Dave Rhodes' Hump Day, May 16, 2018

December 04, 2023

Dave Rhodes' Hump Day, May 16, 2018

By Dave Rhodes May 18, 2018

72 is the official count of contestants at IML 2018

IML 40 contestants preliminary with photos of 72 confirmed contestants. This is The Leather Journal's traditional preview. Pick out your favorites, and if you are going to IML, say hello to them for us - as if that would be on your mind, but it's cute to say. https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/2019-iml-2018-contestants-photos-and-bios

International Mr. Bootblack has four men running

There are four men competing for International Mr. Bootblack this year and we have a photo and bio from each one. Another reason to be at IML. These guys and 72 IML contestants - the judges are going to have their hands full. I know I've judged it for times, but the most we had in any one of those years was 56. https://www.theleatherjournal.com/news/regional-news/item/2020-international-mr-bootblack-2018-contestants-bios-and-photos

DomCon: LA attendance up by 30 percent

DomCon: Los Angeles attracted 1,700 kinksters the weekend of May 9-12 in Lennox, CA, an increase of 400 from 2017. The main event was the Fetish Ball at Sanctuary LAX Studios on Saturday night which had a long line of people waiting to get inside. There were 55 vendors, most of which reported robust sales; 55 workshops and classes, and about 25 socials and receptions. DomCon is short for domination convention for professional dominants. Although the name and focus of DomCon is on that, there are plenty of events for others in the greater BDSM/fetish scene. http://www.domconla.com

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/ list-national/ and to see the home page go to https://leatherlist.org/

Pantheon of Leather nominations begin

You can make your nominations for the Pantheon of Leather Awards which will be presented on stage at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas - Market Center during International Leather Sir, Leatherboy and Community Bootblack weekend on Thursday night, August 30 in Dallas, TX. The schedule for this year is: May 10, nominations open; June 10, nominations close; July 11, voting by the public begins; August 13 voting closes. The form is simple and easy to operate. To make your nominations go to https://notarius.wufoo.com/forms/z18o8r281p1i9yz/

Leather at Long Beach Pride

Almost since the early years of Long Beach Pride, Leather has had a strong presence. There will be a Leather area inside the festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 19, 20 and in the parade on Sunday morning and afternoon. Eagle 562 will lead the charge in the parade with their float. This story is still developing and parade staging area is still undetermined. Find out at https://www.facebook.com/events/2142189566002043/

Leather Invasion in the Castro

Leather Invasion - Gear Up and Go Out to the Castro during Pride Month. Mr. San Francisco Leather 2018 invites Leatherfolk to come out on Saturday, June 16 at 6:30 PM to Castro District in San Francisco, CA 94110. This is a call to the Bay Area’s Leather and kink communities to socialize in one of the nation's most recognized LGBT neighborhoods. Put on your favorite gear and join a crawl through seven different venues - increasing our visibility everywhere we go. Meet at Beaux, 2344 Market Street. Our last invasion attracted over 100 people decked in their best gear strolling the Castro. https://www.facebook.com/events/2018021331856044/

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Trivia Question of the Week

Wally Wallace was the founder and owner of this legendary kinky sex space in New York?

1. Yankee Stadium.

2. The Battery.

3. The Lure.

4. The Mine Shaft.

5. Gotham.

Answer next week when a new question is asked.

Last week's Question answered - Daddy Flo is? The first International Ms Olympus Leather and first transgender international titleholder.

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Doctor Justin Terry-Smith

Justin Terry-Smith AKA Mister J, Mr. Maryland Leather 2010, has just been awarded his Doctorate degree in Public Health. He has been an HIV activist in the DC area since 1999. A Mid-Atlantic Pantheon Award winner and disabled Veteran Since 2008, Justin has blogged about his life living with HIV in his award-winning blog Justin’s HIV Journal. Co-founder of the Mid-Atlantic Leather chapter of ONYX. Lastly. Justin embraces being a Black, Gay Jew in the crowd, but he is nobody’s token. He will be judging the Atlantic States Leather SIR/boy/Bootblack Contest September 28-30 and the International Leather Bear contest October 5-10.

