1999

1999

The Leather Journal

Issue #106 included a review of 1988, previews of Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather 1999 and the International Mr. Leather judging panel. On the cover are Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather 1998 Charles and Katherine as well as Thom Dombkowski.
Issue #107 featured coverage of Mid Atlantic Leather where a Canadian won the title for the first time.
Preparations were underway for the Leather Leadership Conference which would be held in San Francisco, CA. It was announced that The Leather Journal would publish Leather Tribe, Leather Nation and that it would be available at Intonational Mr. Leather.
The Pantheon of Leather Community Service Awards Show on Sunday afternoon, February 7 at the Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans and the Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather 1999 Contest were featured on the cover of Issue #108 as did Daddy Doug Harris and his boy bob.
There was major coverage of the Bears Of San Francisco's International Bear Rendezvous by Don Thompson. Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R) began harassing and closing gay and sex-oriented businesses.
The International Masters and slaves 1999 Contest was held March 18-21 in Atlanta, GA and was the lead story in Issue #109. The South East Corporal Punishment Club was photographed by Dave Rhodes on the patio of the Atlanta Eagle and was on the cover.
Issue #110 featured coverage of the Regiment of the Black and Tans' 25th Anniversary in Los Angeles, CA and the Leather Leadership Conference in San Francisco.
The May Issue featured a synopsis of most of the men vying for the International; Mr. Leather 1999 title.
In Issue #111 The Leather Journal was given permission from Guy Baldwin to publish his entire keynote speech that he delivered on Friday night, April 16 at the Leather Leadership Conference III in San Francisco. The Tom of Finland Foundation held its Tom's Bar 1999 fundraiser at the El Rey Theater on Sunday, May 2. Foundation workers Mike Maifield and IML 1992 and Mr. Drummer 1992 Luke Daniel were among the approximately 700 Leathermen who were there and both are on the front cover as is Blade Edwards and his boys piggy, jeffrey and slave bobby did a caning scene which was one of the many SM presentations at Avatar's annual Exploratorium.
Leather Archives and Museum director Joseph Bean gave The Leather Journal an up-to-date list of the clubs that have donated a set of club colors, back patch or emblem to the Archives.
International Mr. Leather Contest executive producer Chuck Renslow announced Bruce Chopnik of Denver, CO as the winner of IML 1999 at about midnight in front of about 2,500 cheering spectators on Sunday, May 30 at the Congress Theater. Chopnik made the front cover of Issue #112.
Jeff Higgons covered SouthEast LeatherFest '99 in Atlanta, GA which was held June 17-20 at the Ramada Conference Center/Atlanta.
Pam Meyer from San Francisco was named International Ms Leather, Crickett Watkins from San Diego was declared first runner-up and Peggy (aka O) was named second runner-up and all three are on the cover of Issue #113. Joining them on page 1 were Barclay and Thor from Hot Ash at the Third Annual Folsom Street East block party which was part of New York's Leather Pride Weekend.
Don Thompson sent photos of the Phoenix Uniform Club's annual Leather and Uniform Ball in the Green Room of the War Memorial Building in San Francisco, CA during that city's gay and lesbian pride weekend at the end of June.
Issue #114 featured coverage of Thunder in the Mountains and had plenty of pre-Folsom Street Fair information. Dave Rhodes took plenty of photos of Sunset Street Junction held in Los Angles, CA in late August. Kyri Connelly and Schelli Dittmann combined to write a piece on The Next Generation and an event named Chickenstock that was well attended.
American Leatherman 1999 Scott Reikofski, International Mr. Drummer 1999 Fraser Picard, International Drummer Boy 1998 Ryan Goldner, International Drummer Boy 1999 Woodie Barnes and his daddy appeared at the Folsom Street Fair and were photographed by Dave Rhodes for the cover of Issue #115. New International Mr. Drummer producer Mike Zuhl and his lover Matt Vertz appear on the cover too. Great coverage of the largest San Francisco Pride Week was the main feature.
The American Uniform Association (AUA) held its 22nd annual Review in Los Angeles, CA where three uniform clubs resided. Commander of the Regiment of the Black and Tans Will Hildreth, Corps of Rangers Commander Gary Crews, California B&B Corps First Officer Mel Saddler and American Uniform Association spokesperson David Aeh were on the cover of Issue #116 and were photographed by Dave Rhodes, as was artist Jon Macy from San Francisco at the Tom of Finland Foundation's Fifth Annual Erotica Artists Weekend in Los Angeles October 15-17. The Erotic Artists Weekend was a feature article.
The Leather Journal had the opportunity to spend a little time with Mr. International Rubber 1999 Thomas Smith at his home in Palm Springs, CA just three weeks before the end of his title year. Dave Rhodes Editorial titled Code Of Honor: Or One of Those Editorials That Really Steps On Toes really did. Ouch.
Tom Kelly from New Jersey was named Mr. International Rubber at the Cell Block in /Chicago. He and his runners-up Jim Drew and Bruce Chambers appeared on the cover of Issue #117.
The Pantheon of Leather 2000 nominees were announced. The figures were in from the Dore Ally and Folsom Street Fairs and it was a whopping $215,000. Dave Rhodes' Annual Christmas List closed out the millennium.

