Southern California Leather Gathering
The Southern California Leather Gathering was held on Saturday, June 18 at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, CA with about 75 guests.
The Southern California Leather Gathering was emceed by Mr. LA Leather 2022 Angel Rincon and Mr. LA Leather 2022 second Runner-up Romyn LeMuerte. Attendees participated in dildo distance tossing, water balloon pair toss, and the renowned SCLG human scavenger hunt.
Among clubs represented were Threshold, Avatar Club Los Angeles, LAADS, Phoenix Boys of Leather and the LA Leather Coalition
SCLG is an annual outdoor picnic gathering that is open to all Leather, BDSM, fetish, kink, motorcycle and bear individuals and/or groups of all genders and orientations.
The aim of SCLG is to provide an opportunity for these various folk to interact in a relaxed atmosphere, have fun, and raise awareness about the size and diversity of the Leather/BDSM groups within Southern California.
Scrol all the way down to see our Mini Gallery of the Southern California Leather Gathering
https://www.facebook.com/events/2450107411804176
Tom of Finland Foundation is back with the biggest TOM’s Bar in history
The Tom of Finland Foundation produced the biggest TOM’s Bar in history on Sunday, June 19 at the Avalon & Bardot in the dead center of Hollywood, CA - at Hollywood and Vine - across the street from Capital Records and James Dean's star on the Walk of Fame only a few feet from the entrance TOM’s Bar was the Foundation’s 29th Annual commemoration of the artist Tom of Finland, his life and legacy.
“Tom asked me not to have a funeral but to have a party – like a scene from his artwork – people coming together and having a hell of a good time. We created a celebration – the first ‘TOM’s Bar’ in 1992 – which has become a Tom of Finland Foundation annual event honoring Tom.” -Durk Dehner, president and co-founder, ToFF....
The full story and an awesome Gallery of 50 photos by Miguel Reyes, Gabriel Green and Dave Rhodes can be found at
https://theleatherjournal.com/news/the-biggest-tom-s-bar-in-history
More of Miguel Reyes' photos and galleries at https://www.facebook.com/miguel.reyesillustrator
https://www.tomoffinland.org/tomsbar
Mates Leather Weekend XXV
Mates Leather Weekend will celebrate its 25th Anniversary the weekend of September 29 - October 3 in Provincetown, MA.
A weekend registration includes event pass includes entry into all events, Mates Leather Weekend T-shirt, a portion of the proceeds benefits the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod; discounts at the Bayside Betsy’s Restaurant, Crown & Anchor Restaurant, main course dishes at Ross Grill Restaurant, Way Down Town Restaurant, Provincetown Brewing Company, free workouts at Provincetown Gym and $20 day pass at Mussel Beach Health Club. All discounts at the restaurants exclude alcohol. The First Mate contest is always a blast as are the Leather and gear vendors.
Host hotels are Gifford House at 9 Carver Street and the The Watership Inn at 7 Winthrop Street Go to the link below for room reservations and other suggested hostelries.
Mates Leather Weekend is a kick-back, have a good time, meet some hot new friends weekend for those who want to hang out, socialize, relax or party with other like-minded people in Leather, Rubber and Uniforms.
https://www.matesleatherweekend.com/
Satyrs MC - Badger Flat 2022 is on
By Ron Neiport
Badger Flat 59 is Finally happening in 2022 - September 1-5, up in the mountains northeast of Fresno and south of Yosemite. The Forest Service came through within the past two weeks. They brought in Hot Shots who felled the dead standing trees, and two other crews cleared up the downed trees.
Stay tuned for more details.
PS - I know we just told everyone three weeks ago that it was off. But we're back.
The Satyrs Motorcycle Club was founded in 1954 and is the oldest, continuously-running gay men's club in the World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/169741820510/
CLAW - LA Leather Getaway
By Bob Miller
Attendee Packages for CLAW’s LA Leather Getaway (Thanksgiving Week, Nov 23-27) are now available at clawinfo.org The advance purchase price is $249, and an Early Bird price of $149 is available through August 1.