OutWrite Presents Amor Prohibido

This is a bilingual panel discussion with Latinx Leather LGBTQ+ leaders discussing their experience in the Leather community including issues of identities, sex, kink and art. Moderator: Jose Gutierrez; Panelists: Master Taino, Girl Amelia, Salvador, Torres-Martinez, Ignacio G. Rivera, Papi Coxxx and Pup Juaniorex. Wednesday, June 6 at 7 PM at The DC Center, 2000 14th Street NW, # 105, Washington, DC 20009. https://www.facebook.com/events/460800021006587/ and/or http://thedccenter.org/

Reknown columnist Dan Savage rails against gay Republican who can't get laid

By Dan Savage for Savage Love column for The Stranger

“Sensible, self-respecting gay men don’t wanna fuck you because you did real and lasting harm to millions of your fellow Americans. … The question you should be asking yourself isn’t, ‘Why won’t some gay men sleep with me?’, but rather, ‘How on earth do I sleep at night?'" Dan's column can be read at https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2018/05/09/26157870/savage-love-letter-of-the-day-gay-trump-voter-asks-lots-of-gay-men-dont-want-to-sleep-with-trump-voters-can-i-sleep-with-them-anyway Listen to the Savage Lovecast at http://www.savagelovecast.com

Fuk U(niversity)Females Uniting Kink

Club FUK and FUK U will present FUK University Flogging and spanking Class at Sanctuary LAX Studios on Saturday, June 2 at 6 PM, meeting on the first Saturday of every month. Females Uniting Kink (FUK) is a female dominant group, membership is open to all gender orientations. This group is for female identified Dominants, switches and submissives. Those who identify as male must be submissive. Sanctuary LAX Studios, 10914 South La Cienega Blvd., Lennox, CA 90304. https://www.facebook.com/events/777497145794473/ and/or http://2a7.3db.myftpupload.com/

Restore and Redistribute with Mr. SDL 2018 and SD Bootblack 2018

Mr. San Diego Leather 2018 Doriam Couto and San Diego Bootblack 2018 Shilo Vix invite Leatherfolk to Restore and Redistribute at Urban Mo's in the Hillcrest district of San Diego on Friday, May 18 at 7 PM. With help from Auntie Helen's Thrift Store, and the amazing people who donate to it, we've been able to pick up 30 pieces of Leather and fetish gear and are beginning our Restoration and Redistribution project. By taking each of these pieces and giving new life to them, we honor the Leathermen and Leatherwomen who came before them. Urban Mo's, San Diego, CA 92110. https://www.facebook.com/events/336257720234102/

Spartan Motorcycle Club - Marathon 2018

The Spartans will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary with a motorcycle run to Americade from June 3 through 8. We are busily preparing the details to celebrate our love of motorcycling in brotherhood. The club holds motorcycle rides on weekends from April to October. Any adult motorcyclist may join us on a ride without becoming a member. The Spartan Motorcycle Club of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC, Inc. was founded on April 3, 1968 by 15 motorcyclists. Select the Marathon link on http://www.spartanmc.com/

Dallas Bears - Texas Bear Round Up

The Dallas Bears will present Texas Bear Round Up: Stations 23 the weekend of May 31 - June 3 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas, TX. This is one of the most popular bear events in the world, so if you are a bear and seek attention, or are an admirer, this is a great opportunity. Al the usual club run stuff applies. Find out more at http://wwwtbru.org

Avatar - Foam and Groan at Eagle 562

Avatar Club Los Angeles will host Foam and Groan on Friday, May 18 at Eagle 562 in Long Beach starting at 9 PM. Mr. Southern California Drummer 2017 Xavier Espeho will host. This is Long Beach Pride weekend, so a huge crowd is expected. The foam machine will be pumping! Take off your clothes, jump in the bubbles and join the fun. There is a $15 cover charge at the door. This will also be Avatar's first bar event at the Eagle 562 - previous Avatar events at that location were when it was Pistons. https://www.avatarla.org/home.html

