Up Your Alley
Another Up Your Alley/Dore Alley Street Fair is in the books and it sounds like it was a barrel of fun—kinky fun for the estimated 20,000 attendees.
Anthony from Leathermen Travel summed it up well, "Had a great time at Up Your Alley (Dore Alley) in San Francisco. It is a street fair event at the intersection of Folsom Street and Dore Alley. The same location as SF Folsom Street Fair, but about 1/2 the size.
It’s much more male-centric and the attire focuses more on kink fetish, hard core Leather, latex, rubber, BLUF, ponies, pups and furries as their community grows. The spirit of the event is a portion of the community who are more hard core, with a deep passion. These fetishes and kink are more in the spirit of lifestyle."
The usual vendor and community service booths were there, The 15 Association had its play party at Transform1060 and Outdoor Dungeon at Dore Alley Fair at Up Your Alley.
Located at Dore Alley and Folsom Street, the Powerhouse bar was Ground Zero.
SF LDG was the beneficiary of BLUF San Francisco's 15th Annual In Gear Dinner at the Cadillac Bar & Grill on Thursday, July 24. Dinner was followed by a special BLUFSF Hard at the SF Eagle. BLUFSF and SFALG - San Francisco Asian Leathermen Group hosted a successful Dim Sum IN GEAR 2025. The SF Leathermen's Discussion Group hosted the clothes check.
Now for the Folsom Street Fair on the last Sunday of September—where the crowd is more than double the size.
Our Joy is Our Rebellion
By Tomo Tomo
It was a pleasure to be at High Elevation Colorado Kink this weekend, the home of the Rocky Mountain Person of Leather Contest. That morning, I presented a Keynote Speech titled Our Joy is Our Rebellion.
An excerpt: "Because every joyful black, brown, trans, kinky and queer life is a slap in the face to fascism. Each of us living fully and freely is a disruption to patriarchy. Every one of us who gathers here in our Leather and boots and lace and chain and denim and heels and bare skin and bound hearts says: You cannot take this from us."
If you'd like to read or listen to the entire speech, please use this link and scroll to the bottom of the page as they are listed in date order.
https://www.sirtomo.com/speeches
Ottawa Knights celebrate 50th Anniversary
The Ottawa Knights celebrated their 50th Anniversary on July 19 with a dinner at the Royal Oak Restaurant followed by a bar night at T's Pub. Other clubs attending were Spearhead from Toronto, Firedancers from Dallas, Bears of Ottawa, Knighthawks of Virginia and Delta International as well as numerous titleholders.
Join the Ottawa Knights at their home bar T's bub, 323 Somerset Street West on the second Saturday of every month. Each bar night celebrates a different theme, and be on the lookout for raffle draws, prize draws, bootblacking, fundraising, and other special events.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/13074392396
CLAW — Leather Thanksgiving November 26–30
CLAW’s Leather Thanksgiving will be November 26–30 at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Los Angeles. The entire hotel has been reserved for the event – all the guest rooms and meeting space including the pool and the 18 Social Club on the top floor.
The hotel will host almost the entire event schedule including the Hercules dungeon parties, Horsemarket, the vendor mart, education, dark rooms, cigar deck, speed dating, pool parties, various other parties and socials, the Chosen Family Leather Thanksgiving Dinner and the Leather Hall of Fame inductions.
Leather Thanksgiving will also feature a historic boot sale: more than 400 pairs of boots from the estate of Steve Ng will be available for a deeply discounted price, including hundreds of pairs of Dehners in sizes 8 – 13, Wescos, Paul Bond and many other premium brands.
Rooms and tickets are available at https:www.clawinfo.org Rooms rates have been reduced to $189/night.
BLUFSF and SFALG thank Dim Sum In Gear guests
BLUFSF and SFALG - San Francisco Asian Leathermen Group extended a thank you for dining at Dim Sum In Gear 2025 during Dore Alley week.
