Up Your Alley

San Francisco's Up Your Alley Street Fair, produced by Folsom Street Events, saw about 30,000 Leatherfolk and kinsters from all over the world gathered between 6th and 10th Street and along Dore Alley on Sunday, July 29 with near-perfect weather. The usual booths were there with notably the Bare Chest Calendar Men hawking the 3019 Calendar. Mr. S Leather had a party at their store on Saturday afternoon, The 15 Association had a play party at Catalyst on Saturday night, BLUF held a formal uniform dinner on Thursday night. Folsom Street Events produced the Hog Wild and Bay of Pigs parties on Friday and Saturday and the Rough party on Sunday. While everyone was partying in San Francisco, many had the undetermined fate of the Saratoga Springs Retreat Center on their minds, hoping that the resort would survive the fire. https://www.folsomstreetevents.org/

 

 

 

 

ILSLb ICBB judges named

The International Leather Sir/Leatherboy, International Community Bootblack will held August 30 - September 2 at the at a new host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas - Market Center, located only five minutes from the Love Field Airport. The judging panel for both contests are set. ILSb judges are Don Leach, Ivan Nunez, Jale Papadakos, Al Santora, Dan Perry, Jackie Thompson, John Krikorian and Dr. Larry Burden. The ICBB judges are Greg McDowell, Boy Patrick, Eli Campanaro, Elisa Vegas, Lamalani, Lascivious Jane, Master Jack Pearce and Ray Tilton. http://www.ilsb-icbb.com/

 

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Pantheon of Leather Voting is open

Voting for the Pantheon of Leather Awards 2018 began on July 20 and will conclude on August 10.

Biographies of the Nominees at http://www.pantheonofleather.com

Please take the time to read the bios for the nominees before casting your vote.

Vote at https://notarius.wufoo.com/forms/zgziuwq0t2hocb/

See all of the past Pantheon of Leather Award recipients at

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/pantheon-awards/recipients

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Racism in the S/M and Kink Leather Community: Coloring Inclusivity Beyond the Blue, Black, and White. Photo by Andrew Bell

Taz Mania

Join Mr. SoCal Leather 2018 Taz for a fun beer bust including a wet underwear contest, strong jello shots, and exciting raffles all set to the amazing beats of DJ Brian Novy on Sunday, August 5 at 3 PM at Eagle LA. 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. https://www.facebook.com/events/238640003423510/

 

 

 

 

National Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Association Meeting

By Ali Mushtaq

This workshop was held July 27-29 at the HIlton in San Francisco, CA at the National Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Association Meeting and served as an overview of how race works in the Leather community. The goal of this workshop was to introduce concepts of race and inequality and how they function within the Leather community. While these things happen within the Leather community, special emphasis was on why these processes are applicable to other communities. The workshop delved into why Leather is important when it discusses these issues. It then broke the community down into four main institutions: aesthetics/contests, play, organizations, and service. I then discussed solutions to these problems within, and outside, the Leather community. 50 people attended. Ali Mushtaq is Mr. Long Beach Leather 2016.

 

 

 

Leathermen's Discussion Group - Fetish Fair

After all the crazy wonderful sexy fun of Up Your Alley Weekend, don’t put your gear away just yet. Keep them shined and ready for Fetish Fair 2018. Fetish Fair features over a dozen scenes, each presented by an expert to a small group providing a unique opportunity for Q&A. LDG offers education for people who identify primarily as gay men, and adults of all genders and orientations are welcome to attend. The Fair has 13 scenes spread across three sessions. That means you can see up to three scenes if you stay for each session. To sign up for a session, visit the link and add your name to the slot that interests you. Fetish Fair will be at Catalyst in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, August 4 from 3-7:30 PM. Other related events are Whips in the Park on Saturday, August 4 and beer bust at SF Eagle on Sunday. http://www.sfldg.org/

 

 

Rope Dojo

Are you a rope lover seeking that disciplined approached to take you to the next level? Are you a beginner with motivation to move past your hesitation and blow your lover’s mind with hot scenes? Frustrated with short workshops and demos? From solid foundations to the advanced skill of speed, flow and psychological scene building, Midori and the Dojo Cadre will put you through the paces and improve every aspect of your rope skills. From solid foundations to the advanced skill of speed, flow and psychological scene building, they’ll put you through the paces and improve every aspect of your rope skills. Rope Dojo will be held at the Baltimore Playhouse, Baltimore, MD the weekend of September 15-16. Rope Dojo visits San Francisco in Spring 2019. http://www.RopeDojo.com/

