the added bonus of conditioning your rubber and helping extend its life.
Do you have to be a member to go to Gummi?
You don’t have to be a member, but membership is available and has it’s benefits.
Tell us more…
Membership forms are available on the door and it costs £10 for the year. Once you’re a Gummi member you’ll get in for the reduced price of £6 and membership also entitles you to discounts when shopping at RoB and other events through the year.
We’re assuming that you love rubber… So how long has it been a fetish of yours?
Rubber has been a love of mine for longer than I can remember. I still have my very first item of rubber, a t-shirt, although it’s a little tired these days! I was lucky enough to become involved with Gummi when I was 19, and now all these years later I’m proud to running the club and taking Gummi forwards.
So when’s the next Gummi?
The next Gummi is on Sunday 8th December from 6pm to midnight at the Hoist. We will also be hosting the London Rubbermen Christmas Party so expect much Christmas revelry!
• The Hoist is at Arch 47c, South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London SW8 1RH. www.gummi.org.uk