MAL 2026: Staying Positive in a Sea of Change
By Rodney Burger

Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2026 Gage Ryder was sashed Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 during the annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend hosted by the Centaur MC at the Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill on January 16th -19th. First runner-up went to Dante from Raleigh, North Carolina and Mr. Connecticut Leather 2026 Ricky Mestre took home the second runner-up medallion. Also

Blackout 30

By Bear Mike

Over 350 ONYX members, friends, many ONYX Pearls, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and cheerleaders celebrated the 30th Anniversary of ONYX, making Blackout30 the organization’s largest bi-annual run yet.

Held in Chicago October 16-20 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in downtown Chicago, five founding fathers of ONYX gathered to celebrate the Homecoming-themed event and pass tradition forward: Master Mufasa Ali, Daddy Steve Bailous,

Smokeout 2018 in Las Vegas - second private pool added
Smokeout 2018 was held at the Alexis Park Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, NV the weekend of April 4-8 with more record attendance, a second pool has been reserved exclusively for Smokeout. The host Desert Brotherhood Motorcycle Club lead their traditional Saturday bike ride with guests, this time around Lake Mead to the Valley of Fire. Smokeout is a fun-filled uncomplicated weekend in Las Vegas for cigar and pipe studs, Leatherman, bikers, bears and friends, from all over the world. A free-flowing weekend so everyone can enjoy Las Vegas the way they want to ... in the company of fellow studs. No rigid program to follow with lots of time for being a tourist, enjoying a show, attending events or just relaxing and having a great time. Smokeout With Your Cock Out, presented by The Bullet Bar with Leo Iriarte, was three nights long. Large groups restaurant and buffet raids were at The Hofbrau Haus, Silverton Casino, Hard Rock Cafe. There were Leather nights at Hawks Gym. See http://lasvegassmokeout.com/

Master Kelly Lee Ellis passes
By Rhonda Tomo
On April 6, 2018, Master Kelly Lee Ellis completed his life journey and arrived at his eternal destination. Kelly was born on August 8, 1961 in Dunsmuir California. He grew up in Dunsmuir, Roseville, San Francisco and Antioch, California. After multiple surgeries and hospitalizations due to complications of diabetes and kidney failure he opted for hospice care and passed peacefully in his home with his family by his side. Kelly graduated from Antioch High School in 1980 and married his first wife, Judith Melancon in 1981. They had two children together, Jennifer and Matthew. After their divorce, Kelly met Carlene Silva (DeRosear) and they married on June 7, 2008. Kelly’s children blessed them with two grandsons, Andrew and Asher. Kelly worked for the Department of Transportation (CalTrans) for 22 years. He started working as a toll collector on the Bay Area bridges and progressed to maintenance worker, climbing over and under the old Bay Bridge. He finished his career as a computer analyst working at the main CalTrans maintenance yard in Sacramento.
Kelly was preceded in death by his brother Sonny and mother and father, Laura and Walter Ellis. He is survived by his wife, Carlene, ex-wife Judy (Ira) Worthen, daughter Jennifer Catrina, son Matthew Lee, and grandchildren Andrew and Asher. He is also survived by his chosen Leather family, brother and sister Bruce and Cyndi Ulrich, and babygirl Liz Welch. Services will be held on Friday, April 13 at Cochrane & Wagemann Funeral home, 103 Lincoln Street, Roseville CA. Doors will open at 12:30pm for viewing and services will begin at 1 PM. An informal reception will be held after the services at The Monk’s Cellar, 240 Vernon St, Roseville.