Clubs

The Leathermen's Discussion group based in San Francisco changed its venue with the new location being EROS on Market Street. On January 20 Dr. Charles Moser was the first guest speaker at the new location.
Portland Uniform Weekend VII was held January 15-17, 1999 and included two fancy dinners, a chance to attend the infamous Clippers party, special bar nights and buffet brunches, a tour of a historic Air Park, and a Military Collector’s Show.
BAD Women Bound And Determined Women) held its first meeting on January 7 in Albany, NY. BAD Women is open to women of all orientations and is designed for those interested in Leather/SM/Fetish.
The Orange Coast Leather Assembly (OCLA), which meets at the Gay and Lesbian Center in Garden Grove, CA polled those who attended their January meeting attendees on topics that they would like to see presented.
The Portland Leather Alliance of Portland, OR was recently formed to replace the NLA: Portland chapter which was 86'ed by NLA: International over a bylaws/membership difference.
The new executive board of the Knights of Malta: Dogwood Chapter of Vancouver, BC were announced and they were president Brad Atkins, vice president Damian Ellliot, secretary Edward Chow, treasurer Jim Deyoung, road captain Kevin Herbert, membership chairperson Shawn Ross and master at arms Wayne Trites.
Beat Me in St. Louis, a educational pansexual event for the entire BDSM community, was held April 9-11 and was produced by St. Louis Leather and Lace.
Three Washington, DC area clubs, SigMa, Defenders and Potomac MC, held their Fifth Annual Toy and Gift Drive on December 12 at the DC Eagle and collected 10 bicycles, eight tricycles and dozens of toys for children with HIV from GrandMa House and kids from families affected by AIDS. $1,515.26 in cash was collected with $1,000 given to Joseph House, a hospice for people with AIDS in Adams Morgan. The rest was split between GrandMa House and Building Futures.
The Warrior Wolves hosted Howlin’ 99, an outdoor run to be held at the TCC (Texas Conference of Clubs) campsite, Buzzards’ Peak in Cameron, TX April 2-4.
The Constantines of the Bay Area held their annual Reno Weekend which included a two-night stay at the Colonial Motor Inn.
One of the most popular runs in the nation each year has been Aida produced by Tsarus Memphis in mid-Spring. This year Aida XXII was held April 30 - May 2 at a 100 acre private site not far from the historic Shiloh Civil War battlefield.
The Coastal Empire Sentinels of Savannah, GA held their fourth annual Spring Camp-Out: Veni, Vidi, Vici the weekend of April 30 - May 2.
The San Francisco God Damned Independents (SFGDIs) celebrated their Silver Anniversary on Saturday night, January 23 at the Somar Gallery.
The LeatherFest X board and Club X board in San Diego was pleased to donate two $1,000 checks; one to San Diego Hospice and the other to Rachel’s Women’s Center.
The Vancouver Activists in SM (VASM) announced the names of the officers for 1999. They were: president Tom Osinski, vice president Markku Vuornsivu, treasurer Mater George Cameron, librarian Jim C. Laroux, board members Pat Finch and Fred.
The National Leather Association: Houston chapter held Spring Iniquity VIII April 16-18. The weekend featured cocktail parties, food, fun, people events, a Sunday brunch with an awards ceremony.
The Men of Atlanta S/M Solidarity presented Spring in the South ’99: The Journey Continues, April 23-25. Spring in the South included intense S/M education including demonstrations, discussion panels and related activities.
The Border Riders Motorcycle Club is the largest motorcycle club for gay men and friends in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest entered their 30th year of touring and held their annual Victoria Day Run, May 21-23.
The California Eagles MC celebrated their 15th anniversary party at Jelly's Café, in San Francisco, CA on Saturday night, February 6. Their new officers were president Morris Lyons, vice president Marshal Cousins, road captain Tony Gangloff, treasurer Bill Hollabaugh, master at arms Derek Kaufman, recording secretary Mike Lipsie and corresponding secretary Alden Spafford.
The Inter Club Fund of San Francisco held its 33rd Annual Motorcycle Awards presentations at the Somar Center on Saturday night, February 13. The Man of the Year award went to Bill Hollabaugh.
The Lords of Leather form New Orleans, LA are as busy as bees around Mardi Gras and that's because they present the Lords of Leather Ball the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Bal Masque XVI was held on Valentines Day, February 14 at the St. Bernard Center. The theme was Leather, Love, Laughter. The Knights d' Orleans held their famous Knight of the Black Mask block party on Friday, February 12 at the Phoenix.
The Alternative Hedonistic Society of Kansas City, MO presented Into the Land of AHS April 30-May 2.
The Regiment of the Black and Tans was founded at the Blue Max Motorcycle Club's Red Baron summer run in 1974 with seven members. Later the name was changed to the Regiment of the Black and Tans. The Regiment celebrated its 25th anniversary during its annual Spring Maneuvers Weekend, April 16-18 with a formal banquet on Friday night, play part on Saturday night and beverage benefit on Sunday afternoon.
Avatar Club Los Angeles held its annual Exploratorium on Saturday night, May 15 at the LASFS Hall in North Hollywood. Exploratorium saw several scenes taking place at once creating a voyeuristic smorgasbord of activities. Among the presenters will be Blade Edwards from HBLA.
The Ballet of the Dolls by the Atons of Minneapolis gave a special performance of Swan Lake...The Sequel for the Leather Community on June 3 at the Loring Playhouse.
The Inter-Club Fund of San Francisco Annual Bike Blessing and Ride took place on Sunday morning, April 18 in front of Daddy’s Bar in San Francisco, CA.
The Leather tribe donated 86 large bags of clothing this year as well as some furniture to Mr. Alameda County Leather 1984 lance brittain’s and Andre English’s project, Together Miracles Will Happen, with more turned in from the East Bay. The Edge bar was the major contributor with 25 large bags with The Eagle Tavern and Daddy’s battling it out for second.
A new chapter of Masters And slaves Together: Washington, DC (MAsT) has been founded by Master Taino. MAsT is a support group for gay and bisexual men living or interested in the Master/slave lifestyle.
The Warriors Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles and CCMC of San Diego, CA hosted their 10th Annual Joint Run, Cowboys and Indians at Camp Wasewagon in the San Bernardino National Forest the weekend of June 11-13.
The Men Of Discipline: DC formally displayed and presented the original Leather pride flag during the 1999 Capitol Pride Festival in Washington, DC and at the Baltimore Gay Pride Parade to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the flag.
The Valley Knights MC of Sacramento, CA and Valley Grilles Car Club Volcano Overnight Run held an overnighter at the St. George Hotel in the historic ghost town of Volcano in Sutter County.
The Tarheel Leather Club of Greensboro, NC hosted Stars and Stripes in Leather IX: Nine Lives the weekend of July 2-4 at a private camp ground near Greensboro. The SECC (South East Conference of Clubs) hosted its quarterly meeting during the weekend.
The New York Renegades held their annual summer run the weekend of July 9-11 at a rustic retreat in the Delaware Valley, PA.
That great crowd of guys, the Bears Of San Francisco divied out the profits from the International Bear Rendezvous. $9,000 was given to The HIV in Prison Committee of California Prison Focus, the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California and the Gay and Lesbian Hotline.
The Highwaymen TNT, of Washington, DC celebrated their 21st Anniversary with cocktail parties hosted by numerous local clubs, after hours parties, a sumptuous banquet fit for a king, and wine, which flowed like water. Jim Palmer from DC became Mr. DC Bear 1999 and Tom Santomartino, from Delaware was selected DC Bear Cub 1999.
The following made up the faculty for Leather University's Dungeon 401: Joseph Bean, Tony DeBlase, Peter Fiske, Catherine Gross, Daddy Doug Harris, Michael Horowitz, Sarah Humble, Master Len, Lolita, Pat McCarty, Jack McGeorge, Dagen McKinney, wayne miller, Robert Moser, Parker Perry, Glenda Rider, Roadkill, Kasi Sumrall, Phil Swenson, Sir Tx, Frank Theis and JP Weir.