SFALG - San Francisco Asian Leathermen Group is a voluntary social group of Leathermen who wish to promote the Leather and fetish scene in the San Francisco Bay Area Asian community.
We welcome all male-identified Asian men to find a place of belonging in the community, form brotherhoods, provide mentorships, and strive for representation.
The group is run by a committed group of volunteers all of whom have experience in the fetish scene both at home and abroad. We are a new group that will evolve over time. It is our aim to collaborate with other groups and clubs from the Leather and fetish scene across the world. By Ghia Phua or Lyle Swallow.
Leather Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 announced
The Leather Hall of Fame announced that the selection committee has chosen the following nominees for induction during CLAW's Leather Thanksgiving at the Hotel Indigo in Los Angeles in November: DRUMMER magazine, Charles Guyette and Geoff Mains.
DRUMMER magazine has been an iconic and central publication of the Leather and BDSM communities since 1975. DRUMMER helped to create the modern Leather culture, first nationally and then internationally, and the magazine compiled extensive documentation of a formative period of Leather history.
DRUMMER was much more than just a pornographic magazine. In the absence of a national movement, it was a critical instrument for unity. It was the go-to fuel for fantasies while also serving as a significant tool in the formation of the modern Leather, kink, and BDSM communities and identities....
Charles Guyette (1902-1976) was an American entrepreneur and erotica producer whose influence was as massive as it has been unacknowledged. Based in his New York City store from the early 1930s, where he sold burlesque and theatrical costumes, Guyette created and sold kink materials to an international audience of aficionados.
His work included original and stylistically unique American-made photography addressing themes such as female domination, pony girls, and fetish clothing such as extremely high-heeled shoes. He helped to foster an international network of producers of early kink materials, including John Coutts (John Willie). Guyette established a business model for the production and marketing of kinky materials adapted later by American producers such as Irving Klaw....
Geoff Mains (1947-1989) was a Canadian activist, scientist, writer, ethnographer, and novelist. He first encountered Leather around 1974 through motorcycle clubs in Vancouver and the Northwest. But it was the Leather and kinky scenes of the San Francisco Bay Area that would change the course of his life Mains relocated there in 1983.
With the publication of Urban Aboriginals in 1984, Mains gained recognition as one of the most creative and brilliant minds in the community. In its ethnographic chapters, the book offered a cartography of this new age of Leather – less formal, more spiritual, and with new sexual practices. The book described Leathermen's behaviors, sexual and otherwise, in their terms, particularly as forms of lovemaking and community building....
For more details on each of the inductees go to
Rob Carabelli receives International Impact Award
By Sal Susino
Mr. New Jersey Leather 2002 Rob Carabelli received the International Impact Award for his book, Sexual Energy Spiritual Power on Saturday, July 26 in Mansfield, NJ.
LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert announces major exhibition
By David Gray
The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert announced the major exhibition, UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: Celebrating 35 Years of Leather in Palm Springs which will be on display from Thursday October 30 through Sunday, November 2, at the Hotel Zoso, 150 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; and is being held in conjunction with Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025, the 60th Anniversary of the International Imperial Court System, and Halloween on Arenas Road.
Curated by Mike Király, MPA, Adjunct Faculty, Social Sciences, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Vice President of the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, the exhibit will explore the significant impact of the Leather community on the cultural and social landscape of the Coachella Valley over the past 35 years.
“An often overlooked and sometimes hidden aspect of the general LGBT community, we hope this exhibition brings to the forefront how the Leather community has helped shape and often fight for gay liberation and rights locally,” said David Gray, Co-Director of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert.
In addition to the exhibition, the Archives will also present a free program titled, Leather Women: Celebrating Our Sexuality, on Thursday, October 30, at 6:30 PM, at the Hotel Zoso in conjunction with the exhibition. This program is also a part of CIRCA: Queer Histories Festival of the One Institute and will be live streamed.