 

 

Manchester Leather Weekend

Manchester Leather Weekend returns October 5-8 and will be bigger and better than before with a weekend packed full of great events. As before, we’ve endeavored to have many free events, including our popular Workshops, Tom Does Manchester, Fetish Market, drinks and bingo, President's Dinner, BLUF, Manchester, Sunday brunch, The Last Dance, art auction, farewell drinks. This year’s charity partner is the LGBT Foundation, specifically their mental health program. We are pleased to support the Foundation’s work, in memory of our member Craig Russell who passed away earlier this year. http://www.manchesterleathermen.org

 

 

 

A Taste of Kink II at the AASECT Conference

The NCSF partnered with the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) Alt Sex SIG and local Denver kink educators to present A Taste of Kink II at AASECT on Friday June 15. There was a live demonstration of eight kink practices that not only showed the toys and techniques, but also the process of negotiating, consent and aftercare. Some AASECT attendees also had the chance to taste the sensation being offered at each station. Attendees received 3 CE Credits. Ruby B. Johnson, LCSW, LCDC, received AASECT’s Professional Standard of Excellence Award at the annual conference on June 16 - see photo.

 

 

Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance - The Primal Connection of Piercing and Hooks as a Ritual

By Tyger Yoshi

The Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance invites you to the Denver's Dangerous Theatre for The Primal Connection of Piercing and Hooks as a Ritual on Saturday, August 18 at 12 PM. The Primal Connection of Piercing and Hooks as a Ritual. A journey from needles to hooks with Master Trent and slave kelly Denver's Dangerous Theatre 2620 West 2nd Avenue #1, Denver, CO 80219. https://www.facebook.com/events/485514735208052/

 

 

 

MAFIA Club Night

MAFIA's monthly club nights are held the first Friday of each month at Touche Chicago, 6412 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL from 10 PM until 1 AM. The next two dates are August 3 and September 7. Join us in the front of the bar to have an opportunity to win a cash prize. Tickets sell for $1 to build a pot of cash. At the end of the night we select a winner who walks away with half of the cash collected. Afterwards stay for the great times at the bar. A private play party is held the next night. All play party registration forms are online in this website under the designated tab. Register for the dungeon party the next night and/or ask for a membership application - How to Join. http://mafiaff.org

 

 

Perverted Interracial Guys - Orgasmask

Orgasmask returns to the Eagle 562 on Sat, Aug 4th. Join Perverted Interracial Guys Joel Thomas Royal and Matthew Jensen, DJ Dennis, and your fellow rubber, latex, and neoprene enthusiasts for a breath- taking night of slick fun. $5 cover, lube service, clothes check, and free parking.

 

 

BLUF San Francisco Leather Lounge

BLUF San Francisco's Leather Lounge is a monthly social held on the patio at the SF Eagle from 9 PM to closing. Our next event is Saturday, July 14 and the following Leather Lounge will be on August 11. All are welcome. Put on your Leather or kink gear and your boots and join the party. If you're in gear, there's no cover charge before 22:00. BLUF events in San Francisco are organized by Lexx (3656) and Larry Kenney aka Hot Boots SF (26), and include an annual dinner before Dore Alley, usually one of the busiest events of the year, plus some events in association with other groups, and bar nights. SF Eagle, 398 12th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. https://bluf.com/local/sf

 

 

 

Inland Empire Leather Ambassador

By Jay Moyes

The Inland Empire Leather Ambassador contest is teaming up with Sanctuary Studios' new franchise in Upland to host the upcoming 2018-2019 contest. The competition will be held September 1-2. Sanctuary Studios Inland Empire opened recently as the sister location to Sanctuary Studios LAX and has been offering parties, event space, and rentals to the Leather and BDSM community in the Inland Empire and nearby Orange County regions.

