David M., Nate G., and Wes G Master Leather Redux and raea were presented with Honorary Membership in the ONYX Midwest Chapter.

Attendees enjoyed 20-plus classes at ONYX University, a Dungeon Party at Chicago Rose, the Brotherhood luncheon, a House Party Dance, Karaoke Night, the Carter/Johnson Library Exhibit, a Leather Archives and Museum film showing, and tours, and bar crawl.

The gala Annual General Meeting featured the Brotherhood Circle, Brother and Associate of the year awards, and Mufasa's Lion Strength Awards, ONYX'S highest honor, that were received by Mama Vi Johnson, Graylin Thornton, Pusckatt Pumera ONYX, Jamal Herrera-O'Malley, and Lash ONYX.

With members spanning ages 21 into the 80s, ONYX is now the largest full membership Leather club in the world with 13 chapters nationwide and the longest running BBIPOC Leather organization that started 1995 in Chicago.

https://www.onyxmen.com/

https://www.onyxmidwest.com/

CLAW moving to Columbus

By Bob Miller

CLAW 26 will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 600 guest rooms and 70,000 square feet. of meeting space. Rooms rates begin at $199/night, reservations and registrations opened on Monday, October 13.

With strong ties to Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend in Washington, DC, the Hyatt team understands the culture and needs of our community. In our meetings they displayed a genuine eagerness to celebrate and support our unique community.

Columbus is a vibrant, LGBTQ+-friendly city, offering a fresh backdrop and new energy to elevate your CLAW experience. The Hyatt in Columbus promises a dynamic and inclusive space for connection, education, and celebration.

Since our inception in 2001, Cleveland, along with our dedicated volunteers and local partners, has been the heart and home of our annual Leather Weekend. It holds deep meaning for all of us, and has played a vital role shaping our history, tradition and spirit. The decision to move was made only after a long and difficult 18-month search for a suitable venue in or around Cleveland. None of the hotels or convention spaces in Cleveland chose to offer us a contract, even on Easter weekend, a historically quiet weekend for convention sized hotels.

This move does not necessarily mean a permanent departure from our long-standing home in Cleveland. If new opportunities arise, particularly regarding suitable venues in the future, we remain open and hopeful about the possibility of returning.

https://www.clawinfo.org/

 

 

Mx International Rubber MIR29 Elliott Eve

Photo by MIR

Photos by Motorboot Photography, Matt
Block, Jim Maciel, Brock Andersen, MIR, Facebook

 

Mx International Rubber is MIR29 Elliott Eve from Melbourne, Australia, the first runner-up is Magnus and second runner-up is Minos Munro. MIR 29 was held October 16-19 at the Embassy Suites Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont, IL.

MIR 28 Rush lead a strong judging panel which included Bondage Coach, Goddess Indigo, Elizabeth Davis, Kevin Murphy, Jack Thompson and Martin Korinth.

MIR 29 weekend included admission to the Kink Market, Chicago Rubber Club Gear Swap, Sunday Gaymes and Gear, Educational Workshops, Cocktail Parties, Dance Parties and Dark Rooms, free coat check, participation in Audience Vote, seating, Saturday AM Early Gear Swap access, Hospitality Suite access with light snacks and non alcoholic beverages, Friday and Saturday VIP Brunch access, Sunday VIP Winners Brunch with bloody mary and mimosa bar, photos with the winners, VIP Bar access at the MIR 29 Contest.

https://mirubber.com/

 

 

Mr. Eagle NYC 2026 Champ Phoenix

Champ Phoenix bested five other men to capture the Mr. Eagle NYC 2026 sash and medallion on Saturday night, October 4.

The Mr. Eagle NYC 2026 Contest Weekend began on Friday, October 3, with a meet and greet. The Contest took place on Saturday, October 4. Celebrations for the Victory Party were hosted on Eagle NYC's roof deck on Sunday, October 5.

The judges were Zephyr, Mr. Eagle NYC 2025 Robert Valin, Mr. Eagle NYC 2005 Markus Anderson, Team Eagle/NYC Rubber Club Nick Zuko, Mr. Chicago Leather, 2013, Troy Anicete, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2003.

https://eagle-ny.com/mreaglenyc2026/

 

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Join Dave Rhodes' Hump Day Mailing List Group

Have my news blog sent to your Facebook Notifications every time we post including interviews and main features from The Leather Journal. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107211362781405/

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Mr. SF Eagle Leather 2026 Anú

By Steven Crespo

Congratulations to Anú for becoming Mr. SF Eagle Leather 2026. Congratulations to Gray, Brody G, and Spaz.

