This achievement is a testament to the generosity, dedication, and spirit of our members, volunteers, and the broader community who come together each year in support of a greater purpose. These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to uplifting and sustaining the organizations that tirelessly serve and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

We are especially grateful to be able to support a group of remarkable organizations whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in countless lives. This year’s recipients are as follows:

Team DC Scholarship
Life Center VA
Bear History Project
MedStar Quality of Life
HIPS
Leather Archives
Rainbow Railroad
Rainbow History Project
Fallen Heroes Fund
Wavers Ahead PR
Side by Side
We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of these organizations for the vital work they do every day. It is through partnership, compassion, and shared purpose that we continue to strengthen and uplift our community.

With gratitude and pride,
Gary Samuels
President, Centaur Motorcycle Club

 

CLAW 26 in Columbus
By Master Noel Leboeuf

CLAW 26 moved to Columbus from Cleveland at the Hyatt Regency Columbus Hotel with a full property buyout over Easter/Passover weekend, April 2-5. More than 1,500 attendees joined us from 53 states and provinces across three countries.

The Leather Hall Of Fame announced that the selection committee has chosen the following nominees for induction in 2026: Catherine Robbe-Grillet, Master Taino and Race Bannon.

The Jim Neuman Humanitarian of the Year award was given to Sir Merrill Squiers. Merrill has been a key volunteer leader for CLAW since 2009. He has served two terms of six years on the CLAW board of directors and he has been the CLAW website and systems guru since 2014.

All 52 pieces of art in the Rex Estate went up for auction on line in March.

On Thursday there was a Hotel Takeover Party where CLAW had the entire hotel from 4 PM, Thursday until Monday morning.

The following are main features of CLAW 26: 2,000-plus Leathermen, two BDSM Dungeons, 118 Booth Vendor Mart, 100+ Skills and Ed Classes and Workshops, dozens of Kink Socials and Mixers, International Leather Family Dinner, World Famous Cigar Deck, Fetish Speed Dating, Pet/Pup Moshes, Silent Auctions, Kinky Art Show, Leather Game Shows, Drag Brunch and Bingo, Bound and Beautiful, and Kinky Kabaret.

Bootblack services were available at about all hours and at several locations in the Hyatt, A sacred CLAW tradition – Cigar Deck – hot cigar men and their devotees in the parking lot tent throughout CLAW.

Beyond the classes and socials, attendees embraced a full weekend of experiences, from the Rex Art Sale and the Kinky Art Show to an auction that delivered record sales. Bound and Beautiful: Gameday, Tie Breaker also made a powerful impression, with over 30 models participating.

CLAW 26 featured more than 100 educational sessions for kinky men, including Bondage, SM, Fetish, Power, Assplay, Gear, Health and Community. Some of these were: Leather and Other Tales: Writing Erotic fiction by
Max Potter; Gear History: Leather and Pups by Daddy Steel; History and Legacy of Gay Leather Culture in US by Dr. X-Ray and Jake Woods; Scent Pig Round Table by Sir Arcane; Dungeon Parties on a Budget by Josh Simon; Shibari Rope Bondage Basics by Lost Boys Daddy; Lights Camera ACTION! Stepping Into Adult Content by Sir Kirk and Noah Gold; So you want to be a Bootblack? by Skyfire; Rope Bondage: Beyond the Basics by Kambani; Rope Suspension Taster by Jeremy Rigger and Pup Hudson; Latin American History of Leather Clubs by Sergeant Alex; Long Distance Power Exchange by Sir Squishy; Dual Dominance edge to edge by Cowboy; Cigar Play 101; Weasel and Orca; High Protocol English Tea by Alixzander; and Navigating Anxiety in Sex and Kink by Dustin George and more.

The Hercules dungeon for non-penetrative play and the Dionysus Dungeon for all genders were open most of the time. They were busy.

A Kinky Gameshow- Leather Jeopardy was a rousing round of the classic game show Jeopardy with a Leather twist, hosted by the fabulous Boy Paul late Saturday afternoon.

Special meals included the 1950 Dinner on Thursday night, formal dress code enforced BLUF Dinner on Friday night, the main feast, the International Leather Family Dinner was on Saturday night, Drag Brunch
Experience, an exciting fusion of top-tier drag performances and delicious food, leading right into CLAW's renowned Kinky Bingo, and Kinky CockTails Kabaret Pre-show including four stations of various hot and cold Whor d'oeuvres.

There were Recovery Meetings throughout the weekend. CLAW supports recovery from substance and behavioral addictions.

CLAW 26 closed on Sunday night with Kinky Kabaret, a music and comedy review with local talent hosted by Pup Tart.

CLAW expects to announce dates for 2027 through 2029 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus within the next month or so, once contract negotiations are complete.

