Dave Rhodes' Hump Day, July 16, 2025
Dave Rhodes' Hump Day, July 16, 2025
"We will never surrender." Winston Churchill
There has been a lot of changes in my life over the last three months. In April I had another 911 emergency which landed me in a hospital for one week, rehab for three weeks and assisted living for almost two months so far.
Many years ago, 2007 to be exact, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure accompanied by A Fib and a myriad of related things, no diabetes. Until recently, it was controllable through medication.
Over the last year I have been a frequent flyer on 911 Airlines. I missed Palm Springs Leather Pride last October. I had an attack while driving to Palm Springs and had to abort the trip. I was down for a full month.
A few 911 calls between, I went in on April 12 and have been in the hospital system ever since. There is no real target date for release, but I am working from my room in an assisted living facility in Toluca Lake, CA. I had a Cardioversion at the beginning of June which stopped the A Fib.
As almost everyone knows, I did not publish a May–June Issue. This one you are reading now is our May–August Issue. We were not hurting for content as March, April, May and June had plenty of events including LA Leather Pride, Smokeout, CLAW, Off Sunset Festival, IML, and Austin Kink Weekend among so many others. Some other events did not make it because we received nothing or very little from them.
My plan is to keep publishing, but I am going to need help from a lot of people, businesses and organizations to pull it off. Some have, or hinted at committing to helping. I am up to my man boobs in water. Just as Winston Churchill inspired the British at Dunkirk, I am inspired by his speech which ended with, "We will never surrender."
I ended my acceptance speech during my induction into the Leather Hall Of Fame last November at CLAW LA with those words. Little did I know how much I was going to be challenged by those words. It's not easy – far from it. I am going to need ever summer yacht, tug boat, sail bout and ship out there to help. It's going to take that in order to pull this off. Even after Medicare, medical and assisted living bills are piling up.
I was to thank so many who have helped so far. Without these good folks it would already be over. The biggest heroine was my sister and brother-in-law, Julianne and Jeff who live in Fresno, Dr. Lawrence Burden and his husband William, Nephew and niece Jeremy and Sandra, Rick Boehle, Neil Alexander, Gordon Morris.
The September-October will have pages of LGBTQ Pride and Leather presence coverage. If your group was visible at you Pride events, Please send photos to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Enjoy reading The Leather Journal,
Dave Rhodes
International Mr. Leather Rene Hebert
68 men vied for the International Mr. Leather 2025 sash, medallion and vest patch over Memorial Weekend, May 23-26 in Chicago, IL with the Congress Plaza playing host hotel.
Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2025 Rene Herbert was number 32 when it all began on Thursday evening at the Congress when contestants drew their numbers and he left the Vic Theater on Sunday night with the big prize.
First Runner-up was Mr. Eagle NYC 2025 Zepher Merkur and Second Runner-up was Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2024 Michael Tikili.
International Mr. Leather 2025
Victory Platform
International Mr. Leather 2025
Rene Hebert
Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2025
First Runner-up
Zephyr Merkur
Mr. Eagle NYC 2025
Second Runner-up
Michael Tikili
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2024
IML 2025 Top 20 in contestant numerical order
By Vince Andrews
15. Razr Steele – Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2025; 16. Michael Tikili – Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2024; 17. Dr. Ty – Mr. Texas Leather 2024; 19. Hunter Nelson – Mr. Leather Colorado 2024; 21. Jason Elliott – Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2025; 24. Fionn Walshe – Mr. Dublin Leather 2024; 29. Tracii R. More – Mr. San Francisco Leather 2025; 32. Rene Hebert – Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2025; 34. Matias Gomez Constenla – Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2025; 38. Alex Seidel – Mr. SF Eagle Leather 2024; 44. David Weeble – Mr. Leather Europe 2025; 46. Stephane Harivelo – Mr. Leather London 2024; 48. Andreas Jungemann – Mister Leather Berlin 2024; 50. Doug Bronco – Mr. New England Leather 2025; 52. Zephyr Merkur – Mr. Eagle NYC 2025' 53. Shane Stevens – Mr. Australian Leather 2023; 54. J-Hummingbird – Mr. Chicago Leather 2025; 61. Stephan – Bavarian Mister Leather 2024; 65. Timo Rissanen – Sydney Mr. Leather 2024; and 66. Daddy Danger Wolf – Chicago Leather Ambassador 2024.
The IML 2025 judges were International Mr. Leather 2024 Jamal Herrera-O'Malley, Master Mufasa Ali, Nick J. Zuko, The Goddess Indigo, Master Taíno, Dr. Carlton Thomas, Israel Rocha Luna, and Jeroen Van Lievenoogen.
IML 2016 David Ronneberg had his initial iteration as the new Executive Director of International Mr. Leather.
IML Weekend included victory parties, events at the Leather Archives and Museum, nearby Touche' and Jackhammer as well as cocktail parties hosted by the Chicago Hellfire Club and Centaur MC, Rubber night and Puppy night. ONYX, Mufasa Ali's Leather U and BLUF were busy, too.