Panelists include International Ms Leather 1994 Cindy Bookout, International Ms Leather 1988 Shann Carr, Ms Indulgence Spirit of Leather 2025 Jessica Collins, International Ms. Leather 2015 Sarge and Victoria Rendall (DJ Mixie). It will be moderated by Lex Ortega, Board Member, LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert and Program Coordinator - Palm Springs, The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert..
Formed in 2019 the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert is a community-based archive that documents, collects, preserves, and makes accessible the history of LGBTQ individuals, businesses, organizations, and events centered in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. For more information, please visit their web site, https://www.lgbtqpshistory.org or follow them on Facebook @lgbtqpshistor
London Leather Weekend 2025
London Leather Weekend 2025, produced by the London Leathermen, will be held November 21-23 in London, England. This is a mixed event – everyone is welcome.
November 21 - London Leather Weekend 2025 Welcome Drinks, Hunter, Games in Gear; November 22 - Glory to the Gods: The Leather Care Benefit 2025, Club Collared, Rawhide; November 23 - Kink Brunch, Closing Social, and Cowgirl Sexbang.
The events team and committee behind the scenes of London Leathermen have been busy at work putting together a jam-packed weekend that offers more inclusive spaces than ever before. Thanks to the London Leather Dykes and Proteus UK/Irl for working with us on what will be a super weekend.
The objects of the London Leathermen are: to promote and organize activities for the mutual enjoyment of Club Members; to develop and maintain close and friendly relations with, and to show hospitality towards members of similar clubs; to raise money and collect gifts for charity; and to provide such services for the benefit of Members as the EC deems desirable and practicable.
https://londonleathermen.co.uk/london-leather-weekend/london-leather-weekend/
San Francisco Leather Walk
Bring your kink. Step out. Give back—San Francisco's famed Leather Walk will wind its way through The City's streets starting on Sunday, September 21, 10:30 AM
Join in on the fun and powerful walk through SOMA, stopping for entertainment and refreshments at beloved Leather, kink, and queer venues along the way.
Gather at 10:30 AM at the Polk Street Steps of San Francisco City Hall.
Step off at 11 AM for a fun and powerful walk through SOMA. The walk ends at Eagle Plaza at 3 PM with the raising of the Leather Pride Flag during the SF Eagle’s Leather Pride Fest. Visit the Cultural District booth there. Participation is free.
Leather Walk 2025 kicks off with a couple rousing speakers at 10:45 AM before the walk through SOMA — stopping for entertainment and refreshments at Leather, kink, and queer venues along the way, including Oasis, Powerhouse, Azucar Lounge, Hole in the Wall, Leather Etc, Driftwood, Decant SF, Nosh Box, Mr. S Leather/Ringold Alley,Lone Star Saloon, and SF Eagle Plaza for the Leather Pride Fest for the raising of the Leather Pride Flag.
https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/somarts/campaign/leatherwalk-2025
Women of Drummer 2025
By Toni Solenne
Women of Drummer Weekend 2025 will be held September 25-28 at Ramblewood Campground in Darlington, MD and will include multiple play spaces, Mid‑Atlantic Annex of the Carter‑Johnson Leather Library, hospitality parties, fireside story telling, performances, vendors, contest, parties, hot fun, art show, puppy play park, naked yoga, WOD Got Talent, Kinky Olympics, Scavenger Hunt, the infamous Fisting Party, and the Women of Drummer contest. Ramblewood is a 160 acre campground.
A four‑day pass (Thursday–Sunday) includes cabin lodging for three nights, six delicious meals, access to every single event, party, and activity.
Women of Drummer is inclusive, both in who can attend and in price (food, cabin, and event) created for all folx to enjoy and celebrate the badass Leatherwomen in the community.
https://www.womenofdrummer.com/
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Swing Life Style and Swing.com donates $101,000 to the NCSF
Swing Life Style (SLS) and Swing.com donated $101,000 to the NCSF Foundation in July 2025, as part of their longstanding support for the swing lifestyle and alternative sexualities. This is the largest donation NCSF has ever received.