Founded in 2002, CLAW is one of the largest Leather and kink non-profit organizations in the world.

https://clawinfo.org/

Smokeout Las Vegas April 1-6

Smokeout Las Vegas had several hundred cigar men descend on the Tuscany Suites and Casino the week of April 1-6 in Las Vegas, NV. The weekend catered specifically to hundreds of cigar and pipe smokers and those who admire them.

There was plenty of things to do, including open bar at the guest hospitality suite hosted by Black Boots from Salt Lake City, the registration suite with Bootblack by Bootdog and Max's Barbershop on hand and various types of parties to which everyone who registers for Smokeout are invited, or they could just relax and lounge around the pool/spa areas basking in the sun of Las Vegas. There will be a smoking lounge and play area in the smoking building with equipment and music provided and staffed by the House of Peter and Friends. There will be several vendors on hand.

Added to the to-do list was the chance to visit the newly-reopened Las Vegas Eagle at 3430 Tropicana Avenue.

A handful of organized group dining experiences include Thursday night at Buca di Beppo, Friday night at Hofbrau Haus Bavarian/German Restaurant, all you can eat sushi lunch at Yama Sushi on Saturday, and Sunday brunch not listed, but there was an Easter Egg Hunt early in the afternoon.

Being Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capitol of The World, there is plenty of first-rate entertainment to see, world-class dining to feast upon and gaming. Smokeout registrants have access to a special concierge who knows how to get discounts at the right shows and events.

The Desert Brotherhood Motorcycle Club will host their ride to Lee Canyon and Mount Charleston on Saturday early morning and return late afternoon. The ride, lunch and entry fee, has been provided ‘complimentary’ to those attending Smokeout.

On Friday night the Chicago Hellfire Club will host its annual Scotch and Cigar Social. On Saturday night after dinner will be a Poker Party hosted by Sir Jaret — small venue and popular event — reserve a spot early.

Sunday afternoon when the week winds down spend the day at Fun Hog Ranch. Fun Hog Ranch has a gear night on Saturday.

https://lasvegassmokeout.com/

 

Folsom Street East

Folsom Street East will be held on Sunday, June 21 in Manhattan at 11 AM on 27th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues. The theme is Fetish Frontiers.

FSE originated as an event organized by the Gay Male S&M Activists (GMSMA) who called it The Leather County Fair. It invited members of the wider SM community, including heterosexual people and lesbians into the NYC men's Leather club, Mineshaft, for the first time. The next year, in 1997, the GMSMA changed the event’s name to Folsom Street East—in reference to the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.

FSE has been held in historically LGBTQ neighborhoods around New York City including The Meatpacking District, The West Village, and Chelsea. This year's beneficiaries are the Ali Forney Center, Club A kitchen, Juntos and Cabrini Immigrant Services.

https://www.folsomstreeteast.com/about

 

Leather Hall Of Fame names three inductees
By Noel LeBoeuf

The Leather Hall Of Fame announced that after reviewing the nominations received from the community, the selection committee has chosen the following nominees for induction in 2026: Catherine Robbe-Grillet, Master Taino and Race Bannon.

Catherine Robbe-Grillet is a French writer and actress who, in the course of an SM career spanning over
70 years, has left her imprint on SM subcultures in numerous capacities. As Jean de Berg, a male pseudonym, in 1956, at 25, she published L’Image. A fictional, but realistic, account of the SM initiation of the male narrator by the woman he loves and her female slave, the novel was deemed immoral by the French authorities and its diffusion strictly restricted.

Race Bannon has, contributed to kinky subcultures in so many capacities and in so many instances that it is difficult to grasp the breadth of his impact. A San Francisco based community organizer, activist, educator, publisher, prolific writer in his own right, his claims to fame include, but are not limited to: cofounding (with Guy Baldwin) Kink-Aware Professionals, the world’s largest referral service of kinkaware psychotherapeutic and medical professionals dedicated to providing the community with a listing of kink-aware psychotherapeutic, medical or legal professionals; co-leading first, then leading the DSM project, in 1992, founding Daedalus Publishing, the first company dedicated to BDSM books.

Master Taino has been a giant force and institution-builder in the US-American Master-Slave community. His Leather journey started in Washington, DC where he arrived from his native Puerto Rico in 1983, when he joined the Defenders LLC, a fellowship for Christian Leathermen and Leatherwomen for which he served as president from 2001 to 2004. In 1999, he created the DC Chapter of Masters And slaves Together (MAsT) and served as its director for 23 years, until his retirement in 2022. In 2001, he started the Master Taino Training Weekend, later renamed Master Taino Training Academy.

This 18th annual selection of Leather Hall of Fame inductees is only the second to feature three living
inductees. The Leather Hall Of Fame's priority is, to the extent it is possible, to celebrate each of them in their presence in a ceremony open to all who wish to attend — even if that means adapting the format we have generally followed for the inductions.

