The Centaur Motorcycle Club of Washington, DC, celebrated their Fortieth Anniversary January 15 - 17.  The big event of the weekend was the selection of Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather 2010. The Selection of Matt Bamford 27, of Alexandria, VA. brought a roar of approval from the standing room only crowd.

First runner up honors went to David Dean 46,  Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather 2009. Second runner up was Jeff Jarnigan , Arlington, VA. The other contestants were Alan Peoples, James Botelho, and John Truzz. Judges Jeffrey Payne, (IML 09), Lamalani, (IMsL 09), Steven Dwyer, (Mr. Hoist Leather 09), Roger Alford, (Mr Gulf Coast Leather 05), Keith Hunt, (Intl Drummer 94), boy Ky, (Former President DC BOL) , Kip Hollar, MAL 09.

A plethora of events, vendors, cocktail parties, cigar parties and the very formal Leather Cocktails kept everyone busy the entire weekend. Although the weekend events were held at several different locations this year, shuttle buses transported all the guests with no problems. This was the last year that the Washington Plaza will be the host hotel. Next year the host hotel will be the Capital Hyatt. All events will be held there including the Vendor Mart. As a dress rehersal, Leather Cocktails was held there this year, and seemed to meet with approval from all who attended.

Entertainment was provided by KeniMattix an extraordinary acrobatic duo and by Myke Lowe a talented singer from Berlin. Myke also performed at the closing Reaction Dance Sunday evening. Onyx hosted their annual cocktail party and the room was packed.

It goes without saying, that everyone in attendance this year noticed that the late Marcus Hernandez was indeed missed. But he was there in spirit.

Mid Atlantic Weekend  is also the time that the announcement is made of the selection of the judges for International Mr. Leather in May. The judges for 2010 are: Jeffrey Payne, Dallas, TX, Laura Antoniou, Queens, NY, Shawn Carroll, Ottawa Canada, Demetri Moshoyannis, San Francisco, CA, Chad Neal, Kansas City, MO, Gene Romaine, Seattle, WA., Daniel Ruester, Berlin, Germany, William “rubberwilli” Schendel, Chicago, IL., Robert Valin, NY, NY., Bio’s of each judge can be found on the IML website.

Word is out the the San Francisco Eagle Tavern is up for sale. The Endup bar in San Francisco is also up for sale. Both south of market bars have a long and special history in the gay community. No word on new buyers. Hopefully the new owner of the Eagle will keep it the same. However should it fall into the hands of a developer of condo mania,  hopefully the leather history that adorns the walls of the Eagle will be saved. Memorabilia of bike clubs, bike christenings, bike blessings and the names of wonderful leathermen and trailblazers who have gone on before should not be thrown away.

If for no other reason, those items should be placed in the SF Lesbian and Gay Historical Society. Hopefully someone will ensure that this happens should the Eagle fade away into history.

The IML Executive Board members are preparing a most fitting and memorable tribute to the Late Marcus Hernandez leather columnist extraordinaire and Judge Emeritus of IML During IML weekend. As every contestant knew, Marcus the Merciless always made the announcement of the top 20 finalist. Therefore this year that honor will go to the person who loved and cared for him to the very end, Queen Cougar.

DC Dish…

Imagine having a leather title from a major city and attending  a major leather event which is suppose to be a way of meeting other contestants and judges of the class of 2010. But watching a football game was more important than attending the second  largest leather contest in the US.  So he elected to remain in his hotel room. Why bother to even attend the weekend event? I’m sure his sponsor is not too amused.

What a shame the word “brief” has no meaning to some title holders when they decide to thank everyone including Jesus Christ and the 12 disciples. Knowing full well  the event is on a timed schedule and needs to end. IML has the right idea, do the step down speech the day before . Let’s face it 39 minutes is entirely too long.

For those who attended MAL and were surprised there was no jock category this year. It was not the fault of the Centaurs. The owners of the building had a no exposure of fanny clause in the contract. The contest should be back to normal next year when it premiers at the Hyatt.