The heart and soul of Leather care came alive last year at Open Shine.The overwhelming success of the event has led to IML continuing Open Shine over the weekend in the Vendor Mart.
Close to 100 vendors sold their wares and services in the IML Leather Market. Several new merchants joined the long list of regulars. A full weekend access pass to the Leather Market was available and a portion of the proceeds of all on-site purchased Leather Market access supported the Leather Archives and Museum.
https://www.internationalmrleather.com
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
LA Leather Pride - Unite!
The Los Angeles Leather Coalition held a wide variety of events, March 16-25 under the theme was Unite!
The crown jewel of the near half-month of activities was Mr. Los Angeles Leather won by Mr. CSW Leather 2025 Nick Arroyo at Los Globos. Three other men competed including Mr. Regiment 2025 Harry Rivers, Mr. Sanctuary Leather 2025 Estebear Onyx, and Mr. Leather Bear 2025 Mike Klipsch.
The judges were Mr. San Francisco Leather 2016 Cody Elkin, Cruise LA Producer, Pony Lee, Mr. Palm Springs Leather Clifton Tatum, Mr. Fetish Socal 2023 Francisco Perales, LA Pup 2022 Kieran Hound, and Lucinda Rear. Returning by popular demand as emcee was Jeremy Oliver-Ronceros.
The Fight Magazine's Official LA Leather Pride Guide Release Party kicked off LA Leather Pride at Eagle LA on Sunday, March 16.
Saturday, March 22 got off in earnest with Hands-on with Sounding and Saline by Avatar Club Los Angeles class presented by Avatar Club Los Angeles at Sanctuary Studios. Avatar was at it again with Harder BDSM play party at Sanctuary Studios.
The LA Leather Pride 2025 Kick-Off Party on Sunday, March 23 was at the Bullet Bar where the contestants drew their numbers. They were ridden in courtesy of the Satyrs Motorcycle Club.
The La La Leather V: Come Together concert included classic and original music performed in gear by members of the Los Angeles Leather Community on Monday night at the Renberg Theater at the LA LGBTQ Center. Over 200 people attended.
Avatar presented Hypnosis at its fourth-Wednesday-of-the-month meeting at MCC in the Valley on Wednesday.
The Meet and Greet at GYM Bar Weho gave contestants, judges and VIP guests the chance to mingle.
The Assembly in the Rough Trade Gear parking lot was the Formal Leather/Uniform Dress Code event of LA Leather Pride Week. Presented by BLUF, California B&B Corps and The Regiment of the Black and Tans which was followed by Maximus for a night of Cigars, Leather and Smoke at Eagle LA.
At the same time, Den LA presented Release, the hottest dance and 99 play party for men. Fierce beats, lighting, and sound.
The Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2025 contest included performances by Regan Carrington and Michael Porush.
The Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2025 Victory Party closed out the festivities at Eagle LA.
https://www.losangelesleatherpride.com
_______________________________________________________________
David Rhodes has been a cornerstone of the Leather community for nearly four decades. In 1987, he founded The Leather Journal a groundbreaking publication created out of a simple yet powerful need, to connect us. Through news, contest coverage, club announcements, and community stories, The Leather Journal became the beating heart of Leather culture across the US, Europe, and Japan. Currently still in circulation, it remains the longest running gay publication under its original owner.
David has judged over 450 Leather contests, including International Mr. Leather (IML) four times, and was rightfully inducted into the Leather Hall of Fame. His vision and tireless work preserved our history, elevated our events, and helped countless people find their place in this community.
Today, due to health complications, David is living in assisted care. And now, it’s our turn to give back. We're raising funds to help support David’s ongoing care, to ease the burden on him and ensure he receives the comfort, dignity, and love he so deeply deserves.
If The Leather Journal ever helped you feel seen, if David’s work ever inspired you, informed you, or brought you into the fold, please consider donating. Let’s show David that the community he helped build hasn’t forgotten him.
Please share this with those you know
Fundraiser organized by Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2025 Matias Gomez Constenla, and the Eagle LA
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
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CLAW rocks Cleveland in new venue
By Master Noel Leboeuf
1,400 people attended CLAW 25 in Cleveland, Ohio, April 17-20. Much of the event was held at the International Exposition Center near the Cleveland airport, including a 15,000 square foot vendor mart with more than 40 vendors from around the country as well as from Canada and the UK.
The Kinky Art Show featured works of 25 different artists, along with two very sexy cornhole games painted by artist Jon Krise that saw a lot of action all weekend. Joe Fiore's Furball from New York was a big bash on Saturday night.
The IX Center also hosted 100 skills and education sessions, dozens of speed dating games, six banquets, dozens of socials, Newcomers' Kink Social, Hot Ash Party, Drag Brunch Bingo, Sunday Supper and other parties.
