Leather community's contributions toward LGBTQ liberation for nearly 50 years. As a writer and activist, he has ensured the broader progressive community discourse includes Leather, kink, and BDSM.

Six awards celebrate extraordinary voices in the community. Joining Bannon as recipients were Nancy Worthington, Keisha D, Jim Hollenbeck, Betty C. Berrysmith and Cliff Young. The announcement of awards and recipients marks the approach of Pride Week in the region under the worldwide theme of You are Included. Palm Springs Pride Week is for November 1-7, following Palm Springs Leather Pride which is October 28-31.

 

 

Smokeout Las Vegas

About 250 cigarmen and their friends descended upon the Tuscany Suites in Las Vegas, NV the weekend of August 25-30, hoping to have a blast at a new hotel and in the August heat Due to COVID-19 the date was changed from early April.

The hospitality suite was top notch as Leather Uniform Club Las Vegas and Las Vegas Boys of Leather staffing. The men from Utah Rebellion had a cocktail party going much of the weekend.

Producer Bob Rothwell note a few weeks later that there was no word of anyone catching COVID-19 at Smokeout Las Vegas and he believed this was due to strict adherence to rules by Smokeout and the Tuscany Suites.

There were planned group dinners, bars busy with Fun Hog Ranch getting the best reviews. The Bay Area Cigars arranged a pipe social and the Chicago Hellfire Club hosted a Scotch and Cigar social. The late hours parties on Friday and Saturday nights were Smokeout With Your Hole Out presented by the Bullet Bar from Los Angeles, the Eagle SF, Foxhole and Green Mirror Entertainment.

See full story and about 30 photos at

https://theleatherjournal.com/news/smokeout-las-vegas

 

 

Eagle LA benefit lifts The Leather Journal

Charlie Matula and Hunter, the staff of Eagle LA and volunteers hosted a bar night to benefit The Leather Journal during Eagle LA's Gear Night on Friday, September 17 which netted $3,500. The bulk of the funds were raised at the door while a 50/50 raffle and silent auction raised a huge sum. Among the auction items were a signed and numbered Tom of Finland print and a Gauntlet II black Levi jacket seen in photo above. The jacket went to Jim Neuman and was donated by Charlie Matula. Posters and prints came from The Leather Journal Art Archive.

The Leather Journal thanks Charlie and Hunter, Eagle LA and those who donated items, helped work the benefit and/or spent money on this effort.

http://www.eaglela.com/

 

 

Berlin church worships Leather fetish with inclusive, kink-positive celebration

By Lily Wakefield for Pink News

A Berlin church held a Leather fetish event, bringing together the queer community, the fetish world, and classical music.

The Twelve Apostles Evangelical Church is nestled in the heart of Berlin’s gay neighborhood. Schoeneberg is home to the city’s first gay male choir and even runs a queer youth group. Part of the Evangelical Church in Germany welcomed a congregation of around 100 people, all dressed entirely in Leather on Thursday, September 9.

The event kicked off the Folsom Europe festival, a four-day kink event culminating in the world-famous Folsom Street Fair.

Tyrone Rontgagner, who has organized the “Classic meets Fetish” church concert, is a translator and LGBT+ activist who has twice been named Mr. Leather Germany.

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/09/13/berlin-church-leather/?fbclid=IwAR3nzxDuYbpN3Gm8wDYTNv-Ya08Ct7gYVBg2MJzkqq-32TzN20cqw5HZTP8

 

 

Bob Goldfarb re-elected Leather and LGBT Cultural District president

Bob Brown, Jonathan Ojinaga and Byrd Bannick have been elected to the Leather and LGBT Cultural District board in San Francisco for three-year terms beginning at the close of this month's board meeting. Retiring directors are York Ng and Erik Will. Bob Goldfarb, was re-elected to the president’s position for a one-year term.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2442867782692804

 

 

CLAW XXI Room Upgrade Raffle

Book a room at the Westin Bonaventure by October 23 for a chance to win over 25 valuable prizes including a suite upgrade, $250 gift cards to Mr. S Leather, Off Ramp Leather, Mister Bear, and Timoteo, connecting room or meet and greet with a porn star, and great other prizes donated by CLAW 21 vendors and sponsors.