NCSF will use this donation to support the Freedom & Privacy Project and defend clubs that are being attacked by local authorities. We will also conduct research on “secondary effects” which is often cited to shut down existing clubs or keep new clubs from opening. These funds will be invaluable in court as we fight for our right to gather in peace.
SLS has been leading the industry for almost 25 years by creating lifelong relationships and friends. Swing.com is the new site for SLS, bringing all social facets of the numerous lifestyles together, where members can easily meet like-minded people across the entire spectrum of non-traditional relationships. SLS is where open-minded singles, couples and groups can share their interests and desires.
For more go to https://www.ncsfreedom.org
FLAG (Fits Like A Glove) 34th Anniversary
By Jim Maciel
FLAG (Fits Like A Glove) international glove fetish group held its 34th Anniversary Weekend at the Providence Eagle. FLAG is one of the oldest running organizations in New England. They held their 22nd Annual Mr./Ms./Mx/Q FLAG contest on Saturday, August 9. The winner was Amethyst Rain who is now Ms FLAG 2025.
The judges were Doug Bronco - New England Leather 2025, MX FLAG 2024 - Banshee, Sir Lots A Lot - Mr. Connecticut Leather 2025, Antoni - Mr. Providence Eagle 2025, Miss Stacey Sparkles - Ms FLAG 2016, Reed - New England Rubber 2025, and Sister Jessa Belle of the Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
The emcee was Rob Claffie who has been the emcee for several years now.
They had the most diverse group of contestants, including Amethyst Rain, Frankenpup, Indulgence Period, Mr. G, Stella, and Mckayla Savage. The winner was Amethyst Rain who is now Ms FLAG 2025.
Congrats to Spot, and Pup Casmir, recipients of the Rene Beaudoin Memorial Glove Award for community service. Well deserved. Kevin Samson was the eighth recipient of the Mentor award.
The weekend ended in Riverside with FLAG's 31st Annual FLAG Potluck Cookout which was hosted by Mr. Peter and his husband.
Find FLAG on Facebook in the groups FLAG.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-us
Carter/Johnson Leather Library and Collection one of its kind
The Carter/Johnson Leather Library and Collection is a collective history of various communities who have chosen to live and love differently. The Library, a 501(c)(3) organization, is chartered to bring this history to the communities that it serves.
As the only library of its kind, it is our mission to create an interactive relationship with the stories from the past and the present and link them to future generations. The Library collection includes thousands of Leather, fetish, S/m, kink and alternate sexuality books, magazines, posters, art, newspapers, ephemera and memorabilia dating back to the 1700's. The Carter/Johnson Library is designed to put people in touch with their history by allowing them to hold it, read it, smell it and know it.
Blue Max Cycle Club 50th Anniversary September 19-21
Join the Blue Max Cycle Club as they honor a remarkable milestone—the 50th Anniversary of the Blue Max Cycle Club of St. Louis. Established in 1975,
the club has been at the forefront of promoting Leather-Levi traditions, fostering a spirit of camaraderie, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through educational and social initiatives.
Mark your calendars for the weekend of September 19-21 when Blue Max Cycle Club will host its commemorative Leather Run. This event is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to our enduring legacy and the vibrant culture we’ve nurtured over the decades.
https://www.bluemaxcc.org/events/category/leather-run/
Rene Hebert receives Spirit of Palm Springs honor and PS Leather Pride
Photo by @hadeshylia
Congratulations to International Mr. Leather 2025, Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2025 and Mr. Off Ramp Leather 2025 Rene Hebert for being awarded the prestigious Spirit of Palm Springs Commendation from Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte on Tuesday, July 29.
Your Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert brothers and sisters are proud.
Palm Springs Leather Pride, under the theme Gods Of Leather, will be held October 30 - November 2.