Kinky Gameshow - Leather Family Feud, Pet Mosh, Bootblacks, Beer Bash and Barbecue at the Leather Stallion, Asian Caucus Social, BLUF Dinner, CLAW Body Spa, Kinky Gameshow - Face The Music, Parade of Colors, Bound and Beautiful, three dance parties and the CLAW 25 Sunday evening closing Kinky Kabaret, an original music and comedy revue and a CLAW tradition since 2003. The large, outdoor boots and cigar deck was busy day and night all weekend.
CLAW 25 (Cleveland Leather Annual Weekend) parties were also held in downtown Cleveland at the Leather Stallion Saloon and an amazing BDSM dungeon space at a private warehouse nearby. There were four host hotels filled with CLAW attendees, with buses running between them and the convention center.
Volunteer of the Year awards were given during Saturday night's International Leather Family Dinner to Nick Toth (Cleveland) and Paul Heras (Frontier Award), and the Jim Neuman Humanitarian Award was given to CLAW Executive Director Master Noel LeBoeuf.
CLAW XXVII will be held 23-27 in Cleveland at te same venue as this year.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Mates Leather Weekend October 2-6
Plans are underway for the 28th Mates Leather Weekend to be held in Provincetown MA October 2-6. Events include Boot Camp, Uniforms and Cigars, Leather Market, First Mate Contest and Rubber Ball.
Jay Falcon, Northeast Community Bootblack 2011 and 2012 and MLW’s resident Bootblack will be on hand throughout the weekend. MLW’s resident Buzz-Cut Barbers Danny Pantaleo and Billie Jean Beetam of SNIP Salon will be trimming you up at the Leather Market to make sure you look your best.
Mates Leather Weekend has raised $114,500. to date for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (www.asgcc.org) through event pass sales, raffle, and other donations. In addition, MLW holds a coat/clothes drive each year with donations going to Ruthie’s Boutique, a local non-profit thrift store whose profits benefit local charities.
Kevin Hart, First Mate 2024 will be hosting this year’s First Mate Contest. Contestant registration forms are available at https://www.matesleatherweekend.com
First Prize is $500 cash, and a $100 gift card from Full Kit Gear. Judging panel to be announced.
To purchase an event pass, see the schedule of events, sign up as a Leather Market vendor or find a room using the Room Finder feature, log on https://www.matesleatherweekend.com or call (800) 330-9413.
Mates Leather Weekend was created by a local Leather club called Provincetown Mates in 1994. They produced the event for a few years until the club disbanded. The event was resurrected in 2000 and has occurred every year since (except 2020).
https://www.MatesLeatherWeekend.com
Off Sunset Festival shines
By Hunter Long Fox
The Off Sunset Festival is LA’s dirty little secret - A festival designed with the Leather community in mind. It was not that secret because the attendance was huge. Open to all. It gave Folsom Street Fair vibes with the unique touch of LA heat Most of LA's Leather, kink and motorcycle clubs were represented as well as numerous titleholders.
Taking place outside Eagle LA, the Festival covered over a half a mile of Santa Monica Blvd. Off-Sunset is complete with live performance stages, artisan vendors, food, Leather, and more. While attendance at the Festival was strong, there was a long line to enter the Eagle LA.
Off-Sunset Festival is an incredible party, it also gives back to the community that helps it thrive. Over the last decade, Off Sunset has donated to a variety of charities, organizations and programs that improve the lives of the people that love Silver Lake.
https://www.offsunsetfestival.com
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Smokeout Las Vegas heats up Sin City
Smokeout Las Vegas had several hundred cigar men descend on the Tuscany Suites and Casino the week of April 23-28 in Las Vegas, NV. The weekend catered to cigar and pipe smokers and those who admire them.
Smokeout 2025 included an open bar at the guest hospitality suite hosted by Black Boots from Salt Lake City, the registration suite with a bootblack and DJ the barber on hand.
There was a smoking lounge and play area in the smoking building with equipment and music provided and staffed by the House of Peter and Friends. A handful of organized group dining experiences included Thursday night at Buca di
Beppo, Friday night at Bahama Breeze Island Grille and Sunday brunch at, all-you-can-eat Yama Sushi restaurant.
The Desert Brotherhood Motorcycle Club hosted a ride to the Red Rock Recreational Area on Saturday. On Friday night the Chicago Hellfire Club held its annual Scotch and Cigar Social. On Saturday night after dinner a popular Poker
Party was hosted by Sir Jaret who also hosted a Poker Party on Saturday night. Sunday afternoon when Smokeout wound down, many spent the day at Fun Hog Ranch. Fun Hog Ranch had a gear night on Saturday. There were several vendors on hand.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Mr. Michigan Leather XXX
Mr. Michigan Leather XXX Weekend will be held Friday, September 219 through Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Dunes Resort, 333 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck, MI.
Event includes great food, cocktail parties, pets and pups, closing Leather tea dance late Sunday afternoon, plus an one of the best-run regional Leather contests in the country. Mr. Michigan Leather Woody Woodruff won the International Leather title in 2012.
the District Eagle DC, located at 1357B U Street, NW Washington, DC 20009. The bar is open Wednesday through Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 4 PM..