The judges were Dave Constantine, Shane, Daddy Flash, Mama Bear, Randall, Steve Crespo, and Silver son Zephyr.

 

 

Mr. Louisiana Leather 2026 is Kent LeVan

By Brock Andersen, photo by Brock Andersen

Kent LeVan of New Orleans was sashed Mr. Louisiana Leather 2026 on August 30 during the Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather’s annual contest. Held at Siberia Lounge on Southern Decadence weekend the capacity crowd enjoyed a festive atmosphere with Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2024 Miss Crystal Reign-Ballz performing between judged categories. Three contestants competed in interview, formal Leather and street/bar wear.

James Phillips ( Daddy Boot Bear) of Biloxi MS who also holds the Mr. Fireside 2025 title of Mobile, AL was runner-up. DJ Gamble-Studdard (Oddly Otter) of Pinson AL who as Mr. Mobile Leather 2025 rounded out the slate of contestants.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/158719684258606/

 

 

International Leather Sir, boy and Bootblack return

ILSb ICBB returned to life as International Leather SIR SIR Britt, International Leatherboy boy Neutron and International Community Bootblack Ursus won titles. The contest was held in Dallas, TX as part of Beyond Vanilla Weekend, October 9-12 at an un-named hotel.

https://www.ilsb-icbb.org/

 

 

Women of Drummer 2025 Dee

Women of Drummer Weekend 2025 was held September 25-28 at Ramblewood Campground in Darlington, MD where Dee was declared the winner. Seven regions, including five in the United States and one each in Costa Rica and the United Kingdom.

Woman of Drummer weekend included multiple play spaces, Mid‑Atlantic Annex of the Carter‑Johnson Leather Library, hospitality parties, fireside story telling, performances, vendors, contest, parties, hot fun, art show, puppy play park, naked yoga, WOD Got Talent, Kinky Olympics, Scavenger Hunt, the infamous Fisting Party, and the Women of Drummer contest. Ramblewood is a 160 acre campground.

Women of Drummer is inclusive, both in who can attend and in price (food, cabin, and event) created for all folx to enjoy and celebrate the badass Leatherwomen in the community.

https://www.womenofdrummer.com/

 

 

Our Joy is Our Rebellion

ByTomo Tomo

It was a pleasure to be at High Elevation Colorado Kink this weekend, the home of the Rocky Mountain Person of Leather Contest. That morning, I presented a Keynote Speech titled "Our Joy is Our Rebellion."

An excerpt: "Because every joyful black, brown, trans, kinky and queer life is a slap in the face to fascism. Each of us living fully and freely is a disruption to patriarchy. Every one of us who gathers here in our Leather and boots and lace and chain and denim and heels and bare skin and bound hearts says: You cannot take this from us."

If you'd like to read or listen to the entire speech, please use this link and scroll to the bottom of the page as they are listed in date order.

https://www.sirtomo.com/speeches

 

 

Mr. CMEN Leather 2025 Paul Gosselin Interview

By AJ Sloan for Los Angeles Blade

California Men Enjoying Naturism (CMEN) is an international social organization for gay and bisexual men who enjoy naturism. West Coast Gatherings were first held in Malibu in 1999 and have grown to draw over 500 male naturists from throughout North America, the Pacific Islands, and Europe. CMEN has been holding a Mr. CMEN Leather contest each year since 2000, and in 2003 it became an official International Mr. Leather (IML) Pre-Event.

The Mr. CMEN Leather title honors a member who embodies leadership, community spirit, and a commitment to bridging naturist and leather values.

Winning Mr. CMEN Leather 2025 isn’t just about strutting your stuff in a corset and boots – though this year’s titleholder rocked this look effortlessly. Equal parts storyteller, naturist, and leather-clad Babe with a capital B, Paul Gosselin brings poise and panache to everything he takes on, whether he’s producing a melodramatic dramedy, baring it all in the name of authenticity, or bridging communities that are often stigmatized or misconceived. With sharp wit, an XXL heart, and just enough fringe to keep things interesting, he’s proving that vulnerability, visibility, and a bulldog harness can go a long way.

