-by Vern Stewart

As the saying goes, it’s never to warm for leather. Leather contests are in full swing; New Orleans, Philadelphia and Portland just to name a few.

American Brotherhood Weekend resurfaced after a year off to revamp the weekend and the contest. New Orleans was the host city. Dean Ogren, Paula Smith, Jazz Thomas and Frank Nowicki are the new producers of this event. New Orleans, known for it’s heat and humidity at this time of year did not seem to prevent leather from being worn.

The weekend was a success. Despite the turnout, everyone in attendance had a great time. According to Producer Dean Ogren, the attendance will be much better next year as the word is out that ABW is back and will be held in New Orleans again next year.

Three men, two women and two boys competed for the three titles. The fourth title, American Leather Girl had no contestants. Nor did the previous holder of the title (Dawn Marie) show up.

The contestants were Randy Carmenaty, Alan Bowers, Greg Lakota for ALM. Joan Norry, Lilith Grey, contestants for ALW, and Shane Lucas, and Chris Scherrer competed for the boy title.

When the scores were tallied, the selection of Randy Carmenaty of Los Angeles, as American Leather Man , Joan Norry, San Leandro, CA.  American Leather Woman, and Chris Scherrer, Denver,CO. American Leather Boy. Congratulations to all the contestants and all the volunteers who made the weekend a success.

ABW winners  L-R  Randy Carmenaty, Joan Norry, Chris Scherrer

photo by Marcus

In the city of brotherly love, and sisterly affection,(Philadelphia) The International Deaf Leather contest was held. Intl Deaf Leather 2004 Teddy O’Rourke put this one together. Even though the temperature were in the high 90’s, the weekend event went very smooth..

When the votes were tallied, Marc ”Sir Y” Burton was selected as Intl Deaf Leather 2008 and Alan “boy taz” Arble grabbed the Intl Deaf Leather boy title.

Intl Deaf Leather competition

L-R  Alan “boy taz” Arble  Intl Deaf Leather boy & Marc “Sir Y” Burton, Intl Deaf Leather 2008

Photo by Alex Lewis

The Pantheon of Leather awards, and the Mr & Ms Olympus contest got off to a great weekend in Chicago. Hundreds of awards went worthy recipients nationwide. The selection of Andrew ( no last name given) Mr West Coast Olympus of Salt Lake City as the New Mr Olympus Leather 2008. Mistress Sabrae, Ms Southeast Olympus holds the title of Ms Olympus 2008

Mr & Ms Olympus 2008 Chosen in Chicago

L-R  Andrew Mr Olympus 2008  Mistress Sabrae Ms Olympus 2008

photo by George Wong

The Washington, DC. Highwaymen TNT, celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a lavish catered Bar B Q at a delightful farm in Maryland. Best wishes guys and here’s to 30 more.

The 30th anniversary TNT Highwaymen cake with photo of the active members..

Photo by Vern Stewart

Southern Fried Dish…….

When the former American Leather Girl pulled a no show with no explanation or contact, the contest moved right along with a comment of, and her name was who?

How many contestants have entered various leather contest and promised and swore to the interview judges of everything they were going to do during their title year, short of bringing world peace and ending the war… how disgusting once they have won, they disappear, or move from their locale not to be heard from again. Nominations for the VANISHING QUEEN, oops CREAM awards are about to begin.

How about a leather contest for the “It should have been me” contestants? The prerequisite would be you must have entered three or more contests local, regional or International. A week long marathon with a list of contestants longer than the Mississippi River.

Whatever became of the Leather Anthem? Does anyone remember the words? That disappeared like the Nehru jacket.

The title was One Common Heartbeat. Once referred to as One Common Headache by the authors.

The Wicked Witch…

Comments ranged from “oh it has just become too political”, too many drag queens, the lesbians are trying to take over the parade and festival, It’s just not fun anymore and where are all the leather guys? But for every five who used those excuses, there were hundreds who felt just the opposite. They came out in full force. Especially in California where same sex marriage became law thanks to their state Supreme Court.

The Premier color to be seen in at the SF Pride parade was white. With or without veils, all were proud newlyweds. Hopefully this will not be overturned in November when it is placed on their ballot for public voting.