Stay tuned: details about these inductions will be shared as they are finalized. Find out more at https://www.leatherhalloffame.com

 

Golden Dildeaux Awards – Winners
By Bob Goldfarb, Photos by Dot and Jovon Bright

The rivalries were heated, and nominees battled it out to the last minutes of voting! We had an unprecedented number of last-minute upsets, and for the first time, a bio dog won the Best Pet category. The Golden Dildeaux Awards were presented on April 11 on the Eagle SF patio. The award recipients each received a Woody (statuette) and a winner's pin.

The Awards are a fundraiser for the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District and our work to keep SOMA lively, vibrant and kinky for our community of events, bars, businesses, artisans, artists and performers. This year, we raised a record $20,890

Category - Award - Winner
1 The Dom of Them All - The Big Sur Award - Sir Thomas Bonfigli
2 Best in Rubber - The Latex Legend Award - Cody Mischief
3 Best Looking Ass in the Bay Area - The Rear Admiralty Award - Marc (Pony) Owens
4 Favorite Non-Binary - The Poetry in Fluid Motion Award - Bear Mueller
5 Best Pet Handler - Leader of the Pack Award - Mama Kat Rose
6 Fiercest Femme - The Bold and Badass Award - Bratty Kat
7 Best Fetish Fashionista - Kink Couture Award - Jaecub
8 Your Favorite Silver Fox - The Hot Daddy Award - Sir Jim Stokes
9 Best Impact Player-Bottom - The Pound Cake Award - Ricardo Carrillo
10 The hottest Cigar Smoker - The Smoke Screen Award - Marc (Pony) Owens
11 Golden Shower Lover - The Rainmaker Award - David Hyman
12 Most Versatile Player - The Orange Hankie Award - Daddy Gauge
13 Best Cuddle Bear - The Snuggle is Real Award - Dave Hayes Mocci
14 Best Bootblack - The Leather Whisperer Award - Xander Boy Bootblack
15 Biggest Pig - The Hole Hog Award - Ms Prissy Earl
16 Horse Hung Stud - The Dick of Death Award - Jeff Johnson
17 Best Pet - The Best in Show Award - Django - everybody's fav Senior-huahua
18 Butchest Woman - The Serious Swagger Award - Val Langmuir
19 Novice Player of the Year - The Rookie Award - Jimmy Weir
20 Favorite Bare Chest Calendar Guy - The Shirt Optional Award - Jawn Marques
21 Best Fister/ Fistee - The Golden Gape Award - LoganHawke FF
22 Best Instigator - The Firestarter Award - Daniel Barnes
23 Favorite Entertainer The Abracadabra Award Coach Rory
24 Best Sex in the Bay Area - The Big Bang Award - Wylde Honey
25 Hottest Policle - The We Need a Bigger Bed Award - Vince, Kevin, Cubby, Junior, Dad Scott, DadJay, Scott, DB
26 The sub of Them All - The Calloused Knees Award - Eric See
27 Best Dildeaux Slinger - The Smooth Toperator Award - Strobe
28 Wolf of Folsom Street - The Holeigarch Award - Sir Thomas Bonfigli

The Nominations Reveal Party was at the SF Eagle on Saturday, February 28. Voting opened February 28 and ran until April 8.

https://sfleatherdistrict.org/2026-golden-dildeaux-awards-winners/

 

Dallas SWAT raids Spayse Studios
By Tammye Nash for Dallas Voice

According to reports from numerous sources, Dallas police officers, including officers from a S.W.A.T. unit, have raided Israel Luna’s Spayse Studios, located at 2526 Manana Drive, Ste. 101 in Dallas on Friday night, April 17.

Some sources are saying it was an “SOB” — or “sexually-oriented business” — raid, but there has been no confirmation of that. Other sources tell us that Spayse Studios has a certificate of occupancy that covers SOB activities, and that the event was taking place during hours when such activities are allowed.

Leo Cusimano Dallas Voice
Video taken of the building and the parking lot provided to Dallas Voice do confirm that the raid happened.

We have also located records showing that Luna and Marc Tuton, aka Kris Koh, have been booked into the Dallas County Jail. Jail records show that Tuton was booked in at 8:20 PM tonight (Friday, April 17), and Luna was booked in at 9:15 PM. Jail records include no information on what, if any, charges have been filed against the two men, and no bond amounts are listed.

A source who was at the venue when the raid happens said that police initially detained more than 50 people but released them after about an hour.

Dallas Voice has contacted the public information office of the Dallas Police Department but, as yet, we’ve received no response. We will update this post when DPD responds. We have also reached out to Luna himself, but — given the circumstances and his apparent incarceration — we don’t expect an answer any time soon.

The Leather Journal was told there was a popular event, Cummunion, going on at Luna’s Spayse Studios on the night of the raid.