Want more names? The workshop presenters for the National Leather Association: International's (NLA-I) Living In Leather XIV conference in Fort Lauderdale, FLÂ October 7-10 included Daddy Irwin Kane, Tony DeBlase, Joseph Bean, Lolita, Ms Twisted, Daddy Lee Lambert, Tristan Taormino, Jack McGeorge, Cain Berlinger, Bert Hermann, Viola Johnson, Jill Carter, Bladerunner and Hromovy.

The first weekend in May a group of 40-45 members of the Leather/SM/Fetish community gathered in Dallas for a unique educational weekend produced by Dean Walradt named boy Training Weekend. 22 boys gathered at the feet of 16 of their elders for a day-and-a-half of intensive training covering material that they hoped would help them better fulfill their desires and even fantasies.

The Chicago Hellfire Club's infamous SM University resumed classes at the Leatherneck bar in Chicago's Loop on Saturday, July 24.

The Teddy Bear Leather Club of Virginia (TBLC) hosted Campout '99: A Greek and Roman festival the weekend of August 6-8 in Richmond, VA. The run featured Greek and Roman games, cocktail parties, music, great food, and awards.

The Rogues Leather/Levi Club of Roanoke, VA held Tournament II: Southern Nites Under the Star the weekend of August 20-22.

The Leather community of Los Angeles, spearheaded by the Tom of Finland Company made its presence known at the 19th Annual Sunset Junction fair held August 20-22 in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. An increasing Latino involvement has occurred over the last 10 years and the Leather community has basically yielded visibility in the event. This year several businesses including Gauntlet II, Faultline, Cuffs, Prowl, Tom of Finland Company, Zeus Studios and clubs including Warriors MC, the Regiment of the Black and Tans, Satyrs MC, The Leather Journal, Corps of Rangers and Spit were active.

The Society of Janus celebrated its 25th anniversary with events designed to entertain and educate members and guests, with all proceeds being donated to community charities.

Probably one of the most loved clubs over the years and one recognized because they know how to have fun is the Knights d' Orleans who celebrated their historic 25th Anniversary the weekend of October 1-3 in New Orleans, LA. Events included the club's regular Friday night beer bust at the Phoenix, cocktail parties, great "N'awlins" food, games, a cruise down/up the Mississippi River on a New Orleans paddle wheel boat, fresh entertainment and gifts.

The Louisiana Power Exchange Association hosted Bayou Bash ’99 the weekend of October 8-10 in a private wing with a private entrance of The Prince Murat Hotel in Baton Rouge. The main ballroom of the hotel was converted into a 4,500 square foot, fully functional dungeon.

The Spanking Club has a new space which is located at 8218 Lankershim Blvd. in the Sunland area. To get there from points south, take the 170 (Hollywood Freeway) to Sherman Way East, turn left on Lankershim and find a building with coffins in the window and voila!

Avatar Club Los Angeles' new digs at MCC in the Valley had space for 200 to be seated comfortably in a classroom atmosphere. The first meeting at MCC in the Valley was on August 28 when guests were treated to a videotaping of several of Southern California's dungeons.

On Sunday, June 20, GMS/MA presented its third and most successful Folsom Street East Leather/SM/Fetish block party. The event attracted more than 12,000 men and women raised nearly $15,000 to benefit the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project and the New York City Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center.

The Rochester Kink Society hosted a BDSM/camping play party titled Camp Whipalot August 28-29 at a private country campsite in Newark, NY.

The Fort Lauderdale Leather Guild presented their annual Decadence: A Homecoming Prom With Attitude on Saturday, October 2 at the Sea Monster Bar underneath the Andrews Avenue drawbridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL.

At their June 9 annual meeting the membership of GMS/MA elected it’s new board of directors for 1999-2000. president was elected president. Thom Saporita and Bruce Marcus shared the duties of vice president. Andrew Harwin was returned as membership secretary. He was joined by Michael Horowitz as treasurer and Joe O’Sullivan as executive secretary.

On October 21 a unique event took place. The Men of Discipline DC (MOD DC) kidnapped and detained two lucky persons who have registered by lottery drawing for the kidnapping program for 48 hours at a secluded location. Registrants paid a $25 entry fee and completed a simple application. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Service Members Legal Defense Fund and BHT (Brother Help Thyself).

One of the most popular runs in Texas was Rosebud sponsored by the Dallas Motorcycle Club. This year's run was at the usual Texas Conference of Clubs land site, Buzzard's Peak near Cameron, TX.

