What can we learn from the queer Leather community in 2018?
Mikelle Street for i-D
i-D hit up Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend to learn about the legacy of queer Leather folk — and why it needs preserving today. On a recent Saturday, Gary Wasdin, the recently installed executive director of the Leather Archives & Museum, was tucked in away in the back corner of the Hyatt Regency lobby in Washington, DC. To reach him, one had to squeeze through a few men wearing nothing but jockstraps, skirt around a group in Leather harnesses paired with blue jeans, and step over a “pup” or a young, lanky guy dressed in a neoprene puppy suit groveling at someone's feet. This was high noon at Mid Atlantic Leather 2018 on Capitol Hill....“The drag and the Leather community are the number one contributors to HIV and AIDS research,” Martel Brown, Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather 2017 said in an interview. “We are partially the reason why Truvada and PReP exist." Truvada is a one-pill-a-day version of PrEP which can be used to prevent HIV transmission. Read on https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/yw59pk/what-can-we-learn-from-the-queer-leather-community-in-2018

Donald Trump as a safeword
By Ellen Scott for MetroUK
http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/20/bondage-lovers-using-donald-trump-safe-word-sex-7245378/?ito=mweb.article.share.top.facebook?ito=cbshare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/
Choosing a safe word is tricky business. You want to choose something that makes it very clear that it’s time to stop (so nothing confusing or likely to come up in regular sex chat, like ‘nipple’ or ‘harder’), but isn’t so strange that it completely spoils the sexy moment. You want your partner to stop what they’re doing, not collapse into a pile of giggles. But you still want to have a bit of fun. So we’re not too surprised that a new survey from Love Honey has found that fans of BDSM have chosen ‘Donald Trump‘ as their favourite safe word. Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/20/bondage-lovers-using-donald-trump-safe-word-sex-7245378/? or at https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

Mufasa Ali to keynote Leather Leadership Conference

The Leather Leadership Conference announced that Mufasa Ali will be the keynote speaker for LLC in Atlanta, GA the weekend of March 9-11 at the Crowne Plaza. He is the founder of the Men of ONYX, ONYX National Council Chairman, Patriarch of Mufasa's Pride, Mr. World Leather 2006/2007 and a recipient of the Pantheon of Leather Marcus Hernandez Lifetime Achievement Award. Mufasa has received many community awards and is a nationally-known Leather community educator/presenter on many varied topics. To find out who the presenters will be, the schedule of events and venues go to http://www.leatherleadership.org/

DESIRE - Leather Women Unleashed
DESIRE - Leather Women Unchained has new producers. Bikja Amy and Naria Jordan of San Diego are at the helm of the nation's premier women's BDSM weekend now. DESIRE Leather Women Unleashed is a unique weekend event for Leather and kinky women, and will be held June 8-11 in a private location in Palm Springs, CA 92264. DESIRE is a player's weekend, provides the opportunity for women to celebrate their sexuality and kink freely, and provides excellent education and empowering opportunities.. Registration is $225 until March 31. https://desireleatherwomen.org/news/

Pleasure and Pain
Pleasure and Pain, hosted by Frank Cavallo at the Bullet Bar on Saturday, February 3, starting at 8 PM. A Night of Kinky Pleasure and Erotic Pain with live demos and guest participation in different fetishes, Jell-O Shots and Silent Auction. Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. https://www.facebook.com/events/169731593757781/?active_tab=about

FMSD: Fetish, Kink, and Leather - Oh My!
On Sunday, January 28, Fetish Men San Diego will meet at a private location - Tom's Place in Hillcrest. Rounding out January, Doriam will be leading this month's Open-Table Discussion: Fetish, Kink, and Leather! Oh My! This gathering will welcome attendees to discuss what a Fetish is versus or adjacent a Kink, how the Leather lifestyle differs or compliments the Leather fetish. What makes a Fetish? What makes it Kinky? https://www.facebook.com/events/1654821977912298/