Read the rest at

https://www.losangelesblade.com/2025/10/06/harnessing-identity-mr-cmen-leather-2025-bares-his-heart-and-soul/

 

 

Manchester Leather Weekend XXV

Manchester Leather Weekend XXV, a big milestone in the United Kingdom drew a horde of fully-dressed Leathermen in early October. Photo by Mig Leather shows a couple outside England's Richmond Tea Room.

 

 

Nick’s Oddities!

By Gabriel Green

On Sunday, October 7th, Mr. LA Leather 2025, Nick “The Mighty” Arroyo hosted his event Nick’s Oddities! during a Sunday beer bust at Eagle LA.

The event featured an exciting array of go-gos, Stud Buffin and Ms. Vicky, demonstrations by Mistress Sage and pup Spanky, and a live auction where patrons enthusiastically bid on prizes from Spunk Lube and the Eagle LA. Proceeds from Nick’s Oddities! helped raise money for the Translatina Coalition and the LA LGBT Center Senior Services Division.

It was a massive success and raised $600 each for both organizations.

Nick says of the event: “I honestly don’t know what to say! The number of people who came out and showed up still has me in awe! It gives me hope in both our community and the people who love and support us as a whole."

 

 

Phoenix boys of Leather Western boy Run

By Rocco Cook

The weekend of October 10-12, the Phoenix boys of Leather hosted their 12th Annual Western boy Run - it was an incredible weekend of camaraderie and connection and siblinghood. It was so wonderful to see and meet friends from the Leather boys of San Diego, Las Vegas boys of Leather, Denver, LA, Seattle, etc.

The Annual Western boy Run was inspiring and a beautiful reminder that Leather is about connection, authenticity, and joy. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined our merry band of misfits this weekend.

https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixboysofLeather

 

SF LDG – Thank You For Your Service

Protocol commands that there is no SF Leathermen's Discussion Group program or demo in December. However, you should all mark your calendars for our annual Thank You to the Volunteers and Presenters that continue to bring SF LDG to life. As always, Mama Bear’s Kitchen will be there to stuff your face with her meat … balls. See you all on Saturday, December 6, from 1-3 PM at Transform1060. RSVP please.

https://www.sfldg.org/

 

 

Cruise LA Bootblack and Mx Cruise LA 2026 Sashed

By Colt

The vibrant spirit of Los Angeles' Leather community was on full display during the third weekend of October as Cruise LA Bootblack Vega and Mx. Cruise LA 2026 Kyle Holiday won the titles at Eagle LA. Produced by Mr. LA Leather 2019 Elliot Musgrave, Pony Lee, Margaret Koldinger and Charlie Boy.

With a focus on inclusivity, the Cruise Los Angeles titles embrace gender expression while spotlighting leadership, authenticity and service to the community.

This was the inaugural year for the Bootblack title, although the first Cruise Bootblack was bestowed upon Mina Harker in 2020. Mina passed away in 2021, and Cruise LA is pleased the title will continue her legacy.

Stepping aside from the Mx Cruise LA 2025 title is Reina Powerviolence who made a prolific impact on the Southern California community and beyond. In his closing speech Reina expressed, "The work” of (Leather titleholders) is…about playing when nobody’s watching, crying when nobody is watching, picking up trash when nobody is watching. It’s about holding your community in its complexity, even when it's hard for you. Leather can be found anywhere."

The judging panel included Head Judge Rogelio Ruckus, Miss Blu Thiccc’ems, Matias Gomez Constenla, Pup Diego, Diamond David Anthony, Mischief Von Rowdyhousen

and Mike.

https://www.facebook.com/queercruise

 

 

Mr. Leather Europe 2026 Jamie Ryan

Mr. Dublin Leather 2025 Jamie Ryan was chosen to be Mr. Leather Europe 2026 on Saturday, October 18. There were 10 strong competitors.

This weekend hundreds of Leatherfolk and kinksters flocked to Amsterdam to take part in Amsterdam Leather Pride. It also marked the ECMC AGM as well as the Mr. Leather Europe 2026 competition.

 

 

Mr. Bear San Diego 2026 Alan Trejo

By Michelle Jackson

Bears San Diego hosted several events over the weekend culminating on October 19th with the Mr. Bear San Diego 2026 contest which was won by Alan Trejo. There were some delicious foods and a lovely silent auction raising funds for their designated charities. The highlight of the show was a musical duet featuring Donnie Vella and Norma Braxton performing together for the first time.

