Dave Rhodes' Hump Day, December 16, 2020

September 27, 2023

Dave Rhodes' Hump Day, December 16, 2020

By Dave Rhodes December 18, 2020

Happy Holidays - A look at the last 20 years - Flash Back Gallery

This week I have scoured my photo file of the last 20 years and have come up with about 25 or so gems I think you will like. Most of these are from Southern California with clubs such as Avatar Club Los Angeles' Wreath Auctions and Krampus, Regiment of the Black and Tans with Toast to the Season, Satyrs MC Anniversary parties after Thanksgiving, ONYX Southwest, California B&B Corps with their parties at the Tom of Finland House, San Diego clubs combined party, and the Tom of Finland Foundation's huge bash complete with professional carolers and Muscle-bound Santa Claus.

One organization which is good at promoting is Hooker and Boys from Baltimore, MD with their 12 Days of Christmas. We have had some from other eastern cities with Bucks MC and Santa Saturday, Excelsior MC's Trim A Tree and a group from Fort Lauderdale Holiday Toy Drive. New York, Boston and Pittsburgh have chipped in as was as the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance. The Ottawa Knights had Canada represented. In Phoenix, the Arizona Leather Men hosted their annual Logan's Playground toy drive. Although I could not find photos, the Seattle Men in Leather host Photos With Santa at the Cuff Complex in Seattle, WA. There have been no in-person events this year to get Holiday jollies, so we are flashing back. Thanks to photographers such as Bruce-Michael Gelbert, Rich Stadtmiller, Jeffrey Meyer, Lawrence Fox. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah, Happy Solstice and Happy Kwanzaa to all from Dave Rhodes and The Leather Journal.

Scroll down to see 30 photos of holiday Leather memories.

Breaking News!

Atlanta Eagle saved

We have no more information yet on this story, but the headline is that Atlanta, GA Mayor Keisha Bottoms Tweeted, "Mayor @KeishaBottoms designates the Atlanta Eagle building as a historic (sic) landmark. The bar plans to reopen next year in its original location. More to come on this one.

https://www.facebook.com/atlantaeagle

Leather Hall of Fame announces inductees for 2021

Virtual CLAW VII was held online the weekend of December 11-13 and one of the main events was announcing the names of the Leather Hall of Fame's three inductees for 2021 on Sunday afternoon, December 13 and they are MLC Munich, Jim Ward and Pauline Réage. Virtual CLAW VIII will be February 12-14 with registration opening in January. More details at https://www.clawinfo.org/

Haney proposes landmarking gay SF Eagle bar

By John Ferrannini for Bay Area Reporter

District 6 San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney introduced a resolution at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting to grant landmark status to the Eagle, the South of Market gay-owned Leather bar. "Today, I am also introducing a resolution to initiate landmark designation for the San Francisco Eagle Bar, a historic LGBTQ nightlife institution and legacy business located in District 6 within San Francisco's Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District in SOMA, as provided for under Planning Code Section 1004.1," Haney, a straight ally, told the Bay Area Reporter. There's more to the story and to read it, click here - https://www.ebar.com/index.php?id=300184&fbclid=IwAR0qgrT2mrVzE7-hnO2OqD0k1Frm9RUx6ADVnEZrxiBFAU2niI3qCAbSs24

Jack Thompson Guests on In The Spotlight

By Jay Moyes

International Mr. Leather 2019, Jack Thompson, also known as Exile ONYX, will be the next guest on In the Spotlight, hosted by Mistress Cyan and Madame Margherite. The interview show will air, Monday evening, December 21, at 8 PM PST www.domcon.com Thompson is the first transgender man of color to conquer the title of International Mr. Leather. He is a respected Leather craftsman, performer and sex educator. Thompson is a founding father of ONYX Northwest and current member of ONYX Mid-Atlantic. In addition, he was a founder for the drag king troupe, Rebel Kings, establishing chapters in Baltimore and Oakland. His persistence, dedication, and passion have earned him many honors and titles throughout the leather community. In The Spotlight airs live from Sanctuary LAX Studios, and is not recorded, making this a rare opportunity to hear from legends in the field of sexuality, fetish and BDSM. The show is free Sanctuary private club members, and DomCon Gold Key members. Online tickets are available for non-members. RSVP at https://domcon.com/events/31929

Could BDSM be the antidote to our pandemic-fueled loss of control?