Bears, Bikers and Mayhem VIII
Bear, Bikers and Mayhem will be held April 5-8 at the Eisenhower Inn in Gettysburg, PA. One of the highlights will be the Mr. Mayhem Leather and Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear contests. The Pandemonium Party on Friday provides an opportunity for Leather and fetish men to welcome bears to their brand of fun. The Boots to Briefs Party on Saturday is a chance for bears to show their hospitality. A few of the many events are bowling, field trip to Boswell Pipe Factory, Battlefield bus tour, meals, cigar party, cuddle room, puppy mosh pit, Smell My Pits Pig, comedy show, porn star bingo, after party, vendors and farewell brunch. There are 11 beneficiaries. http://www.bearsbikersandmayhem.com

The 15 Association - GLBT Historical Society
The GLBT Historical Society located in San Francisco features a Main Gallery at 4127 18th Street, San Francisco with rotating exhibits, programs, tours and private receptions. It also houses an Archive, 989 Market Street, Lower Level, of personal papers, photographs, audiovisual recordings and community organizational, business and political campaign materials. The 15 Association was established in San Francisco and has grown in membership annually as it continues to serve the men’s BDSM community with regular play and social opportunities. Various materials including letters, pins, patches, photos and flyers have accumulated since 1980, taking up several boxes with no permanent place to call home. The Fraternal committee has decided to keep our primary archives within the city of San Francisco as well as select duplicate materials in Chicago at the Leather Archives and Museum.

Leatherman of Color Dax Volpe is one of a record number of IML contestants competing in Chicago next month.

IML will have at least 73 contestants
The Leather Journal has compiled at least 73-plus photos of men who will compete at IML 40 as of April 10. The Leather Journal publishes a gallery of photos of IML contestants every year and there usually are a handful who do not send their information or who won preliminary tiles after the deadline. There are several more from Europe and a few more from Southern California which helps to bring the number up. IML contestant coordinator Jeff Tucker has been a huge help in gathering the information. http://www.imrl.com

Help Keep Leather Alive in SOMA
Contribute to SF Catalyst. Your support will help keep and improve SF Catalyst, the Leather community run space at 1060 Folsom Street in San Francisco, CA. Go to the SF Catalyst Facebook page and click on their IndieGoGo link https://www.facebook.com/CatalystSanFrancisco Space Rental - Catalyst features more than 3,000 square feet of dungeon, play and social space well-stocked with BDSM furniture. The space is currently available to rent for photo shoots, filming, art shows, gatherings, dates, life events, professional sessions, and play parties. Inquiries for renting the space may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eagle LA - Meat Rack
Meat Rack with DJ Billy Fever is hosted by Eagle LA on the fourth Saturday of each month and the next one is on April 27 at 9 PM. Party, house music, electronic dance music. $6 cover. Eagle LA, Los Angeles, CA 90029. https://www.facebook.com/events/130452464444475/

Golden Gate Guards - Springtime in Yosemite
Registration for Springtime in Yosemite is now open. Join the Golden Gate Guards for an exciting weekend of fun in the Sierras in Yosemite May 18-20. The weather and waterfalls are going to be spectacular this year. This is a great run for beginners to experienced motorcycle riders. Springtime in Yosemite will be at the View Lodge in El Portal, CA which has nice rooms and most have balcony with an enchanting close-up view of the rapidly-flowing Merced River. Depending on interest, there will be an optional Sunday brunch at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel formerly known as the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite which is a separate expense. Registration is open at http://www.ggguards.org/events/yosemite.htm

International Olympus Leather Weekend
Again, while not part of San Diego Leather Pride, this is a big event for America's Finest City International Olympus Leather Weekend will be held May 4-6 in San Diego, CA at the Crowne Plaza - San Diego Mission Valley and will feature the 2018 International Mr., Ms and Mx Olympus Leather Contest, vendors, classes and socials. Join us as the first class of gender neutral and non-conforming Leatherfolk come together to compete for International Mx Olympus Leather alongside men and women from other Olympus Leather Regions. Be there for the contest, stay for the Bootblacks, barbers, classes, Luau, cigar socials and hospitality. Crowne Plaza - San Diego Mission Valley, 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA92108. https://www.facebook.com/events/293592137758718/

MAUL and COMMAND bar night
The Mid-Atlantic Uniform League (MAUL) and COMMAND MC (Corps Of Men Making A Noticeable Difference) will hold their monthly bar night at the Baltimore Eagle Night Club on Saturday, March 17 at 8 PM. Uniforms and prison gear encouraged. Baltimore Eagle Night Club and Bar, Baltimore, MD 21218. https://www.uniformleague.org and/or http://www.commandmc.org

