IML Title Goes to France

After 53 contestants paraded across the IML stage in Chicago, May 29, the top 20 finalist were announced.  The finalist were prepared for their final judged categories (speech and ).

When all was said and done and the scores tallied, Executive Producer and Founder of IML Chuck Renslow announced Eric Guttierez, Mr. European Leather  as the new International Mr. Leather 2011. Eric resides in Paris

First runner up was awarded to Doug Pamplin, Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather 2011, and second runner up honors went to Anthony Roller, Mr. San Diego Leather 2010

Chuck Renslow & RJ Chapin

Jim Deuder, NYC grabbed the International Bootblack title. The crowd seemed rather pleased with the selections. Once again the 33rd annual IML was a success.

One of the biggest successes was the location where IML was held this year. The  Harris Theater, located on Randolph St, just walking distance from the Host Hotel. All the contestants were thrilled with the backstage space and dressing area. Judges seating was exceptional and the audience had an unparralled view, not to mention the great lighting and sound.

Pecs & Personality

Goodbye Congress Theater. Let’s hope the contest will be held there for years to come. The introduction of the  contestants, judges, Tallymasters and other important IML Staff and the Pecs and personality portion was held in the Grand Ballromm of the Chicago Hyatt. The vendor Market was over flowing  with everything imaginable and cash registers were humming a tune all weekend long.

Rumors that had surfaced that the local union would attempt to interupt any of the weekend proceedings, proved to be non existant. The biggest concern for the hotel seemed to be their ability to keep the ATM machines filled. They have promised that will not be an issue next year according to one hotel Manager.

Brian Kent and David at IML Contest

During the weekend parties abounded throughout the hotel. It was heard that nearly 2,000 attended the Onyx party. The San Francisco Party was another huge success. This observer was unabe to make it it everysingle party and still be in the interview room at 8 AM  to work with the contestants each day. Judges (if late) and several were had to deal with judges coordinator, Generalismo Billy Lane) which was nearly a fate worse than death.

All the contestants realize that there will be only one Man selected for the top honor. However that does not mean that some won’t be disappointed at their placement (top 20 or not). However throwing a hissy fit over the outcome, turns a pleasant leather brotherhood gathering into a miserable weekend for all involved.

Oh yes, there were a few of those types around. And as IML judges know there will always be supporters, sponsors, and BF and lovers who will get in your face and want to know why their favorite did not win.. Many times it is because they did poorly in interview.

Darryl Brooks Mr. Washington State Leather 2010

This year was no different that the past 32 years. Some contestants did their homework and some did not. Some really did not care if they won and hoped they would not.. Some knew little about the city, bar, town and the issues involving their areas.  In some cases little about themselves as well.

Some had excellent mentors and advisors, some did not, and sadly some had none. It is indeed very sad indeed to be competing for the biggest most well known leather title in the world that our forebearers who paved the way for this even to happen for the past 33 years and for Chuck Renslow to ensure that it will continue for decades to come and to have leathermen and women to be recognized  Our leaders of the past, present and future.

To be asked to name three past IML’s (excluding the current one) says a lot  about the lack of knowledge and history of the past when a contestant cannot name one.  IML represents the outstanding men of our communities, who will be the Ambassador and spoksperson and represenative for our tribe and who represents those of us who are unable to speak freely on our own.

Rod McCoy Leatherman of Color 2011

To say the titleholder cannot have fun during his title year would be absurd. But to enter a contest for that reason only, defeats the original purpose of the event. Former IML titleholders have set standards and educated new generations of men into the leather world.  Men like David Kloss, Patrick Toner, Scott Tucker, Guy Baldwin, Tony Mills, John Pendal and many others from the US and other countries have done so much to pave the way.

It is sincerely hoped that future contestants think long and hard about the reason they wish to enter a local contest that will propel them to Chicago and IML  Ego’s, physique, sash rash and costuming are just a small part of the overall consideration. Intelligence, compassion, educating, the younger generations  in what it means to be a leatherman and what is a leatherman, is what makes up the whole package\

This year a real crowd pleaser emerged at the IML dance following the contest Sunday night. IML 2008 Gary Iriza was the featured DJ. His Music  rocked the house. Many were surprised at his talents and loved every minute of if..You Go Gary!  For some of the older crowd in attendance at the contest, the entertainment was provided by a group  aptly named American English. They entertained with all the songs from the Beatle era, and the audience was out of their seats singing those favorite Beatle melodies

Emcees David Kloss (IML79) and Queen Cougar kept the show moving in a timly manner and worked very well together.

If you did not have a good time at IML this year, then you had no one to blame but yourself. Indeed there was something there for everyone. Upon returning home from Chicago, the leather community was informed of the sad news of the passing of George Wong in Los Angeles. George served the community with a passion. Leatherman, producer, speaker, club member, workshop facilitator, historian, former IML Judge and IML staff volunteer.

George was the man who after meeting him once, you felt you had known him all your life, California will miss him emensley as well as everyone across the United States. Sympathy goes to his family and all the hundress of friends who loved and adored him.

A celebration of his life in Los Angeles will be announced at a later date.