Rooms at the Westin Bonaventure in Down Town Los Angeles start at $139 for CLAW LA, November 25-29. With five sleek, 35-story glass towers, the Westin Bonaventure is architectural landmark said to be one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

CLAW XXII will return to Cleveland on its normal weekend, April 28 - May 1.

http://www.clawinfo.org/c21-hotel-raffle

 

 

Eric Adams named Mr. CMEN Leather 2021

By Rick Boehle

Eric Adams from Palm Springs, California, won the title of Mr. CMEN Leather 2021 at CMEN’s West Coast Gathering near Big Bear, California on Thursday evening, August 26. Jeff C. from Los Angeles and Steve R. from Santa Maria were selected runners-ups.

Eric will represent CMEN a International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago in May 2022.

The judging panel included head judge Mr. CMEN Leather 2004 Mark Lager, Mr. CMEN Leather 2003 Rob Silver, Mr. CMEN Leather 2012 Sean McGowan and Ed Rudnicki. Mr. CMEN Leather 2015 Rick Boehle served as emcee.

http://www.cmen.org

 

 

Avatar elects new board

By James McCurdy

At the Avatar Club Los Angeles September 22 meeting, the members voted for a new board. The new board is:
President James "J.R." MacCurdy, Vice President Xzavier Espejo, Secretary Brian Haugen, Treasurer Perry Ash, and At-Large members Daniel Soto, Dennis Beisbier and Tom Trafelet. The new board will take office on Saturday, October 16.

Let's raise a toast to each other and the new year at our first event back at the Eagle, Butt Painting on Friday, October 22.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/944319108932491

 

 

Sir Rat - Pup Play and Kink 101

Sir Rat will present Pup Play and Kink 101 With Mr. Kristofer and Pup Amp from Watts the Safe Word on Saturday, October 23 at Oilcan Harry's, 211 West 4th Street in Austin, TX. They will go over the basics and their experience in Pup Play and being a queer kink couple. Watts Your Safeword is hosted by Amp Somers and Mr Kristofer. It's a show about breaking down stigmas, answering questions and sometimes getting very off topic. Doors open at 2:30 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/613334509834596

 

 

Mates Leather Weekend

By Richard Conley

Mates Leather Weekend is a Go for September 30 – October 4. As one can imagine, things will be a little different this year so check for updates periodically. Provincetown venues are currently requiring a vaccination card for entry into their establishments. I expect that policy to remain in effect throughout the fall including during Mates Leather Weekend. Please be prepared.

A portion of all proceeds from Mates Leather Weekend XXIV benefits AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod.

https://www.matesleatherweekend.com/

_______________________________________________________________

Dave Rhodes Hump Day Mailing List

 

 

Now there are 1,1170 members and growing

 

Join our Facebook Group today and Have my biweekly 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/

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

Leather Walk kicks off SF Leather Week

By John Ferrannini for Bay Area Reporter

A revitalized Leather Walk kicked off Leather Week September 19. Photo by Dave Fong

After the lack of an in-person event last year, South of Market is once again ringing out with the sounds of house beats, whips, and howls. Leather Week is here.

The week began with a revitalized Leather Walk from City Hall to Eagle Plaza Sunday, September 19. Cal Callahan, a gay man who is the district manager of the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District, told the B.A.R. that "we are very pleased at how Leather Walk has been received."

"Turnout was greater than we expected and when I looked out at the crowd, I saw so much of our community represented," Callahan said. "We wanted an event where everyone felt they belonged, an event that everyone felt was theirs."

Callahan said that he'd heard there was a turnout of about 200-225 people. At the end of their trek through SOMA, walkers reached Leather Pride Fest 2021 at Eagle Plaza, and watched the raising of the Leather Pride flag. Callahan thanked Lex Montiel, owner of the Eagle, and Leather Pride Fest 2021 organizer Jason Husted, for providing "a warm welcome to the walkers."

https://www.ebar.com/news/news//309057?fbclid=IwAR24rDMgw1cC1Zi6_Ayh5-3zYEXc_odr5-FVw9OOOeKaLFJ8flmWYKMw-x4

 

 

Palm Springs Leather Pride October 28-31

Get ready for XXVI Unlocked: Full Release, Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert's Palm Springs Leather Pride.