For as many years as leather cocktails has been presented it has always been ”The” formal event on Saturday evening. What a shame some of those in attendance were not quite clear on the concept or did not care.  A jock strap and a dirty pair of tennis shoes worn by some  were an embarrassment.  If  those who wore those items were were making a fashion statement, they failed miserably.

The fashion police patroling  the hotel hallways did not miss the pink fringed chaps worn by a particular titleholder. Fortunately the shoes did not match.  Only a  boa, and hat  rounded out the ensemble. The titleholder from the New England area made sure everyone knew who who he was. His body was covered by the sash, and can be used as a sling once he gives up his title.

For those who were unable to pull themselves away from the host hotel, it must be duly noted that a new bar/restaurant opened in the DuPont Circle area. James McGlade, owner of the Leather Rack now has a lovely new place in the building where the Leather Rack is located on Connecticut Ave NW  called the Black Fox Lounge.

L-R David Dean, Matt Bamford, Jeff Jarnigan

Steve & Dennis

KeniMattix

Myke Lowe MAL Entertainer From Berlin Germany

KeniMattix Acrobatic Duo

L-R Jeffrey Payne, Vern, Randy Carmenaty

New York Visitors

MAL 2010 contestants

The Year 2009 came in with a big bang. A new President, a new administration and great expectations for the citizens of the United States.  Marcus Hernandez, leather columnist for the Bay Area Reporter was one of the celebrants looking forward to 2009.

Known to thousands of men and women, in his 77th year Marcus did what he did so well. He covered gay and lesbian events from coast to coast. Always bringing to his legions of readers, the latest coverage of current, past and future leather events.

For the most part, Marcus was there to cover the event first hand and the photo’s in his weekly column proved it. Chiding those who requested a mention of their upcoming event, and neglected to submit their information for his weekly column.

Generally the responsible person only let that happen once. Afterwards the plethora of the same notice, would cause Marcus to send out an email to the sender instructing them to cease and desist. One notice was enough.

There were those who took offense to some of his columns. if their names were mentioned. But rest assured, every Thursday morning when the BAR came out men and women raced to the newsstand to see if their name made the news, and immediately memorized the page number. When the name was not mentioned, and someone thought it might be them, the phone rang at the BAR office, all wanting to speak to Mr. Marcus. For those who were hellbent on making his column knowing it was something ridiculous, immoral or just plain stupid, Marcus would deal the ultimate blow by never mentioning their name or actions in print ever again. This (to many) publicity hounds was considered a fate worse than death.

Mr. Marcus had a favorite saying, “I don’t make the news, I only report it”. And report it he did. Scoundrels stealing money from gay organizations, local politico’s who talked from both sides of their mouth (as he put it). He took them all to task.

He was a firm believer in equality, fairness and gay rights and same sex marriage rights. He was not happy with the outcome of  Proposition 8 in California last year and made his feeling loud and clear. One always knew where Marcus stood on any issue weather you agreed with him or not.

There were those who were not in agreement with anything Marcus said or did. Those who accused him of only getting a story partially correct, or a misspelled name, an incorrect caption line, or incorrect date. Granted, those things did happen. But in fairness to the man, those things were not always his fault. Many were the time that if an apology was needed, one was forthcoming.

Marcus championed many charitable causes in the bay area. Over the years lending his name, sponsoring, and raising hundreds of thousand of dollars. Especially when the aids epidemic hit in the early 1980’s. The Aids Emergency Fund was just one of many.

Many times he would hear of  someone who’s illness prevented them from being able to exist, and who did not even live in the San Francisco Bay area, and would send a check. Such was the case of a young man in NYC who he had never met, did not know, who lost everything except his life in a horrible fire.

Marcus had his faults as all of us do from time to time, but he was the first to admit that. He could be (and was stubborn and hard headed) at times. Even Marcus and I had a disagreement, which resulted in our not speaking to each other for six months in the early 80’s.  I would not back down, nor would he.  However 6 months was as long as we could stay apart. There was too much dish that we had to discuss.