More at https://dallasvoice.com/raid-at-spayse-studios/

 

Congrats to Brian Hettler Mr. LA Leather 2026
By Robert Green

The Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2026 Contest attracted 100-plus Leatherfolk and kinksters to the Highways Event Space in Santa Monica, CA on Sunday night, March 29 when Brian Hettler was the winner and he will compete at International Leather. Four men vied. Handler Mozr was runner-up. Kettler entered as Mr. LA Bear and Handler Mozr as Mr CSW.

The judges were Master JT, Mr. LA Leather 2025 Nick Arroyo, Bob Johnson. Empress Maliyah Heaven, Jeff Wacha and Daniel Vanderbark. Lucinda Rear was  the emcee.

LA Leather Pride Week 2026 included a Motorcycle ride-in grand entrance by the contestants at the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood by members of Satyrs MC, a meet and greet on Thursday night.

The March 25 educational program by Avatar Club Los Angeles at MCC in The Valley featured Leather Forever author Pete Fitz. It was not an official LA Leather event.

The formal Leather event of LA's Leather year, Assembly, was presented by the Regiment of the Black and Tans, BLUF and California B&B Corps at Rough Trade Gear on Friday night.

FB Album: The Results by Motorboot Photography are at  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1697340722392551&type=3

 

Mr. Chicago Leather 2026 Joey Metler
By David Boyer

Winter’s cold and snow failed to deter the turnout of Leatherfolk at Touche on Saturday, January 31 where Joey Metler was named Mr. Chicago Leather 2026.
Serving as emcee was International Mr. Leather 1994 Jeff Tucker who put the four contestants Brent, Achsel, Bad Wolf Eleven and Joey through their paces. The final line up was third runner-up Bad Wolf Eleven, second runner-up Brent and first runner-up Aschel.

The judges were Jorge Rojas, Andreas Jungemann, Derrick “VouDou Onyx” Walker , IML2025 Judge Dr Carlton and Vivian Sierra.

The MCL2026 Contest Weekend included a Welcome Bash on Friday where the contestants raised over $500 for the MCL travel fund and concluded with the MCL Leather Brunch at Hamburger Mary's. Jeff Tucker solicited donations for the Groceryland Pantry which netted over $1,000.
MCL2026 Joey was joined by several of his MCL brothers at the Victory Celebration. Joey will represent Chicago and Touche at IML contest in May.

 

Mr. San Francisco Leather Johnny Rodriguez
By Ray Tilton

A packed house at SOMArts on Saturday, March 21 gathered to see the 41st Mr. San Francisco Leather sashed with Team Friendly SF Ambassador Johnny Rodriguez winning the title and RJ De' Majeste being runner-up. Mr. SF Eagle Leather pet pup Denali received the brotherhood award and Mr. SF Eagle Leather Gray Gibson rounded out the class.

The judges were Midori, Donna Sachet, Alberto Rodriguez, Maddam Folly-Ms. SF Leather, Beth Bartlett Downey and Doc Elite. The emcees were Don Mike and Queen Cougar.

The weekend saw a traditional meet and greet at Mr. S on Friday, immediately followed by an International Titleholder Reunion at the SF Eagle. Sunday ended with a victory beer bust at the SF Eagle where LYRIC received over $4,000 in proceeds from the silent auction and beer bust.

Over the years, Mr. San Francisco Leather has gone on to win six International Mr. Leather titles including David Kloss who was the first IML, winning in 1979.

https://mr-sf-leather.com/2025-contest-details/

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Pride flies again
Settlement Confirms Pride Flag Falls Within Federal Policy; NPS Must Rehang Flag Within Seven Days
By Tyleis Davidson for Lambda Legal

WASHINGTON, DC (April 13, 2026) — Lambda Legal and Washington Litigation Group announced today that their clients—Gilbert Baker Foundation, Village Preservation, and Equality New York—secured a court-enforceable settlement that requires the National Park Service (“NPS”) to restore the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City.

In February, the federal government removed the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument, the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and history. The government claimed that the removal was necessary to comply with official policy. Just eight days later, Lambda Legal and WLG sued, arguing that the government’s actions illegally targeted the LGBTQ+ community because the government’s policy contains an exemption for flags that provide historical context—just like the Pride flag does at Stonewall.

In the settlement, the government agrees to rehang the Pride flag on the monument’s official flagpole within seven days and maintain it permanently. Critically, the agreement confirms that the Pride flag falls within the law and NPS policy, vindicating the central argument plaintiffs made in the suit. The parties also agreed that the court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the stipulation.

Lambda Legal is a national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and policy work.

https://lambdalegal.org/

 

Mr. CMEN Leather Contest to be held at CMEN So Cal West Coast Gathering

By Rick Boehle

The Mr. CMEN Leather Contest to be held on Thursday, August 20, at CMEN's Southern California West Coast Gathering. The Miss CMEN Queen contest will take place the following evening. The SoCal Gathering will take place August 13-24 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.