Pride in NYC brought out thousands and despite the rain everyone lining Fifth Avenue was determined not to let a few showers spoil the mood. Washington,DC had their pride parade and the following day the Pride Festival was held. The Nations Capital really does not have a parade of any size compared to NYC, SF, LA or Chicago, What a shame.

Folsom Street East, New York’s version of the Grand daddy San Francisco street fair, was a roaring success the week before the pride parade. The selection of a new Northeast Leather Sir/boy was one of the events as was the hugely successful Leather Pride auction.

Northeast Leather Sir Lucas and Northeast Leather boy will compete for the international title in October in San Francisco.

Fourth of July weekend brought us another leather contest. This time it was the regional Mid Atlantic Leather Sir/boy event held in the City of Brotherly love (Philadelphia). The Bike Stop hosted the event.Two Sirs and three boys competed for the titles. Sir Kevin and Andy Liu were the Sirs, and Stacey Franklin, Derick Rojas, Steve Mercer competed for the boy title.

After lengthy speeches from former and current title holders, everyone in attendance finally heard what they came to witness. The names of the new winners. Andy Liu was selected Mid Atlantic Leather Sir and Steve (boy shark) Mercer grabbed the leather boy title. These two are off to San Francisco in the fall.

The funeral service for Wayne Nesbitt, Mr. DC Eagle 97/98 was a fitting memorial for a man who was so well loved. Everyone who could possibly attend was there. The church was packed. He left us very suddenly, but he will never be forgotten.

AND THE DISH ROLLS ON…….

A reminder to a certain contest producer in Philadelphia. If you expect people to attend your contest. It might be wise to provide a signer for the deaf members of the community who attended and left when they learned  they were not included..I bet they will have someone at their  International Deaf Leather contest to insure the hearing community will be included…The contest is in two weeks and will be held in Philadelphia.

IML Gary Iriza 08 is sticking to his plan and will be attending smaller leather events. He wants to make sure that he meets and talks to as many potential leathermen and women, who may not be able to attend the big flashy events. Sounds like a plan to me. He will be attending International Mr Deaf Leather and quite possibly could be the first IML to judge and or attend that contest.

The latest definition for Gay time is, Start whenever you feel like it according to some disorganized producers. Those who attend won’t mind…WRONG!

Well it has started already….two DC guys bought their plane tickets to fly to California to partake of wedded bliss. One had second thoughts because his Mother  asked if he had a prenuptial agreement. Now the  wedding plans are on hold until they march off to see a lawyer. Ah yes love in bloom. I guess the what’s mine is yours does not apply.

And to that former title holder who was spotted standing on a Manhattan street corner on Pride Sunday . What makes you think you should run for another title? You did absolutely nothing the year you had the title. What’s with these people who think after five years in hiding, suddenly want to enter something again? You only have to look at those who have tried that at IML. And look what happened to them. They did worse the second or third time….Get a life.

–THE WICKED WITCH….

Mr. Gay Days Leather 2009 contestants at Gay Days Orlando 2008

Winner of Mr Gay Days Leather 2009-Ron Todd of Ft Lauderdale

NorthEast LeatherSir 2008 Sir Lucas

NorthEast Leatherboy 2008 boy joe

New York Gay Pride 2008 Parade

NE LeatherSir/boy 2008

Photos by Vern Stewart

(L to R) Andy Liu, Gary Iriza, (kneeling) Steve Mercer

Photo by Vern Stewart

NY Pride reveler in a tasteful red outfit

photo by Vern Stewart

Three NY Eagle men with Eagle owner Derek Danton (right)

photo by Vern Stewart

The term “old guard” has been pushed back to the rear of the definition book of leather terminology. Replaced with words like leather fetish, tribes, Kink and youth. Hardcore leather men as they were once called, are becoming extinct. Once upon a time there were definitions and  codes the leather man and those who wanted to be, followed nearly religiously.. Past leather men and leather titleholders almost took a vow, and had an agenda which was followed during their entire title year. Their Character and commitment, made anyone proud to think and say the titled leather man represented them.

  For many hardcore leather men attending IML 30, thoughts and questions ranged from; is this a costume party? to, what has cartoon characters and spider man dress ups have in common with leather? The curious came in droves and departed with their mouths hanging open. Hardcore leather men, spent most of the weekend shaking their head and ‘ trying to remember if ever in their life had they ever dressed like who they were looking at. Leather has taken on a completely new look with the youth of today. Our future leather leaders will have their work cut out for them in attempting to bridge the gap from yesteryear to the future.