All your favorite events will be back, including the Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2021 Contest, the Formal Leather Dinner, the world-famous Clothing-Optional Pool Parties at Canyon Club, a hosted Cigar Social at Barracks, as well as an evening Cruise Party and Vendor Mart at Tool Shed.

The Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs and the Canyon Club Hotel as the host venues. A new addition by Hocker Productions, is a hot dance event featuring performances, sexy go go boys and world renowned DJs.

http://www.palmspringsleatherpride.org

 

 

Blue Max CC summer run

Th Blue Max CC of St. Louis, MO held their summer run at a private resort out in the woods in mid-September. These photos were posted on the Mid America Conference of Clubs Facebook page. There are plenty more and here is the link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1736721033239467/

 

 

So CA Bondage Club meetings at Threshold resume

So CA Bondage Club meetings at Threshold restarted on September 25 and will meet there on the fourth Saturday of each month. Threshold has over 3,000 square feet and has many theme rooms including a jail cell, spider web rack, medical and school rooms.

Only fully vaccinated people will be allowed. Proof of vaccination is required. The only exception to this policy is an excuse from a medical professional accepted by LA County policies and everyone will be required to wear masks at the event.

Threshold, 11300 Hartland Street, North Hollywood, CA 91605.

https://www.SoCABondage.com

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Keep The Leather Journal Going

 

Since May, 1987, The Leather Journal has been bringing news to the Leather community in print and, more recently, online.

Do you remember the first time you saw your photo and/or name in The Leather Journal or on TheLeatherJournal.com and how proud you felt?

Please help ensure the newer folk in the Leather community can share this experience.

 

Make your single contribution through GoFundMe now

https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-the-leather-journal-going/

 

If you prefer to make consistent monthly donations you can participate in our Patreon drive.

Become a Patron today

https://www.patreon.com/theleatherjournal

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

Tom of Finland Foundation adds three new board members

The Tom of Finland Foundation announced the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors recently: R. Ayité Okyne, Graylin Thornton, and Gary Keener.

“The impact of Tom’s work has been global and profound. I am so pleased that with this addition, the ToFF Board of Directors better reflects who we are as a community, inspired by Tom of Finland’s work and ethos,” said ToFF President and co-founder Durk Dehner.

These new Directors bring greater community perspective, as well geographic reach to ToFF leadership. Thornton and Keener reside and work in San Francisco, while Okyne lives in Los Angeles.

Each new Board Member brings both personal and professional expertise to their role, as well as commitment to Tom’s vision of a future full of joy and freedom of expression.
At ToFF’s 2021 Staff and Board Strategic Planning Retreat in LA, these new Boar members joined the existing six Directors in planning the future direction of the Foundation.

 

 

ONYX SoCal-Southwest Kinky Masquerade

Join ONYX SoCal-Southwest on October 10 for Kinky Masquerade from 4-8 PM at Eagle LA.

Choose a mask and wear it well, so your true identity no one can tell. Come indulge in tricks, treats, and a whole lot of kinks. There will be demos, go-go dancers, Jell-O shots, raffles, and music by DJ Brian Novy.

To enter, all guests must present a valid photo ID along with proof of vaccination in the form of a physical or digital Covid-19 vaccination card or a negative test result within 72 hours.

Onyx is an organization that supports diversity in the gay/bi leather community. For over twenty-four years, the organization has been the bridge between leather men of color and the broader Leather community.

https://www.facebook.com/ONYXSoCal.Southwest

 

 

Mr. Tool Shed Leather Andre Law

Andre Law was chosen to be Mr. Tool Shed Leather 2021 at the Tool Shed in Palm Springs, CA on July 17. Three men vied for the sash, vest and medallion. Andre will compete at Mr. Palm Springs Leather at the end of October during Palm Springs Leather Pride hosted by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert.