Mr. Chicago Leather
The Mr. Chicago Leather contest will be held at the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago, IL and is produced by Touché which will host several of the related events the weekend of January 26-28. International Mr. Leather 2017 Ralph Bruneau joins the judging panel this year along with, Joe Dinello, Freddy Miranda, Pup Link and Mr. Chicago Leather 2017 Gerald “Daddy G” Cernak. Returning from London, England for his 15th time as contest emcee is John Pendal. There will be a roast of Daddy G on Friday hosted by Mr. Santa Clara County Leather 2012 Thib Guicherd-Callin. A Flea Market will be held on Saturday, January 27th from 12-4 PM at Touché. For a list of all events, their venues, dates and starting times, check out https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3207272

Big Queen Bingo benefiting Los Angeles Leather Pride
By Jeffrey Erdman
Big Queen Bingo benefiting Los Angeles Leather Pride at 7 PM on January 29 at Hamburger Marys in Ontario, CA. If you live out that way, or know folks that do, this is a fun way to meet some other Leatherfolk and have a fun time raising money in support of LALP 2018. There will be eight games, and each game provides three chances to win. Each game has a prize, with a grand prize for the final Black Out game. Suggested donation for all rounds is $20, with the game proceeds going to LALP. Hamburger Mary's Ontario, 3550 Porsche Way, Ontario, CA 91764. https://www.facebook.com/events/561495110861174/

National Coalition for Sexual Freedom's 20th Anniversary
Dark Odyssey Surrender 2017 celebrated the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom's 20th Anniversary in December with NCSF Board Members, Coalition Partners, Supporting Members, volunteers and event producer for Dark Odyssey, Greg Leshner at the NCSF birthday reception at Surrender in New York, NY. Over the next year, NCSF will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary around the country. Please ask your group or event to hold a Birthday Party for NCSF to help support NCSF programs and projects that are challenging discrimination against consenting adults. http://www.ncsfreedom.org/

House of MarKus - Personal Responsibility in Unsafe Kink
Personal Responsibility in Unsafe Kink, hosted by House of MarKus at Leather Masters on Saturday, February 17 at 1 PM. Leather Masters, 3000 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75226. Some of us play a little more dangerously than others. This class is for anyone who does anything risky in their play - physically, emotionally, or mentally. We will cover some negotiation techniques. We will cover both sides of the slash. We will also discuss where to "draw the line" when responsibility and negotiation collide. GemmaStraightUp is a genderfluid dominant. For more information and tickets go to http://www.leathermasters.com

Leather Pride Flag Raising in San Diego
Friday, March 16 from 4-5 PM is the Leather Pride Flag Raising, followed by the opening ceremonies for San Diego Leather Pride Weekend and a blessing by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence This will the first time to meet the contestants for this years Mr. and Ms San Diego Leather, and San Diego Boot Black 2018 contest. Following Meet the Contestants stick around for TWISTED, a fetish dance party like no other from 9 PM to 1 AM. Since 2013, the Leather Pride flag has been flown from Friday to Sunday during Leather Pride. All are welcome to witness a Leather color guard raise the flag at the Hillcrest Flag Pole at the intersection of Normal and University, thanks to the Hillcrest Business Association. http://www.SanDiegoLeatherPride.com

Shop Talk with LUC - Hanky Code and Flagging
Shop Talk with Leather Uniform Club of Las Vegas - Hanky Code and Flagging at the Nunnery on Saturday, January 27. You may have seen them at munches, gatherings, or at conventions. Men and Women wearing different colored handkerchiefs, laces, and may have wondered what are they doing that for. The conventions are almost upon us again so come join the Leather Uniform Club of Las Vegas as we go over the history of the Hanky code and different ways that you can flag. Learn and share the ways that you may flag to give others different ideas on how they may show their kink and sexuality. Shop Talk will be led by a diverse panel. The Nunnery 900 East Karen, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Suite A102. The Leather Uniform Club of Las Vegas will host its Friendship Dinner at the Paradise Cantina Las Vegas on Thursday, February 1 at 6 PM. https://www.facebook.com/leatheruniformcluboflasvegas/