The Forum of San Francisco held its annual Progressive Dinner on Saturday, October 16 with food and drink at bars in the South of Market area. The five-course dinner started at The Rawhide, moved to My Place, the Powerhouse, the Eagle Tavern and ended up at the Lone Star.

The Men Of Discipline: Maryland was formally established with charter members David Flaherty, Steven Damsky, Mark Greene, Michael Pollock and Jack Spahn in Baltimore, MD 21209.

The Southeast Corporal Punishment Club (SCPC) held their first campout at Thru River’s Edge the weekend of September 17-19.

SigMa DC held a series of Sign language classes for members of the Leather/SM/Fetish community at the DC Eagle in Washington, DC.

Los Angeles was the great place for the American Uniform Association (AUA) to host its 22nd annual Review since LA has three uniform clubs, the most of any city in the nation. The 22nd Annual AUA Review was held October 8-11 with events hosted by the Regiment of the Black and Tans, Corps of Rangers and the California B&B Corps.

NLA: International's Living In Leather XV saw keynote speaker Guy Baldwin state that our SM groups either need to change with the times or else they will die. What was most noticeably missing at LIL was many of the local Florida Leather community. Shann Carr was great entertainment.

Leather University’s Dungeon 401, held in Fort Lauderdale, FL October 1-3, saw 198 students and 23 faculty making for lots of small classes with hands-on experience.

The city of Hamburg, Germany, with more canals than Venice, played host to Leatherparty '99 hosted by MSC: Hamburg, one of the hottest Leather events in Europe August 11-17, with more than 1,500 men from Europe, North America and the Middle East. This atmosphere, along with the feeling of being alone with 1,500 hot and sweaty men dressed in Leather, latex, uniforms, etc. made one yearn for those days gone by in the here in the States.

A new group, Bay Area submissives, was a group for submissives to get together socially, to network, to help one another out, and have fun. Bay Area submissives was gender neutral.

Avatar Club Los Angeles installed their officers for 2000 at a party at the posh Hollywood hills home of Satyrs Motorcycle Club member Chuck W. on Saturday night, October 16. The officers were president Mark Burstein, vice president Dave Murdock, treasurer Richard Jefferey, secretary Jeff Breslaw, board members, Drew Wilson, Jack Swain, Tommy Trafelet, quartermaster Andre Rigden, historian Glenn Walker, public Relations George Wong.

Delta International came off a very successful Delta '99 run held September 17-21 at Camp Saginaw, PA where 271 men attended. A couple of weekends before Delta voted into office by acclamation chairman Ian Turner from Toronto, Canada, vice chairman Bob Bender, secretary Harold Cox and treasurer Len Griffith.

The Knights D’ Orleans was formed on October 3, 1974 and of the original founding members, only two survived Otto Steirle of New Orleans, and Warren Cave of San Francisco. This year's 25th Anniversary run, held October 2, was the largest in club history with over 200 participants from 28 states, and featured a dinner cruise on an old fashioned paddle wheeler down the Mississippi River.

The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert just came off producing a terrific Sweatin' Bullets Weekend, November 5-7 where about 150 people registered at the Warm Sands Villas plus the Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2000 Contest. The club also announced the slate officers. Dale Breunig returned for another year as club president. His supporting officers included vice president Rheo Burneo, secretary Victoria Rendall, treasurer Dennis Ujimori, master at arms Cary Christian and board members at large Newt Dieter and Rich Benedetto.

Trident: Central Florida held it’s first annual fundraiser at the Full Moon Saloon in Orlando on Saturday night, November 6, raising over $1,000 to be divided between Centaur, a local AIDS service organization and HER, a women’s health collective.

More than 200 men and women from the international Leather scene gathered in New York City on Saturday November 13 for Indulgence II: Mess Call produced by the Defenders: NY. The 1999 Founders Award went to nationally-known lecturer and columnist Lolita Wolf. The Tom of Finland Clothing Company received the 1999 Outreach award and the Spirit of Brotherhood Award was presented to AMCC president Dan Dutcher.

On Saturday, November 27 at the Cuff Complex Rick Graven was named Seattle Daddy’s Boy 2000, Craig Kelso became Seattle Leather Daddy 2000 and Frank Nelson was announced Seattle Grand Dad 2000.

Fresh off their 45th Anniversary celebration at Gauntlet II in Los Angeles on December 4, the Satyrs Motorcycle Club announced its slate of officers for 2000. They are: president Daniel Harris, vice president Chris Wenzel, road captain Paul Davidson, recording secretary Richard Kelly, corresponding secretary Brent Sweer and treasurer Lee Goff.

The biggest club bash to start off the New Year has always been Tri-Cen sponsored by the Philadelphians MC which celebrated their 25th Anniversary in October. Tri-Cen XIV closed out the millennium on December 31 and ran through January 2. Among all of the partying and frolic was a visit to Philadelphia's world famous Mummers Parade.

The Pigs Of Portland was a new fisting organization in Portland. OR.

Leather Titles

The final and most enjoyable task of James Anderson, Mr. Leatherman Toronto 1998, was the presentation of $8,050 to his selected charities. David Mordecai of the Lesbian, Gay Bi Youth Line and Janis Purdy of the Supporting Our Youth Project were on hand to accept checks for $4025 each. The ceremony took place during the Volunteer Appreciation Night held at Trax V on Sunday January 10.

 Dean Ross of Ottawa was this year’s winner of the Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather contest at Tracks in Washington, DC on Sunday afternoon, January 17.

It was Leather Pride weekend in San Jose and several events took place including workshops and a vendor. Fair. The crowning moment though was on Saturday night, January 23 at the Gaslight Theater, when Robert Price was sashed as Mr. Santa Clara County Leather 1999.

Charlie Baker was sashed by Seattle Mr. Leather 1998 Billy Lane as Seattle Mr. Leather 1999 and Clay Sales was named first runner-up from a field of four contestants at Neighbors Nightclub on Saturday night, January 30.