The Mr. Tool Shed Leather weekend included a meet and greet on Friday night and a victory party on Sunday afternoon. Photo of PSLOD president Cliff Tatum, Mr. Tool Shed Leather 2021 Andre Law and Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2018 Richard Passmore. Photo by Motorboot Photography.

https://www.facebook.com/toolshedps

 

 

Oil Can Harry’s considered for LA Historic Cultural Landmark

By Mark Malan

Oil Can Harry’s is being considered for Los Angeles Historic Cultural Landmark designation. If you want to see the building preserved as the location of many wonderful nights of line dancing with a suitable plaque, please consider attending the LA Cultural Heritage Commission meeting on October 7 starting at 10 AM. Members of the public can make comments of up to one minute for the official record and for the Commission to hear from the public.

Oil Can Harry's had a direct connection to the Leather community as it hosed several Leather events. OCH hosted the Mr. Oil Can Harry's Leather contest including in 2007 when Mike Gerle won the IML title, Southland Honors, numerous Avatar events among others.

Due to concerns over COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted entirely telephonically.

https://planning-lacity.org.zoom.us/j/88064840096

https://planning-lacity.org

 

 

SF supervisors panel recommends landmark status for SF Eagle

By Cynthia Laird for Bay Area Reporter

he day after San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood celebrated the return of the in-person kink-themed street fair normally held the last Sunday of September, this year called Megahood2021, a San Francisco Board of Supervisors committee unanimously recommended landmark status for a longtime Leather bar.

The supervisors' Land Use and Transportation Committee voted 3-0 to forward landmarking the Eagle bar on to the full board with a positive recommendation at its meeting September 27. It is expected to be approved at the October 5 meeting, the board's first during LGBTQ History Month.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents the area, instigated the landmark process....

https://www.ebar.com/index.php?id=309224&fbclid=IwAR02LfBnqrakCCs3ThVoQhrjPSUeeMLRiChDJnjfH77LKYsSf1uAZ7ATYs8

 

 

We're Back! Broadway on Broadway: AIDS Food Store Long Beach

The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Present Broadway on Broadway - Back Back Back Again on Saturday, October 9 at 4 PM, benefiting the AIDS Food Store Long Beach at the Mineshaft in Long Beach, CA for an afternoon of musicals, fun and fundraising. Enjoy fabulous specials to loosen your purses and wallets.

Hang with the crazy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Los Angeles and Long Beach, encouraging your debauchery, one drink at a time, while giving back to those less fortunate than ourselves.

https://www.facebook.com/events/355651249635600/

 

 

Mr. International Rubber XXV names emcees

The emcees for Mr. International Rubber XXV Rubber Vision are Miguel Torres and Lucy Stoole.

Miguel Torres is no stranger to Mr. International Rubber, having served as tally master several years in a row, and joining us to co-host MIR 24 Rubber Lab. He returns to host the opening ceremonies on Friday night and co-host the contest at The Vic Theatre on Saturday night, November 6.

Joining Miguel on Saturday evening will be Chicago's Black Bearded Beauty, Lucy Stoole. Lucy is is a Windy City-based drag performer, artist and activist with an international presence. She's an Out 100 honoree, two-time Drag Queen of The Year, and proud owner of the popular, sex and body positive Stoole Sample adult toy line.

The Kink Market at MIR XXV Rubber Vision will be held in the gymnasium at Center on Halsted with 11 vendors.

https://mirubber.com/

 

 

Centaur MC's 51st Anniversary

By Rodney Burger

The Centaur MC held their twice postponed 50th Anniversary dinner on Saturday, September 25th at the Mount Vernon Inn located on the grounds of the historic George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia. Many of the invited guests, which included members of other area Leather clubs and Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather titleholders, stayed at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Captiol Hill, the location of Mid Atlantic Leather, and were provided with transportation to the dinner.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/70447959457

 

 

 

Jeff Henness - August 26, 2021

The Seattle, Washington Leather community was stunned by the passing of long time honored and cherished Leatherman, Jeff Henness on Thursday, August 26.
Doghouse Leathers posted, "It's with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of Daddy Jeff Henness. As most of you know he's been sick for a few years. He always bounced back, but sometimes that bounce just doesn't happen."