 

 

ONYX - Blackout XXIV, Golden

ONYX's Bi-annual Leather run will be held in Los Angeles, CA the weekend of October 10-13, 2019 the national organization announced recently. There will be breakout sessions that will educate, explore and empower your mind; a bar crawl that will give you a glimpse into the Los Angeles Leather community; an infamous ONYX dance that will leave you dripping with perspiration; a play party that will satisfy your innermost hunger for kink; a fireside chat with one of ONYX’s original founding fathers that will touch on past, present and the future of ONYX; and an AGM/Awards Brunch that will recognize some of our outstanding members Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale and Executive Meeting Center, 100 West Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202. https://www.facebook.com/events/1803909546584966/

 

Alameda County Leather Corps convenes regarding club's future

By Nyna Kaiser

In March of this year, the Alameda County Leather Corps convened a meeting of past presidents to help decide the future of the organization. Their suggestions were brought to the Board and membership, and some hard decisions have been made. ACLC has decided not to hold a title contest this year, ending its 26 year streak and the longest consecutively held women’s title in California. Instead, we will celebrate our 25th anniversary with a gala event September 8th at the Hayward City Hall Rotunda. The event is by invitation or club overlay and will showcase the organization’s commitment to community service over the years. There will be a catered dinner and live entertainment. ACLC is weighing options for restructuring the organization over the next year to better suit the needs of the community. https://www.acleather.org

 

Mx Virginia Leather

We are excited to present Virginia’s first Mx Leather Contest. This Leather Contest is all-inclusive regardless of gender or sexual identity. Join us to see who will be our first Mx Virginia Leather titleholder and will be held March 1-3. Contestants and judges meet and greet, demos, bootblacks, go go dancers and vendors at Fallout RVA, 117 North 18th Street, Richmond, VA 23223. https://www.facebook.com/events/2112030975721309/

 

 

Photo - Bootblack Round Up 2018

By Kevin Sparkie Perdue

Bootblack Round Up 2018 will be held at Touche' in Chicago the weekend of August 10-12. Events include the bootblack movie High Shine - 15 Years of International Ms Bootblack by Christina K. Court, Bootblack-focused classes by Kink U at the Leather Archives & Museum, Meat + Boot - a bootblack social at Leather64TEN with at least two bootblack stands open, run pins, patches, stickers, flags, Third Annual Shine Off Contest, CLAW Nation Party, and Leather Archives Museum Bootblack Centric Tours. Touche', 6412 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626. http://www.bootblackroundup.com

 

Sherman Oaks Munch

The Sherman Oaks Munch is held the second Tuesday of every month in the River Rock restaurant at the Sportsman's Lodge in Studio City. 6:30 - 11 PM. This munch has been going for over six years and draws in excess of 250 kinksters each month. No host bar and food. Sit and eat, move around and share. Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel, 12825 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604. http://sportsmenslodge.com/river-rock/

 

Logo - Leather People Building A Better World

By Robert O'Dell

Leather List and LeatherList.org - the next step in Leather’s nearly 40 years of charitable fundraising in Leather service. Contribute directly and securely online to help Leather people and culture. Discover and support local and national nonprofits in Health and Medicine, LGBTQ Support, National Leather Institutions, Radical/Sex Positive Life and Relationship Freedom. Leather List also helps Leather clubs and organizations develop Leather Service To Communities, a new model that honors Leather’s past, present and future. Take a look at this new concept in raising funds for Leather community needs. To donate to The Leather Journal check out https://leatherlist.org/contribute/leather-list-national/ and to see the home page go to https://leatherlist.org/

 

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Photo Hardy Haberman - Love, Life, and Leather

By RJ Johnson for Prism Press: The Leather Edition and supplied by the NCSF Love, Life, and Leather

"....The Leather subculture has been around since the late 1940's. Motorcycle clubs and movie stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean defined the rebellious and masculine independent nature of the movement. In 1958 the first gay Leather bar opened in Chicago, the Gold Coast. This was about the same time that homoerotic art from Tom of Finland began appearing, showing the same things that were happening within the subculture. Tony DeBlase presented the design for the Leather Pride flag at the annual International Mister Leather, or IML, competition in Chicago, 1989..." https://www.anchoragepress.com/prismpress/love-life-and-leather/article_8b2bf8b0-86d4-11e8-91f4-3fff846c0d39.html

 

 