CBT and Sounding - Hardy Haberman and David Carranza
Unfortunately Duct_Tape Dave had to cancel for being our Instructor but thank you to Hardy Haberman who has graciously agreed to do the class for CBT and David Carranza will do the Sounding portion at Leather Masters on April 14. Tickets will be available on line at http://www.leathermasters.com Tickets are $20 per person. Hardy Haberman is an American author, filmmaker, educator, designer living in Dallas, Texas. He is a prominent figure in the Leather/fetish/BDSM community, and a frequent speaker at leather events and contests. Hardy  has written Family Jewels, More Family Jewels and Playing with Pain to name a few. Leather Masters, 3000 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75226.

Fetish Men San Diego - new venue
With Summer approaching, we've moved our workshops and socials to our venue, the Panorama in La Mesa, CA, 94141. Our first workshop, Toys and Toy Care with Dustin, was on April 8 and the venue host is excited to have us. And with the weather changing, we are hoping to take advantage of the beautiful, warm weather by moving our workshop time to 3PM to 6PM, giving us the opportunity to use the venue for mid-day socials poolside. FMSD's next workshop is scheduled for Sunday, April 22 and will be taught by Mr. San Diego Eagle 2018 Jody M. The topic? Humiliation Play, with a helpful demo by Jody and two of his own bottoms. Check the Facebook Events, or E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the address.

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Get your Leather Archives memorabilia through Amazon
Shop Amazon.com and support the Leather Archives & Museum through Amazon's charitable giving program, Amazon Smile. For every qualifying purchase, Amazon will donate a percentage to the Leather Archives & Museum. It's that simple! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/36-3841874

Foxhole - Positively Proud, Sex Positive Edition
Green Mirror Entertainment's Foxhole, a bathhouse theme party teams up with CA Drummer 2017 Xavier Espejo, for another night of debauchery Green-Mirror style, and to celebrate the official release
of Positively Proud: CA Sex-Positive Men Calendar on Friday, April 13 at 9 PM. https://www.facebook.com/CAsexpozcalendar/ Models will be on-site for photo ops and to sign calendars as well as the usual fun. Free clothes check and towel service for our guests, gogo foxes, men's area, underground beats by DJ Brian Novy and horny men. Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. https://www.facebook.com/events/1769057676469356/

TBOL sets meeting dates
The Tampa Bay Boys Of Leather will hold their monthly TBOL Meeting the third Friday of the month at 8 PM. The Tampa Bay Boys Of Leather's home base is now the Flamingo Skyway Room. This month Tampa Bay Boys Of Leather will have an education portion for the first half of the meeting. Sir Gethan will teach Protocols 101. We all hear the words Etiquette, Ritual, Protocol, and Service Task - but do any of U/us really understand what they mean? Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th Street S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33711. https://www.facebook.com/events/347598885724217/

CLAW in two weeks
3,000 Leatherfolk are expected at CLAW 18. CLAW returns to the magnificent Westin Downtown Cleveland April 26-29, and is CLAW's home through at least 2022 - including vendor mart, parties, cigar deck, and more than 100 different Skills and Education sessions. A few rooms are still available at our other two hotels - the nearby Hampton Inn and Double Tree by Hilton. CLAW expects more vacancies before the end of April, so get a room now, or get on the hotel wait list and plan to be in Cleveland next month. http://www.clawinfo.org


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New! Trivia Question of the Week

The lead actor in the controversial movie Cruising which was about a sadistic murderer preying on the clubs and bars of New York in the early 1980s was named?

1. Dustin Hoffman.

2. Al Pacino.

3. Robert Redford.

4. George Kennedy.

5. Sylvester Stallone.

Answer next week when a new question is asked.

Last week's Question answered - How many African American men have held the International Mr. Leather title and who were they? Answer - Three - Ron Moore, D Cannon and Ramien Pierre.