Known as Mr Marcus to thousands around the world, he set the standard for leather etiquette, history and information. His weekly leather column for over 38 years has kept every leather person, and those interested in the leather world abreast of information from coast to coast and around the world

Marcus passed away Thursday October 8, 2009 at age 77.  Marcus had been hospitalized for several months. The Doctors were treating him for several ailments. Being such a fighter, all of his friends had hoped he would pull through and make a strong recovery. Sadly enough there were those in the San Francisco area and supposed friends of  Mr. Marcus who put out notices announcing his imminent demise weeks before his death. Marcus responded to those soothsayers of death via telephone,” rumors of my death have greatly been exaggerated”.  He fought long and hard, and did not leave this earth until he was ready.

I had the ultimate pleasure of calling Marcus my friend for well over 42 years. A friend who would do anything for you. A friend who would let you know when he was right and you were wrong or vice versa. Very straight forward with a live and let live philosophy and yet defend the gay and lesbian community to the utmost. Yet for all his gruff exterior, Marcus was the softie, with a heart of gold, who had a difficult time saying the word No to anyone, who saved everything that anyone gave him and treasured it.

Although he was a member of the SF Imperial Court system, and held the title of Emperor 1 AN, he felt the court system and leathermen could successfully exist together. He did not agree with every policy, but he did support and defend it’s existence. He had his favorite Emperor and Empresses, and attended many coronations over the years.  His friendship with Jose Sarria was one that he treasured.

To sum it up, Remarkable, Amazing, funny,  and the likes of Marcus Hernandez will never be seen again. To say he will be missed, would be an understatement. Those who knew him should feel fortunate to have shared advice, mentoring, friendship, leather history and the love he gave to all of us.

The celebration of the life of Gilbert Marcus Hernandez will be held Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 1: 00 PM. City Nights, 715 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA.

IML 2003 John Pendal with IML #1 David Kloss

IML 1995 Larry Everett with older sister!

IML 1991 D Cannon

IML 2006 Bo Ladashevska

IML 1985 Patrick Toner with Runner ups Richard Hennigh & Joe Ciarleglio

IML 92 Lenny Broberg & IML 08 Gary Iriza

IML 88 Mike Pereyra & IMD 88 Ron Ziehl

For those of us old enough to remember where we were  in June 1969, the memories flood our minds. How well I remember where I was. An Airline company which I had gone to work for in Oakland, CA. decided they needed  someone to coordinate flight crews at JFK airport.  I was given the position.

Extreamly excited at the prospect of living in New York City, off I went.  My first day, I was filled with awe. Tall buildings, busy streets and hundreds of people and a definite excitement in the air. Of course I wanted to see it all and participate in everything. I could not believe here  I was, a young black american ready to take on the big apple.

My second day I chose to set my sites on Greenwich Village as it was known. What a place. Gay bars, straight bars and a multitude of scary little shops that sold everything one could imagine.  I could not wait to leave work in the evenings and drive into Manhattan just to people watch. Forty second Street was so sleezy and exciting. Not to mention dashing to the upper west side to the chic Continental Baths to be entertained by Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, and Lorna Luft. Could life possibly be any better than that?

Standing on the corner of 42nd and Broadwayone night, I looked up and read the news headline that that stunned the world. Judy Garland Dead at 47. Every gay person at that time had a love fixation with Garland, and I was no different. Wow, here I was in NY and Judy was dead. When Judy’s body was returned back to NY from London, where she died,  the Frank E. Campbell Funeral home was handling all the arrangements. Everyone who was anyone was laid out at Campbell’s.

Judy’s  viewing was a must for every gay man in NY,  I stood in line for hours just to get a glimps of  my Wizard of Oz star. I was so taken by the flowers and her outfit, that I stood in line to see her a second time.  Once I had my Garland fix for the night, I opted to spend time in the Village. Upon my arrival, all hell had broken out. Police were everywhere at 7th Ave and Christopher St. Gays were chanting, screaming, yelling. All over a raid into a bar by the name of Stonewall Inn, by the police.