"This year, we invite you to celebrate like the gods of old. Celebrate what feels good, what turns us on, what gets us off, is a privilege and our right. Our kinks, our swirls, and everything in between. The ultimate distraction from turbulent global woes. I look forward to greeting each and every one of you, so stop me if you see me and say hello. And, more than anything, on behalf all of my PSLOD hims, hers, and thems -we want you to have the very best time ever." - PSLOD President David Dunn.
Paul Gosselin wins Mr. CMEN Leather 2025
By Rick Boehle
Paul Gosselin of Sherman Oaks, California, won the title of Mr. CMEN Leather 2025 at CMEN’s SoCal West Coast Gathering near Big Bear, California, on August 23. The first runner-up was Angel Pando of Pomona, CA.
Paul has been attending CMEN West Coast Gatherings for eight years, where he has built lasting friendships and found a strong sense of community. Outside of CMEN, Paul is an actor, writer, and storyteller.
As Mr. CMEN Leather 2025, Paul looks forward to represent CMEN at Leather community events across California and at the International Mr. Leather (IML) Contest in Chicago in May 2026.
The judging panel included head judge Mr. CMEN Leather 2003 Rob Silver, along with Mr. CMEN Leather 2024 Adam Hughes, Mr. CMEN Leather 2021 Eric Adams, Mr. CMEN 2012 Drew Searing, and Mr. CMEN Leather 2004 Mark Lager. Emcees were Mr. CMEN Leather 2015 Rick Boehle and Mr. CMEN Leather 2022 Steve Rutledge with Chuck Emma. serving as tally master.
CMEN is an international social organization for gay and bisexual men who enjoy naturism. CMEN’s SoCal West Coast Gathering 2025 took take place in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear August 17-25. Participants shared experiences and learned new skills in a variety of workshops, and enjoyed the Southern California sun, camaraderie, social activities, and shows. The Gathering drew over 300 male naturists from throughout North America, the Pacific Islands and Europe. CMEN also hosts gatherings in Northern California and Tennessee.
For more information visit https://www.cmen.org
Drum: Bill Ward book by DRUMMER magazine
DRUMMER magazine has released 300 hard-copy, limited-edition print works, titled Drum: Bill Ward.
It is a 576-page collector’s edition that compiles the complete erotic comic work of British gay artist Bill Ward, whose Drum sequential art series ran in DRUMMER and Manifest Reader.
Ward’s men—huge, hung, hairy, and in control—are cops, bikers, punks, and prisoners, thick with muscle and dripping dominance, drawn in stark black and white with raw, graphic intensity. Featuring alley way sex, barracks brawls, backroom encounters, and sci-fi bondage.
Packed with unpublished sketches, original art, rare photos, and behind-the-scenes stories, this definitive volume celebrates Ward’s uncompromising, explicit vision of hairy, thick, insatiable men, preserving the legacy of a genius who turned lust into legend. The copies are limited.
Get yours at https://www.Drummermen.com
Mr. Off Ramp Leather 2026 John Grissom
Mr. Off Ramp Leather 2026 John Grissom was appointed to that title and will compete at Mr. Palm Springs Leather in October.
John Grissom was born October 13, 1974. He moved to Palm Springs from Dallas, Texas in July 2022. He is a former Leather Knight of Dallas and a founding member of The Lone Star Boys of Leather. His pastimes include hanging with his family and friends, coloring in his mandalas books, watching movies and television, and reading up on history. When he is not busy with that he is looking for hot men in Leather or lycra. He currently works as a bar employee at Streetbar on Arenas Road in Palm Springs.
Mates Leather Weekend and First Mate Contest October 2-6
Plans are underway for the 28th Mates Leather Weekend to be held in Provincetown MA October 2-6. Events include Boot Camp, Uniforms and Cigars, Leather Market, First Mate Contest and Rubber Ball.