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Empire City MC - Motorcycle Weekend
Yeah, it feels like the winter that won’t end, but a little birdie told us that in a few days, spring will break and we’ll be on the road again. Therefore, it’s time to sign-up for Empire City MC's Motorcycle Weekend, our four-day event (including formation ride up and ride back) held in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State over Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28. The run-fee is $40/per person. This is a bargain! Run fees under $100 haven’t been seen since the 80s. Of course, this event is a bit restrictive. All participants must be male, arrive by motorcycle and pay the $40 run fee. http://empirecitymc.com/

Southland Honors in June
The Southland Honors Dinner will be held on Saturday night, June 23 at Taix in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles, CA. Nominations will open soon. Southland Honors is owned by the Los Angeles Leather Coalition with its first Honors being held in 2004. This will be a single event and will be a formal banquet. Ticket and nomination information will be available soon.

Rubber Fucker returns to Eagle LA
Rubber Fucker returns to the Eagle LA on March 16 at 10 PM, and you don’t have to wear green, just wear rubber, Neoprene, latex, pvc, or something made of hot and sexy form fitting plastic-like or rubbery material... and you get in for free! All others can come dressed however you like, and your entry will be $6 at the door. This is a great party with lots of hot sexy men in rubber, that’s why it’s free for the studs who clad themselves in latex, rubber and Neoprene. Come show everyone how hot you are in a bar full of shiny rubbermen. Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. https://www.facebook.com/events/1957670611162324/

Growlr Bear Den
The Bullet Bar will host Growlr Bear Den with DJ Sean Niles on Friday, April 20 at 9 PM. Bullet Bar, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Show that you're a GROWLR subscriber and receive happy hour prices
Hang with some fur by the fire pit on our patio https://www.facebook.com/events/241523539724351/

Hunter & Charlie's
Farm Boy Kitchen changed its name to Hunter & Charlie's in March. Serving American Food, the restaurant in Hollywood has been popular with LA's Leather community. Hunter & Charlie's, 1050 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038. (323) 848-4790. http://www.hunterandcharlies.com

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Club runs? Major bar events? Contests? Articles of general interest?

Milestones?Obituaries? Wedding announcements?


See Writer's Guidelines near bottom of page
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Leather Archives & Museum Road Show visits Portland
By Gary Wasdin
If you're looking to expand your Kink interests, there's no place better to do it than at KinkFest in Portland, OR. The Leather Archives & Museum spent Easter weekend with kinksters from all over the world at the 20th Annual celebration of all things kink. This event, sponsored by Portland Leather Alliance, is the premier west coast kink conference celebrating sexual diversity, BDSM, fetish and Leather. The LA&M was happy to share a few treasures form its collections with the crowd. Be sure to look for us at IMsLBB/IMsL in San Jose later this month. Stop by and say hello. http://www.leatherarchives.org

Urban Bear X
Urban Bear will celebrate its 10th Anniversary the weekend of May 17-21 in New York, NY. A full weekend of events is planned including an Urban Bear Street Fair on Sunday, May 21, Stash Bash at Julius Bar and Grille and Brutus Party at Nowhere bar on Thursday, May 18, Bear Invasion: Highline and the Whitney on Friday, May 19, Bears on Bikes on Saturday, and Grizzly Guzzler at the Gym on Saturday, May 20. Also, Urban Bear will now have monthly bar parties at Nowhere, 322 East 14th Street, New York, NY on the second Friday of each month. For more go to https://www.theurbanbear.com/

Northwest Leather Celebration - Loves our Bootblacks
The Northwest Leather Celebration and the Northwest Master slave and Northwest Bootblack Contest will be held May 3-6, Sacramento, CA. Northwest Leather Celebration Loves Our Bootblacks. Got Boots? Got Leathers? How about Rubber or a Puppy Hood? Come to the NWLC Bootblack Lounge and get all your gear loved on. Led by Kian Leggett, the NWLC Bootblack Lounge will be serviced by bootblacks from throughout the region. This is not just about boots; come in your chaps, pants, shirts, corsets, skirts, gloves, rubber, latex, pet gear – whatever you need to shine. Tipping is appropriate and encouraged. Bootblacking is a spectator sport. The Bootblack Lounge is located right in the middle of the NWLC Lounge, a place to hang out, socialize and watch the hot bootblack action. It all starts at the Boots and Cigars Party on Thursday night. http://NorthwestLeatherCelebration.com