CMEN's Northern California Gathering will take place July 19-26 in the scenic Sierra Foothills East of Auburn. This smaller Gathering is limited to 130 men.

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.

All meals and a choice of cabins, upgraded rooms or camping space are included. Advance reservations are required, session options are available. CMEN is an international social organization for gay and bisexual men (age 21 and over) who enjoy naturism. CMEN also hosts gatherings in Tennessee.

For more information visit https://www.cmen.org

 

Inaugural Mr. BarCodes Leather Sir Ryan Trapp

January 30–February 1, in Orlando, FL saw Central Florida’s inaugural Leather bar title, Mr. BarCodes Leather 2026 claimed by Sir Ryan Trapp at BarCodes Orlando. Andrew Boots was first runner-up, while Daddy Don was second runner-up. Mr. BarCodes Leather had 12 competitors.

Among the visiting titleholders and spectators from across the United States was International Mr. Leather 2018 James Lee.

The judges were Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2024 Steven Crespo, Mr. GayDays Leather 2023 Tony Vega, CLAW executive board member Roger Edwards, owner of GoBearr Leather & Fetish Gear Rafael Lamas, leader of The Hound Pound in Central Florida MooPup Bleu, and co-owner of BarCodes Orlando Donnie McCammon.

Sir Ryan Trapp will compete at International Mr. Leather in Chicago, taking place May 23–27, 2026. Andrew Boots earned Second Place and the title of First Runner-Up, while Daddy Don secured Third Place as Second Runner-Up—each leaving a strong and lasting impression on this historic inaugural event.

Sir Ryan Trapp shared his excitement about the achievement, saying, “BarCodes Orlando has long been my home bar. I’ve been part of the Leather community for years and have had the opportunity to attend Leather events throughout the United States and Europe. When the Mr. BarCodes Leather 2026 competition was announced, I knew I wanted to enter."

https://www.facebook.com/barcodesorlando

 

Dykes on Bikes—What's in a name
By Bil Browning, supplied by Joan Norry

The US government spent 30 years trying to prove that a group of lesbian bikers was "too scandalous" to legally exist.

In 1976, a small group of women on motorcycles rolled to the front of the San Francisco Pride Parade, and a journalist jokingly dubbed them the "Dykes on Bikes." The name was instant lightning; it was loud, it was tough, and the community loved it.

But when the group tried to officially trademark their name to protect their brand, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office slammed the door in their face. The government didn't just deny them; they ruled that the name was "vulgar," "disreputable," and "offensive to the public."

The women refused to back down. They realized that by winning the legal rights to the name, they could effectively hijack the slur and strip it of its power to hurt.
It turned into a multi-decade legal heist involving depositions, linguistic experts, and thousands of pages of evidence. The government argued that the word was a "hateful" term, while the women showed up to court to prove that they had already taken the word back and turned it into a badge of honor.

The battle became so intense that the group had to conduct massive nationwide surveys to "prove" to government officials that the public wasn't actually offended by them. They gathered thousands of letters from supporters around the world, creating a paper trail of pride that the Trademark Office couldn't ignore.
In 2005, after nearly 30 years of being told their identity was "too dirty" for a government stamp, they finally won. They didn't just get a trademark; they forced the federal government to admit that a community has the right to define itself.

Today, when you hear those engines roaring at the start of a Pride parade, you aren't just hearing a tradition; you’re hearing a 30-year victory lap. They proved that you don't have to wait for the world to stop using a slur against you. You can take the word, put a legal seal on it, and ride it right through the front doors of the government.

 

Women of Drummer September 17-20

Women of Drummer Weekend, September 17-20 at Ramblewood Campground in Maryland, will be more than just an event—it’s a movement. A gathering of bold, passionate, and unapologetic Leatherwomen, non-binary folx, and our friends who live and breathe the rhythm of Leather, kink, and camaraderie. Whether you’re here to compete, play, learn, or simply find your people, this is your space.

From our legendary Contest Weekend to the energy-filled Regional Gatherings, Women of Drummer is where we celebrate our history, honor our present, and shape our future—together.

Clothing-Optional, Sex and Play Positive anywhere on the grounds at any time (outside of food areas). We respect your play and know that you will play within your skill level and be courteous to other folx in the immediate area. A reminder- no gun play nor race play permitted. We have three dungeons set up- a queer space, a women's space and a men's space.

Are you ready to feel the beat? Step in, explore, and discover what it means to be a Woman of Drummer.

https://www.womenofdrummer.com/

 

Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout in August

The Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout is scheduled for the first weekend of August. Specifically, Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, at PNL's secure, undisclosed location near Oregon City, OR.

