Greetings!
My name is Gary Wasdin, and I am the new Executive Director of the Leather Archives & Museum. I am humbled to have been chosen to lead this organization and to continue the work that so many have contributed to over the past 26-plus years. While I am only in my third week, your passion and commitment to the LA&M and its work is evident. Thank you for your support.
Concluding a multi-month search process, an experienced library director and administrator will lead the next chapter of the Leather Archives and Museum. Gary Wasdin received unanimous support of all nine board members present at the Sunday afternoon meeting. He will assume his new position on January 2.
The Leather Hall of Fame honors and preserves the legacy of the extraordinary people and organizations that have significantly shaped the history of the Leather/BDSM communities worldwide since 1950. We are pleased to announce the 2018 inductees: International Mr. Leather (IML), Black Leather in Color, The Society of Janus (SoJ).
The main event of Palm Springs Leather Pride is the Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2018 contest which was won by Jax Kelly who was tops among four men on Saturday night, October 29 at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Runner-up was Tony Dewain. International Mr. Leather 1992 Lenny Broberg and Mr. Oil Can Harry's Leather 2013 Jeremy Ronceros shared emcee duties. The ASL and English Interpreter was Michael Klynn.
2018 Iowa Leather titleholders. Photo by Everett Allen Photography
By Rob Anderson
Meet your 2018 Iowa Leather titleholders: Ms Iowa Leather Joy Carty of West Des Moines, IA; Mr. Iowa Leather Bull Baugh of The Amanas, IA; Mr. Iowa Bear Jim Perkey of Des Moines, IA; and Iowa Puppy Pup Paddles of Boone, IA.
Held October 13-15, Iowa Leather Weekend (ILW) continues to break attendance records, over 600 people attended Saturday’s contest,with a total weekend event attendance of 1,700. Multiple state, regional, national, and international titleholders attended Iowa Leather Weekend. International Ms. Bootblack 2017 - Elisa Vegas; International Ms. Leather - Girl Complex;International Mr. Bootblack 2017 - Ryan Garner-Carpenter; and International Mr. Leather 2017 Ralph Bruneau traveled across the country to check out Iowa Leather Weekend.
GLLA 2017 Sir and boy contestants with auction baskets. Photo by Indy
By Christina Court
With a Mardi Gras theme Great Lakes Leather Alliance 2017 in Indianapolis, IN (September 28-October 1) was a weekend filled with parties, events and play that left all in attendance earning and tossing beads at one another and shouting, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
Spirits flowed in the hospitality suite, the Littles held a talent show; Pups held a meet and greet, a mosh pit, and hosted the cookout during the GLLA auction; and Bootblack Alley had a host of guest Bootblacks.
After hours parties included A Masked Affair, a masked lip sync and karaoke party; Friday night Ash Bash cigar, boots, and bourbon party; and a Saturday Victory disco party with Chicago’s DJ Milty that capped off the contest and left all the dancing Leatherfolk deliciously sweaty and ripe.
Photo by Brian Mincey
American Brotherhood Weekend announces 2017 titleholders
By Sarah Sloane
The American Leatherman 2017 title was awarded to Rod McCoy, who hails from the great state of Maryland. Rod held the title of Leatherman of Color 2011, and is a Full Brother of ONYX. Joining Rod as the American Leatherwoman 2017 is Jackie Thompson, who also resides in Maryland. Jackie also held the title of Ms Capital Pride Leather 2009, and is a member of Highwaymen TNT.
Joining Rod on the American Leatherman podium were BJAPRIES as first runner-up and Rob “Papa Bear” Anderson as second runner-up. They were joined in competition by Daddy Don and Shannon O’Feral. Jackie ran unopposed for the title of American Leatherwoman.
San Diego Leather Pride was held at the World Beat Cultural Center in Balboa Park the weekend of March 15-19 with the highlight being the Mr. and Ms San Diego Leather 2017 contest with the following winners: Ms San Diego Leather Tamanava Eden-McClintock, Mr. San Diego Leather Nathan Kendrick and San Diego Bootblack Red. Jake Ott was the Bootblack runner-up.
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