  The contest went on as scheduled. It was very obvious to this observer that some contestants were missing guidance, mentoring, and fashion critique…What a shame that some of the sponsors of those contestants spent little if any ‘ time with their men. On the other hand, when mentoring and advice was offered from  former titleholders to some contestants, and the offer was refused, then there is no one to blame but themselves.

On May 25, 2008, in the Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Hyatt, a long overdue spell was finally broken. A person of color was selected as International Mr Leather 2008. Gary Iriza, Mr Palm Springs Leather grabbed the title. A truly handsome young Latino with a beautiful smile. Gary hails from Venezuela. the last person of color to attain the title of IML was 17 years ago when D Cannon, IML 1991 was selected. Incidentally he was a title holder from Palm Springs, CA.

  First Runner up honors went to Bob Firth-Tessier, M Cuir Montreal 2008. Second runner up was Scott Melton, Mr. Ramrod 2007, Ft Lauderdale, FL.

  The New International Bootblack  2008 is Bootdog, from Oakland, CA.

  The top twenty were: Ross Wood, Mr Los Angeles Leather, Ron Balos, Mr SF Leather, Kristopher DeBlase, Mr MD Leather, Donald Palmore, Mr. Mid States Leather, Scott Mellon, Mr Ramrod Leather, Ft Lauderdale, Brian Heinen, Juan Ramon Alfaro, Mr. Texas Leather, Kenneth Anthony Mr Cellblock, Phoenix, Jake Anderson, Mr Bolt Lthr, Sacramento, CA Mike Anderson,Mr Calgary Eagle, Canada, Martin Grimm, Bavarian Mr Leather, Munich, Richard Hubley, Mr. Ottawa Leather, Canada, Joe Barlow, Mr Boston Leather, Lee Butler Mr San Diego Leather, Alexander Rose-Grein, Mr. Leather Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bob Firth-Tessier, Mr Cuir Montreal Canada, C.J. Smith Mr Club XS, York,PA Russ Woolmore, Mr Hoist Leather, London, Gary Iriza, Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Paul Stagg, Mr Leather UK.

  Although the attendance at IML was very high, and I am sure the vendor market cash registers were humming a money, money, money tune, it was the shocked look on many newbies faces, at the cost of things at that hotel like food and drinks….With the nations economy being in the sad state of affairs that it is in, IML has become a very expensive weekend…However a great time was had by all who attended. Next year the IML host hotel will move to a new location. The Chicago Hilton will be the new location. rumored to be the largest hotel in the Windy City. Start saving your coins now.

  WINDY CITY DISH…..

  Imagine holding a leather contest, with only one contestant. No sound system so not one person could hear what was being said. Imagine how surprised the outgoing titleholder was when he was not even asked to be a judge. He was given 10 min to say Adios… The new owner of that Intl contest has vowed that will never happen again.

  When are those khaki, cotton, denim, and sometimes leather kilts ever going to go out of style? Also known as San Francisco Brunch skirts.Most of the ones who buy them shouldn’t and the ones who should don’t. Surprised leather culottes aren’t all the rage.

  Imagine wanting to be such a part of Mama’s Family, that you had your own brass pin made and had the nerve to wear it at a function that Mama attended. Do you not think she would know who she has given pins to? Members of her family sure do. Is that ballsy or stupid or both?

  To that former titleholder in a large east coast city….Remember when you hold a fundraiser and do not give the money to the organization for which you advertised it was intended for several months, don’t be surprised if members of your community will ever be inclined to donate another dime to you. Especially when the announced amount raised was far less than what was finally received…

  Will there be a boycott by several former ILSb titleholders when the contest debuts in the city by the Golden Gate later this year? New rules and policies have some people highly upset.

  In Chicago the popular well attended Onyx party caught some people by surprise this year, when they discovered there was a cover charge to attend this year. Things are tight all over so it seems, but it would have been nice to have put that on the posters and flyers that were out and about.

Say what you will, however one thing that has not changed at IML regarding competing contestants. The crowd loves a contestant who has gone to the GYM and who has a toned defined body. I am positive the judges took note as well. Hint, hint those who are considering becoming a part of the class of 2009 should take note. You might want to invest $3.95 in a can of boot polish also.

The Wicked Witch……..