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Southwest Master, slave and Bootblack
There was one contestant for each, the Southwest Master, slave and Bootblack Contest held during the Southwest Leather Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Master David, slave brynn and Caitlin walked out of the lobby of the Four Points Sheraton with medallions and patches as their trophies. Emcees Thib Guicherd-Callin and Nick Elliott paced the event. Each contestant had to earn a minimum of 70 percent of the points to win. Each will compete for their respective International Master/slave and Bootblack contest during South Plains Leatherfest in Dallas, TX in March. http://www.southwestleather.org/

Happy Ending: Kink Cafe Wicked Grounds reopens
Posted in SF Eater
Kink Cafe Wicked Grounds reopened on Thursday, January 11 in San Francisco, CA. Last week, Wicked Grounds seemed to be at the end of its rope, financially speaking, announcing it would close for good over the weekend. But that move turned out to be the business equivalent of uttering a safe word. Over 900 devastated customers pledged monthly donations on Patreon, amounting to funding of more than $15,000. According to Rebeccalyn “Mir" Bilodeau, that's enough to save the business, which is currently open with a skeleton crew and limited hours and food options. Read the rest of the happy story at https://sf.eater.com/2018/1/10/16870784/kink-cafe-wicked-grounds-fundraiser-reopening-closure

Mr. Regiment
Jasun Mark will emcee the Mr. Regiment contest on Saturday night, February 17 at Eagle LA in Los Angeles at 9 PM. The weekend includes a Friday night meet and greet and Latrine Duty yellow hanky beer bust and victory party on Sunday afternoon in the Rough Trade parking lot. The ever hot and popular Mr. Regiment 2017 Marco Antonio Valadez will pass the title to another man who will compete at Mr. Los Angeles Leather in March. Rough Trade, 3915 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. http://blackandtans.org/

Spartan MC 50th Anniversary Biker Bar Night
The Spartan Motorcycle Club will hold its 50th Anniversary Biker Bar Night on Saturday, March 17 at the DC Eagle in Washington, DC starting at 9 PM. DC Eagle, 3701 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC 20019. It's all about the ride. https://www.facebook.com/SpartanMotorcycleClub/

CLAW XVIII - Barely Legal
Rooms are filling up fast as in alternate hotels almost full for CLAW XVIII in Cleveland, OH the weekend of April 26-29. The CLAW registration package includes: Men's BDSM Play Spaces, over 100 Skills and Education offerings, three huge Silent Auctions, Cigar Deck, Naked Pool Parties, Pup Mosh, Speed Dating, Vendor Mart, Fetish Parties at local Cleveland bars, transportation to and from the bars, and numerous special events. https://www.clawinfo.org/home/reg/

National LGBTQ Task Force names Leather Leadership Award recipient
Durk Dehner, the founder of the Tom of Finland Foundation was named the recipient of the 2018 Leather Leadership Award. Past recipients select a new winner each year. 2017 did not have an award. The National LGBTQ Task Force is hosting its 2018 Creating Change Conference from Wednesday, January 24 through Sunday, January 28 at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. This year, Creating Change is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with the theme: Learn. Connect. Resist. The Creating Change Conference is sponsored and organized by the National LGBTQ Task Force. https://www.creatingchange.org/

NOLA Leather to Geaux
NOLA Leather to Geaux 2018, hosted by NOLA Leather to Geaux March 16-18 at 6 PM at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117-8535. The full weekend package will give you access to a weekend of Leather, fun, and food, including a welcome cocktail reception and registration party, a fetish dance party, beer busts, St. Patrick's Day parade parties, dancers at the Phoenix, Saturday dinner, Sunday brunch, and other events. https://www.facebook.com/events/314873875695849/?active_tab=about

International Person of Leather contest
The International Person of Leather contest will be held February 2-4 during Sin in the City in Las Vegas, NV. Each year, a single International Person of Leather is selected not based on gender-identity, sexual orientation, race, physical appearance, age, or disability, but rather on their ability to articulate their views, passions, and dedications and to make an impact in their communities. We will expect these People of Leather to act as mentors, educators, role models and spokespeople throughout their title year. http://www.sin-in-the-city.com

anchor4'NCIS' recap: 'Dark Secrets"
Entertainment Weekly
Fifty Shades of Grey was roundly criticized by both the psychological and BDSM communities for stating that Christian's "singular tastes" derived from abuse and neglect, by depicting BDSM as, in the words of The Atlantic's Emma Green, "a pathology, not a path to pleasure." By turning Melissa's sexual desires into a shocking, shameful secret, NCIS is indulging in the same over generalization. At the very least, I wish the show had acknowledged the difference between healthy and unhealthy expressions of this type of kink. Read the rest at http://ew.com/recap/ncis-season-15-episode-12/