Kinktoberfest 2025 in Albuquerque, NM
By Bear Mike
25 hours of education 18 hours of sex-positive kinky play, socials, and entertainment, will be found in Albuquerque, New Mexico at Kinktoberfest 2025, with a main weekend of November 1-2, and warm-up events October 17-24. This newly-named event evolved and expanded from prior similar events about this time last year.
Expect 60-90 minutes class sessions plus one three-hour intensive Kinktoberfest 2025 classes will be facilitated by instructors from across the country and local expertise including Leather Redux and Raea from Chicago, and Master Cat and Master Joshua from Kink Collective. We have space for 16 classes that we’re coordinating now. We expect classes to include Cigar Service and Play, Tools for Resolving Internal Community Conflict, Navigating Dominant Culture Spaces, Rope Series, Electroplay and more.
Kinktoberfest 2025 pansexual, sex-positive play parties are tailored to offer something for everyone. We’ll have separate safe space for female-identifying and male-identifying encounters. Optionally participate in BDSM areas that include dungeon equipment.
Kinktoberfest 2025 is for community by community, produced by NM-REAL (New Mexico Respect Ethics Acceptance in Leather), a 501c3, in collaboration with Purgatory Dungeon, Spectrum Parties, Domum Corium Cordis, and other local organizations.
See https://www.kinktoberfest.com for more information.
Bala de Cuero 2025 Robert Lopez
Bala de Cuero 2025 is Robert Lopez He won his chance to compete at Mr. Cuero 2025 by being appointed to his title at the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, CA on Saturday night, July 12. The emcee was Pelon.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
International Puppy Pup Star Orion
Pup Star Orion was chosen to be International Puppy 2025 at the Halsted Center in Chicago, IL on Saturday, April 5.
The IPTC contestant Class of 2025 included Pup Badru, Pup Brewer, Alpha Kirk, Pup Star Orion and Pup Stitch.
Pup Star Orion lives in Los Angeles, CA where he held the LA Pup 2020 title.
There were plenty of events all weekend including socials, classes, vendors, bootblacks, demos, an obstacle course, mosh. Among the socials, classes and demos were: Handler Social, How to Form a Pack Where You Thrive, Knowing and Becoming Your Animal, Titleholder Panel, Vac Bed Demo, Story Time, Critter Social, Breath Play and Throat Training 101, Red Paw Social, Kink on a Budget, Hands on Handling, Daddy Says You’re Grounded, Depths of Sounding, Rubber Social, Sugar Cubes and Huberd’s. The victory party was held at Jackhammer.
In 2000, Patrick Chees, aka Nipper, had a vision. His vision was to have a contest for folks who understood the puppy headspace. Having a boy-side, Nipper approached the Lone Star boys of Leather (a group that he helped found) with his vision. The LSboL was excited about the idea, and the International Puppy Contest was founded.
The first contest was held in Houston. Alpha-pup Ray of Alaska became the first International Puppy, in 2001.
https://www.iptc.dog/https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
The Cuff Complex sold again — what's next for Capitol Hill
By Alan Motley, SGN Nightlife Columnist
In a significant shake-up of Seattle's LGBTQIA+ nightlife, Capitol Hill's iconic Cuff Complex was sold on March 28. This change arrives amid growing calls within the community for fresh ideas and programming in the neighborhood's Queer venues.
Joey Burgess, owner of Queer/Bar and The Woods, who purchased The Cuff in 2020, confirmed the sale, marking the end of his ownership era. Burgess originally took over with the promise to restore the club to Queer ownership and preserve its historic legacy, emphasizing The Cuff's roots as a space dedicated to leather, kink, and masculine energy.
"It has been a privilege to own Cuff Complex, and we are proud to have kept it thriving through the pandemic and beyond. As all good things must come to an end, we are pleased to pass the reins to Scott Walent and his talented team, confident that they will usher in an exciting new era for the Cuff Complex....
Read the complete story at https://www.sgn.org/story.php?ch=news&sc=seattle&id=338771 SGN Volume 53, Issue #4
The Seattle Gay News (SGN) has been a vital independent source of news and entertainment for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest since 1974. Congratulations to them on their 50th anniversary.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
LA Bota 2025 Enrique Solana
By Colin MacDougall
It’s Pride month. And I could not possibly be more proud of my Puppy, Enrique Solana aka Pup Dume, for not only stepping across the stage for the first boot black competition in over five years, but also for winning the title of LA Bota 2025 at Precinct DTLA on Sunday, June 29.
Boot blacks are our historians. Our caretakers. Or best. Make sure you take time to give them some love when you see them out.
While our title is a title that is meant to celebrate, support and uplift the bootblack community of Los Angeles, we are not alone and we are overwhelmingly happy that others in our communities are charting their own journey and providing more pathways for people to discover their passions, pursue their education and delve (or delve deeper) into their service and joy that is bootblacking.