The Getaway Package includes more than 250 events and exhibitors, 100-plus kinky sex education sessions, Leather vendor mart kicking off the holiday shopping season, seven dungeon parties, hosted by Avatar LA, 12 speed dating sessions, three silent auctions, semi-annual SquarePeg MisFit Toys sale, Leather Hall of Fame inductions of the artist Rex, GMS/MA and the 15 Association, Sunday Tea Dance on the plaza pool deck, Bound & Beautiful Live Muscle Gallery, Strip Bingo, pup/pet moshes, Playground by ABUniverse, Kinky Kabaret, 24-hour Bunker Hill Cigar Deck, and many other sexual, social and community events.
Separate tickets are also available for seven different banquets, including the Second Annual Chosen Family Leather Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.
The Getaway also feature two HorseMarket parties at kttp://www.horsemarketsf.com.
All Getaway events take place under one amazing roof: the Westin Bonaventure, the largest hotel in Los Angeles. Rooms start at $165/night and are available only at http://www.clawinfo.org Book your room by August 1st to get a $149 early bird package, a $100 savings.
Volunteer Packages are $25 with two four-hour shifts or free with three shifts. Hundreds of volunteers are sought, including educators, managers, photographers, entertainers, producers, bootblacks, badge checkers, computer geeks, hospitality and facilities workers.
2022 Women of Drummer Contest judges announced
By Bear Mike
Women of Drummer (WOD) announced judges for their 2022 Weekend, September 29 - October 2 at Ramblewood Campground, Darlington, MD.
Women of Drummer is a Leather family reunion where history is honored and diversity respected. This clothing-optional event celebrates Leatherwomen, including a contest to be judged by Women of Drummer 2021 Sara Werneke, Lady D, Sidney Hamilton, Mia Rose, and Bear Mike.
WOD weekend welcomes, embraces and invites kinky brothers, kinky sisters, and queer family to join and participate in events including storytelling by Mama VI, kinky Olympics. play spaces, hospitality parties, inter-generational circle, music and drag, sacred whip circle, and the Mid-Atlantic Library Annex.
Event registration fee includes meals and cabin space.
https://www.womenofdrummer.com/
Dave Rhodes' The Leather Journal vest stolen
Someone burglarized my car outside my apartment on Friday, July in the late afternoon. The stole my vest for The Leather Journal and a toy bag. The vest was estimated to be worth over $3,000 because it was a commissioned one-of-a-kind embroidered piece of art designed by Curtis Atkinson who created many pieces of clothing for Hollywood movies in the 1980s. The toys were whips, floggers, handcuffs, shackles and a variety of smaller items. Estimated value is over $1,500 to replace.
The vest is not only expensive and done at a time when I was able to afford an exotic piece, circa 1990. The vest was made in the design of The Leather Journal banner, also designed by Curtis Atkinson.
This is not something like a club vest where there are several vests bearing the same logo. There is only one. If you see anyone wearing it, they are wearing stolen property.
It will be easy to spot. Being the one taking photos, I never took one of my back. I posted a request out to the general Leather community on July XXX but have only seek Like ad Love emojis - but no photos.
The photo above is of The Leather Journal banner which is not much different from the vest. If you see someone wering it please let us know. Only mention it to them if you feel safe and that you are not in danger. Take a photo of it. We believe that who ever ends up with it will find out that there are a lot lot of people all over the world who know what it is and to whom it belongs, and that they will help us recover it. Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at Dave Rhodes on Facebook Messenger.
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Mr. Michigan Leather in September
Mr. Michigan Leather will be held at the Dunes Resort in Grand Rapids, MI the weekend of September 23-25. Events include Vendor Mart, Jocks Socks and Cocks Party, Saturday and Sunday breakfast, Bourbon and Cigar Party, poolside cocktail Party, puppy event, Mr. Michigan Leather 2022 Contest, Victory Party, After Hours Party, Leather Showtunes and Classic Disco Dance.
