Folsom Street Fair main September event in San Francisco
San Francisco's fabled Folsom Street Fair held on Sunday, September 25 drew vendors and Leather/kink/BDSM/Fetishfolk from all over the world. The crowd was smaller, but the spirit was there. A few of the regulars were missing.
LeatherWalk 2022 planned for Sunday September 18 has been moved to October. Scroll down to see story
There were plenty of activities during Folsom Week and here are several of them: Dirty Alley at Powerhouse, produced by Mr. S Leather at the Powerhouse on Wednesday, September 21; BLUF Dinner at Don Ramon's on Thursday, September 22; Friday, September 23 was busy with a Geared Up block party at Mr. S Leather, Brüt at Great Northern, Prime at Club 6, Horse Meat Disco at Public Works by Bearracuda, Stank at Powerhouse, and Prowl at the SF Eagle; Saturday, September 24 had Big Muscle Party at DNA Lounge benefiting the Positive Resource Center, The 15 Association's Folsom Men's BDSM Play Party at transform 1060, Masteurdome by Tom of Finland at Regency Ballroom, New Breed at Club Six, Pervert at Midway, Metamorphosis at SOMArts by Twisted Windows benefiting the SOMArts Cuisine Center, Monthly party Lick It at the Powerhouse, and Safeword at F8.
The Folsom Street Fair on Sunday, September 25 included a Leathermen's Discussion Group booth at 10th and Folsom, the Folsom Street Fair Bondage Stage featured presentations by Kinky POC Bay Area and Twisted Windows, Kink Is My Superpower Booth at 12th and Folsom Street
Folsom Street Fair photos can be seen by scrolling all the way down to Mini Galleries at the bottom.
Mr. Palm Springs Leather names emcees and judges
Palm Springs Leather Pride will feature the Mr. Palm Springs Leather contest October 27-30 at venues in Palm Springs and Cathedral City which will be emceed by the duo of Brian Dawson and Karen Ultra. The theme is Eruption.
The judges for Mr. Palm Springs Leather are Ralph Bruneau, Joe Gallagher, Jeff Tucker, Andy Cross and Lenny Broberg - all past IMLs, and Marc Bellenger of the Tom of Finland Foundation.
More than a contest, Palm Springs Leather Pride - Eruption will include several awesome events including Friday night Leather Pride Dinner at the host Zo So Hotel, several Plunge Pool Parties at CBC Resort, Mr. Palm Springs Leather contest and Victory Dance, Cigar Social, and both nights of Leather Mart at the Tool Shed and pool party on Sunday at the host hotel.
South Plains Leatherfest to host International Person of Leather Contest
South Plains Leatherfest announced that it will be the new home of the International Person of Leather (IPOL) Contest. SPLF is home to the International Master slave Contest. The mission of the Person of Leather Contest system is to promote and celebrate the diversity of Leather Culture both regionally and internationally. Person of Leather titleholders are expected to act as mentors, educators, role models and spokespeople throughout the Leather Community during their title year.
The Founders of IPOL, Andrew Love, Master Tallen and Jazz, have transferred ownership and production rights of the IPOL contest system to Tomo, naming Tomo as the new owner. Tomo, along with a team consisting of the IPOL titleholders will focus during 2023 on supporting and rebuilding the IPOL regions. The first IPOL contest will be held at SPLF 2024.
Also, the keynote speaker and target of the Hot Seat Cafe will be the one, the only, the fabulous Mollena Williams-Haas.
https://www.southplainsleatherfest.com/
Women of Drummer Contest
By Bear Mike
The Women of Drummer 2022 Weekend featured the Woman of Drummer contest which was won by Jewel Taylor, September 29 - October 2 at Ramblewood Campground in Darlington, MD.
The Woman of Drummer 2022 contest was judged by Women of Drummer 2001 Sara Werneke, Lady D, Sidney Hamilton, Mia Rose, and Bear Mike and emceed by Star. Sarha Shaubach was presented the Women of Drummer Community Award.
Women of Drummer is a Leather family reunion where history is honored and diversity respected. This clothing-optional event celebrates Leatherwomen. What could say Leather history more than to have the Carter - Johnson Leather Library on hand?