Rainbow Spaces was presented $1,000 to support their inclusive free spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ youth in the communities where they live. Judging by the thunderous applause Trejo received, members of the communities are eager to encourage and support him though the year ahead.

 

 

CLAW — Leather Thanksgiving November 26–30

CLAW’s Leather Thanksgiving will be November 26–30 at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Los Angeles. The entire hotel has been reserved for the event – all the guest rooms and meeting space including the pool and the 18 Social Club on the top floor.

The hotel will host almost the entire event schedule including the Hercules dungeon parties, Horsemarket, the vendor mart, education, dark rooms, cigar deck, speed dating, pool parties, various other parties and socials, the Chosen Family Leather Thanksgiving Dinner and the Leather Hall of Fame inductions.

There will be Education and Skills classes throughout Leather Thanksgiving including Boy Kevin presentation of Bootblacking and Leather Care 101. The basic steps and techniques to care for, condition and shine your gear so it will last a lifetime! A list of product recommendations will also be provided.

Matthew Jensen will lead Advanced Fisting for experienced fisters who want to take their play to the next level. Attendees will explore depth, like getting past the elbow, and width like jack-in-the-box and doubles. Not for beginners. Players new to fisting are encouraged to check out The in’s and outs of fisting.

Leather Thanksgiving will also feature a historic boot sale: more than 400 pairs of boots from the estate of Steve Ng will be available for a deeply discounted price, including hundreds of pairs of Dehners in sizes 8 – 13, Wescos, Paul Bond and many other premium brands.

Rooms and tickets are available at https:www.clawinfo.org Rooms rates have been reduced to $189/night.

https://www.clawinfo.org/

 

 

ONYX Southwest 10th Anniversary

ONYX Southwest kicked off its 10th Anniversary Weekend recently at Eagle LA. It was great catching up with our sibling Chico ONYX from Phoenix and meeting members of the Heatwave Pledge Line – Phoenix. These brothers are doing an amazing job expanding our reach and strengthening the ONYX Southwest brand. Here’s to growth, connection, and a decade of brotherhood.

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SOMArts Kinky Holiday Market

The Kinky Holiday Market is Saturday, December 13. Hosted from noon to 5 PM, this free event will be at the SOMArts Cultural Center at 934 Brannan Street in San Francisco, CA. Stop by for Fetish-tivities, the Gear Swap n Shop, and more.

 

 

Take NCSF's Choking Survey

By Susan Wright

Please participate in this Choking Survey! The survey will take approximately 5-15 minutes of your time. Questions will ask about your beliefs and attitudes toward sexual choking, as well as about specific experiences if you've engaged in choking.

NCSF and UNC Charlotte will use these results to help perform its advocacy for our communities. For example, NCSF will give the results to law enforcement, prosecutors and health care professionals so they can better understand the experiences of kinky people and provide better quality service. NCSF will also provide club owners and event producers with this information so they can understand the dynamics of sexual choking that happen, and thereby take steps to create a better environment for their members. NCSF provides dozens of workshops and events each year, and these results will be presented to community members there. We will also publish the results in academic journals to advance research and advocacy related to alt-sex communities.

This survey is being conducted by Susan Wright, MA in cooperation with the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) and Jessamyn Moxie, PhD at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (980) 224-2893).

For more go to https://www.ncsfreedom.org

  

Men Roping Men in Seattle

By Ron Rasmussen

This year's Men Roping Men conference in Seattle was an outstanding success, with over 500 men in attendance the weekend of October 3-5.

Men Roping Men was filled with various rope bondage demonstration classes hosted by a variety of presenters, including the keynote speaker, Shibari Shawn. Classes discussed a variety of rope bondage techniques, and were offered for beginners through advanced practitioners of this art for. This inclusive event also offered a trans discussion group.

The weekend featured a Friday welcome party at Massive Bar, a Saturday night play party at Gallery Eroto, and a Sunday closing party at Diesel Bar, all in Seattle. Community building was a strong focus of this event.

Attendees came from across the US, plus attendees from Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. Next year's Men Roping Men will be held in New York City.

Please visit http://www.menropingmen.com

 

Carter/Johnson Library & Collection – Who is documenting the history?

As Leatherfolk we consider preserving our Leather history of paramount importance. There are entities like the Carter/Johnson Library & Collection (CJLC) that are focused on the history of What It Is That We Do, our culture, individuals, organizations, and spaces. Gwen Hardy’s passion was the Colors of Leather, documenting our rainbow of patches and pins and the stories behind them.