Erick Lundgren from New Orleans was named Mr. Olympus Leather 1999 on February 6, and Cori Ander from Minnesota was chosen to be Ms Olympus Leather 1999.

The International Bear Rendezvous winners were Grizzly Bear Michael Patterson, Daddy Bear Bob Hathaway, International Mr. Bear 1999 Craig Byrnes and Cub Bear Steve Earle.

William Schindler bested three other men at the Faultline in Los Angeles, CA in winning the Mr. LA Leather 1999 title and the opportunity to represent the City of the Angels at International Mr. Leather in Chicago.

Kevin Powers won the Mr. Cell Block Leather 1999 title on Saturday night, February 13 at the Cell Block which was packed like a sardine can. First runner-up was Bill Fox and second runner-up was Dean Ogren.

Over 200 Leathermen and women filled the Milwaukee Eagle Saturday, February 20 for the 1999 Mr. Wisconsin Leatherman Contest which was won by Andrew S.

The International Masters and slaves 1999 Contest was held held March 18-21 in Atlanta, GA and was won by Ms Khiki and samantha from Asheville, NC.

When the votes were tallied Lynn Smith was the winner of the San Francisco Dyke Daddy contest and Anne Chaney obtained the requisite number of votes to be selected Dyke Mommy in San Francisco, CA.

Faye Foltz from Long Beach, CA was the best of two candidates for the Ms Los Angeles Lather 1999 Contest which was produced by Beyond Bauhaus Productions at the Faultline in Los Angeles on Saturday night, February 27.

Brian Peters left the Bolt in Sacramento on Saturday night, February 27 with the Mr. Sacramento Leather Daddy 1999 title. The contest was sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Leathermen and the Bolt.

Werner Tillinger became Mr. San Francisco Leather 1999 on Friday night, March 12 at Club Townsend. Werner won out over 6 other contestants.

They were rockin' in Boston on Saturday night, March 13 at the Ramrod where Scooter Wilson won the chance to represent Bean Town at IML.

The Dixie Belle Saloon in Kansas City, MO held its annual IML preliminary on March 13 and Michael Cook of Shawnee Mission, KS walked through those saloon doors wearing the sash.

The Mr. Philadelphia Leather Contest which was held on March 14 gave the Philadelphians MC three big reasons to be proud. Not only did the title go to one of their newest pledges, Jose Cebollero, but first runner-up Don Hinkle and second runner-up Brian Heike were also club members.

Sean Reilly was tops among six men vying for the Mr. Pistons Leather 1999 sash.

Bruce Saari became Washington State Mr. Leather 1999 at Neighbors Night Club in Seattle on Saturday night, March 27. The contest was held during the 10 day long Washington State Leather Pride Week.

The Minnesota Fantasy Weekend took place March 26-28 in Minneapolis, MN when Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1998 Ken Flanigan passed his sash to David Page, who became Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1999. Miss Jennifer took the first Ms Minnesota Fantasy sash.

Strapping 36 year old Norfolk resident Fraser Picard took the Virginia Mr. Drummer 1999 title with kyle thomas being chosen as Virginia Drummerboy on Saturday, April 3.

Woofer Ainsworth of Newport, KY was chosen as Mr. Kentucky Leather 1999 on Sunday, April 4 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Lexington.

The Mr. Empire State Leather Contest sponsored by STARS MC was won by Mike Brewer from Green Island, NY.

Peggy O was named the winner of the New York Leather Woman 199 Contest held at the Exchange Club in New York on Saturday night, April 10.

Ms Baltimore Eagle 1999 was Michelle Smith who won her title at the Baltimore Eagle on Sunday afternoon, April 20.

American Leatherwoman 1999 was Schelli Dittman, American Leatherman 1999 was Scott Reikowski and American Leatherboy was Jerry Acosta. American Brotherhood Weekend was held in Washington, DC April 23-25 and had approximately 500 participants.

The San Francisco Mr. Drummer Contest, a preliminary to the Northern California Mr. Drummer regional was held on April 28. When the votes were counted the new Mr. San Francisco Drummer was determined to be Eric Keith and the new San Francisco Drummerboy was Chris Dover.

Jack Holczer was selected to carry the Mr. Pennsylvania Drummer title for 1999 and Woodie Barnes became the new Pennsylvania Drummerboy 1999 in Philadelphia.

The Atlanta Eagle started it's 12th anniversary weekend, April 30 - May 1, by hosting the Mr. and Ms Atlanta Eagle 1999 contest on Friday night. The winners were Bruce and Dauphine Sowell.

On Saturday night, May 8 the North Florida Leather Association held several Leather Contests. The winners were: Mr. North Florida Leather 1999 Devin Wilson, Ms North Florida Leather 1999 girl kelly, North Florida Leather Daddy 1999 and John Swift North Florida Drummer boy 1999 boy joey.

Jim Palmer from DC became Mr. DC Bear 1999 and Tom Santomartino, from Delaware was selected DC Bear Cub 1999.

International Mr. Leather Contest executive producer Chuck Renslow announced the top three winners of IML 1999 at about midnight in front of about 2,500 cheering spectators on Sunday, May 30 at the Congress Theater. Bruce Chopnik of Denver, CO was the winner. Second runner-up was Mr. San Diego Leather 1999 Mike Hargiss. First runner-up was Mr. Pistons Leather 1999 Sean Reilly from Long Beach, CA. 52 men competed.

The Mr. Southeast Drummer 1999 title went to Shawn Couch, Trident Knight Chris Page won the 1999 Southeast Drummerboy title and Paula Smith was named Ms. Leather Pride at South East Leather Fest in Atlanta, GA in June.

Bob Rourke of Alexandria, VA prevailed over all other contestants at the International Mr. Deaf Leather contest held in New Orleans, June 17.

Over the Weekend of June 11-13 Potomac MC produced the 1999 DC Mr. Drummer and Drummerboy contest, of which Brian Heike went on to win the Mr. title while Eric Mazzacone was DC Drummerboy.