WOD weekend welcomed 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.
https://www.womenofdrummer.com/
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SF Eagle honors Lenny Broberg
By Lenny Broberg
And then this happened this weekend (San Francisco Leather Pride Week, September 16-18). I celebrated my 30th Anniversary of winning the Mr. SF Eagle Leather title. This was the start of my title journey along which I developed my skills as an emcee and auctioneer. I would like to say thanks to Ray Tilton, Alejandro Montiel, Donna Sachet and Roma Roma for helping make the day a special one. My thanks to everyone who encouraged and supported me in my endeavors. Hard to believe it’s been 30 years but I am grateful for the opportunities and look forward to continuing to serve my communities and do it proudly knowing my efforts are based on my start in the Leather community.
Manchester Leather Weekend
Manchester Leather Weekend was host to the annual ECMC - European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs AGM. Also to Martin Mathews for organizing the Mr. Leather Europe 2023 Competition. These events don't happen without a lot of work so huge hugs to all involved at Manchester Leathermen. Well done to all the MLE Contestants, the excellent Judges and to Joe King & BangBang Ladesh for the great show. Congratulations Andy Walgraef on becoming MLE & good luck with all future.
Mr. Leather Europe 2023 was hosted by Joe King and Sister Bang BangThe two boat trips went ahead as planned. The sailing is dependent on the water levels of the River Irwell and they needed to wait for confirmation from the Manchester Cruise company before departing from the Ralli Quay in the City centre.
Golden Gate Guards to disband
By Marc Owens
The board of directors has decided that after 36 years of community service, fundraising for charities and fellowship with the Leather/levi LGBTQIA community, it is best to retire the club
and preserve its legacy as one of the longest active Leather/Levi clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. We will be rolling up our banner and dissolving the club on Saturday, November 19.
All remaining active and associate members will go into emeritus status. We are grateful and fortunate to have been part of such an amazing community. The Guards will donate
money to our beneficiaries - San Francisco Leathermen’s Discussion Group and LGBT Asylum Project. Enjoy drinks, catered hors d’oeuvres, anniversary cake, giveaway Golden Gate Guards swag bags as we share stories and laughter and celebrate everyone who helped us make it to 36 years.
Avatar Annual Kinky Swap Meet
The Avatar Annual Kinky Swap Meet will be at MCC United Church of Christ in the Valley in North Hollywood, CA on Wednesday, October 26 at 8 PM. Buy or sell your gently used (sometimes not so gently) Leather toys, fetish gear, books, magazines, boots and more. Shop early for that unique Christmas stocking stuffer or Chanukkah gift. Doors open at 8 PM for hundreds of bargains, good quality toys and gear at great prices. Tables available for $10. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a table.
https://www.facebook.com/events/820644499078363/
Wisconsin Leather Pride Winners Announced
By Handler Sparkie and photo by Magnus Wynter
Wisconsin Leather Pride announced the winners of the Wisconsin Leather Pride 2023 contest which was held at Five Nightclub on Saturday, September 17. Two titles were won, with one contestant each. Both contestants made the minimum number of points to earn their titles. Kora Acebear is Ms Wisconsin Leather Pride 2023 and Obelisk Onyx is Wisconsin Leather Pride Cub 2023. Girl Becky and Daddy Sparkie retain their titles, Wisconsin Leather Pride Bootblack 2020-23 and the Wisconsin Leather Pride Person of Leather 2020-23, respectively.
Sir Nate and pup Cyon, the Owner/Producers of the weekend announced that Girl Becky and Daddy Sparkie will be coming on as co-producers of the Wisconsin Leather Pride weekend having provided extensive assistance to make this weekend happen.
Other Pride events included a meet and greet at Shamrock Bar and Grill on Friday night, Demos and classes, a pet mosh, vendors and a victory part after the contest.
https://www.facebook.com/WisLeather
Black and Tans - Mr. Regiment 2023
The Regiment of the Black and Tans will hold their Mr. Regiment 2023 contest at Eagle LA on Saturday night, October 15 where Jeff May will pass the title on to the next man. The emcee will be Sucia.
