The Long Winding Road to Chicago
IML contestants attending Scarlet Bake Sale 2011
The IML class of 2011 is quickly forming. The showdown will occur Memorial day weekend. Excitement is building in all the cities and bars across the United States and Europe as their represenatives are selected to compete at International Mr. Leather.
A few of the IML contestants Class 2011
Considering that there will be at least 60 contestants competing for the title, the invited judges will not have an easy task. It is indeed an impressive title to hold for an entire year. I wonder if the men competing for that title, realize they are representing the entire leather community worldwide? No longer just a local or state titleholder.
Have they given thought to the amount of time, effort and money that will be drained from their wallets during the entire year? Have they thought of the amount of separation that they will incur from their family, partner or significant other. Not to mention that item that keeps a roof over their head and food in their mouth which I believe is called employment.
The days of S/M (stand and model) will be over at least for a full year. Holding a title of that magnitude automatically places you as a “bottom” to the community as it has been said. In the days before inflation, recessions and unemployment, some IML title holders went through at least $30,000 during their title year. So make sure you take all the aforementioned into consideration before hitting the red carpet and giving the imperial wave.
D Pamplin Mr MAL 2011
Attending leather events prior to IML can put a drain on your wallet as well. Contrary to what you may have been informed, it is not mandatory for a contestant to attend or try to attend every event. For example, MAL, CLAW, and other regional leather events. You must place your priorities. I have learned that some contestants were told that they “MUST” attend certion functions. Functions where judges, would be in attendance to observe, watch and talk to you or contact you. That is not the role of a judge to have a contestant nervious and on edge weeks before IML.
Judges, are selected based on their background, experience and service within their communities. Large leather events should not focus on judges, nor should they be in the limelight. If guests attend including judges, they are there to enjoy the weekend, support the cause and stay out of the spotlight. The meet and greet gathering at the hotel should accomplish that. Judges for IML are always at the host hotel prior to the contestants and that’s the time to converse especially if you have reviewed their bios.
Meanwhile in Chicago, many may have heard of the union probems that have affected the Chicago Hyatt Hotel, which is the host hotel for IML this year. The union which covers hotel employees have elected to stir up guests who will be staying there for IML. Attempting to persuade people from booking rooms there. This is a contract problem between the Hyatt, and the union. The contract between IML and the Hotel was signed months ago, and has no bearing on IML.
Union rabble rousers have gone as far as to contact IML judges via harrassing phone messages and emails, advising them not to book rooms or to cancel their reservations. Meetings are going on with all parties involved. The Hyatt is still the host hotel, and scheduled for IML May 26-30. If you are wondering why the Union focused on Hyatt Hotel, Number one reason, Chicago is the corporate headquarters of Hyatt, and IML is a Chicago based event. The weekend event brings millions to the coffers at City Hall.
You can be sure that Chuck Renslow and the IML Executive staff are working on this issue to ensure all will run smoothly..I was informed a fabulous weekend will happen. I do intend to have a seat at Wrigley Field and watch a game during that weekend.
THE WINDING ROAD OF DISH….
Contrary to what sponsors, advisors, and mentors may have told contestants, it is not necessary to contact judges on facebook to suddenly become their new friend. How did IML contestants manage in the 80′s and early 90′s to meet judges before facebook and computers? I believe there were gatherings in Chicago called meet and greet at the host hotel.
It may be hard to believe, however there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing your leather that you have owned for a few years. Especially if you have taken good care of it and it has a special meaning to you. And for goodness sakes if you must borrow leather, make sure it was borrowed from someone who is your size and weight…Hello?
In Fagdad by the bay (San Francisco) a new Mr SF Leather was chosen. He follows Lance Holmes who did an outstanding job representing the title in 2010. The evening was not complete without the expertise of Randy Carmanty, ABW 2008, He put together a fantastic video chronicling Lance’s entire year. It can be viewed on U Tube.