Located on a private, secluded 15-acre forested property east of Oregon City, OR, the site is roughly 25 minutes south of Portland International Airport, an hour north of Salem and 45 minutes Southeast of Hillsboro. We strive to promote education and community-building among all male-identifying persons in the Pacific Northwest area.

This is a clothing-optional event where male-identifying persons who are 21+ years old can explore and enjoy a range of Leather, kink, fetish, BDSM activities and workshops in a welcoming, safe, sane, consensual, and sex-positive environment.

On opening Thursday evening there will be an icebreaker/welcome briefing. Friday and Saturday includes free workshops and presentations, group activities and an attendee Gear Grab Friday evening. PNWLC will be providing all meals which includes: Friday, Saturday and Sunday continental style breakfast with coffee option; Thursday, Friday and Saturday dinners; Friday and Saturday lunches; and a snack bar during the event. Potable water is available on site..

Registration is now open. Please visit https://www.pnwlc.org

 

 Mr. Fetish SoCal David Sanford

David Sanford walked out of Eagle LA bearing the Mr. Fetish SoCal sash and medallion on Sunday night, February 15. Sanford bested two other men. The meet and greet was held earlier in the day.

The judges were Karlo Ishibashi, Sir Bishop ONYX, Dan Soto, Miss Ginger Sparks and Pup Yoshi. Don Mike was the emcee.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1313114857500084

 

 

Firedancers Dallas Food Drive
By Robert Ramsden

The Firedancers would like to thank all that were able to participate. With your support we were able to donate to the Resource Center: $645 in cash donations, 738 pounds of food, and 10 tents worth $230. Thank you for helping us fight hunger in our community.

The Firedancers' Spring Food Drive was held on March 21 at the Hidden Door.

Firedancers, Texas, is a non-political, social club founded in the Leather-Levi tradition. The tribe formed on June 14, 1986 to bring all members of the local and state community together in camaraderie and service to promote unity and to aid charitable organizations benefiting the LGBT+ communities of Dallas/Fort Worth.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/117106748360792

 

ONYX SoCal-Southwest – Emergence Pledge Line
By Chad ONYX

Introducing the Southwest Emergence Pledge Line 2026! Every journey into Leather begins with a first step. For this incredible group of people, that step began on January 19 at our Pledge Kick-Off, marking the official start of their path with ONYX Southwest.

Since that day, these pledges have put in the work. Through classes held every couple of weeks, attending chapter events, and showing up for monthly meetings, they have been fully immersing themselves in the culture and brotherhood that define ONYX.

Along the way, they are learning our Code of Conduct, the principles that guide our organization, and the essentials one must have to navigate leather/kink spaces with integrity, respect, and confidence.

This line represents the strength of our Southwest region; two from Los Angeles, CA, three from Phoenix, AZ and one from Las Vegas, NV
Each of them brings their own story, energy, and purpose to this journey. Watching them grow, support one another, and step into the world of ONYX has already been inspiring.

To say we are proud of the work they’ve done so far would be an understatement. Their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to learning the traditions and responsibilities of this brotherhood speak volumes about the Leather folk they are becoming. And just as they chose to walk this path with us, we are honored that they chose ONYX Southwest to guide that journey.

Please join us in welcoming and supporting the Southwest Emergence Pledge Line 2026 as they continue their path to becoming ONYX siblings. Their story is just beginning.

 

 SNOWBOUND Leather Weekend

The Eighteenth SNOWBOUND Leather Weekend hit Provincetown, MA like a good old N'oreaster February 20-22. The highlight of the weekend was the announcement of Brandon Morgan as Mr. SNOWBOUND 2026 on Sunday after brunch at the Bay Cafe. This title is based on dollars collected for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod.

Weekend events included an opening old fashioned Beer Blast at the Watership Inn on Friday followed by a Meet The Meat at the Gifford House. Saturday opened with brunch at the Bay Cafe followed by Chaps N' Straps at Gifford House, dinner at the Bay Cafe and the big SNOWBOUND Leather Dance at the Atlantic House. Sunday brunch and titleholder announcement closed out the weekend of fun.

 

Tampa Bay Bondage Club monthly meetings
By Jeff Jensen

The Tampa Bay Bondage Club is for men who enjoy the company of other men in Leather, rope and steel bondage. Just like you, TBBC has a fetish streak a mile wide, and is a fraternity and a brotherhood, encouraging the safe and consensual practice of male bondage.

TBBC hosts monthly flogging, sleepsack, hood, rope, straightjacket and BDSM demos at local clubs and meetings, all designed with our like minds in mind.