Join the Black and Tans for a whole weekend full of sexiness, testosterone, men, uniforms, Leather, kinky and more at a meet and greet on Friday night at Eagle LA, with some surprises and sexy fantasies. Sunday's main thing will be a Victory Celebration at the Bullet Bar at 3 PM.
https://www.facebook.com/events/3418070251801936
Powerhouse 25th Anniversary
By Race Bannon
Ryan Mattson got to try out his new fancy phone taking this photo with Jay Harcourt and me at the 25th Anniversary of the Powerhouse under the same ownership and management on September 19.
Mr. International Rubber vendors and contest hosts announced
Mr. International Rubber named the first round of vendors who have registered and will be in the Kink Market at MIR 26 the weekend on November 4-6 in Chicago, IL. They are: A B Universe, Bootblack Tobi, Center on Halsted HIV/STD Resource Hub, Chicago Rubber Club Gear Swap, Cummings Wellness, Full Kit Gear, Leather 64TEN, Mr. Florida Rubber, Mr. S Leather, TLS Rubber Gear, Video Head Cleaner and, Vilain Garçon. Most of MIR 26' events will be at the Center on Halsted.
The MIR 26 Friday night RECON Chicago Party will expand and move to a new venue, Fantasy, the largest nightclub in Chicago's North Halsted neighborhood. Long time attendees will remember the venue across the street from the Center on Halsted as Circuit.
Hosting Mr. International Rubber contest events in Chicago from the stage of Fantasy Nightclub and the historic Riviera Theater will be Chicago's Black Bearded Beauty herself, Lucy Stoole; and Mr. Chicago Leather 2014, Miguel Torres. New this year, they've added Melbourne Rubber Man 2016 Liam Clark as MIR's first livestream host.
The judges will be: MIR23 Adalberto Rubbadam, MIR25 Joe Chicago Rubber, Alex Coco, Enza Silano, Sir John Doan, Maso Mutt, and Pepper Pop. The tally masters are: George "Chief" White and Saber Onyx.
Leathermen's Discussion Group - Fetish Fair
It's been a long time coming but San Francisco Leathermen's Discusion Group announced the return of its annual Fetish Fair on October 15th at Transform 1060. Starting at 3:30 PM, some of the San Francisco Bay Area's foremost experts on various kinks will present and share some of their best tools and tricks of their kinky trade. LDG’s Fetish Fair is a great way to see, talk to, and sometimes try scenes with vetted, talented, experienced kinksters in a fun and safe environment. LDG has been continuously producing monthly events for kinky guys since 1996. Fetish Fair is open to adults of all genders.
Session I starts at 3:30 PM and includes Latex maintenance and repair with Bryan Manternach, Therapeutic devices with Wade, Flogging with daddy Robert, Mummification with Mr. Munter; Session II begins at 5 PM with Furry panel with Brian Manternach, Impact play with Wade, Knife play with Flicker, Rope bondage with Victor Jiao, Piercing and needle play with Bill Beiersdorfer; and Session III starts at 6:30 PM with Rope bondage with Victor, Flogging with Daddy Robert, and Bondage using restraints with Mr. Munter.
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Mates Leather Weekend 25th Anniversary
By Rick Conley and photos by Tim White and Nelson Martinez
650-plus Leatherfolk were on hand for the 25th Mates Leather Weekend in Provincetown, MA September 29 - October 3 and by all accounts had a great time. The event raised a record $14,800 for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, bringing the total to date over $92,000. In addition, 33 men took part in ASGCC’s Free Health Screening throughout the weekend..
The 2022 First Mate Contest was held on Saturday, October 1 with First Mate 2001 David Oravez as emcee. David did an awesome job hosting the contest which had five entrants. After careful consideration by judges Mr. FLAG 2022 Jack Keegan, Mr. SNOWBOUND 2022 Cameron Peirce and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2022 Errik Williams, Chase “BLUF4414” Knepp of Hartford, CT was chosen as First Mate 2022. First runner-up was Michael Gentilucci of New York, NY and second runner-up was Danny Sparkes of Provincetown, MA.
The recipient of this year’s Mates Leather Weekend Brotherhood Award is Chris Racine. The Brotherhood Award is given to those who have shown extraordinary and continuous support of Mates Leather Weekend and demonstrate the true meaning of community and brotherhood.
This year’s MLW was dedicated to Davidson Hume, Rafael Garcia-Sosa and Steve John Pavlus.