Photo - CMEN’s West Coast Gathering

By Rick Boehle

CMEN’s West Coast Gathering 2018 will be held August 31 – September 9 in California’s Malibu Hills. A Leather focused social hour and the Mr. CMENLeather 2018 contest will highlight activities on Thursday, September 6. Daily activities will include seminars and workshops, outdoor recreation, pool and social activities, afternoon social hours and evening entertainment. This all nude, all male gathering will attract men an estimated 500 men from throughout North America, the Pacific and Europe. Register in advance, session options available. http://www.cmen.org

 

Pup Mosh in Denver

There is a Pup Mosh every second Friday at Trade in Denver, CO with the next one being Friday, August 10 starting at 9 PM. Fridays are for Fetish and every Second Friday Trade goes to the dogs. Pup play area, drinks in dog bowls and lots of fun. Handlers, pups and the curious are all welcome. Trade, 475 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204. https://www.facebook.com/events/285844715281392/

 

Photo - Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District

The elation and activism of the Pride Celebration is fading a bit now, but enthusiasm for our new District remains high. So, first things first, it is time to mark your calendar for the next Community Meeting, Wednesday, July 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at SF Catalyst, 1060 Folsom Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, in San Francisco. This community meeting is open to all. http://www.sfleatherdistrict.org/

 

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That special morning

 

Coffee - check

Nice warm muffin with butter and jam - check

The Leather Journal newsmagazine - check

Subscribe to the print version

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Photo - ONYX Lands at the Eagle NYC

By Mr. Eagle NYC Cee Jay

Join the men of ONYX NY Northeast the second Saturday of every month at 7 PM with the next one on August 11. We are a Leather Fraternity for men of color and their admirers. We seek to provide a comfortable space for men of color who are interested in Leather. Eagle NYC, 554 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001. https://www.facebook.com/events/944509692369123/

 

Lick It

Hosted by Lick It at Powerhouse SF on Friday, August 10 at 10 PM. Go out and dance and play and have a taste of some sexy fun at Lick IT. We have DJ Blackstone bringing you some soulful beats that will make your hips move and groove. No fancy dates. No unrealistic expectations. Just some good old down right dirty fun - where Licking IT is only the beginning. Second Fridays. Beneficiary is the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund. Powerhouse SF, 1347 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA. https://www.facebook.com/events/154128572050183/

 

Photo - Barking Billiards

Barking Billiards is a weekly social pup meet up at Eagle 562. We mosh and pup play, play games and hang out with 20-30 puppies around 8 PM every Tuesday. August 7, 14, 21 and 28. Barking Billiards has been going for a couple of months and the energy is awesome. Eagle562, 2020 East Artesia Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805.

 

Photo - PIGS-Perverted Interracial Guys - Agents of PIGS

By Matthew Jensen

Sunday, July 21 at 9 PM at the San Diego Eagle. Perverted Interracial Guys Joel Thomas Royal and Matthew Jensen join forces with Mr. Eagle San Diego 2018 Jody Mitchell for a cosplay fetish party the Saturday of Comic-Con International. $5 cover. San Diego Eagle, 3040 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104. https://www.facebook.com/events/881406908697729/

 

Photo - Help Keep Leather Alive in SOMA

Contribute to SF Catalyst. Your support will help keep and improve SF Catalyst, the Leather community run space at 1060 Folsom Street in San Francisco, CA. Go to the SF Catalyst Facebook page and click on their IndieGoGo link https://www.facebook.com/CatalystSanFrancisco Space Rental - Catalyst features more than 3,000 square feet of dungeon, play and social space well-stocked with BDSM furniture. The space is currently available to rent for photo shoots, filming, art shows, gatherings, dates, life events, professional sessions, and play parties. Inquiries for renting the space may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

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Trivia Question of the Week

2018 set a record for having the most International Mr. Leather contestants. How many IML 40 contestants

were there?

1. 69.

2. 70.

3. 71.

4. 72.

5. 74.

Answer next week when a new question is asked.

Last week's Question answered - What was the thread count of the original Leather Pride Flag? God doesn't even know.