By Tracey Anne Duncan for www.Mic.com and from NCSF

This past year has been a harsh mistress, indeed. It’s near impossible to feel any sense of control when it seems like some world-altering thing could happen at any moment. At the beginning of the pandemic, some people found a sense of agency by organizing their lives around Netflix or redecorating their kitchens, but at this point, it’s hard not to feel helpless when the only thing it feels like you can control is your remote. Well, not to be too forward, but have you considered whips and chains? Because BDSM could be the antidote to your pandemic-fueled loss of control. Read the whole story at https://www.mic.com/p/could-bdsm-be-the-antidote-to-our-pandemic-fueled-loss-of-control-47460733

Excelsior MC Holds Virtual Trim-a-Tree to Benefit Homeless LGBTQ Youth

By Bruce-Michael Gelbert

At this time of year, New York City-based leather club Excelsior MC usually holds a Trim-a-Tree event at the Eagle NYC bar, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year, on December 4, the event was on Zoom. It raised more than $3,000 (and counting) on that night for New Alternatives, which assists homeless LGBTQ youth. By December 8, the total raised was up to $4,787 - and counting. The drive runs until January 15 and the site for donations is https://fundraise.newalternativesnyc.org/trimatree2020 Sponsors were the Leather Man NYC and the Eagle NYC. Mr. Eagle NYC Leather 2011 CB Kirby and drag superstar Candy Samples were hosts for the Zoomcast. Past Excelsior President and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2015 Edd Clark sang a country song, If I knew where all the bad boys live/Hell, I’d be jolly, too. André Salas, of the Leather Man NYC, showed a sexy silent film, complete with old-fashioned player piano accompaniment, of Mr. Eagle 2020 Mike Jeavons being fitted at the store for chaps, jock, black Leather shirt, and harness. Candy Samples sang entertaining original songs, A Very Beary Christmas (to you) and Christmas Gift. Edd and Excelsior MC Historian Gabriel Rivas, as Shelley Winters Black, contributed a performance of (We’ve got) That Holiday Feeling. A display of the shields of participating Leather clubs completed the 90-minute Zoomcast.

John Owen passes

By Mj Spezia

Chicago lost one of the good ones this weekend to Covid. John Owen of MAFIA airways a great friend to Trident and to many of us in the Chicago Community. I cherish the Mid-America Fists In Action pin he gave me. He welcomed me into the Leather Community and was always ready to dish. He had amazing stories of the Chicago Scene. Please wear your masks, wash your hands and stay safe. We can't lose any more.

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CineKink announces award winners at Annual Kinky Film Festival

Rounding out multiple days of screenings in a rescheduled, virtual edition of its annual event, organizers for CineKink 2020 announced festival awards in a closing celebration on Sunday, December 6. The festival’s CineKink Artist Spotlight award, designed to recognize outstanding artistry over a body of work, was given to Shine Louise Houston, whose erotic films have been featured at CineKink since 2008. CineKink Audience Choice Awards for CineKink 2020 were presented to Volunteers Wanted for Best Narrative Feature, with Thee Debauchery Ball winning for Best Documentary Feature. CineKink Best Shorts awards went to The MILF Next Door (Sadie Lune) tied with Side Order for Best Dramatic Short, Spellbound for Best Experimental Short, The Rep for Best Comedy Short, The Fathers’ Project for Best Documentary Short and Best Digital Series, and Butt Fantasia for Best Musical Short. Determining the shorts awards were jurors Thor Stockman, Viviane Tang and Bill Woods. CineKink Bring It! Award. The annual CineKink Bring It! Award, determined by audience vote, went to Restless, directed by Urvashi. For more information and to see other award placements, visit http://cinekink.com