Aaron Keppel of New York was chosen to be Mr. LURE.

In late April Gary O'Neill, owner of Wolf Productions and a producer of many events himself, won the Minnesota Mr. Drummer Contest and then won the Great Plains Mr. Drummer title in June.

The Russian River Mr. Drummer Contest saw Bauke Ylstra being judged the winner, and Marty being chosen as his Drummerboy.

Pam Meyer from San Francisco was named International Ms Leather at the World Trade Center Hotel in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday night, July 17 in front of about 500 cheering spectators. Only moments before Crickett Watkins from San Diego was declared first runner-up and Peggy (aka O) was named second runner-up.

Bauke Ylstra and Marty Epstein swooped to victories in the Northern California Mr. Drummer and Drummerboy contest at the Sound Factory in San Francisco on Saturday, July 24.

Fraser Picard was named International Mr. Drummer 1999 and Woodie Barnes was announced the winner of the International Drummer Boy 1999 title. The town was already abuzz with the news that Pittsburgh Leather Central's Mike Zuhl had taken over as the official producer of the International Mr. Drummer 2000 Contest.

North Atlantic Leatherman 2000 was Jimmy Lee Murray and Randie Smith was named the first North Atlantic Leather Boy titleholder in contests sponsored by the Utica Tri's MC at That Place bar.

MaDaddy Weebie who already held the Ms North Carolina Leather title became Ms Southeast Leather 2000 on Saturday night, October 23 in Raleigh, NC.

Mike Keller, who won the Mr. Triple R Leather contest earlier in October in Guerneville, CA.

Bob Hancock was named Gotham Leatherman 2000 in GMS/MA's (Gay Male S/M Activists) first Gotham Leatherman contest, held Friday, Nov. 12 at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in New York City.

For Howard Ho, the road to glory is about 6,500 miles long. That's the distance from Hao's birthplace in Beijing, China to Ottawa, Canada, where he won the Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2000 competition at Barrymore's Music Hall on Saturday, November 13.

On Saturday, October 23, the Eagle's nest celebrated its 29th anniversary as the longest continuing Leather bar in New York. As part of the celebration, the Mr. Eagle 2000 Contest took place with Jack Rutland of New York, NY winning the title.

When the dust settled at the Atlanta Eagle on Saturday night, November 20, Boy Kyle and Joni emerged as winners of the Mr. and Ms Georgia Olympus Leather 2000 titles.

Alisa Swindell nabbed her second title in less than a year when she was named Ms Louisiana Leather. She also held the Ms Louisiana Olympus Leather 1999 title.

Chris Chaput was named Mr. Palm Springs Leather at Club International in Cathedral City, CA on Saturday night, November 6 in front of about 75 cheering spectators.

International Slave 1995 Tom Stice of Atlanta, GA assumed control of the International Masters and Salves contest it was learned in early November. It was later disclosed that IMSC would take place during Southeast Leatherfest in June.

David Coral became Mr. Minnesota Olympus Leather 2000 and Mistress Hannah was named Ms Minnesota Olympus Leather 2000 at the Saloon in Minneapolis, MN on Sunday night, December 12.

The race for Mr. San Francisco Leather 2000 began November 21 when the San Francisco GDI Club held their Annual Butch Brunch and Mr. GDI Leather 2000 Contest which was won by Tom Basch.

Many said it was the best produced Mr. Leatherman Toronto competition ever. Estevan DeCastro could not beg to differ as he walked off the Opera House stage wearing the coveted Mr. Toronto Leatherman 2000. The contestants selected Rick Tchorzewski as Mr. Fellowship 2000.

News and Politics

The Pantheon of Leather Community Service Awards Show on Sunday afternoon, February 7 at the Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans, LA's French Quarter saw the following major awards presented: Man of the Year, Thom Dombkowski; Woman of the Year, Joanne Gaddy; Lifetime Achievement Award, Marcus Hernandez; Readers Choice Award (Woman), Pat Langlois; Readers Choice Award (Man), bob jacobs-harris; Forbear Award (tie), Leonard Dworkin and Alan Selby.

The Leather Leadership Conference III (LLC III) was held April 16-18 in San Francisco, CA. This was the first time that LLC was held on the West Coast. The last two were in New York. The LLC III chairmen were Steve Koenig and Peter Fiske.

Allena Gabosch, Michael Gilbert, Lauri Miller, Jim and Jane Duvall, Ivy, and Russell Brunelle organized the Sex-Positive Community Center Project, with the goal of creating a new sex-positive community center for Seattle. The center provides supportive meeting, social, and workshop space for all of Seattle’s sex-positive and/or Leather-oriented groups.

Kevin Shancady, a well-known and respected Leatherman from Denver, CO was on the May 4 ballot seeking a non partisan position on the Denver City Council (District 10). Kevin did not win.

Boudoir Noir, Canada's main Leather/SM/Fetish magazine was back in circulation. Founder Robert Dante of Toronto announced that a co-publication agreement with Bill Majors, video producer and president of Los Angeles-based Bon Vue Enterprises and B&D Pleasures had been reached.

The Pocono Record, and the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, a private business organization established to promote tourism in the famous Pennsylvania resort area, decided that Carter Stevens should stop holding his private spanking and BDSM weekend events at the Birchwood Resort in Tannersville. The NCSF (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom) monitored the situation.

The Leather Leadership Conference III in San Francisco April 16-18 was a success by all accounts with approximately 175 Leatherfolk registering.

The Mayor of Folsom Street, Alan Selby, became a US citizen on Thursday, April 22 in San Francisco, CA and quite a to-do it was. Alan founded the Mr. S Leather store.