Disco Daddy celebrates Grace Jones' B-Day

Sunday, May 20 at 7 PM at the SF Eagle. Disco Daddy celebrates Grace Jones' and your host Marc Sanchez' 70th birthday with host beer bust Tea Dance with DJ Bus Station John. SF Eagle, 398 12th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. https://www.facebook.com/events/121191968751542m/events/121191968751542

ONYX SoCal-Southwest

ONYX is an organization that supports ethnic and racial diversity in the gay Leather community. For over 22 years, the organization has been the bridge between Leather men of color and the broader Leather community. This past weekend ONYX Southwest presented Perversion at Eagle LA in Los Angeles, CA. https://www.onyxsw.com/ and national http://www.onyxmen.com

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Ms Los Angeles Leather

The Ms Los Angeles Leather 2018 contest will be held the weekend of June 1-3. Ms Los Angeles Leather 2017 Scarlet Sin will step aside for the next woman to hold the title. As of now, they have three confirmed contestants. A Meet and Greet and Roast of Ms LA Leather 2017 is on June 1 at Eagle 562 beginning at 8 PM; the Ms LA Leather 2018 Contest will be on Saturday, June 2 at Sanctuary LAX Studios at 8 PM; and the Victory Brunch will be at Hunter and Charlie's on Sunday. http:www.mslaleather.com

Timeline of Pup Play

Timeline of Pup Play is a web site with tons of puppy history. When going to the site you will see a timeline for 2011 to the present. Yes, there is a lot of puppy history prior to that. Not to be alarmed - scroll down and you will see 2001-2010. There is more than that you will discover. The go-to website for all things pup play, from the basics for newcomers to advice and opinions to inspire those with serious ambition. This is not meant to be taken literally or as a rule-book. This is designed to inspire pups to be the pups they want to become and to find resources. We try our best to gather information and experiences from across the community and compile them into one place so the content is not biased to one person's experiences but to have content made by the entire community to inspire those who are curious and those who are also long time veterans to animal role-play. https://www.pupplay.info/2018/02/18/timeline-of-pup-play-milestones-2010-2019/

Join the NCSF

Please join our coalition and support our work. Please tell us your story. NCSF's Narrative Project is collecting your stories about being outed or discriminated against as well as consent violations you'd like to tell us about. The NCSF's American Law Institute project is fighting to make consent a defense to BDSM and to give anonymity for victims of assault in a BDSM context. Plus, the NCSF provides resources and referrals to kink aware professionals on request on a daily basis through our Incident Reporting and Response program. We are fighting for your rights! https://nationalcoalitionforsexualfreedom.wildapricot.org/

Leather Heart Foundation launches General Assistance Applications

Over the last year the Leather Heart Foundation (LHF) has gone through structural changes and reorganization internally to bring all of the fetish communities LHF serves a strong foundation for those facing financial hardships. LHF is the only non-profit group of its kind - by the community, for the community. Recently, LHF opened applications to the Disaster Relief Fund for individuals affected by the devastating wildfires and hurricanes. Today, LHF is announcing the reopening of regular applications for support due to financial hardship. Members of the various fetish communities including, but not limited to, the Leather/BDSMKink/Rubber communities may apply at http://www.leatherheart.org

American Brotherhood Weekend

By Brian Mincey

Joan Norry says, "Don't miss it." Last call for this amazing discount for American Brotherhood Weekend now till the stroke of IML.... When IML starts till special deal will be gone...Get two for one tickets for 2018 American Brotherhood Weekend. Select the BOGO (Buy One Get One) and your on your way. ABW is sponsored by Touche' Chicago, our main location along with the Leather Archives and Museum, October 5-7. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/29th-annual-american-brotherhood-weekend-2018-tickets-37545987058