Scroll to the bottom to see Mates Leather Weekend Gallery
https://www.matesleatherweekend.com/
Mr. SF Eagle Leather 2023
Kicking off Leather Pride Fest Weekend was the 2023 Mr. SF Eagle Leather Contest which was won by Mark Hankins, Jr. The meet and greet was on Friday at the SF Eagle.
Mr. SF Leather was hosted by Daddy Ray Tilton and Ms SF Eagle Tammy Lg Hatter. The judging panel included Jeffery Wayne, Caity Lynch, Brent Heinze, Howie Ramirez, and Reika Minxie
During the Mr. SF Eagle Leather meet and greet, Lenny Broberg was the guest of honor celebrating his 30th year as Mr. SF Eagle and Mr. SF Leather and, of course, International Leather.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1113122342971898
Leather Walk 2022 date changed
Leather Walk 2022 has been moved to Saturday October 15 at 11 AM, beginning at Civic Center at City Hall. It was set for Sunday, September 18. We've not heard a reason for the change. The Leather Walk will wind its way to Eagle Plaza in front of the SF Eagle at 12th and Harrison Streets. Watch the traditional raising of the Leather Pride Flag followed by a huge beer bust at the SF Eagle.
Leather and kink enthusiasts of all stripes will walk together starting at City Hall, pausing at favorite neighborhood spots and watering holes, and culminating with the Leather Pride Fest, presented by the SF Eagle, at Eagle Plaza.
CLAW - LA Leather Getaway over Thanksgiving
By Bob Miller
Southern California will host CLAW’s LA Leather Getaway II at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel over Thanksgiving Week, November 23-27 in Down Town Los Angeles.
CLAW - LA Leather Getaway II will have more than 250 events and exhibitors, 100-plus kinky sex education sessions, Leather vendor mart kicking off the holiday shopping season with hopefully some great Black Friday deals, 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, buffets and brunches, including the Second Annual Chosen Family Leather Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.
All Getaway events take place at the Westin Bonaventure, the largest hotel in Los Angeles. Rooms start at $165/night and are available only at the link below.
Meet Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear 2022 David Sugar
By Rodney Burger
David Sugar of Baltimore, Maryland was sashed Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear 2022 during the annual Bears, Bikers & Mayhem event held May 5-8 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Baltimore, David discovered the Leather community in December of 2013 when he was asked to deejay for the ShipMates Leather Club’s annual Daddy Christmas fundraiser. David pledged the ShipMates in 2017 and began his Leather journey.
The first time he entered a contest, it was for a bar title. He competed to be... Click link below
https://theleatherjournal.com/news-2/content/99-conversations-in-leather
https://theleatherjournal.com/news-2/meet-mr-mayhem-leather-bear-2022
Leather Archives & Museum - The Eagle and Long Live Leather
Leather Archives & Museum will present The Eagle and Long Live Leather - Exhibit Opening Reception on Saturday, October 22, 7-9 PM in Chicago, IL. The Eagle & Long Live Leather was curated by Leslie Anderson. The exhibit celebrates the infamous Eagle bars which have given us a hot and sexy playground where we could safely meet and have fun together. While not officially connected to each other, The Eagle became a specific type of bar…if you were visiting a city and came across an Eagle, you knew what you would find inside.
There will be drinks and snacks, including fantastic bourbon cocktails courtesy of 2Bears Tavern Group. Bring a cigar if you’d like to smoke with us at 6418 North Greenview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626.
Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) is a library, museum and archive located on the North Side of Chicago. Our mission is to make leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish accessible through research, preservation, education and community engagement.
https://www.facebook.com/leatherarchives
Mr. Bear LA 2023
By Gabriel Green
Mr. Bear LA 2023 is MJ Wright and the runner-up was Joe Martone in a contest produced by Bears LA at Eagle LA on Friday night, September 23. Six men competed. The emcee was Don Mike and the judges were Joseph Ether, Pup Yoshi, PupStar Orion, Alan Gabriel Onyx and Francisco Perales.
Rangers - Community Benefit Variety Show
By Scott Hutka
I just wanted to toot the Rangers' horn about this wonderful spontaneous group pic of the Rangers that was snapped right before the start of the Community Benefit Variety Show on Saturday night, October 1 at the Leather Stallion Saloon in Cleveland, OH. The Benefit was for Rangers Club brother and sister Michael and Aazura Bowers. Mik, behind me to my right, and Aaz (still in the hospital) lost everything in a house fire last August.