You have our full and unwavering support. To that end, while our title and our contest has been dormant since COVID, we wish to support those stepping up.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=la%20bota%202025
Gear San Diego moves to Hillcrest
Gear San Diego has moved to the heart of Hillcrest, 1295 University Avenue, #1B, next door to The Candy Pushers! We hope you'll drop by and check out our beautiful new store. They have new hours to , now open 11 AM - 8 PM every day.
Don't know about Gear? They're a Leather and fetish lifestyle store for men who play hard, featuring gear for the bar, street and locker room, plus toys, restraints, lube and playroom equipment.
The main and original store is located in Palm Springs, 650 East Sunny Dunes near the Tool Shed.
https://www.facebook.com/gearleatherco
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Inaugural Chicago Leather Pride Weekend
The first Chicago Leather Pride Weekend was held May 2-4. Chicago Leather Pride kicked off on Friday with a Leather Pride March and the declaration of May as Leather Pride Month in Chicago by the City. Chicago Leather Pride was filled with food, fun, games, education and entertainment, all to benefit the preservation of the history and culture of Leather, kink, fetish and BDSM.
All proceeds benefited the Leather Archives & Museum.
https://www.ChicagoLeatherPride.org
Southwest Master/slave couple Master Damascus and slave demir
By Tomo
Congratulations to 2025 Southwest Master/slave couple Master Damascus and slave demir.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
WorldPride Human Rights Conference
The WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference brought together leading organizations in the field of Human Rights to advocate, educate, and activate the voices of those most marginalized in the LGBTQ+ community. The Human Rights Conference included opportunities to hear from guest speakers and participate in workshops highlighting queer history, erasure/visibility, and issues that greatly impact our global community.
The WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference begin on Wednesday, June 4, and ran through Friday, June 6 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.
https://worldpridedc.org/events/human-rights-conference/
WeHo Pride Weekend
WeHo Pride Weekend took place Friday, May 30 through June 1 in and around West Hollywood Park.
WeHo Pride Weekend included traditional WeHoPride programming, which included a free Friday Night at OUTLOUD, a free Street Fair, the Women’s Freedom Festival, the annual Dyke March, the WeHo Pride Parade, and the OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride music festival.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout
By Ron Rasmussen
This year's Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout is set for Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, at a secure, undisclosed, private location near Oregon City, Oregon, just 25 minutes south of Portland International Airport (PDX).
Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout enjoyed a spectacular event in August 2024 with 56 men in attendance, enjoying fun, food, friendship, laughter, with indoor and outdoor dungeon play spaces, plus a full variety of workshops and seminars.
Pacific Northwest Leathermen’s Campout is a three-day/three-night weekend camping retreat with all meals included held each Summer in the Portland, Oregon area. Located on a private, secluded 15-acre forested property east of Oregon City, OR.
This is a clothing-optional event where male-identifying (regardless of gender assigned at birth) persons who are 21+ years old can explore and enjoy a range of Leather, kink, fetish, BDSM activities and workshops
Bootblack Round-Up 10th Anniversary
By John Urso
Bootblack Round-Up will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this October 24–26 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, MD.
Over the past 10 years the community has supported us in countless ways: financially, physically, and emotionally. Thanks to your generosity, Bootblack Round-Up has raised and distributed over $25,000 to both local and national LGBTQ+ causes.
This year's beneficiary is Trans Lifeline which connects transgender men and women to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive, while envisioning a world where trans men and women have the connection, economic security, and care everyone needs and deserves, free of prisons and police.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Encuerado Fetish Latin Weekend
The kinkiest Latin Leather Weekend Los Angeles has ever seen, Encuerado Fetish Latin Weekend will be held over Labor Day Weekend for four days of non-stop debauchery and community, culminating in the crowning of the first Mr. Cuero Leather 2025. attendees will have a chance to meet all 10 contestants before they compete for the title.
These play parties and events are on the docket including the Bondage and Discipline Party, Primer Impacto Party and Aguas Frescas Party, Anything Goes, and the Mr. Cuero Leather 2025 contest. Oh, and let's not forget the Erotic Art Contest judged by the legendary Latin artist Hector Silva.
Encuerado Fetish Latin Weekend is taking over these incredible venues: Rough Trade Gear LA, Lüstern, and Precinct DTLA. Get ready to experience an unforgettable event.
The Enncuerdo mission statement is, "Providing a safe and fun environment for all the kinkster and artists across Los Angeles. Helping community build their own identities as Leather persons, with emphasis on POC and marginalized communities."
https://www.encueradoweekend.com/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
National Capital Bootblack Competition in Ottawa
By Tania Sickman
The National Capital Bootblack Competition 2025 is being held at T's Pub, with a Leather Swap at Wicked Wanda’s and a Survivor Brunch at The Royal Oak on Bank and Gloucester in Ottawa, Canada November 14-16.
Don't forget to be at the Roast of current Bootblack Mike Laframboise and write one's favorite "roasts" on the tear away sheets for him to bring home. $20 gets one's boots or shoes blacked, two small items or a vest.
If a resident of Canada one can walk in the pride parade, and give workshops. Don't worry about your skill level, you have months to practice.