At the NOW Lesbian Summit in Washington DC, April 23-25 the S/M Policy Reform Project opened the dialogue on the anti-SM policy contained within NOW’s (National Organization of Women) Delineation of Lesbian Rights Issues, 1980. The outreach was extremely successful, with the S/M Policy Reform Project gaining supporters on the local, state and regional levels of NOW.Â

Nearly 25 percent of the 142 conference attendees signed the S/M Policy Reform Project statement which states that “NOW shall not oppose the rights of adults to engage in any safe, sane and consensual sexual expression they so choose, including S/M.”

Don Thompson wrote about an Alcohol Beverage Control hearing that took place on Thursday, June 17 in City Hall and was attended by around 50 concerned members of the Leather community. Supervisors Leno, Newsome and Becerill were the officials in attendance where beer busts were allowed to resume.

A new HIV education and AIDS prevention program entitled Go Bare, Go Back was being tested in the metropolitan Washington, DC area by Brother, Help Thyself (BHT). The three-pronged pilot program, which operated from September through January 2000, consisted of public posters designed by local based artist of the GLBT communities and info-booklets that were distributed at local sexual minority bars, coffee shops, restaurants and businesses, and newspaper advertisements in gay and lesbian publications.

Ohio Leather Fest sponsored by the Ohio Leather Coalition was held in Cleveland, OH the weekend of September 17-19 giving people of the Great Lakes area a big SM weekend that offered workshops, vendor fair and play parties.

The Castro Lions' Leather Auction, presented by San Francisco Leather Daddy IV Tom Rodgers, had perhaps its most successful result ever on the Eagle patio in raising $9,200.

The 16th annual Leather Pride Night was held on Saturday, June 19. The auction raised $20,000 to be split among Empire State Pride Agenda, The Gender Identity Project at the Center, The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and, for the 16th year, Heritage of Pride. Proceeds from the LPN raffle, a total of $2,500, will be donated to the Lesbian Herstory Archives.

Black Rose, SigMa, and the Men of Discipline DC joined forces to present a special seminar series for novice to experienced BDSM players. Starting in September and continuing for the next eight months, the three SM educational groups featured SM 101.

The Second Annual Women's SM/Leather Conference, Women at Amsterdam Leather Pride took place the weekend October 29-31 in Amsterdam, NL.

A gay man who killed his lover during a violent sex game was jailed for five years after a Supreme Court judge found dangerous acts of bondage and sadomasochism were not, in themselves, against the law in Sydney, Australia. In the Victorian Supreme Court, Justice Frank Vincent found Christopher Gerard McIntosh, 32, was “grossly negligent” in strangling his 33 year-old lover, Raymond Wai Ming Lee, during a session of erotic asphyxia in May last year.

On Friday, October 29th, officers of the San Diego Police Department’s Vice Unit entered the play party that Club X was holding and then issued citations to approximately six individuals. These six attendees were cited for lewd behavior and/or nudity in a public space. These citations were all classified as misdemeanors. The case became known as the San Diego Six.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) hosted Creating Change in Oakland, CA the weekend of November 10-14. There was a Leather Caucus for participants to discuss current SM activism and participation in the next year’s Creating Change Conference. The New York S/M Activists sponsored a workshop titled Second Coming Out, with Randy Brown and Susan Wright.

Joseph Bean's Centurion Awards, designed to coincide with the grand opening of the Leather Archives and Museum's new building, were announced ahead of time. They were: Man of the Century Chuck Renslow, Woman of the Century Cynthia Slater; general honors to Pat Daley, Larry Townsend, Geoff Mains, Mack McKinnon, Pat Califia, The Eulenspiegel Society, Gay Male S/M Activists (GMS/MA), Chicago Hellfire Club, Tom of Finland and Tony DeBlase.

The Board of Directors of SMMILE (South of Market Merchants and Individuals’ Lifestyles Events) those people who put on the Dore Alley Fair (last Sunday in July) and the Folsom Street Fair (last Sunday in September) distributed the net proceeds of this year’s two street fairs to the designated beneficiaries and other groups who helped produce the two events. The total distributed this year was $215,000.

Saturday, December 4, saw all the usual suspects at Don “Ho’s” and Omar’s party. These guys raised over $2,400, with more to come in, for the Positive Resource Center (with the coat check proceeds going to the AEF.

Lance Brittain and Andre English raised roughly $1,400 for the Leather Archives and Museum and Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California in November. They also raised $144 for the ICF (Inter Club Fund) through a beer bust. In addition, they received a large number of memorabilia for the GLHS and Leather Archives.

Play House Studios and Gallery was informed by the Baltimore City Zoning Department that it must cease its public “social” events. One of the enforcement officers issued a violation notice charging that they provide “adult entertainment.” This violation notice came with a $500 fine and a warning that the fine would escalate rapidly with any future violations.

Books and Publications

Cain Berlinger's book, Black Men in Leather, asked several questions of Black men around the country and included the candid answers.

To Love, To Obey, To Serve was the work of Viola Johnson. This diary of the events that shaped her life as a slave for over 20 years.

SM Classics, a collection of some of the most important SM writing of the past two decades was published by Masquerade Books and edited by Susan Wright, SM Classics features work by a veritable who’s who of contemporary SM.

Aubrey’s Playroom was a weekly Internet radio show discussing the Leather/SM/Fetish community by Seattle's Aubrey Sparks.