I could not believe that I was in the midst of all this. Police were in no mood to stand around and discuss, and neither were the gays that had enough of harrassment, arrests, and beatings. I was forced by the NYPD to move away from the area. Because I did not move fast enough, along with many others, they proceeded to whip out their nightsticks (batons) and proceed to strike people.

Ducking became the name of the game, as the rocks and bricks began to fly, then the police car that was set on fire. I could see that this was going to turn into an ugly, ugly mess. Ugly it became as the night went on.  I took off my T-shirt and wrapped it around a young man who had been struck in the face. I chose not to throw rocks, because with my bad aim, it would have gone through someone’s store window. Plus I thought, oh cute I’m in NY and put in jail for demonstrating, and I’m here on a job assignment.

The anger was building all around 7th ave and Christopher St. Fires were lit, police cars had slashed tires, and some people who were in the Stonewall bar were being abused so we heard.  Rumors were flying. Once things died down somewhat, city officials knew this was something that could not and would not be ignored by the rest of the world. Mayor John V. Lindsay did not know what had transpired, and was clueless.

One year later, June 1970 a pride parade in NY. let the world know gay men and women would never take a back seat nor be treated like third class citizens. Forty years later, I am one of many who remember that June night in 1969 and witnessed the begining of GayPride.

Producer, Rick Spencer, invited a steller panel of judges which included, Kevin King,NE Leather Sir 2008, Joe Moran, NE Leather boy 2008, Rick Daily, NE Leather Sir 2007, Bill Hoeppner, Intl Leather boy 2008m Tim Starkey, Mr. Boston Leather 2009, Black Jack Pearce, Intl Community BB 2008, Max Gregory, Mgr of the Leatherman. Judges boy, Spanky, Mr NJ Leather 2008

Susan Weinstein handled the signing duties for the event, and Roger Cruttenden was Tallymaster. A drag performer with the name Fantasia Thunderpussy provided the entertainment. Marco Rosato competed for the Sir title, James Gardner, and Benjamin Hodder were the boy contestants.

L-R James Gasrdner, Marco Rosato, Benjamin Hodder

When the scores were tallied, the announcement was made that Marco Rosato, was the new NE Leather Sir, and James Gardner, the new NE Leather boy. Each will compete at the Intl finals in San Francisco during the month of October 2009.

L-R James Gardner, Marco Rosato

Saturday night the LPN (Leather Pride Night) annual auction was held at Splash, a large bar in NYC. Hundreds of items were auctioned off at one of the biggest events of the year. It is not known how much was collected for charities, but it had to be a hefty amount. Once the auction was over, leather people scattered to their favorite bars and watering holes and private parties being hosted all over the city.

The NY Eagle was packed to the Max on all three levels, with the roof deck being the most popular. If you have not visited the Eagle, you must visit the roof deck with the new extended bar. No wonder it is one of the most popular places to drink and cruise. The leather mart located within the bar makes it so convenient to pick up all those items your forgot when you pick up Mr. Right now and drag him home.

With the late night closing hours of NY Bars, it was not surprising to see some sorry looking pusses showing up at the Folsom Street East Fair Sunday. Vendors had a full supply of enything you might want and the beer flowed. Leather was the name of the game and as little as possible. A smaller version of the Folsom Fair in SF. Entertainment was varied and well received. Fortunatly the predicted rain held off for the most part until the fair was nearly over….Folsom East has grown over the years, and it is a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon. NY’s Pride parade will take place Sunday June 28.

DRAMA, DIVA’S AND DISH…

Bar and business owners are not the least happy with the soaring cost of registering a float for the NY Pride parade, cost’s have doubled, Imagine having to pay up to $7,500 for privilage of driving down 5th Ave. This amount is above and beyond the cost of renting the truck, sound system and decorations. Several bars have refused to enter a float this year.

Well Buffalo Drag performer Fantasia Thunderpussy was asked to perform at Folsom Street East, however local drag performers told her there was no space in the schedule for her. Although Chi Chi LaRue told her to go on, the NY drag queens would not hear of it. Miss Thunderpussy, left in a huff, and is now back in Buffalo preparing to enter a professional drag  competition in Louisville, KY…In essence the NY Girls can kiss her Buffalo!