The Mr. Michigan Leather judges are International Mr. Leather 2022 Gael Leung Chong Wo, Michael Christopher, Daddy Jay, Jay-Phoenix ONYXman, Robert Segarra and Mr. Michigan Leather 2020 Tiger ONYX.
Mr. Michigan Leather (MML) began in 1995 as Mr. West Michigan Leather, originally held at The Cell Bar in Grand Rapids.
In 1996 the event changed its name to Mr. Michigan Leather and has grown from a one-day event into a weekend long event focused on education, fundraising and camaraderie, culminating in the Mr. Michigan Leather Contest.
Michigan Leather Pride in October
Michigan Leather Pride Weekend will be held at Backstreet at Large Multiplex in Detroit the weekend of October 21-23.
Michigan Leather Pride 2022, featuring contests for Michigan Community Bootblack, Ms Michigan Leather Pride, Mx. Michigan Leather Pride, Michigan Leather Pride boy, and Michigan Leather Pride Sir. There are no gender or sexual orientation requirements for any title, however each contestant must personally identify with the title and feel confident and comfortable in representing that community for a title year.
https://www.facebook.com/events/742018186788765/
http://michiganleatherpride.org/
Sanctuary LAX Studios relocating
By Jay Moyes
Sanctuary Studios LAX is well known as one of the biggest BDSM spaces in Southern California, and has held up well, even through the COVID pandemic. As the name suggests, Sanctuary has served the LGBTQ+, BDSM and Leather community as a safe space for over 20 years. The location has hosted many parties, movie shoots, concerts, classes and other events. It has been no secret that changes in the real estate and mortgage market have prompted Sanctuary LAX to move, and the time to change locations has come.
"We will be reopening in a new location soon, but this is our last month here!" said Mistress Cyan, founder and owner of Sanctuary Studios LAX. "That is why we have decided to make this event a fundraiser to help with the cost of re-location."
Events will continue at Sanctuary's current property until July 24.
Past IMsL and IMsOL Joni passes
Joni Peri, aka Joni Perry, International Ms Leather 2001 and Ms International Olympus Leather 2000 has passed from this world. May her soul find peace. Rest In Power, my friend.
The date and cause of her passing is not available. She resided in Baltimore where she passed on July 5, 2022 due to multiple respiratory conditions.
Mr. and Ms CSW Leather 2023 August 20
By Mistress Cyan
The Los Angeles Leather Title Season kicks off with The Mr. and Ms CSW Leather Contest at The Eagle LA on August 20. This year's judging panel is comprised of the reigning CSW Titleholders Joe Clopton and Lady Remedy Ann, as well as former Los Angeles titleholders Jacob Lamount, Jose Magana and Ms Bettie Bondage. The team of Gabriel Green and Genesis return as emcees for the night.
Mr. Christopher Street West Leather 2020 Joe Clopton will step down after an amazing three years of service.
CMEN West Coast Gathering in August
By Rick Boehle
Plan now to attend West Coast Gathering 2022, which will be held August 23 – September 1 in Southern California’s scenic San Bernardino Mountains east of Big Bear. This all nude, all male gathering will attract men from throughout North America, the Pacific and Europe to enjoy the fun, Southern California sun, fresh air, camaraderie, activities, shows and workshops. Several session options are available.
The Mr. CMEN Leather 2022 contest will be held on Sunday, August 28. If interested in competing go to the CMEN link below. Competing at International Mr. Leather is optional.
The West Coast Gathering features a variety of workshops and activities offering attendees the opportunity for education, personal growth, exploration and fun. CMEN is looking for volunteers to present workshops at the West Coast Gathering.
LA Leather Pride presents Southland Honors
By Alan Stroik
The LA Leather Coalition will present Southland Honors on August 6 at MCC in the Valley in North Hollywood at 6 PM. Some 13 awards will be presented at the ceremony. Admission is $40. There will not be an Event of the Year Award this year.