New on the Scene

BAD Women (Bound And Determined Women), Albany, NY; Portland Leather Alliance of Portland, OR; Community Ties, Washington, DC; HBLA (Hand Ballers of Los Angeles), Los Angeles, CA; Sex-Positive Community Center Project, Seattle, WA; Masters And slaves Together: Washington, DC (MAsT), Washington, DC; Uniforums Club of Uniforms Club of America, Fresno, CA; Watersports Enthusiasts of Tampa Bay (WET), Tampa, FL; MOD: Maryland, Baltimore, MD; Bay Area submissives, San Francisco, CA; Richmond Leather Club, Richmond, VA; Pigs Of Portland, Portland, OR; Buffalo Bulldogs Men's Club, Buffalo, NY

Milestones

30 Years: Border Riders Motorcycle Club, Vancouver, Canada

25 Years: San Francisco God Damned Independents (SFGDIs), San Francisco, CA; Regiment of the Black and Tans; Los Angeles, CA; Society of Janus, San Francisco, CA; Knights d' Orleans, New Orleans, LA; Philadelphians MC, Philadelphia, PA

15 Years: California Eagles MC, San Francisco, CA

10 Years: Leather Masters, Leather shop, San Jose, CA; 10th Annual Joint Run, Warriors Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles and CCMC of San Diego, CA; Leather Pride Flag, designed by Tony DeBlase, San Francisco, CA

Five Years: Mr. Ohio Valley Leather Contest, Columbus, OH; Leather Ball V, Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition, Inc., Toronto, Canada; Tom of Finland Foundation, Fifth Annual Erotica Artists Weekend, Los Angeles, CA

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Peter Tolos, also known as “Rubber Bear,” died of a heart attack on February 1, 1999. He was 59 years old. Peter was the founding publisher of Rubber Rebel Magazine, America’s first national magazine for gay rubberists, and was also instrumental in the start up of Vulcan America Magazine.

Nestor Chaparro passed away on Monday, March 8. Nestor Alejandro Chaparro was born on March 16, 1958 in Bogota, Colombia. He was active in his community and belonged to many civic, charitable and school organizations including Body Positive, God's Love, Gay Men's Health Crisis, GMS/MA, GLCC, UFT, AFT, Technology Teacher Association and Phi Delta Kappa International. Nestor left his life partner William (Bill) Miranda Salzman.

Clarence Edward Cunningham was born in Mount Pleasant, TX on December 20, 1959 and died on June 2, 1999. He was survived by Wally Sherwood, his partner of almost 15 years. Together they brought Leather Mardi Gras to San Francisco in 1986 by organizing the Celestial Krewe de Cuir. He helped with the Wally Look Alike Contest which raised money for the AIDS Emergency Fund and Shanti. For eight years he administered the Northern California Leather Awards. His photographs appeared regularly in The Leather Journal among other publications.

Seattle Leather community activist Wes Randall passed away on Tuesday morning, July 6, 1999 while being cared for at Bailey-Boushay. Randall had a long record of community service including having held the Washington State Mr. Leather 1991 and Northwest Mr. Drummer 1995 titles, having been a cofounder of Generic Leather Productions (he came up with the name for the organization), was a founding member of Seattle Men in Leather, he helped start Washington State Leather Pride Week and was president of NLA: Seattle.

Tom From the Castaways’s death was a great shock. (Editor's note: The name given to The Leather Journal was "Tom From the Castaways" and everyone knew him by that name.) He was a charter member of the Silver Stars of Milwaukee when they were founded in 1972. He was one of four founders of the Castaways MC.

Walter “Wally” Wallace, 61, well-loved New York Leatherman, theatre booster, and community activist died Tuesday, September 7, 1999 at his sister’s home in Bronxville, New York. Wally was the former manager of New York’s famous Mineshaft and a founder of the Lure, Wally also served as a judge at regional Leather title contests, including International Mr. Leather in Chicago. He was a 19 year associate member of the Chicago Hellfire Club and numerous Leather/Levi clubs across the United States.

Bob Gillespie died of septic shock while attending the Chicago Hellfire Club's Inferno XXVIII in Saugatuck, MI on September 13, 1999. He was an officer in the NY Renegades, associate member of Chicago Hellfire Club, a charter member of Delta International, served on the GMS/MA board for several years and contributed much information to the Leather Archives and Museum.

Stephen Mulvey passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 1999. Mulvey was president of the Coastal Empire Sentinels in Savannah, GA.

The House of Regnant Thrall lost Daddy Vern West, Colonel Thrall on Thursday August 20, 1999. Daddy Vern was often quoted as saying, “Leather is not what’s on the hide, but what’s inside." One of his personal hobbies was trains ranging from those of the old west to trains of the modern era.

The Leatherneck Bar located in downtown Chicago, IL was sold on Tuesday, September 28 and ceased to be a Leather bar after that.

Arthur "Art" Reid died at Toronto Grace Hospital on August 7, 1999, in his 76th year. Spearhead's newsletter Phalia reported.

A Spearhead member since 1980, he was also a proud member of AF and AM, Number 405, Mattawa, the Scottish Rite Masons and a Noble in the Rameses Shrine of Toronto.

Albert Franco Martin was a familiar member of the San Francisco bike club community and the partner of Dick Manning, who has been involved extensively in the community as a member of the Golden Gate Guards and the Forum. Franco was struck by a stolen vehicle which was being pursued by police.

Hal Heller was a very popular and extremely involved member of the SF Leather community. With a partner, he instituted the Bay Area Motorcycle Training and spent all day Saturday and sometimes Sunday every weekend teaching driving techniques to beginners and advanced alike.

David Armstrong of Atlanta, GA, born May 16, 1947, died on Wednesday, October 13, 1999.  He was survived by his partner of eight years, Dan Barron. David was Southeast Drummer, 1989-90, was instrumental in the formation of the Atlanta chapter of NLA in 1990, serving as chair from 1992-95, two years as secretary, one year as treasurer and was the chapter’s unofficial historian and photographer. He was an executive committee member and officer for SouthEast LeatherFest from 1996 through 1999. David judged a plethora of Leather contests over the years, the most recent being the 1999 Southeast Drummer and Ms Leather Pride contests.

Glenn Candies was born on December 28, 1945 and passed away on November 17 in New Orleans, LA. Glenn was the Daddy of Erick Lundgren. He was a past president of the Louisiana Appaloosa Breeders Association and was an avid horseman, Leatherman, and trusted friend of many.

Joe Casey, aka Hank Gray, passed away Monday, November 29 from complications due to a recently discovered spinal tumor. He was a member of New York Renegades and an associate of the Chicago Hellfire Club.