Monthly Fetish Celebrates First Year with Body Partialism Edition
One year ago, Monthly Fetish published their first issue. During the past year, they’ve covered a wide array of fetishes including feet, BBWs, Financial Domination, cosplay, bondage, transformation, latex, sploshing, looning, and spanking. And, their one year issue investigates body partialism. Body partialism is all about how a person can focus on one body part for sexual gratification. Boobs, butts, and legs are the most popular, but there’s also heads, shoulders, knees, toes, feet, eyes, noses, and many more. “We’ve covered a lot of fetishes our first year, but there are thousands more we can spotlight,” says Editor Jenn. “...We’ve got more incredible interviews planned for our second year. Make sure to not miss a single issue and feel free to write in anonymously with your questions." Check out the Partialism Edition of Monthly Fetish and previous issues at http://www.monthlyfetish.com/featured-fetish/fetish/

How a New Senate Bill Will Screw Over Sex Workers
By Tina Horn for Roling Stone - supplied by the NCSF
If SESTA becomes law, victims of human trafficking will be able to sue the websites their abusers may have used to communicate with one another. The implications reach beyond justice for survivors, however, as consensual sex workers may be charged with facilitating prostitution if they use an online forum to exchange safety information such as bad date lists. The threat of prosecution has already led such forums to simply shut down rather than face potential legal liability. When sex workers don't have access to digital resources - such as Craigslist, Backpage, Rentboy or MyRedBook - they often engage in high-risker street work. To read the rest of this article visit https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/controversial-anti-sex-trafficking-bill-screw-over-sex-workers-w518323

SW Bootblack Boot Camp
The SW Bootblack Boot Camp is planned for June 22-24 in Phoenix, AZ. When SW Community Bootblack 2015 Cherielle created the Arizona Bootblack Academy, using her formal apprenticeship program as a foundation, she set out to provide that which was lacking. The Arizona Bootblack Academy exists to provide a well rounded education in the art of bootblacking to all who express an interest in learning. Classes in technique are offered on a weekly basis, with field trips held occasionally. In addition to educational opportunities, students are provided the opportunity to give back to their communities in various ways. Students are encouraged to find ways to provide service using their bootblacking skills. Topics covered are bootblack lab, bootblack games, round tables, six meals and limited lodging. http://arizonabootblackacademy.org/

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West Coast Olympus Leather
Beat Your Drum Productions proudly announces, the return of the Mr., Ms, and Mx West Coast Olympus Leather competition; Scheduled to take place June 29 – July 1 at the Sanctuary LAX Studio in Los Angeles, CA. WCOL is affiliated with The Leather Foundation which is a recognized 501(c)3, non-profit, 100-percent volunteer organization whose purpose is to provide aid to the Leather community, addressing unmet welfare, health and safety issues unique to our community members. http://westcoastolympus.com/

Central Plains Leather Sir/boy and Community Bootblack
The Central Plains Leather Sir/boy and Community Bootblack will be held at Missie B's in Kansas City, MO the weekend of April 20-22. April 20 at 7 PM is a Pub Crawl with KCLU. 9 PM meet and greet with contestants and judges. Saturday 1 PM educational classes. 9 PM Central Plains Leather Sir/boy and Community Bootblack contest begins. 805 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111-3856. https://www.facebook.com/events/837222923154164/

Reno Revelry - Hardy Haberman to keynote
Register for Reno Revelry. Spend a lovely fall weekend, October 19-21, with the Leather/BDSM/Fetish community of Reno. Revelry, a first-year event, plans lots of classes including the Femme Boot Pride Track, not to mention the first Northern Nevada Bootblack Contest. Oh, and the best of all, the Keynote speaker for the Sunday brunch will be the one and only Hardy Haberman. https://www.facebook.com/renorevelry/

Tampa Bay Boys Of Leather - Shenanigans Leather/Kink Weekend
The Tampa Bay Boys Of Leather will present Shenanigans Leather/Kink Weekend at the Flamingo Resort in Saint Petersburg, April 13-15. There is no costs to attend. We will have vendors, demos, games, shows and a social area to keep you entertained. Flamingo Resort St. Pete, 4601 34th Street South, Saint Petersburg. FL 33711. https://www.facebook.com/events/541687659520223/