Join the NCSF today and join the fight

The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom needs activists now, as much as ever. The NCSF has three levels of membership: 1. Coalition Partners - organizations or businesses who support NCSF with an annual membership of $100/year, plus hold an annual fundraiser to benefit NCSF, and vote on the Board Members. See a list of our Coalition Partners; 2. Supporting Members - individuals or organizations who support NCSF with an annual membership of $100/year. See a list of NCSF's Supporting Members; 3. Individual Members - individuals who support NCSF and contribute $25/year in membership dues. NCSF members may apply for liability, property and D&O insurance through the NCSF Members Insurance Program, run by Gleason & Associates LLC. NCSF does not provide the insurance and all disputes are between the insured and the insurance company. NCSF does not receive an endorsement fee with this service.

https://ncsfreedom.org/

Tom of Finland virtual exhibition at Galerie Judin in Berlin

Join the Stonewall National Museum & Archives of Fort Lauderdale, FL on Tuesday, December 29 at 6:30 PM for a virtual tour of the Tom of Finland exhibition at Galerie Judin in Berlin. Former Creative Director of Bruno Gmunder Books, Mischa Gawronski, will be joining Executive Director Hunter O'Hanian for the virtual tour of the exhibition. Tom of Finland is a gay icon. His drawings of well-built men in rugged attire and his depictions of man-to-man lust shaped a strong image of gay identity. He drew males having sex without shame, proud and full of confidence. Tom of Finland is the artist’s name of Touko Laaksonen (1920—1991). He signed his erotic work “Tom” and when his drawings were first published in 1957, the now world-famous Tom of Finland was born. Register here for the link and password.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2cClpqMzRFyfxMvEV9FwWA

The Science of BDSM

The Science of BDSM is excited to host our its online workshop, The Science of BDSM, from 2 - 3:30 PM (Central Time) on Sunday, December 20. Scientists have begun to place BDSM under the microscope, producing theories that range from the insightful to the ridiculous. The Science of BDSM will explore the history of scientific research on BDSM, from early attempts by psychiatrists to pathologize sadism and masochism, to recent work by social scientists to understand the demographics of BDSM practitioners, the categories of BDSM activities, the hormonal effects of topping and bottoming, and the altered states of consciousness that BDSM activities sometimes produce. The workshop will be broadcast via zoom. You must be 18 years or older to participate. If you would like to join, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrfuCvrDguH9SQLmTJHX0NLXTWCVD4pCPV
The Science of BDSM is working on accommodation options for the workshop and plan to have automated closed-captioning available. If you are a sign language interpreter and might be interested in helping with this or future workshops, please contact Brad at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karl Schuck, 1948-2020

Supplied by Joan Norry

I got the sad news last night that a longtime friend and emeritus member of ACLC passed away November 24, 2020. Karl Schuck contributed greatly to ACLC in the early years setting up cashiering policies and working on our nonprofit status. He was incredibly artistic and had a sharp sense of humor, always working on contest themes. Karl gave me the best piece of advice when I first became president of ACLC "You may not get the year you want but you will get the year you need." A long time member, Karl served as president and treasurer. Karl was presented the the Lee Bell award in 2003, the highest honor awarded by ACLC. Karl was really active with the Golden Gate Guards too. Karl Schuck was raised in Bakersfield, California, where He lived with his family brothers Tom and Jim and his parents Madge and Russ just across the street from the Tejon Theater off of Baker Street. No doubt growing up in the glare of the theater's bright marquee and the films he saw there got Karl to dreaming about being an entertainer himself. Karl had a generous, beautiful spirit, which he fiercely protected with sarcasm and humor. But if you got under the surface, you had a friend for life.
Karl is survived by his brothers Tom and Jim and the beautiful family of choice he built along the way. He will be greatly missed.

Iron Eagles - Annual Toy Drive

The Iron Eagles are welcoming donations for their Annual Toy Drive. Donations can be made securely online by visiting https://iron-eagles.org/toy-drive-donations The Iron Eagles also held a Drive-Up donation on Saturday, December 5. The Iron Eagles' home bar is Cocktails Akron, 33 West Mapledale Avenue, Akron, OH 44301. Thank you for helping families in need this difficult Holiday season, and we wish all of Mid-America Conference of Clubs brothers and sisters a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

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Please Support The Leather Journal