To view the names of previous Southland Honors recipients and get your ticket to the show, go to
https://lalc.info/about/southland-honors/southland-honors-recipients/
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Roster of Monthly Contributors to The Leather Journal
See who has made monthly pledges to support us
Maybe you will become part of it
https://theleatherjournal.com/news/patrons-of-the-leather-journal
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Mr. LA Leather 2023 feeder contest dates posted
By Misress Cyan
Five of the eight-plus feeder contest dates have been set with three or more left. Leading off is Mr. CSW Leather on tap for August 20 at Eagle LA.
The rest of the scheduled contests are Mr. Regiment on October 15 at Eagle LA, Mr. Sanctuary Leather on December 3, Mr. Leather Eagle LA on January 7 at Eagle LA, and Mr. So Cal Leather on February 15 at Eagle LA.
Contests committed with no date yet are Mr. LA Leather Bear, Mr. Bullet Leather and Mr. Sister Leather. There is a chance that new contests will join the Mr. LA Leather system. 2023 drops two from the 19 contests held in 2022. Those down are Mr. Faultline Leather and Mr. 562 Leather. Stay tuned because there will plenty of LA Leather Pride 2023 information soon.
https://losangelesleatherpride.com/
Is it mainly younger LGBTQ people who have a problem with kink at pride?
By David Hudson for Queerty, photo by Shutterstock on NCSF web site
Pride festivals are set to take place around the world this weekend, including in major cities such as New York. As such, the perennial debate around the inclusion of kink (Leather and fetish lovers, pups and BDSM fans), has reared its head again.
YouTube comic Michael Henry has made it the subject of his latest video, simply entitled ‘No Kink at Pride.'
In it, Henry and a friend try to persuade a younger pal why kink has a place at Pride.
Henry mentions having his Leather harness oiled in preparation....
for the rest go to https://www.queerty.com/mainly-younger-lgbtq-people-problem-kink-pride-20220625
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Leather Together for the Albergue
By Michael Lara
Event to support the Albergue Las Memorias, a shelter that treats patients suffering from AIDS, Tuberculosis and going through recovery. Albergue Las Memorias, was created in 1999 as a project to help reduce HIV-AIDS mortality and morbidity in the city of Tijuana, Mexico.
Services initially focused on the HIV Population with drug addiction, but subsequently broadened to include any HIV infected person, regardless of other conditions.
Leather Together for the Albergue will be at the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, CA on Friday, July 29 at 9 PM. Support and enjoy the go go dancers, raffles, great music and much more For more information call (323) 257-1056. Or check out https://youtu.be/hDQ-z6qJVdl
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Phoenix boys of Leather Western boy Run
By Kenneth Anthony
The Phoenix boys of Leather are excited to host the Western boy Run the weekend of September 23-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Western boy Run is an annual event for kinksters who identify as boys to gather, learn, and support each other. This event is an opportunity for us to network, enjoy camaraderie, and explore kink together! The Western boy Run is open to anyone who identifies as a boy and their partners. You do not have to be an official member of a Leather club to attend.
This year, the Western boy Run coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the Phoenix boys of Leather. The activities of the weekend will involve kink, camaraderie, visibility and fun. Full event schedule coming soon.
http://phoenixboysofleather.com/boyrun/2022
Oregon State Leather Contest XXV
Oregon State Leather celebrates its 25 year in existence as the contest resumes after a pandemic hiatus the weekend of September 30 - October 2 at the Q Center in Portland, OR.
The following titles are up for grabs Mx Oregon Leather, Mr. Oregon Leather, Ms Oregon Leather, Oregon State Bootblack and Oregon State Pet.
The schedule of events is Friday, September 30 - Contestant meet and greet, and play party at Catalyst; Saturday October 1 - Contestant interviews, Contest night, and Victory party,
Sunday, October 2 - Victory Brunch. There will be vendors.