Mama's Family at Mid Atlantic Leather

Mr. Eagle 562
The first Mr. Eagle 562 contest will be held at the Eagle 562 in Long Beach, CA the weekend of January 26-28 with the contest being on that Saturday night beginning at 9 PM. The Mr. Eagle 562 contest will be emceed by Jeremy Ronceros and Don Mike which will guarantee it will be a lively event. Friday night's meet and greet includes a cigar social. The winner will go on to compete at Mr. Los Angeles Leather in March. A victory beer bust on Sunday at 3 PM. Eagle 562, 2020 East Artesia Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805. http://eagle562.com/

The 15 Association - Men’s BDSM Play Party
The 15 Association will host its monthly Men’s BDSM Play Party at SF Catalyst on Saturday, January 27. The 15 Association is a social and sexual fraternity for men who engage in BDSM and other kink play. They host all male-identified people who are interested in BDSM and are 18 or older. Invite required for first-time attendees. Request one at http://www.the15sf.org. SF Catalyst, 1060 Folsom Street, 7 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/160189411404615/

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Southwest Leather Conference has new Executive Director
The audience at the Sunday Brunch of the Southwest Leather Conference were quite surprised when slave Tina announced she would be retiring as executive producer of the Conference. Minutes Later Kenneth Anthony of Phoenix, AZ was introduced as the new executive director. Anthony has experience as a titleholder, club founder and president and has worked on many projects in the Arizona Leather community. Several awards were presented before the announcement was made. http://www.southwestleather.org/g/

BHT Ruby Slipper 40th Year Back To Our Roots Bar Night #4
The Brother Help Thyself Education and Health 40th Year Back To Our Roots Bar Night #4 will be on Friday, January 26 at 9:30 PM at the DC Eagle, 3701 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC 20019. This is a benefit for the Rainbow History Project. https://www.facebook.com/events/148004195900510/?active_tab=about

Mr. LA Leather Bear is Ben Johnson
Bears LA celebrated 25 years in style as they hosted the Mr. LA Leather Bear 2018 contest which was won by Ben Johnson at Eagle LA on Saturday, January 20. Other events included Raaarrr IV: Libearation - Meat 'N Greet on Thursday, January, 18 at Eagle LA, Raaarrr IV: Libearation - Bears LA Dinner at Farmboy Kitchen on Friday, January 20, and Raaarrr IV: Libearation - Victory Celebration on Sunday, January 21 at Eagle LA. Two men competed. Ben will compete at Mr. Los Angeles Leather in March. https://www.facebook.com/events/1435653516551831/

Northwest Leather Celebration
The Northwest Leather Celebration has increased the NWLC Education Program by 25-percent over last year. Offering over 50 classes on relationships, BDSM, bootblacking, and building community, the NWLC Education Program is varied and extensive. Classes will start on Thursday afternoon and run through Sunday afternoon, taught by leading presenters. The weekend also features the Northwest Master/slave and Northwest Bootblack Contest. Northwest Leather Celebration will be held May 3-6 in Sacramento, CA. http://www.NorthwestLeatherCelebration.com

LA Boys of Leather present SoCal Leatherfest
By Steven Carlisle
SoCal Leatherfest, hosted by the LA Boys of Leather the weekend of July 6-8 in Los Angeles, is the Anniversary for the LA Boys of Leather. They will have an amazing line-up of events including educational sessions, a barbecue, a pool party, and more. It will also be the home for the SoCal Leatherboy contest. https://www.facebook.com/labolclub/photos/gm.1579133405478681/1960061327583260/?type=3&theater