Consider helping The Leather Journal this Holiday Season

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Leather Archives & Museum

By Gary A. Wasdin

History sometimes seems like a jumble of names and dates disconnected from the here and now, but without this history there can be no future. It helps us understand ourselves and find our place in the world, seeing how ideas and events are connected together. It often shows us where and why past mistakes were made and how we can be better if we are willing to learn from it. For 29 years, the Leather Archives & Museum has worked to collect and preserve the history and culture of individuals and organizations forgotten or discarded by others. Here, important artifacts and records have a safe home to ensure these stories are celebrated and remembered. The individuals and organizations who came before us were incredible, and their lives continue to inspire us today and into the future. We recognize that this has been a challenging year for everyone. If you are able, we hope you will consider a donation to help ensure that our work will continue.

http://www.leatherarchives.org/

A King Without A Kingdom

By Rodney Burger

On February 28th I was on vacation in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was a beautiful Friday evening and the bars in Wilton Manors, the popular gayborhood, were hopping. I had enjoyed happy hour at Hunter’s and was having dinner at the Garden Café across the street next to the Eagle Wilton Manors, when I saw Mr. DC Eagle 2020 Justin Sawyers walk by the window. I had been to the Mr. and Ms. DC Eagle 2020 Contest in November and had seen Justin at other events since then. After dinner, I was happy to greet him and several other Leather titleholders who I knew who were also in town and checking out the newest Eagle bar. It was a magical evening... To read the rest go to

http://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/conversations-jaco-lorens/item/2124-a-king-without-a-kingdom-by-rodney-burger-interview-with-mr-dc-eagle-2020-justin-sawyers

Titans of the Midwest elect officers for 2021

Last night, December 17, we officially announced our Board Members for the 2021 year. We are happy to announce the following results: President, slave adeena; Secretary, Rodi Coderage; Membership Secretary, Reya Sunshine; Public Liaison, Chris D./Pup Riku; At-Large North, Matthew Mathuin; At-Large East, Mike Turk, and At-Large South, Joel Nelson *Note: We did not have any nominees for Vice President, Treasurer, or At-Large West. Therefore these positions are currently vacant. It will be the responsibility of the board to appoint these positions. We want to thank Daddy Jay, Gerard S., Jonathan, Bjorn Pup, Brendan Mally, and Daniel Brizendine for their hard work and service to the board in 2020. As we wrap up the "what the absolute fuck" that was 2020, we look forward to building, rebuilding, and continuing our efforts to support and educate the kink community at large. We hope you continue to support us on our journey to become the best we can be.

https://www.facebook.com/TitansoftheMidwest/

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Flash Back Gallery From Past Major Events

Happy Holidays - A look at the last 20 years

This week I have scoured my photo file of the last 20 years and have come up with about 25 or so gems I think you will like. Most of thee are from Southern California with clubs such clubs as Avatar Club Los Angeles and their Wreath Auctions and Krampus, Regiment of the Black and Tans with Toast to the Season, Satyrs MC Anniversary parties after Thanksgiving, ONYX Southwest, California B&B Corps with their parties at the Tom of Finland House, San Diego clubs combined party, and the Tom of Finland Foundation's huge bash complete with professional carolers and Muscle-bound Santa Claus.

Although I could not find photos, the Seattle Men in Leather host Photos With Santa at the Cuff Complex in Seattle, WA. There have been no in-person events this year to get Holiday jollies, so we are flashing back.

Thanks to photographers such as Bruce-Michael Gelbert, Rich Stadtmiller, Jeffrey Meyer, Lawrence Fox. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah, Happy Solstice and Happy Kwanzaa to all from Dave Rhodes and The Leather Journal.

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A Blast From The Past

1993 March On Washington

The 1993 March On Washington saw almost 1,000,000 LGBT, friends and allies descend on the nation's Capitol. President Clinton was not there, but Hillary was and she delivered a proclamation. Politicians and leaders spoke on The Mall, and Leather made a huge presence, just as it had in the 1987 March On Washington.

The 1993 March On Washington will be the feature in our Flash Back Gallery on or about December 30. Look for it on December 30 with about 40 photos. Of course, if you are in the Dave Rhodes' Hump Day Group on Facebook, you will receive it in your notification. You can take care of that right here and now by going to this link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107211362781405/

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