From the Living In Leather and National Leather Association days which brought the Emerald City to international prominence to the day he passed, Jeff left an impact on his home town.
Henness and his husband Dan Puppy Daniels founded and operated Doghouse Leather. Starting as an in-bar set up inside The Cuff Complex, Dog House Leathers opened their own storefront recently.

Henness was security manager at The Cuff for many years. He was a force of love to all those who graced to the doors of the bar and was the same for those of us who visited Settle for any Leather event.

He was a co-founder of the Seattle Men in Leather and heavily-involved in the WSMLO (Washington State Mr. Leather Organization).

It was Sunday, March 19, 1989, and 29 Leathermen gathered at the Encore Restaurant for brunch as part of the 30th birthday celebration for Jeff. A month later the club received its name.

Dan “Puppy” Daniels was Seattle Daddy’s boy 1996 and Jeff was Seattle Leather Daddy 1998. Jeff was the recipient of the Pantheon of Leather Northwest Regional Award in 2008.
A Celebration of Life for Daddy Jeff will be held at CC’s Attles. The stream of love from all over North America continues as his friends leave the memories. If there is a common thread to all of the Facebook posts, the word "love" comes to mind. So many of us love you Jeff Henness and you will live on forever.

 

 

 

David J. McCammon - January 3, 1962 - August 25, 2021

By Ray Tilton

David was from St. Paul Minnesota. He served in the United States Air Force and became involved in the Minnesota Leather scene, most notable as Minnesota Drummer boy 1998.
David’s lifelong dream of becoming a piercer came to fruition also in 1998 as he served his apprenticeship under Jim Ward with Gauntlet piercing in San Francisco. Soon after he became the co-owner of Gauntlet which became Gotham Body Piercing with stores in SF and Guerneville, CA until the move to Palm Springs in 2004. At that time the business became known as Palm Springs Piercing for which it remained until his retirement from piercing in July of this year. David is survived by his soul mate and husband Rob McCammon, two sisters Laurie and Debbie.

The piercing company was a vendor at all major Leather weekends from IML, ABW, MAL and PS Leather just to name a few. David’s involvement, support and donations were present at countless local,state, regional and International contests, too many to mention.

Hawaii was his home of heart and spirit. Aloha and Mahalo.

A memorial was held on August 29th in Palm Springs.

 

 

Empire City MC's Jack Dowling passes

Jack Dowling was an early member of the Empire City Motorcycle Club, joining shortly after the club was founded. He died February 24, 2021 at age 89 from complications due to COVID-19.

After Jack was in a motorcycle accident in the early 70's, he established the Empire City MC Accident Fund which was designed to loan members, interest free, money to have their motorcycle and bodily injuries not covered by insurance paid until they could repay the loan. The fund still exists today.

Jack owned Colt Studios, an A1l pornography magazine where he utilized his artistic talents. Jack was also a published writer of short fiction. He was a sought-after source of stories of Greenwich Village life and early gay communities in NYC and Fire Island. He was a long-time summer resident of Cherry Grove, NY, serving as a Fire Commissioner for many years. He was a generous supporter of his fellow artists and the Cherry Grove Community.

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Writer Guidelines

 

Report your club's news, new titles, major events

How to include your information on Dave Rhodes' Hump Day

What to send:

1. Short article of about 75-150 words. So what if you are a few over. Please be concise.

2. Photo or two. Landscape preferred. Must be a jpg. Taken with cellphone is fine. Please supply photo credit.

3. Link to a working site. Web site is preferential, Facebook still works.

4. Five "W's" - Who, what, when, why and where. All are important.

5. Please be concise. In news, verbosity is not a virtue; it is an editor's nightmare.

6. Please write in third person.

7. Send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please share us on social media

_______________________________________________________________

 

A Blast From The Past

 

 

 

Ms World Leather

Here are the contestants for Ms World Leather 2001. The short-lived contest was held one week before the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks. Annie Romano from San Diego, CA won.

_______________________________________________________________

Links to all Dave Rhodes' Hump Days

 

 

 

Goes back to August 9, 2017

http://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2132-links-to-all-dave-rhodes-hump-day-posts

_______________________________________________________________