The NY Eagle is wasting no time in getting the word out on their upcoming Leather contest. The bar had 10,000 post cards printed and are being sent to every nook and crannie. The contest will be held Saturday October 3, 2009. The contest will coincide with their Anniversary weekend the Big 40. The $3,600 prize package is nothing to ignore…They are looking for a real committed leatherman to be an excellent represenative for the bar and compete at IML 2010, next May. For applications go to www.eaglenyc.com

Realizing that times have changed with and in twinkie bars, certain things I think should remain the same. While many customers at SPLASH may have thought it funny and cute, many thought it was tacky and a health code violation, when the bartender decided to stir customer drinks with his tea spoon length appendage. Ney, ney , ney who knows where that thing had been prior.

It must be noted that Leather Sir 2008 Kevin King did a great job doing his title year. His step down speech was short and to the point. Pity the word “Brief” was not in the boy’s vocabulary. Dozens of New York area leathermen attending Folsom Street East, were quite surprised to learn there had been any type of leather contest held at the Eagle during the weekend. That may account for the low attendance at the NE Leather Sir/boy contest…Hey Mr Producer, it’s called ADVERTISE! and not just a week or two before the event.

By the way Mr. Producer, next time your contest is held at the Eagle, consult with the bar management to make sure the bar is open before the starting time listed on the poster….HELLO? Makes life much easier that way. Do Leather contest Producers still offer a Trophy as a reward for winning a contest? If they do, the question is why? Besides becoming a dust collector and rushing to Home Depot to purchase a lamp kit, what purpose do they serve other than letting Aunt Tillie know you were Mr. Leather Hoo-Haw once upon a time.

IML finalist, Jake Keary, Mr Eagle NYC 2008

In the leather world the word Mecca, translates to Chicago, and IML.

The premiere Leather event of the U.S. was grandly presented on Memorial Day Weekend. Fifty two contestants, some from as far away as Australia, Europe and Canada strutted their stuff across the stage of the Chicago Hilton.

Nine judges were given the difficult task of selecting IML 09. Contestant interviews, followed by pecs and personality, led to the selection of the top 20 finalist. As usual, Bay Area Reporter leather columnist, Mr Marcus announced the finalist.

The top twenty finalist were

Ken Hearst, Mr LA Leather, Jeffrey Payne, Mr Texas Leather, Donal Heath, Mr Eagle London, Alan Norman, Sydney Mr Leather, Brendan McGovern, Mr Ottawa Leather, Mike Lunter, Mr Missouri Leather, Dave Watt, Mr Michigan Leather, Alan Penrod, Mr Atlanta Eagle, John Harris Mr. DC Eagle, Pierre Brand, Mr Leather Australia-New Zealand,

Brandon Clark, Mr San Francisco Leather, Ammar Houssamo, Mr Chicago Leather, Kip Hollar, Mr Mid Atlantic Leather, Steven Dwyer, Mr. Hoist (London, Jake Keary, Mr NY Eagle, Max Schmall, Bavarian Mr. Leather, Rik Newton-Treadway, Mr Maryland Leather.

Once the scores were tallied, Executive Producer Chuck Renslow announced Jeffrey Payne, Mr Texas Leather , IML 2009

First runner up Brendan McGovern, Mr Ottawa Leather.

Second runner up Alan Penrod, Mr Atlanta Eagle.

International Bootblack for 2009 is Greg McDowell,

from the Black Eagle in Toronto.

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Every fetish party imaginable was going on somewhere in that hotel. Although there was no Texas party or Maple Leaf party this year, no one seemed upset. If anything the puppies, dogs, and pig fetish gatherings made up for anything that was missing….If attendance was down this year, we all know why, with this terrible economy. Leather contests take a back seat, to mortgage payment, rent, and food. But for those who saved and made preparation especially first time attendees, all agreed they had a wonderful time.