Palm Springs Leather Pride dates announced
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert publicized the dates for Palm Springs Leather Pride: Renegade to be October 25-28. Just shy of Halloween which is the Wednesday immediately after. Palm Springs LGBT Pride is the following weekend. Palm Springs Leather Pride Chair/Media Director Randy Carmanaty said, "This past year we had a 30-percent increase in attendees over the year prior with attendees coming from 26 countries and all 50 states." http://www.PalmSpringsLeatherPride.org

One of the many couples enjoying the sun at Smokeout in Las Vegas in early April.

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Writer Guidelines

How you can include your information on Dave Rhodes' Hump Day

Deadline is the Monday before Hump Day.

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Mr. Leather Israel 2017 Aviv Grundman is one of the 73-plus men competing for International Mr. Leather in May.

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Past Dave Rhodes' Hump Day blogs

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2010-dave-rhodes-hump-day-april-4-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2009-dave-rhodes-hump-day-march-28-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/2008-dave-rhodes-hump-day-march-21-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2006-dave-rhodes-hump-day-march-14-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2004-dave-rhodes-hump-day-march-7-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1990-dave-rhodes-hump-day-february-28-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1989-dave-rhodes-hump-day-february-21-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1988-dave-rhodes-hump-day-february-14-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1987-dave-rhodes-hump-day-february-7-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1986-dave-rhodes-hump-day-january-31-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1983-dave-rhodes-hump-day-january-25-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1981-dave-rhodes-hump-day-january-10-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1980-dave-rhodes-hump-day-january-3-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1979-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-27-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1978-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-20-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1977-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-13-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1974-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-6-2017

Some of the LA men who were at Smokeout in Las Vegas, seen in the Utah Rebellion hospitality suite.

Mr. Leather64Ten 2018 Kurt Allen is competing at IML 40.

Basic Information: Name Current Title City, State website (if any) regular community events that you produce or participate (limit 3) Favorite Leather item in your arsenal of bar/fetish wear & social media:

My name is Brynn Beitzel and I am Washington State Bootblack 2016 from Seattle, Washington.

There are many one-off events and fundraisers that I support and volunteer for. In addition, I regularly attend the monthly events held by the Seattle Pups and Handlers (SEA-PAH) as well as the Dress Code Leather Social hosted by the Seattle Men in Leather (SML). I also do everything I can to support the growing bootblack community in and around Seattle. I work with other local bootblacks to teach, mentor and host our local quarterly Bootblack Skill Share.

Over the years, I have come into my own aesthetic and represent my Leather identity through what I refer as Premium Petrol Femme! Not quite High Femme. Not quite Diesel Femme. I’m just me. I have many items of leather in my arsenal but my favorite by far is one that I rarely wear. I was gifted a leather corset by a member of my Leather Family, even before the family was established. She had held onto the corset since the time of her first contract and saw something in me that she had been waiting for. After all those years, she gifted it to me and it is my first piece of heritage leather."  I am a product of my generation. I love social media but I’m not fully immersed in all the various platforms. I can be found on Facebook as Brynn Beitzel, on Fetlife as TeaseAndPlease and on Twitter as TeaseAndPlease3. Brynn  

Sponsors:

"My run for International Ms. Bootblack 2018 is sponsored by my contest producers, the Washington State Mr. Leather Organization, the Seattle girls of Leather which I am an active member and board member, the Seattle Pups and Handlers which I am an active member and a part of the Audit Committee, the Seattle boys of Leather which I attend events and support, Lover’s Laire a local business and play party venue, Everett Leather Alliance a newly established club to the north of Seattle, and Bad Daddy Leather a Leather Family owned business.