The Oregon State Leather Contest is the largest leather title contest in Oregon. Starting in 1997 the contest has celebrated members of the BDSM, Leather and Fetish community. The 501c3 “Oregon State Leather Contest (Formerly:Blackout Leather Productions) has run the event which draws contestants from all over Oregon and SW Washington
https://www.facebook.com/OSLContest
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Dave Rhodes' Hump Day Mailing List
Now there are 1,175 members and growing
Join our Facebook Group today and Have my news blog sent to your Facebook Notifications every time we post as well as interviews and main features from The Leather Journal.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107211362781405/
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DomCon: New Orleans
DomCon: New Orleans will host lifestlye and pro domme at the Astor Crowne Plaza on Canal Street the weekend of October 27-30 in New Orleans, LA.
Whether you’re new to BDSM or a seasoned player, DomCon has a place for everyone. The premier convention for Domination, submission, and fetish is held at two locations each year - Los Angeles in May and New Orleans in the fall.
The convention successfully brings the lifestyle and professional BDSM communities together for a weekend of social and educational interaction with themed socials, parties, classes and workshops, panel discussions, stage shows, vendors, and exhibitors. So, come join the world’s top Dominatrixes, Switches, submissives, Bondage and fetish models, webmasters, fetish photographers, performing artists, educators, and Lifestyle practitioners for a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience. DomCon will feature championship events where participants compete to win prizes and titles.
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Remove Homosexuality from Criminal Code
By Justin Walton for Metro Weekly and photo by Addy Mae
The Pennsylvania state legislature recently passed a measure that will finally remove “homosexuality” from the list of banned sexual acts in the state’s crime code. The Pennsylvania state house first passed the bill by unanimous vote on June 8, with the Senate passing the bill unanimously nearly a month later, on July 7.
The bill now heads to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature into law. With Wolf’s signature, Pennsylvania laws prohibiting certain sexual acts will no longer single out homosexuality or the LGBTQ community.
The references to homosexuality in the commonwealth’s laws were the remnants of the state’s anti-sodomy law, which was repealed for married couples in 1975, and for same-sex couples in 1995. Prior to 1960, every state in the union had laws....
Read the rest of the story at https://www.metroweekly.com/2022/07/pennsylvania-lawmakers-remove-homosexuality-from-criminal-code/
Mr. NC Triangle Leather winner
Tradesmen Willie was chosen to be Mr. NC Triangle Leather 2022 at Flex in Raleigh, NC the weekend of June 17-18. He will compete at Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather in January. He is a member of the Tradesmen in Charlotte.
https://www.mrnctriangleleather.com/
HOIST Men of Leather & Fetish presents Pig Weekend
HOIST Men of Leather & Fetish is a club located in Memphis, TN which focuses on the ideals of brotherhood and fellowship among men interested in Leather, BDSM, and various other fetishes while providing charitable and educational resources for the community.
HOIST is hosting Pig Weekend at the Whispering Oaks Retreat a Campground in Hampshire, TN, October 7-9. Pig Weekend has the theme Pigs In The Wild which will feature the MidSouth Kink and Leather Contest.
This action-packed, all-inclusive Run includes catered meals, cocktail parties, run bag including an inaugural run pin, cigar social, the MidSouth Kink and Leather Boy/Sir Contest, dungeon play with demos, run games, after hours parties, and Sunday brunch.
To register check out https://hoistmemphis.org/
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The Leather Journal, Issue 323 is in bars and stores now
We are adding distribution points. Contact us at Dave Rhodes on Facebook or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get the ball rolling
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A Blast From The Past - Satyrs MC Badger Flat Run 2012
Here is a club photo from the Satyrs Motorcycle Club's Badger Fall Run in 2012. Badger Flat is known as the Grand Daddy of Them All by Gay bike clubs all over the world. Grand Daddy will continue after getting last-minute conformation by the Forest Service. The run was on, then recently cancelled, then back on a few days ago. Come hell or high water, this is one Leather community institution that has to go on. Go Satyrs.
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Southern California Leather Gathering Mini Gallery
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Links to all Dave Rhodes' Hump Days going back to August 9, 2017
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The Leather Journal was founded in May, 1987. The Leather community was hungry for news magazine that covered clubs, organizations and events. TLJ has successfully met that need for 34 years. We have adapted to change more than once and when the Internet came about we were there by adding www.TheLeatherJournal.com