But what about the very things that identify us? Our Leathers? Vests are essentially a physical Leather resume – they tell everyone in the know who we are, where we’ve been, what we’ve done, who our friends are. A cover indicates a senior person of Leather, someone with years or decades of experience and knowledge. Who is documenting the history of the very things that define our community; our Leathers?

Find out at https://cjlcleather.com/

 

Northwest Leather Celebration

By Rhonda

We’re excited to announce that Northwest Leather Celebration 2026 will be held at an un-named new venue in Sacramento, California, just 10 minutes from last year’s location. This move gives us a better footprint for our weekend together - less walking, more connection, and a hotel team that truly wants us there. We’re taking over two-thirds of the hotel guest rooms, and we’ll have exclusive use of all the meeting space. That means no sharing lobbies or ballrooms with conferences or proms - just Leatherfolk, kinksters, and our community.

Here’s what’s waiting for you at our new home huge ballroom with a dedicated green room - no more flipping spaces between contest and play!

Five large education classrooms - no tiny breakout rooms here.

Five play spaces, including a dedicated queer play space.

A smoking/cigar lounge area for those who enjoy leather, cigars, and good conversation.

A compact, easy-to-navigate layout - less time walking, more time connecting.

And best of all? A room rate of just $109/night.

Whether you’re coming for the education, the contests, the play, or the community, you’ll feel right at home in our new hotel space. Hotel booking info and registration opening soon.

https://www.northwestleathercelebration.com/

 

 

Mr. Louisiana Leather Kent LaVan

By Daddy Mark Gallagher

Southern Decadence is an event held over Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana. Its also the weekend of the Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest produced by the Mystic Krewe of the Lords of Leather.

On Saturday, August 30, three contestants representing Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were judged by a six person panel. Congratulations to Kent LaVan of Louisiana for becoming Mr. Louisiana Leather 2026 and James Phillips as first runner-up.

Kent will compete for Mr. International Leather 2026 in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend in May of next year.

 

 

NCSF's Education Outreach Program comes to you. Here's how

Every year, NCSF presents or exhibits at 50-60 events, groups, colleges, professional organizations and local community associations:

Education for professionals about consent and the Alt-sex communities, including Continuing Legal Education for attorneys and Continuing Education Units for mental health professionals.

Education for members of the BDSM-Leather-Fetish, Swing and Polyamory communities about consent and legal issues that may affect them.

Supporting the outreach and education efforts of groups, clubs and events to local law enforcement, service agencies and authorities.

For more go to https://www.ncsfreedom.org

 

San Francisco Leather Walk/Folsom Street Fair

San Francisco's famed Leather Walk weaved its way through The City's streets starting on Sunday, September 21 at City Hall and ending up at Eagle Plaza for the raising of the Leather Pride flag.

Leatherwalk was, as usual, a fun time, with nearly every segment of the Leather community represented and walking in solidarity. All together nearly $6,000 was raised for the Leather Cultural District.

The Leather Pride flag was raised in Eagle Plaza during the SF Eagle’s Leather Pride Fest.

This was merely the beginning of Folsom Street Fair week. The Fair itself was held on Sunday, September 28 – with all the usual suspects and more.

The vendors and volunteer organizations were there in modest weather. Steamworks had its huge stage with games, Mr. S hosted a huge store party, SF LDG and The 15 Association were everywhere as was ONYX and BLUF SF.

Leatherfolk could be spotted at restaurants all over San Francisco's multitude of cuisines.

The Folsom Street Fair originally started as a strategy to protect the neighborhood from real estate developers and now is the largest Leather in the world.

Word had it that an additional block was added this year on the east side of Folsom Street.

ttps://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/somarts/campaign/leatherwalk-2025

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The need is great – Please donate

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us

 

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Palm Springs Leather Pride – Gods Of Leather

By Robert Green

Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert hosted their Palm Springs Leather Pride – Gods Of Leather the weekend of October 30 - November 1 at the Hotel Zoso. The welcoming party was at Hunters on Thursday night.

Billed as The formal Leather event of the Leather year in Palm Springs The second floor event space at Hotel Zoso served as both the Friday night formal dinner and the contest. The Leather Fellowship Dinner was spaced with full, sit down round tops with a nice buffet meal. The contest was tightly packed with an enthusiastic crowd. The evening featured a large silent auction. David Dunn reported in his remarks it was the largest ever.