Washington State Mr. Leather Organization

Seattle girls of Leather

Seattle Pups and Handlers

Lover’s Laire

Favorite Charity:I have enjoyed working with many charities throughout my years in the Seattle Leather community so it is difficult to choose one. There are also many charities based in other areas that I would love to work with and support. I am proud to support Pride Lives, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and Washington State non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness in Seattle. Pride Lives officers and volunteers work to strengthen ties in the LGBTQ community; bring an end to suicide in the community; support survivors, their families, and friends; and educate the public in an effort to improve communication and end social stigmas. Pride Lives has strong ties to the Leather community and directly supports many of us who have lost someone to suicide, contemplated or attempted suicide, or hurt others or been hurt because of stigma and assumptions.

How you feel about community service?:

Community service has been a part of my life since I was a child. My desire to serve is not tied to the LGBTQ or Leather communities. I am a service oriented individual. I have been of service to the Girl Scouts, to my home town, to my schools, to the SCA, to my political party, to the support of women and equality and now to the LGBTQ and Leather communities. I believe that giving without expectation of receiving is the definition of being of service.  I also believe that one cannot truly be of service unless the cause lines up with one’s personal morality and compass. It is that alignment that truly allows one to give, because it matters to you, not because you want to matter to others. I have learned that only with time. When I found the causes that truly aligned with my beliefs, my ability to serve grew to something more than just myself. Community service keeps us moving forward and allied towards a common goal.  

What makes you a Leather Woman and/or Bootblack?:        

I often joke that I have been taking care of leather since the grunge era. I used to go to concerts and spend hours in muddy mosh pits and then spend Sundays cleaning and polishing my collection of Docs to be ready for school on Monday. I would go camping with my fellow Girl Scouts and come home and clean and condition my oil tan hiking boots. I would take care of the family horse tack as one way to contribute to my home. I had some of the necessary skills long before I was introduced to the Leather community. Those skills however, did not make me a bootblack.

When I found the Leather community, I felt at home. Sadly, I didn’t always know how to interact. I have anxiety and social situations could often be overwhelming. I offered my skills to those I trusted and did leather projects at home. I watched other bootblacks. I sat for other bootblacks. I took classes and I asked questions. I did all of that without opening up about my interest. Even though the bootblacks were the first group to make me feel like I belonged, I was still afraid to take the leap. When I finally did, there was no going back.

Bootblacking gave me a way to belong in the community when I often felt like I was watching from the sideline. Instead of focusing on all the people, all the conversations, all the activity, I could focus on one person at a time. I could focus on the person in my stand. It gave me a sense of calm when I often only feel chaos.  I developed relationships and friendships through 20 to 30 minute interactions with people I wouldn’t know how to talk to in another setting. I found my place within this world and it was at the feet of those I love and cherish.

I have always loved leather but now I am Leather and I am a bootblack.

Who is your favorite Leather Woman…Why?:
There are so many strong and powerful women that I admire and I would not be where I am today without their guidance. Equally, there are many other Leather people that have helped me become who I am today. There is one Leather Woman however that will always be my favorite.

When I started in the BDSM community, I was not familiar with the concept of Leather. I started in the pansexual kink community. I spent many years finding Doms on Craigslist and playing unicorn to established couples. I have many fond memories but I could also share a dangerous horror story or two. I was eager and I was reckless.  As I grew, my desired style of play and my personal values were often at odds with those around me. I met more and more people and I noticed a trend. I was drawn to certain people more than others and as I learned, I found they all had the same things in common. They were queer and they were Leather.

After a particularly heavy pick-up play scene, I was sent home. As I drove and then loaded onto the ferry, I began to drop and I didn’t want to go home to my vanilla roommate. The local dungeon often hosted munches on that particular night but I had never been. It still felt like a better alternative than going home. When I arrived, I saw a group of people talking and laughing. They were sharing stories of their heaviest scenes. They were comparing bruises. I had some pretty decent ones to show off that were just beginning to bloom. At that time, I have never seen anyone play to the level that I often played to. I thought I was a freak. I was proud of my marks and as we shared I saw the woman who would become my best friend. Her marks blew mine out of the water but there was a mutual respect that could not be ignored. I met my Leather Family that night. I met the woman who would later see something in me and gift me with my first piece of leather. I met Carla Whitehurst.