Jeff Jensen and I'm the Tampa Bay Bondage Club secretary. We flog every fourth Saturday at Mr. D'z at 1510 North Nebraska in Tampa at 8 PM and usually add a sleepsack, or some ropes, or hoods, definitely blindfolds and gags, and straightjackets.

https://www.facebook.com/Tampabaybondageclub

https://tampabaybondageclub.com/

 

FIST and DC Eagle
By Glenda Rider

We Were So Young! Circa 1996 (the caption in the book is incorrect) at the first FIST Bar Night at the DC Eagle, which was also the first women's bar night held at the DC Eagle ever in it's history. Thank YOU, Max Steiner for setting that up.

 

Texas Bear Round-Up XXX

Texas Bear Round-Up was hosted by the Dallas Bears with Roman Holiday Triumph as its theme for 2026 TBRU XXX was held from Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.

Bear Dance: Gods and Gladiators was at Station 4 during TBRU on Friday, March 13 with literally thousands of bears descending upon the Dallas gay-borhood for this huge party.

TBRU provided shuttle service to sponsor bars, including the Dallas Eagle, Jr's Bar and Grille, Round-Up Saloon, S4/The Rose Room, TMC, and the Hidden Door.

The Mr. TBRU, TGRU Bear, TBRU Cub and TBRU Admirer contest was designed to be a fun and enjoyable event to enhance the overall Texas Bear Round-Up experience and is not part of any circuit or preliminary.

Among the 60-plus vendors was Sir Rat Leather and Gear from Austin, TX.

It's a weekend celebrating the bear community and those who identify themselves as bears, cubs, otters, and their admirers.

https://www.tbru.org/

 

 North American Bear Weekend

February 12-15 at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington, KY where over 1,800 attendees from all over the world gathered in Lexington, KY for their 14th Annual North American Bear Weekend. Two over flow hotels filled up.

Titles went to North American Bear 2025/2026 Cliff Boyd, North American Cub Jacobo Gomez, North American Pet Atlas Koutavi and the Espíritu del Oso/Spirit of the Bear Award winner was Jacobo Gomez

The four-day, action-packed schedule included six pool parties, Bearded Beauties Show, the contest, dance parties, vendors, workshops, Optional Distillery Tour Excursion, entertainment, food, Socks and Jocks Dance Party, cocktail parties, and more

https://www.facebook.com/nabweekend

https://nabweekend.com

 

Avatar Club Los Angeles active as ever

Avatar teaches safe, sane and consensual BDSM techniques to anyone interested in learning.

Unless noted otherwise, Avatar public monthly programs are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except in November and December), at 8:30 PM, at MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. The March 25 program will be with Leather Forever author Pete Fitz. Avatar monthly programs are open to the public, 18 and over. Requested donation is $5 — nobody is turned away for lack of funds.

Several times a year, Avatar hosts events at local bars including the Eagle LA and Bullet Bar. About every other month, the Avatar Boot Camp is a series of hands-on men's classes on weekend afternoons. Avatar typically focus on one or two BDSM play areas. Attendance is limited.

Avatar's dungeon play parties offer a space for kinky guys to get busy. There are always Avatar members on hand to help you safely experience something new or learn a new technique.

https://www.avatarla.org/

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Mr. San Diego Eagle JJ Abujasen

On Saturday, February 28, a new Mr. San Diego Eagle was crowned as JJ Abujasen took the sash following a close contest with fellow competitor Mykl Loyer, who earned runner-up honors.

A local member of Leather Boys of San Diego, JJ is also known in the drag community as Justine Thyme and is already recognized for active fundraising efforts supporting individuals and organizations throughout the San Diego community.

This year’s contest featured a newly-formed production team made up entirely of former Eagle titleholders: Robert Rodriguez, Jody Mitchell, Cody Jam, and Earl Gray. Their combined experience brought strong community focus and energy to the event.

Serving as emcee was World Cub 2024 Marcus Keys, who guided the audience through the contest with humor and enthusiasm.

The judging panel included Knight of Leather 2025 Mikee Xander Vera; Damn Daddy Onyx representing Onyx Southwest; Kiki Tolson, Ms International Royal Pride; and Ethan Bury, Vice Chair of the San Diego Gay Rodeo Chapter. Head judge duties were performed by Mr. West Coast Olympus 2017 Bill.

https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoEagle

Photo Credit: smithbeardmedia.com

 

 

Meaning of the stripes, heart and colors of the Leather Pride flag

Once again the debate of the Leather Pride flags meaning is up for discussion. Noted author and activist Race Bannon posted the following on Facebook:

In issue 131 of Drummer magazine, Tony DeBlase published this along with a construction diagram for his Leather pride flag.