The contestants were Mr. Training and Discipline Paul Kowal, Mr. Indulgence John Dier, Mr. Off Ramp Leather John Grissom, Mr. Hunters Leather Patrick Benjamin Nash, Mr. Dick’s Leather Honey Davenport, Mr. Mr. KINK Hades Amun Ra and Mr. Cuero Chill Bar Ahmed Meza.

The Mr. Palm Springs Mr. Leather Contest emcee was Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2016 Christopher Durbin. The judges were BIlly Lane, Mark Frazier, Joe Easton, Douglas O'Keefe, Brent Sweer – and, the current reigning Mr. Palm Springs Leather and current International Mr. Leather 2025 Rene Hebert.

Both Rene Hebert's step down and David Dunn's remarked struck inspiration in challenging times. Hebert stated, " I am so very proud to say that I was able to give a donation of $4,000 (and an additional $1,000 came out after the fact!) to the Palm Springs Transgender Health and Wellness Center."

The Plunge was the official pool and play parties at CCBC Resort in Cathedral City on Friday and Saturday afternoons. One word sums them up – packed.

Go Deep was the Official Play Party following the contest in the Catacombs of Hotel Zoso. The Official Cigar Social led by Mooseman Mike at Hotel Zoso and other venues around town.

Dark Alley at and behind the Tool Shed was back on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday early evening. Dark Alley featured a vendor mart, cruise party, food trucks and entertainment. A drive past the Tool Shed was still busy on the big patio, the vendor mart ran Friday and Saturday nights. A drive past the Arenas bars showed packed houses, including Honey's sponsor bar, Dick's on Arenas.

Jim Neuman's Leather Pride Party For A Cause, REAF, Tom of Finland and Guide Dogs of The Desert, on Sunday afternoon, IML 1992 Lenny Broberg was the emcee. The party included a Steven Ng Memorial Boot Sale with hundreds of pairs of boots in most sizes. This boot sale will continue in a huge way at CLAW's Leather Thanksgiving in Los Angeles.

Avatar Club Los Angeles presented a catered brunch, with hosted limited bar at the Palm Springs private home of an Avatar brother on Saturday afternoon with at least 40 attending. Other parties around town included BLUF and Gar Czar.

On Friday night Arenas Road was closed for Halloween and Rough Trade Gear's Ninth Anniversary celebration.

Construction on the new Cathedral City Eagle was visible outside. Talk has it that the bar will open in winter.

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Mr. LA Bear Matt Block

Photo by Gabriel Green

Matt Block was chosen to be Mr. LA Bear at the Eagle LA on Saturday night, September 20. Precinct DTLA hosted the victory party on Sunday.

 

 

South Plains Leatherfest 27: A Homecoming for the Leather Community

South Plains Leatherfest (SPLF), long regarded as a homecoming for many in the Leather community, returns March 19–22 in Dallas, Texas. Now in its 27th year, SPLF continues its legacy as the home of the International Master/slave Contest and the International Person of Leather Contest, drawing attendees from around the world for a perfect balance of raunch, play, connection, entertainment, education, and celebration.

Owner and producer Tomo shares, “We are so excited to welcome the Leather community home to South Plains this spring. SPLF has always been built on service, connection, and shared experience and this year’s event will continue that tradition with even more heart and excitement at a time when we truly need each other.”

SPLF 2026 features a full hotel buyout, robust education tracks, hospitality parties, a curated vendor market, cigar socials, play parties (Men, Women, Queer/Trans, BIPOC and All-welcome) and the kind of warm, community-centered culture that has defined the event for nearly three decades.

This year’s special guests include International Mr. Leather 2025 René Hebert and International Mr. Leather 2024 Jamal Herrera-O'Malley, both performing at SPLF’s signature Thursday night show, Debauchery. Attendees will also have the opportunity to spend intimate, reflective time with Mama Vi, who will host her Slave Circle and Grandmother’s Stories sessions during the weekend.

https://www.SouthPlainsLeatherfest.com

 

 

Wisconsin Leather Pride 2026 winners announced

By Bootblack Sparkie, Photo by Pup Scout

Wisconsin Leather Pride announced the winners of the contest for the 2026 Wisconsin Leather Pride Titles, held November 14-15 at the Royce Hotel. Four titles were run with one contestant each, and a fifth title, Mr. Wisconsin Leather Pride, was run with three contestants. All five titles had at least one contestant make at least 70% of possible points, which is the minimum required to earn a title. We congratulate the 2026 Wisconsin Leather Pride Title Class: Wisconsin Bear 2026, Bearsona; Wisconsin Pet 2026, Beta Bravuro; Wisconsin Fetish 2026, Pup Spartan; Wisconsin Person of Leather 2026, Malka; and Mr. Wisconsin Leather Pride 2026, Apex Ember.