What do you feel is the most dangerous mis-information passed through traditional & social media affecting our community today, and how would you combat it should the opportunity arise?:

Social media is an excellent way to stay in touch and spread information across the world. That being said, social media is not a representation of all that it is that we do. When we see a picture, post or article, we make assumptions about what is happening in other people’s lives. We sometimes forget that we only put our best foot forward. We edit, we filter, we share the best parts, we rant, we vague-book, and we resist.

These actions have the power to bring us together towards a common goal. We see someone at their best and it makes us strive to do more. We see someone hurt and we want to support them. We see an injustice and we rise up to fight. Sadly, we also feed into themes of cliques, popularity, perfection, ageism, ableism and fat phobia.

I personally may take an excellent selfie but I am not always that person and others may not have the confidence to post photos. I may be able to articulate myself online but others may have barriers that prevent them from writing online, be it confidence or disability. I may resist isms and fight for causes but there are others that accomplish more than I do. I have privilege when it comes to the technology of social media. I have confidence in my appearance, I present the way I want to, I can articulate myself well and I understand the various platforms and how they operate. But.

Social media in itself is mis-information. I find it to be valuable but I also find it to be tiring. We need to be more inclusive to those that may not understand the platforms, may not have the ability to express feelings and opinions in writing, may not have access or desire to be present on online platforms, may not have body confidence to share photos or any other barriers that make us feel othered in our own circle. We need to remember that our lives and our efforts are not confined to what is shown online. We need to remember that each of us have an identity and purpose in the real world, for better or worse than what is seen online. 

In 100 words or less what will you do as IMsL or IMsBB to promote your title?:

I feel the best way for me to promote the title of International Ms. Bootblack 2018 is to be myself, the person who competed and the person who was chosen by the judges. I would like to travel through the United States and beyond and learn the stories of others. I want to hear the history. I want to visit the home bars. I want to teach classes and take classes. I want to expand beyond the women’s community and share my experiences with the Pups and Handlers, with the Men’s and Pansexual communities. I want to learn from everyone.

Name: Bootblack Nona

Title: SA Bootblack 2017

City/Country: Cape Town - South Africa

Assist with organising SA Leather social events and the annual leather contest.

Favourite Leather item: My favourite piece of leather is my SA Bootblack South Africa Stole! (Sponsored by Shane Hutchinson of Abraided Leather) The first of its kind to be in South Africa.

Is your run in April sponsored by an Event, bar, club, organization? If so Please tell me about your Sponsor (feel free to include a copy of their logo and a url to their website) and your involvement with them in 100 words or less.    I am sponsored by SA Leather South Africa. We are small but powerful group of leather people who are dedicated to the continuous growth in our diversity. We regularly hold workshops so we can educate each other and believe in supporting each other completely. We uphold our constitution with the highest regard and we do our best to give back to the NPOs we support.

My involvement in SA Leather is being part of the committee, to assist with the organising of our contest and being the first bootblack for SA Leather it will be important for me to build a solid foundation for future bootblacks within SA Leather South Africa.

Tell me about your favorite charity.    My favourite charity is Childhood Cancer Foundation SA - CHOC which supports children who have cancer. My connection with this organisation is from when my sister was diagnosed with a rare tumour; CHOC stepped in to assist us. They were there if we needed emotional support or guidance in any way. During the two years that my sister had treatment I saw how CHOC was there for many families at time when things seemed uncertain.

Annually there is a tattoo-a-thon that I participate in   and this fundraising effort helps to keep Childhood Cancer Foundation SA going so that they can continue to help families. They also see it as a chance to also break the stereotypical view about people with tattoos.

Tell me in your own words how you feel about community service.    Community service is important because giving back to your community without expecting something back in return helps you grow as a person. I find it up lifting knowing that I have done the right thing by assisting at an event or people in need. I truly believe that the more you give to the community; the more you will get back in ways that you don’t expect.  

What makes you a Leather Woman and/or Bootblack?    It’s not only the love of wearing leather, playing in leather and looking after leather that makes me a bootblack but it’s my dedication to the community, being involved in a fundraiser for a charity and to strive to be supportive of the people within community that makes me a bootblack.