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/

Meet Governor Bondage & Blackmail: "Family Values" Conservative Eric Greitens
The Stranger
Shortly before running on family values, assault rifles, and his record as a "husband and father," the Republican who would be elected governor in Missouri had an affair with a woman he met in a hair salon. Because of course he did. That affair led to the breakup of the other woman's marriage. Governor Eric Greitens' affair partner shared the details of the affair in a phone conversation with her then-husband, who taped the conversation without his then-wife's consent. The details reveal Governor Greitens to be a manipulative, abusive, blackmailing creep. Take it away, KMOV TV - https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2018/01/11/25702815/meet-governor-bondage-and-blackmail-family-values-conservative-eric-greitens

Leather Pride Dublin by GEARED Ireland
Leather Pride Dublin is a weekend of events, January 26-28, organized by the community group GEARED Ireland. GEARED Ireland is the country’s longest running Leather and fetish group for men. The events include a Cultural Tour, Formal Leather Dinner, BLUF Social, GEARED Ireland Main Event with Mr Leather Ireland, Leather Brunch, Leather Archives & Museum Fireside Chat, Relaxed Fetish Dinner and are focused on the gay Leather and fetish community of Ireland and their international friends. For more information on GEARED Ireland please check out http://www.gearedireland.com and/or http://www.leatherpridedublin.ie

Cigar Bar at The Bullet
Cigar Bar, hosted by Kevin Cowger and Michael Lara at the Billet Bar in North Hollywood on Saturday, January 28, starting at 9 PM. Cigarmen, friends and admirers come by for a relaxed smoke and good drinks. Cigar Bar is back at the Bullet on the fourth the Saturday of each month. Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. https://www.facebook.com/events/1764946203806526/?active_tab=about

The Science of BDSM
The team presented The Science of BDSM: Data Blitz at the Southwest Leather Conference in Phoenix, AZ the weekend of January 18-21 where they coordinated a survey on BDSM play. The Science of BDSM Research Team is led by professor of social psychology, Dr. Brad Sagarin, and composed of academics and community members. Members of the team include graduate and undergraduate students in a variety of fields, professors of psychology, clinical psychologists, and kinky people who are interested in supporting research. The team aspires to produce and disseminate quality research on BDSM (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, sadism/masochism), and kink related topics. http://www.scienceofbdsm.com/

Leather Archives & Museum displays inkedKenny
Next Up in the Guest Artist Gallery, January 26 - June 7, MEN as seen through the lens of inkedKenny. inkedKenny's photography is fantastic; dark, sexy, stylish and with an artistic sophistication which appears prodigiously to transcend this relative newcomers tenure behind the lens. By looking within himself, he found his passion and discovered a new way to look. at (and artistically present) the world; through the lens of a camera. With his natural talent and a sharp intrinsic eye, inkedKenny learned by doing and found a new calling in the process. His journey shows how your world can be when you open your eyes to the possibilities around you. http://www.leatherarchives.org/events/

Snowbound Leather Weekend XI
Mates Leather Weekend will present Snowbound Leather Weekend XI, February 23-25 at the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657. Like to show it off? Wanna be the face of Snowbound 2018? Send a winter-themed picture of yourself in your Leather/fetish gear (rated G – XXX) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.m Pictures received will be printed as a 11" x 17" poster (high resolution please) and displayed at the Beer Blast at Watership Inn and Snowbound Brunch at Bayside Betsy’s. Snowbound participants will vote for their favorite with a $5 donation to AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. http://www.matesleatherweekend.com/snowbound

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How you can include your information on Dave Rhodes' Hump Day - Writer Guidelines
If you come up with a date and basic information on a new event, please send us the date and a short detail or two. This is designed for the web site and less so for print, so there is no 45 days-in-advance deadline. If your event is happening on November 15, make sure I have it by Monday afternoon, November 6.

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Past Dave Rhodes' Hump Day blogs

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1981-dave-rhodes-hump-day-january-10-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1980-dave-rhodes-hump-day-january-3-2018

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1979-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-27-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1978-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-20-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1977-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-13-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/1974-dave-rhodes-hump-day-december-6-2017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1973-dave-rhodes-hump-day-november-292017

https://www.theleatherjournal.com/op-ed/item/1971-dave-rhodes-hump-day-november-22-20177