Wisconsin Leather Pride Weekend had record attendance of over 250 attendees.

Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement of the dates and location of the Wisconsin Leather Pride 2026 event.

https://www.wisconsinleatherpride.com

 

 

Past International Drummerboy Ryan Goldner dies

By Philadelphians MC

Philadelphians MC was shocked and saddened to learn of the recent passing of long time former Captain and Life Brother Ryan Goldner at the age of 52.

Ryan was a force of nature. His humor, creativity, and passion for serving the LGBTQ+ community were undeniable. His energy and laughter ignited and overflowed every single room he entered. With a few bucks and a trip to the Dollar Store he could whip up costumes, props, and themes for the most amazing cocktail parties, fundraisers, bar nights, Leather contests, and trivia nights imaginable. As one of the producers of the American Leather Family weekend he helped create a legacy of service to the community. One of his super powers was motivating people around him to dig in and get involved.

He was the brains, heart, and soul behind countless signature Philadelphians MC events and traditions, including: Water Ballet at Olympia (mermaids, swans, sharks, Jackie O's, Amy Winehouses); the Living Nativity at the Bike Stop; the Jenny Jones Make-Over Challenge at Tri-Cen; the Potomac MC Liver Transplant cocktail party at Olympia ("Don't take your livers to heaven, heaven knows the Potomacs need them here"); Fritos in my Speedos at State Fair; the Bacon Toss at Tri Cen; the Burning of the Barbie on the Bonfire at State Fair; Greased Pig Wrestling at State Fair; twisted table decorations at Olympia ("My Little Centaur", "Philadelphians Eating Tasty Animals"); hyper-specific leather contest themed eye opener cocktail parties at Pennsmen runs ("Mr. International House of Pancakes Leather," "Mr. All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet Bar Bear"); and many, many more.

After moving on from Philadelphia, Ryan and his husband Scott Reikofski, along with their many cats and a dog, lived in Wilmington, DE, and Phoenix, AZ, before emigrating to Ajijic in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Ryan gave freely of his time and energy to so many groups everywhere he lived, including SafeGuards, Philly AIDS Thrift, the Mazzoni Center (all PA), the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (AZ), and Ajijic Cares (MX).

Our hearts are with Scott as we remember Ryan and all that he did for the people in his world everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed.

 

 

BlackFire Weekend Bear Bus Trip from Eagle LA

On Sunday, September 21, the Eagle LA sponsored a bus round trip to the Tool Shed in Palm Springs during BlackFire Weekend's Bear. The trip ncluded all drinks and snacks with raffles and prizes.. Each rider got a commemorative Blackfire Weekend Dog Tag.

https://eaglela.com

 

 

Mr. Michigan Leather Tony Graves Atlas Bear

Mr. Michigan Leather Weekend’s 30th Anniversary celebration has come to a close, and what a weekend it was – one that we will always remember. Having 12 Mr. Michigan Leathers all together on one stage, including all the past and current producers in attendance, truly made this anniversary feel like a family reunion.

While it was a dark and stormy night for the contest on Saturday, that weather didn’t stop Tony Graves Atlas Bear from being selected Mr. Michigan Leather 2026. Contestants Shawn Boswell, Deorbiter Deorbiter, Philip Rice, and Derek James did an outstanding job.

The judges were International Mr. Leather 2025 Rene Hebert, Keron Woodrow, Jim Coleman, Josh Fortuna,

Tiger Onyx and Walter Bear. Tally Masters were Daddy Danger Wol and T Wayne Maples.

Michigan Leather XXX Weekend was held Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21 at the Dunes Resort, 333 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, MI.

Michigan Leather Weekend included great food, cocktail parties, pets and pups, closing Leather tea dance late Sunday afternoon, plus one of the best-run regional Leather contests in the country. Mr. Michigan Leather Woody Woodruff won the International Leather title in 2012.

https://eaglela.com

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