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested in competing or just come out and have fun.
https://spearheadtoronto.com/2025/04/21/national-capital-bootblack-competition/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Second City Bootblacks forms in Chicago
Introducing Second City Bootblacks — Chicago’s brand new Leather collective built by and for those who live, breathe, and love the art of bootblacking and Leather care. Whether you’re a seasoned bootblack, a curious newcomer, or someone who simply knows the power of a well-shined boot — you belong here.
We’re about community, education, visibility and creating space for connection that smells like polish and feels like home. Follow us, support us, and stay in the loop at
https://linktr.ee/secondcitybootblacks
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2784625715080029
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Deaths from Sexual Choking: A review of U.S. News Reports (2000-2025)
By Susan Wright, MA, NCSF Spokesperson
The popularity of sexual choking has grown rapidly in the past several years among adults under the age of 40. In 2021, a campus-representative survey of over 4,200 University students found that most of the choking participants (88.9%) understand that people can die from being choked during sex, yet 37.5% said choking was safe and half (49.6%) reported that they knew how to engage in choking safely (Herbenick, 2024).
Pop culture articles promote this mistaken belief that there is a “safe way” to choke: of 71 articles published between 2007 and 2024 about sexual choking, 17 offered “how-to” advice on how to choke someone “safely.” Nearly one third (n=23) did not state that death is a potential risk from all forms of being choked, with 9 simply mentioning that choking is “risky,” could cause “brain damage,” or it’s impossible to choke someone “safely."
Recent research has confirmed that cutting off the blood from the brain can potentially cause physical harm, such as brain damage or cardiac arrest (Dunn et al., 2023). Being choked can also cause harm to people’s mental health, including causing them to feel depressed, sad, lonely, and may cause anxiety (Herbenick et al., 2022). Repeated choking seems to compound these harms, increasing the risk of impairing your working memory for verbal and visual tasks (Hou et al., 2023a, 2023b; Huibregtse et al., 2022, 2025_...
https://ncsfreedom.org/2025/07/01/deaths-from-sexual-choking-a-review-of-u-s-news-reports-2000-2025/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Jewel Thais-Williams
By Mistress Cyan
It saddens Me to hear about the passing of Jewel Thais-Williams today. She was an icon here in Los Angeles paving the road for many of us many years ago when she opened up The Catch One. I first met her back in the early 80's when I was in the music business and was thrilled to see her as The Grand Marshall of the LA Pride Parade in 2018. We will miss her but her legacy will live forever. RIP My dear.
The Mr. LA Leather XXX Contest was held at Catch One as were several other events.
TLJ #340
Pride at the Park Color Guard includes Leather transgender man at San Diego Padres game
The US Navy sailor Paula Batista was part of the flag-bearing color guard at the Pride At The Park night at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, Petco Park on Friday night, April 11.
Batista lives in San Diego and has been in the Navy for many years. He holds the SoCal Mr. Drummer 2015 and Mr. San Diego Eagle 2014 titles.
"One of my goals and dreams was to do a color guard at the Padres as an Active Duty Sailor!
I will never stop making my dreams come true, and neither should you!"
https://www.facebook.com/paulo.batista.3114
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
DomCon LA experiences growth
DomCon Los Angeles, now in its 22nd year, returned with a bang June 4-8 at the Hilton LAX and Sanctuary Studios LAX. While many events are reducing in size, Dom Con LA saw an increase in registration, more rooms blocked and added vendor space. There was a diverse range of workshops, seminars, and panels led by industry experts.
The Fetish Marketplace had more than 70 vendor booths from around the world showcasing the latest and greatest in BDSM gear, fetish fashion, and unique accessories. A couple of rooms adjacent the main room were added.
DomCon LA hosted legendary parties featuring top DJs, mesmerizing performances, and an atmosphere that pulsates with excitement. Dress to impress and revel in the freedom to express one's desires. To find out more about Dom Com New Orleans check out
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Tom of Finland named three new board members
The Tom of Finland Foundation announced the appointment of three new board members: Brooke Wise, Nolan Feng, and Terence McFarland. These additions bring a wide range of expertise in curation, cultural advocacy, strategic leadership, and creative entrepreneurship to the Foundation’s mission of extending Tom of Finland’s legacy to foster new generations of LGBTQ+ artists.
In addition to these new appointments within the past year, directors David Aldea (Executive Committee and Treasurer) and Robert Knox Hayes both joined the board further strengthening ToFF’s leadership team.
Tom of Finland’s work has always been appreciated by a grass-roots audience as his work was first seen in commercial settings such as magazine illustration, posters and advertising. From the perspective of art historians, Tom’s work had an effect on global culture unmatched by that of virtually any other artist. Tom’s work had a defining impact on the way Gay men throughout the world were perceived and more importantly, how they perceived themselves. Tom’s work has, therefore, had a ripple effect throughout Gay and Straight culture, influencing lifestyle, political tolerance, design, fashion and art.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Leather Reign IXX Conference returns to Seattle
Evergreen Leather Events announced that the much anticipated 19th Annual Leather Reign conference will be held November 7-9.