The 2018 Leather SLUT Competitions

The Mission of the Mr. and Ms Leather SLUT contest is to promote Leather culture among the Salt Lake City community. We are looking for Leather men and women that can act as ambassadors to work with various segments of both LGBTQ community and the radical sex communities. Sunday, May 20 at 8 PM, Metro Music Hall, 615 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

ProNE Leather Pride Night

ProNE Leather Pride Night 2018, hosted by Not 1 More Campaign - Silence is Violence, will be held at the Providence Eagle on Saturday, June 2 at 8 PM. This is a live charity auction event benefiting A Perfect Place NB-AGLY, the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health. Providence Eagle, 124 Snow Street, Providence, RI 02903. https://www.facebook.com/events/402234806871139/

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Pup Mosh in Denver

There is a Pup Mosh every second Friday at Trade in Denver, CO with the next one being Friday, June 8 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/

Golden Gate Guards - Leather Cruise on San Francisco Bay VIII

By Marc Owens

The Golden Gate Guards will host the Eighth Annual Leather Cruise on San Francisco Bay on Saturday, September, 29, at Pier 40 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, CA the day before Folsom Street Fair. Departure time is 5:30 PM. The Leather Cruise supports the San Francisco Leather Alliance; our the long term intention is to create a fund to purchase a permanent home for the Leather Alliance. Full no host bar on-board as well as late afternoon buffet. Leather or uniform attire strongly suggested. Early Bird tickets are a $75 donation (available May 22 - July 30 or until Early Bird Tickets are Sold Out). Regular tickets are a $90 donation per person. http://www.ggguards.org/

Was it assault or kinky sex, Eric Schneiderman? Here's the difference

By Susan Wright for The Guardian and supplied by the NCSF

This Monday, Eric Schneiderman resigned as the New York attorney general after four women alleged that he had assaulted them. Two of the women claimed they had been "choked and hit repeatedly by Mr. Schneiderman," while another said she had been "violently slapped across the face." A fourth woman alleged similar experiences.... As a member of the BDSM community, I think its important to clarify the difference between rough sex and assault.... It's all on http://ncsfreedom.org/press/blog/item/was-it-assault-or-kinky-sex-eric-schneiderman-here-s-the-difference

Valley Pride Street Festival - Hosted by Bullet Bar

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 o bring that energy and share it with everyone around. Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. https://www.facebook.com/thebulletbar/

Women's International Leather Legacy

Women's International Leather Legacy (WILL) is planned for August 3-5 at the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Market Center. A weekend filled with workshops, activities, women’s history and a contest like no other, WILL features some fantastic workshops and panels, classes, the WILL contest, Friday dinner, Inside the Leather Jacket interviews, Sunday brunch with Keynote, and Bootblack Roundtable moderated by Jayson DaBoi and Briar. Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Market Center, 2325 North Stemmons. Freeway, Dallas, TX, 75207. https://www.facebook.com/events/262310584303437/

Master/slave Conference XV hotel taking reservations

By Master Taino

The hotel reservation process for Master/slave Conference XV's new venue, the Westin Tysons Corner Hotel, is underway. The hotel is not exclusive but most of the meeting space is, and we have 15,000 square feet of meeting space. The Westin was recently remodeled and all the rooms will have a refrigerator. The dates are August 30 - September 3. We have been able to negotiate free parking and Wi-Fi. The rate for both King rooms and Double rooms is only $99 per night. The fare is good for three days before and after the event Join us at MsC 2018 - our 15th Anniversary online registration is already open. To book your hotel room, visit http://masterslaveconference.org/home/

Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance education

The Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance holds educational classes on the second Saturday of each month in Denver, CO. The June 9 version will be on Spirituality through Kink and Leather with Levi at 2 PM. The RMLA advocates for an alliance of the regional Leather, kink, fetish, and BDSM communities thru outreach, social, and educational events. King Center, Auraria Campus, King Center room 201 in Denver, CO. http://www.rmlalliance.com/

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