Has the dust settled yet?

L-R IML Tyler McCormick, Intl BB Tim Starkey Standing L-R Jack Duke, 2nd RU, Lance Holman 1st RU

Earthquakes, gulf oil spills, tornado’s and the war in the middle east all seemed to take a back seat to IML 2010. The annual leather event in Chicago held Memorial Day weekend sent shock waves around the leather world.

In what was noted as a first, Tyler McCormick, Mr Rio Grande Leather from New Mexico was selected as International Mr Leather 2010. That in itself was no big deal. However, when it was learned that Mr McCormick is a transsexual (FTM), that started a storm of controversy.

His sexual identity was not of major concern per Se, as other transsexuals have competed at IML over the years. The fact that he uses a wheelchair was no big deal. Contestants in previous years have competed in wheelchairs. The major concern to many was the fact that a transsexual won!

The Internet sent the announcement around the world in minutes. The response to the news was like a clap of thunder. The questions were immediate. (1) how did this happen? (2) What are the gender requirements to enter? (3) What were the judges thinking? (4) Has IML gone in a new direction? (5) Can anyone enter now? (6) Is this the downfall of IML? (7) What does the Executive Director (Chuck Renslow) think of all of this?

All are valid questions to those who care about the future of leather and many who do not. Once the dust settles, and calmer heads prevail, We must take a look at what prompted the selection. But the bottom line is, He was selected by the judges this year. The scores were added and he won. So all those who are unhappy with the results, will just have to get over it. All those who are thrilled with the results, see this as a new beginning, and light has finally shown at the end of the tunnel for transsexuals.

For those who are having second thoughts about inviting Mr McCormick to their contests and various leather events, for fear of a lack of attendance from their customers, Think of the disservice and bigotry before making that decision. Remember, he only holds the title for one year, although he will always be IML 2010. Before decisions are made, give the man a chance. Get to know him, hear what he has to say, (besides his speech at IML).

Be the truth known, there have been male (gender identified) contestants who have entered leather contests, who have had a male leather title and turned around and entered a female leather contest… AND WON!! We wonder what those judges were thinking?

According to several 2010 IML judges, they genuinely felt he was outstanding in many categories. One judge in particular, stated “only small people would challenge whether this man deserves to be our IML, I could not be more proud to have been a part of this historic moment, where we chose the best man to represent our tribe”.

I am looking forward to meeting Tyler, and Congratulations. First runner up was Lance Holman (Mr. SF Leather) and second runner up was Jack Andrew Duke (Mr. Texas Leather)..The New Intl Bootblack title went to Tim Starkey (Mr. Boston Leather 09)

The Mid Atlantic region did quite well at IML this year. All three were in the top 10 finalist. Matt Bamford (MAL) was #5, Justin B. Smith (Mr MD Leather) was # 7 and Derrick Thomas, (Mr. DC Eagle) placed #10…The Mid Atlantic region is so proud of you.

Another smash hit at IML was the Tribute to Mr. Marcus. On display was a large portion of the memorabilia of the life and times of “Marcus the Merciless”. Leather history and the Imperial Court system was truly on display. Sunday night the IML Family presented a video tribute to the man we miss and love. To Jon Krongaard and all his assistants, Thank you Jon for a fitting and well received memory. I have viewed the video in it’s entirety and I must admit it brought a tear or two to my eyes. and smiles from never to be forgotten memories. All items that were on display will be housed at the LA&M in Chcago with the exception of the Imperial Court Robe, worn when he was Emperior 1 AN, in San Francisco at the San Francisco Gay Historical Society with other court artifacts.

Pride month is here for most of the country. The nations capital, kicked off DC leather pride with a street festival. Although the weather was not the best a large group of the leather community attended. This was the first leather street festival, but I know it will not be the last. Mr & Ms Capital Pride Leather 2009, held their stepping aside this week also. Due to “technical difficulties” there will not be a Capital Pride Leather contest for 2010. aka: drama is what it is known as. Which means there will not be a contestant (at this time and point) competing for the MAL in January 2011.

DC DISH….

New dog in town? Well the Witch has learned plans are in the works for a new Imperial Court system. All you lovers of drag (participant or observer) get ready. The Imperial Court of Washington, DC is here, in case you have not heard. We all know the Mother Court (as it’s called) began in SF, with Jose Sarria the Widow Norton in 1965 and there are 70 or more chapters. According to the flyer distributed this past weekend, it will be open to gay, straight, lesbian, bi, and trans. Oh lord here come the sewing machines and glue guns.

The promoters of this endeavor are John-Richard Daniel, XXXIII former Emperor of SF and Imperial Crown Princess Blair Michaels..Gee, I wonder what the Academy of Washington, DC thinks of all this? Frank, oh Frank are you reading this?

The DC Eagle has enclosed their back deck. So now all the prissy leather queens will not have their leather soiled with bird droppings and rain…Haleluya!!

Has anyone (bar managers in general) informed some of their new twinkie bartenders that tips are not mandatory? Tipping is a reward for good service and fondness for the bartender. Have the two words, Thank you been erased from their memory as they snatch any money off the bar and into their tip jar? Understandably, when a bar is very busy they might forget. However they always remember when you do not leave a tip. Big complaint from customers is having to stand and wait at a non busy counter, until the bartender finishes his conversation with his friends at the opposite end of the bar. You might turn your head occasionally to see if anyone is ready for a drink…HELLO? Dupont Bars, WAKE up!

So great to see the late Wayne Nesbitt’s Mother (Novella) at the leather pride Festival. Mrs Nesbitt, was selling T Shirts with all proceeds going to one of Wayne’s charities in DC. The Duke Ellington School of Music for under privilage children.

And to all you who inquired about dress codes for Judges at IML. There is no dress code enforcement. Fashion code police who were there were unable to hand out citations to some. Lord knows, they wanted to.

The Leather community in some cities seems to be shrinking when it comes to finding good qualified contestants to enter local contests. Therefore, it is so tiresome to find so called pillars of local leather communities bickering, arguing over such non important things such as who will or will not attend send off parties, and this title holder does not like that title holder. This one will not speak to that one, this one will not ride on a pride float because someone said this or that. Such is the case in DC.

David Dean, Mr Pittsburgh Leather

One would think sometimes we are dealing with 4 or 5 year old pre schoolers, with the I am getting out of the sandbox and not playing with you anymore and taking my toys and going home game. In this area we are lucky enough to have 3 contests to send represenatives to IML. In the past at least two of the contestants always shared the special sendoff spotlight. Now sendoff parties are scheduled for the same night, same time at different bars. Would’nt you think that MD, DC and VA could work together once their contestants are selected? The pettiness of it all is totally ridiculous. All those sideline agitators, need to step back and slam their lips shut. Coming together is a lot easier than tearing apart. Come on children Do you think you can play nice for a change? And you know who you are. Verbal nastiness and inuendos have no place on facebook or the title holders page.