Registration opened May 15th at https://www.LeatherReign.org
Leather Reign has enhanced its workshops with a selection of presenters delving deeper into three core areas: Understanding our motivations - We will discuss the reasons behind our practices, focusing not just on techniques but on the meaningful “why” of the community; Dynamics of Dominance and submission/Mastery and slavery/service - These topics explore relationship structures, the calling to BDSM roles, and the formalities of service; and Advanced how-to sessions (201 level and above) - Attendees can engage in discussions about edge play, advanced techniques, and other creative methods of BDSM.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
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BLUFSF 15th Annual In Gear Dinner
SF LDG is honored to be the beneficiary of BLUF San Francisco's 15th Annual In Gear Dinner. Join them at the Cadillac Bar & Grill, 44 9th Street, on Thursday, July 24 at 6 PM to kick off the weekend of Up Your Alley (aka Dore Alley). The venue is located within walking distance to the SF Eagle.
Full BLUF is encouraged but not required; wear whatever gear you love. Tickets are $75 after July 5 and must be purchased in advance. Dinner will be followed by a special BLUFSF Hard at the SF Eagle.
BLUF is one of the world’s biggest communities for men into Leather uniforms, with members in dozens of countries and around 100 events every year. Founded in 1997, BLUF is a free community comprised of over 5,000 men interested in Leather uniforms and breeches.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Collin "Dragenfly, Stony Pup" Roulston
Sunrise 2-17-1987 Sunset 5-1-2025
Collin "Dragenfly, Stony Pup" Roulston, a beloved friend, brother, son, community member, and H&B clubling passed away peacefully at home on May 1st, 2025. He was known for his kindness, his passion for life, plants and animals, and his infectious laugh and smile. Collin is survived by his parents Paula McCaleb and Charlie Roulston, sister Megan and her husband Mark Reynolds, bestie Turk, and countless friends and chosen family. A celebration/send off was held on May 2, 2025, at the Clifton Pleasure Club in Baltimore. In lieu of flowers, donations to Garden/Yard fund @ CPC or to H&B Ministries. #F*ckCancer
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
NCSF reports on cease and desist case
A private members-only social club called the Wicked Fun Club, continues to battle a cease and desist notice from the town of Plymouth, CT, over its right to stay open. The club is appealing an order to shut down immediately.
“We are proud to announce that the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom has joined us in support. We’ve received encouragement from taxpayers, attorneys, and civil rights advocates nationwide. This is about more than zoning—it’s about First Amendment rights and standing against selective enforcement,” the owner said in a statement.
The Wicked Fun Club is a private, heavily-vetted membership club that doesn’t serve liquor or food, and employs no entertainers. It exists for a lawful, social purpose for like-minded individuals to socialize, explore, and learn in a respectful and dignified environment. There have been no uses of City resources, crime, or effect on property values or the neighborhood. This club is only open two (2) days each week, and only after regular business hours to avoid disturbing anyone.
For more go to https://www.ncsfreedom.org
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There's a new Eagle in town - District Eagle opens in DC
By John Riley for Metro Weekly
District Eagle bar, in Washington, DC, is a brand new establishment focused on creating a safe haven for our kink and alternative lifestyle communities,” Zach Renovátes says. “That said, it shares in the tradition of ‘Eagles’ throughout the world.” According to Wikipedia, roughly 30 “Eagle” bars are currently operating in countries including the United States, Canada, the U.K., the Netherlands, Austria, Japan, and New Zealand.
At heart, says Renovátes, District Eagle is “first and foremost a cruising bar — D.C.’s only cruising bar — designed for and by our LGBTQ community. This is not an establishment for the faint of heart. We want people to understand what they’re walking into — and getting into — when they enter our space. We will not be policing customer sexuality. We want customers to be free to express themselves."
The bar opened to the public on Wednesday, January 22, launching a five-day grand opening celebration. The District Eagle, 1357-B U St. NW, Washington, DC. The bar is open Wednesday through Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 4 PM..
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
CMEN to hold two California Gatherings this Summer
By Rick Boehle
Hang Out Naked at two all nude, all male gatherings in the California mountains this summer.
CMEN's Northern California Gathering will take place July 20-27 in the scenic Sierra Foothills East of Auburn. This Gathering is limited to 125 men.
CMEN's Southern California West Coast Gathering, CMEN's largest gathering, will take place August 17-25 in the picturesque San Bernardino Mountains East of Big Bear. An estimated 350 men from throughout North America, the Pacific Islands and Europe are expected to attend.
Participants at both gatherings will enjoy a wide variety of activities and workshops including Leather and kink, mountain hiking, pool activities, volleyball, pup mosh, themed socials, evening shows, contests, dances, camaraderie and a friendly "no attitude" atmosphere. The West Coast Gathering will also feature a dungeon, the Miss CMEN Queen contest, and the Mr. CMEN Leather Contest.
All meals and a choice of cabins, upgraded rooms or camping space are included. Advance reservations are required, session options are available.