"The rainbow flag has become the symbol of Gay and Lesbian pride and I have been proud to wear it on my clothing, march behind it in parades, and hang it from my balcony. I was thrilled by the rainbow colored balloons used in the opening and closing ceremonies of Gay Garnes II and the spectacular rainbow of balloons that arched over the main stage at the G&L pride rally here in San Francisco a couple of years ago.
For the 20th anniversary of Stonewall I felt that the time was right for the Leather men and women, who have been participating in these same parades and events more and more visibly in recent years, to have a similar simple, elegant banner that would serve as a symbol of their own identity and interests. I decided that calling a committee meeting to design it would be counter productive so I just did it. I consulted with most of the staff here at Drummer and some of their suggestions were incorporated. I do not expect this design to be the final form but the basis from which a widely accepted banner will evolve.

A prototype was constructed and displayed at the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago on May 28 [1989]. It seemed to be enthusiastically welcomed. I am having a few more flags manufactured. Drummer will be presenting one each to the Leather men and women of New York City and of San Francisco. I have asked GMSMA to be the custodian of the former and The Society of Janus and The Outcasts to be custodians of the latter. With luck both flags will be ready in time to be carried by the Leather contingents in each of these two major pride parades. Drummer will also donate flags to the National Leather Association and to Chicago Hellfire Club. Both of these are groups with which I have been intimately involved for quite some time and both host major events for the Leather and/or SM community.

The flag is composed of nine horizontal stripes of equal width. From the top, and from the bottom, the stripes alternate black and royal blue. The central stripe is white. In the upper left quadrant of the flag is a large red heart. I will leave it to the viewer to interpret the colors and symbols.

Desmodus Inc. has a copyright on the design and anyone wishing to use it for purely commercial purposes must receive our written approval. However, we welcome members of the Leather/SM community to use the design for flags, banners, pins, t-shirts, printed material, etc. to be distributed free or sold at cost, or to be used for fund raising for not-for-profit causes that benefit leather men and women. No permission is required for these uses but we do ask that you inform us of the use and, where possible, send us samples.

We have had cloisonne pins made. These are about 1" wide and are available for $5 (plus S1.50 S&H) from the Sandmutopia Supply Co., PO Box _____, San Francisco, CA 94101. Photos of the flag at IML, and hopefully in the parades as well, will be in Drummer 132.

 

 ONYX Great Plains mourns Papa Shango ONYX

ONYX Great Plains announced the passing of club founder and pledge master Papa Shango ONYX. He an advocate for HIV/ADS for 30 years and active with ONYX for 30 years.

The chapter posted their schedule of events through the year, meeting on third Saturdays at Missie B's in Kansas City. MO.

https://www.facebook.com/ONYXGreatPlains

 

Rest in victory Joe Morris...

​Joe’s year as titleholder was a significant period for the Centaur Motorcycle Club, the producers of MAL Weekend.
​Winning the Title: Joe won the contest in January 1995 in Washington, D.C. He was known for being a charismatic and "beloved" titleholder (as described in The Leather Journal).
​Media Presence: He was featured on the cover of The Leather Journal (Issue #79), photographed by the renowned Dave Rhodes. This was a high honor in the mid-90s, cementing his image as a representative of the East Coast leather scene.
​A Historic Era: His reign coincided with the 20th anniversary of the contest, a time when the event was transitioning from a local club run to a massive international draw at the Almas Temple and later the Hyatt Regency.
​Contribution and Legacy
​Joe Morris is not just a name on a trophy; he remained an active and vital part of the community for decades.
​Craftsmanship: He is widely recognized for his skill in leathercraft. For many years, Joe has been the artisan responsible for making the official Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather sashes and back patches. This "behind-the-scenes" contribution kept him connected to every new winner.
​Palm Springs Connection: Joe eventually moved from the D.C. area to Palm Springs, California. Despite the move, he frequently returned to D.C. for MAL Weekend to attend the "Formers" events and support the current contestants.
​The "Formers" Family: Within the circle of former Mr. MALs, Joe is respected as an elder who helped bridge the gap between the "Old Guard" traditions of the 80s/90s and the modern, more inclusive era of the weekend.
​Mid-Atlantic Leather Context
​In the year Joe won (1995), the leather world was heavily focused on activism and political mobilization, particularly in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Titleholders like Joe served as fundraisers and community liaisons, a role that defined the "Leather heart" of that generation.

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

 

Art Tomaszewski

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Art Tomaszewski after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Art had long been active in the Leather community of San Francisco and volunteered with the former AIDS Emergency Fund, heading up AEF's Board of Directors during the 1990s. He was also on the 1992 Bare Chest Calendar.

Art founded LeatherWalk, a march that originally went from Castro Street via several Leather bars to end with a celebratory event at the SF Eagle. LeatherWalk is both a fundraiser and march for visibility which kicks off Leather Week. It has raised thousands of dollars for the AEF and successor agencies. After a few years' hiatus, it is now produced by the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District. We were pleased that Art was able to join us for the first LeatherWalk under our auspices.

We extend our deepest condolences to Art's spouse David Bell, as well as his family and friends. This year's LeatherWalk will be dedicated to Art's memory and legacy.

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