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Knight Hawks of Virginia

This year, as the Knight Hawks of Virginia celebrate their 25th Anniversary, they will be hosting one of their biggest and best cruises ever on Friday, September 28. The fun will last four hours - from 10 PM until 2 AM. ?The boat departs from Norfolk Waterside. There will be demos, a buffet, a cash bar, and DJ Matty will be providing the music this year. Each ticket will include a welcome packet, a commemorative program celebrating the 25 years of the Knight Hawks service to the Hampton Roads community, a raffle ticket for great door prizes and a commemorative pin. Tee shirts will be available for an additional fee if ordered in advance. http://www.leathercruise.com/event-3.html

 

Photo - BLUF San Francisco Leather Lounge

BLUF San Francisco's Leather Lounge is a monthly social held on the patio at the SF Eagle from 9 PM to closing. Our next event is Saturday, August 11 and the following Leather Lounge will be on September 8. All are welcome. Put on your Leather or kink gear and your boots and join the party. If you're in gear, there's no cover charge before 22:00. BLUF events in San Francisco are organized by Lexx (3656) and Larry Kenney aka Hot Boots SF (26), and include an annual dinner before Dore Alley, usually one of the busiest events of the year, plus some events in association with other groups, and bar nights. SF Eagle, 398 12th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. https://bluf.com/local/sf

 

Photo - Puppy 101

By Papa Woof Roth

We are bringing Puppy 101 back to it’s original focus - Education and Discussion. Discussions of issues, and things directly relating to the puppy community. Event-related posts must have a direct educational focus for the puppy community, such as, discussion about workshops or looking for input for educational topics at an event, etc. Educational topics on gear, training, safety, etc. Gear pics - Once a month we will have a Show and Tell Sunday, you can share all the gear pics you have that abide by Facebook standards. https://www.facebook.com/groups/puppy101/

 

Photo - International Mr. Leather Bear 2019

Tickets are Officially on sale for International Mr. Leather Bear 2019 which will be held at the Lord Baltimore Hotel in Baltimore, MD the weekend of October 5-7. For Tickets and information, please visi. https://baltimoreleatherbar.com/imlb/

 

Photo - Support the NCSF

Several articles in Dave Rhodes' Hump Day are supplied by the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom through a press release form. Support them be becoming a member. The NCSF is committed to creating a political, legal and social environment in the US that advances equal rights for consenting adults who engage in alternative sexual and relationship expressions. The NCSF aims to advance the rights of, and advocate for consenting adults in the BDSM/Leather/Fetish/Swing/Polyamory communities. We pursue our vision through direct services, education, advocacy, and outreach, in conjunction with our partners, to directly benefit these communities. http://www.ncsfreedom.org/

 

World Bear Weekend - Mr. Kilt International Contest

World Bear Weekend will be hosting the first Mr. Kilt International Contest in Lexington, KY on August 24 Emcee John David has been active in the Bear and Leather communities for a number of years. He has held several titles including Mr. Kentucky Bear 2008 and International Mr. Bear 2009. This amazing stole, made by Wolfstryker Leather, along with $500 cash, $500 worth of kilts, and a custom sporran could be yours. Ready to compete? Visit http://www.Worldbearweekend.com for details.

 

Photo Valley Pride Street Festival hosted by Bullet Bar

The Valley Pride Street Festival will be hosted by Bullet Bar on Sunday, August 12 at 11 AM - 8 PM. The ‘block party style’ location for VPSF is on Burbank Blvd. between Cahuenga Blvd. and Strohm Street. Come ready to celebrate anything that gives you pride in who you are and what you believe in. We want you to bring that energy and share it with everyone around. Food, vendors, clubs and one big party in The Valley. Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. https://www.facebook.com/thebulletbar/

 

Photo - ABW announces judges

The announcement of this year's American Brotherhood Weekend judges was during CLAW weekend. The judges are Lee Carl, Karri Plowman, Daddy Al Santora, Rylee Janus Spire and Vonn Tramel. ABW will be held at the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago, IL on October 5-7. The weekend includes meet and greets. fellowship, food, and the American Leatherman, American Leatherwoman, and American Leatherboy contests. The contest will be held at the Leather Archives & Museum. http://www.americanbrotherhood.com/

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Past Dave Rhodes' Hump Day blogs

 

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2034-dave-rhodes-hump-day-july-25-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2032-dave-rhodes-hump-day-july-18-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2031-dave-rhodes-hump-day-july-11-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2030-dave-rhodes-hump-day-july-5-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2028-dave-rhodes-hump-day-june-27-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2027-dave-rhodes-hump-day-june-20-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2026-dave-rhodes-hump-day-june-13-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/2025-dave-rhodes-hump-day-june-7-2018