California Men Enjoying Naturism (CMEN) is an international social organization for gay and bisexual men (age 21 and over) who enjoy naturism. CMEN also hosts gatherings in Tennessee CMEN also hosts gatherings in Northern California and Tennessee.
For more information visit https://www.cmen.org
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Denver Bondage Club is a monthly BDSM play party
The Denver Bondage Club is a monthly BDSM play party for men. We meet on the first Saturday of each month from 2:30–5:00pm.
We welcome all experience levels to join us for a friendly and unassuming play party, focused on bondage, pain, Dom/sub play, and other kink/fetish-related connections. Our meetings last about 2.5 hours and begin with a brief orientation and mixer, and then open play is permitted in our local dungeon space. The space is equipped with a cross, tables for bondage, a suspension frame, a spanking bench, and a few other pieces of furniture. We also provide loaner gear like rope, chain, and belts, if you do not have any with you.
The membership fee is ten dollars, and you will need to sign a liability waiver.
https://rockymountainleather.org/denver-bondage-club/
To introduce yourself and receive emails telling you when and where we meet, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tip Jar
If you like us please make a monthly pledge!
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Make a single contribution.
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History of New Mexico Leather and Alternative Communities
By Bear Mike, Domum Corium Cordis
Stop by online to visit History of New Mexico Leather & Alternative Communities, an ongoing project to explore and understand our common experience in a small slice through one state in the southwest United States. Social focus is upon rebellion and freedom from repressive normative culture including motorcycle clubs, BDSM, Master/slave, swingers, bears, burlesque, kink, and naturism. Temporal focus is after World War II. Yet this history intersects with the nation and world from places such as nearby states, visiting community judges and speakers, Drummer Magazine, Drummer events, IMsLBB, and IML. It seeks to illuminate and record the large events and those important influences that quickly blip in and out of existence.
This project is currently organized to explore Venues, Artisans, Group, and Events. Information is gathered from sources such as interviews with those who participated in creating this history – many that are octogenarians, the Internet Archive, The Leather Journal, group newsletters, Fetlife, and hours spent exploring holdings in the stacks of Leather Archives & Museum.
Produced by co-head, Domum Corium Cordis (House of Leather Heart), Bear Mike (Michael J. Skroch), this project is hosted on the website of New Mexico Respect Ethics Acceptance in Leather (NM-REAL, Inc.) and supported by Onyx High Desert. While much is to be added, there is much to explore at https://www.nm-real.org/leather-history-1. Have something to contribute? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Southern California Leather Gathering
Pug's Southern California Leather Gathering at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, CA drew its usual pansexual crowd in mid-June. It was a bright sunny day in one of LA County's huge parks. The barbecue saw plenty of action . Local clubs and titleholders were represented.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2450107411804176/
High Elevation Colorado Kink
A new event is set for September 12-14 in Colorado Springs, CO titled High Elevation Colorado Kink. This is a pansexual kink weekend featuring the Rocky Mountain Person of Leather contest, vendors, classes and demos, play parties, cigar socials and bootblacks. For more information check out https://www.heckink.com
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David Rhodes has been a cornerstone of the leather community for nearly four decades. In 1987, he founded The Leather Journal a groundbreaking publication created out of a simple yet powerful need, to connect us. Through news, contest coverage, club announcements, and community stories, The Leather Journal became the beating heart of Leather culture across the US, Europe, and Japan. Currently still in circulation, it remains the longest running gay publication under its original owner.
David has judged over 450 Leather contests, including International Mr. Leather (IML) four times, and was rightfully inducted into the Leather Hall of Fame. His vision and tireless work preserved our history, elevated our events, and helped countless people find their place in this community.
Today, due to health complications, David is living in assisted care. And now, it’s our turn to give back. We're raising funds to help support David’s ongoing care, to ease the burden on him and ensure he receives the comfort, dignity, and love he so deeply deserves.
If The Leather Journal ever helped you feel seen, if David’s work ever inspired you, informed you, or brought you into the fold, please consider donating. Let’s show David that the community he helped build hasn’t forgotten him.
Please share this with those you know
Fundraiser organized by Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2025 Matias Gomez Constenla, and the Eagle LA
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A Blast from The Past
Phoenix Uniform Club Leather Uniform Ball
For decades the Phoenix Uniform Club hosted their Leather Uniform Ball in War Memorial Building Van Ness Street from San Francisco on the Friday night of The City's Pride Parade, drawing as many as 350 guests for a lavish buffet and free-flowing alcohol as City Swing played popular Big Band era hits with the Theatre World Award winning Sharon McNight sang. A ticket to the Leather Uniform Ball was one to be had. The photo above is from the Leather Uniform Ball in 2004.
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Writer Guidelines
Report your club's news, new titles, major events
What to send.
1. Short article of about 75-150 words.
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 sites are preferential, Facebook still works.
4. Five "W's" - Who, what, when, why and where. All are important.
5. Please be concise. In news writing, verbosity is not a virtue; it is an editor's nightmare.
6. Please write in third person.
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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