Organized by good friends and Rangers supporters including R&J Productions, and co-emcee by Rangers' own Andy (behind me who also performed a number), the Leather and LGBTQ+ Communities came together on that emotional and magical night to show support and help replenish their household and rebuild their lives. The GoFundMe (5f4f536d) page is open to anyone who wishes to donate. Further information is provided about that unfortunate night and the total loss.
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San Diego Eagle 20th Anniversary
By Russ Mortenson Boyd
The 20th Anniversary of the San Diego Eagle includes a whole week of planned events to celebrate, beginning with a bus trip to Long Beach on Sunday, November 13. with an open bar and lunch plus bar hopping with a bus load of friends. Tickets available at the San Diego Eagle now.
Wednesday November 16 will be Titleholder Appreciation from 7 PM on. A great buffet is being planned. This also will be Puppy night.
On Thursday, November 17 will be the Leather/Levi Banquet at the North Park Diner. Menu choices are chicken, salmon or vegetarian. The dinner is honoring the San Diego Eagle's 20th Anniversary and The Leather Journals 35th year of service to the community. There will be a dessert auction. Reservations are required. Make your reservation by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the cost is $20 per person. Then it's Yellow Hanky night at the Eagle.
Friday, November 18 is a meet and greet and Saturday, November 19 will be the Mr. San Diego Eagle 2023 contest at 8 PM. It is free of charge and held at the San Diego Eagle. Questions on any of these events can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text to (619) 990-5172.
https://www.facebook.com/events/796414258242771/
Fireside Chats in Chicago and Norway
The next big interviews for the Fireside Chats are coming up in Chicago and Norway. In October Douglas O'Keeffe will interview Nicole Ramirez, Queen Mother of the Americas, in a private Chat at the Leather Aechives & Musuem in Chicago. Then in November, the Chats travel to Arctic Pride in Tromso, Norway, for live interviews with Tromso's own Per Helge-Nylund, Mari-Mette Graff, and Lady Die. The Chats have traveled from as far south as Australia to as far north as Norway.
Please view the Fireside Chat Youtube channel for the latest releases....
https://www.youtube.com/c/FiresideChatswithDouglasOKeeffe
ShipMates to Host Daddy Christmas 2022
By Rodney Burger
The ShipMates Club of Baltimore will host their annual Daddy Christmas fundraiser on Saturday, December 3 at the Baltimore Eagle. This year’s event, chaired by ShipMate member and Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear 2022 David Sugar, is a benefit for Baltimore Safe Haven, a non-profit organization helping at risk LGBTQ+ people in Baltimore City. There will be a silent auction, Jell-O shots, and a raffle to win a wagon of cheer.
International Mr. Leather Bear 2019 Ali Lopez will be filling in for Santa and available for pictures. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun starting at 9 PM as they welcome the holiday season and raise funds for a good cause.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/157085577726358
Mr. Connecticut Leather
By Scooby with photo by Jim Maciel
Mr. Connecticut Leather 2023 is Trell Walters who won the title, besting two other men on Saturday, September 10, at the 168 York Street Cafe in New Haven, CT.
The judges were Mark Hicks-Richards, AJ Eckert, Duke, Roberto Cuero, Kenzo Onyx, Gretchen E. Bennett and Derek Chandler.
https://www.facebook.com/MrConnecticutLeather
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The Leather Journal, Issue 324 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.
New in November - December will be Purple Passion in New York, NY and the Eagle Wilton Manors in Wilton Manors, FL
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A Blast From The Past
Andy Mangles and Don Hood wed
Andy Mangels and Don Hood were married in 2017 in Portland, OR. The couple had been together for many years. Don resided in New Orleans, LA before moving to Portland to be with Andy. Both men have been active in the Leather title system in earlier years. Andy was publisher and editor of In Uniform Magazine in the 1990s and has had a cartoonist career while Don has been a Leather artisan.
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Mini Galleries
Folsom Street Fair
Photos by Bear Mike, Marc Owens, Will Stone and Facebook
Mates Leather Weekend
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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