Jeffrey Payne, IML 09 becomes the 3rd IML who hails from Texas. In 1983 Coulter Thomas swept the title. In 2005 Stephen Weber snatched the golden ring. First runner up Brendan McGovern from Ottawa certainly was a crowd favorite with a fantastic personality. He certainly will not be hard to miss in a crowd due to his colorful hairstyle.

Second runner up Alan Penrod from Atlanta spent his time well at the gym prior to going to Chicago. Body fitness and working out at a gym seems to be of little importance to many who were contestants. Perhaps pecs and personality should be changed to personality only.

Rather sad when a person who is suppose to be representing their bar or region as a leather representative, and has to borrow leather just to compete, and 4 out of 5 times it looks borrowed once they put it on.

Each year, contestants are becoming older and older. Years back at IML the age range was 22 to 35. Now it seems 45 and older seems to be the norm, Has the younger generation lost interest in competing?

Many who have competed. and win leather contests, do not even have a clue as to why they entered. and a month or two after winning the title are resigning for reasons that they should have thought about before entering. In the past nine months six title holders have pulled this. Some have had Felony warrants and the long arm of the law  looking for them…However then we come to the judges who are doing the interviews….What does that say about judges who do not ask the proper questions? Last year there was a titleholder judge who had never judged a contest (imagine that). However, he did his research read books, asked questions of knowledgeable members of the leather community. Now he is sought after as a judge because of his dedication, sincerity, and honesty.

Dish with a big D….

There are some very angry bar owners in NYC with regard to the Pride Parade. Pride officials have jacked the reservation/entry fee for a float

to double what it was last year. This year they are requesting $5,000.00….Several owners have said, Oh ney, ney, ney.

Questions are surfacing over the choice of a name of some recent Mama’s Family pin recipient. Are ethnic pins the rage now?

One is Mama’s Chinese gentleman. What’s next?  Mama’s Puerto Rican, Mama’s Mexican?

Looks like the party will be over after 2010 for MAL at the Washington Plaza as the host hotel. A new hotel will be the host hotel for 2011. Close to Union Station, and two blocks from the Nations Capital.

Don’t worry Metro is only a block away.. The Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill will be the new venue. ABW used the hotel one year, and the Master/slave conference has been held there as well. ASGRA has used the hotel for their event many times.

Did all the African American Leathermen go on strike this year? Only one contestant for IML? What’s that all about? Hello Onyx?

Ever wonder about all those nominees that are nominated for Pantheon of Leather awards? Like, who are half of them? Some who have not been seen out and about for years and who have contributed very little to their communities. Just who review the nominations? Obviously not too closely…Anyone and anything can be nominated—including a cat!

Isn’t that just purrfect. Next year perhaps Beau Obama will be nominated….

For anyone who attended all the Folsom Street Fair’s in the 80’s will remember one strong supporter and great entertainer and friend of mine and leather and gay community. Viola Wills, one of the disco diva’s of the 70’s and 80’s with several hit records. Viola passed away last month in Los Angeles. Thanks Viola, You and Michael Valerio (founder of Folsom Street Fair)will have lots to talk about up there.

This is pride month for many cities across the US……Celebrate Pride

Upcoming Events:

Mr& Ms Capital Pride Leather contest….At  Cobalt

6/5

District of Columbia Capital Pride Parade and Festival

6/13                    6/14

New York City

Northeast Leather Sir/boy contest…..At Eagle NYC

6/19….10 PM

Leather Pride Night (auction) NYC      At Splash

6/20…6 PM-10 PM

Folsom Street East Fair  NYC            W. 28th St

6/21                        11 AM- 6 PM

THE WICKED WITCH

The nations capital has become the crown jewel and the focus of the world. Centuries of US history changed at 12 noon January 20, 2009. Washington, DC is hosted one of the largest political celebrations known to man. Citizens from around the world flocked to Washington DC to witness the swearing in of the forty fourth President of the United States.

 Photos by Vern Stewart

SIR ROBERT DAVIS