Jay Falcon, Northeast Community Bootblack 2011 and 2012 and MLW’s resident Bootblack will be on hand throughout the weekend. MLW’s resident Buzz-Cut Barbers Danny Pantaleo and Billie Jean Beetam of SNIP Salon will be trimming you up at the Leather Market to make sure you look your best.
Mates Leather Weekend has raised $114,500. to date for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod - https://www.asgcc.org) through event pass sales, raffle, and other donations.
In addition, MLW holds a coat/clothes drive each year with donations going to Ruthie’s Boutique, a local non-profit thrift store whose profits benefit local charities.
Kevin Hart, First Mate 2024, will be hosting this year’s First Mate Contest. Contestant registration forms are available. First Prize is $500 cash, and a $100 gift card from Full Kit Gear. Judging panel to be announced.
Mates Leather Weekend was created by a local Leather club called Provincetown Mates in 1994. They produced the event for a few years until the club disbanded. The event was resurrected in 2000 and has occurred every year since (except 2020).
https://www.MatesLeatherWeekend.com
LA Leather Coalition elects new board
The Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC) elected its board for the remainder of 2025 through August of next year. Their task is to produce LA Leather Pride Week in March, 2026. The election was on Tuesday night, August 5 during LALC's monthly Zoom meeting.
The new board includes Chair – Gabriel Green, Vice Chair – Kip O'Connor, Secretary – Mistress Cyan, Treasurer – and Doug Milliken. At Large board members are: Jon Wright, Chris Velasquez, Carolyn Stimson, George Vassar, Erik Haig and Ayite Okyne.
https://losangelesleatherpride.com/
Sexual Freedom Parade in N'awlins
The Sexual Freedom Parade takes place every summer during Naughty N’awlins and is co-sponsored by NCSF. This year’s parade on July 12th was the best attended Sexual Freedom Parade ever, and received strong encouragement from visitors to the French Quarter.
For more go to https://www.ncsfreedom.org
Mr. Long Beach Leather to return
The Mineshaft will host the revived Mr. Long Beach Leather contest, an IML 2026 qualifying event the weekend of October 3-5. The weekend schedule includes meet the contestants on Friday, October 3, Mr. Long Beach Leather contest on Saturday, October 4 and the Mr. Long Beach Leather at the barbecue on Sunday.
The last time a sash, medallion and patch was bestowed for Mr. Long Beach Leather was in 2019 when Eric Crowe held the title. This year's winner will compete at IML 2026. Mineshaft, 1720 Broadway, Long Beach, CA.
https://www.facebook.com/mrlbleather
BlackFire Weekend – Cigars Tattoos 'n Sweat
Celebrate four unforgettable Days in Palm Springs, BlackFire Weekend's Cigars, Tattoos, and Sweat, September 18-22. The air will be thick with anticipation and the smokey aroma of premium cigars, mingling with the raw energy of a community that thrives on fire and camaraderie.
BlackFire Weekend is a gathering of men who crave intensity, masculinity, and a smoky celebration of male energy. Whether you’re savoring a fine smoke beneath the desert skies, adding to your story, or pushing your limits. you’ll find your tribe here.
Events include a Cuban dinner at Rick's, barber on duty, pipe social, private party at Rough Trade Gear, Sunday pool party, late night parties and a Bus Ride to Palm Springs presented by Eagle LA.
The host hotel is CCBC Resort for BlackFire Weekend 2025. If you would like to reserve a room for Blackfire weekend, check the box for the hotel room reservation on the BFW website and the hotel will contact you within a few days after your package purchase.
San Diego's Leather Realm
In over 30 years, the San Diego Leather Realm has grown to become a 24,000-plus square-foot lushly landscaped, age-restricted area in The San Diego Pride Festival. The Leather Realm opened its doors for 16 hours of education and fun, hosting nearly 10,000 attendees during the annual two-day Festival July 19-20.
Leather Realm's mission is one of educational outreach. They are a group of cross-community and club volunteers dedicated to providing visibility, awareness and communication of Safe, Sane and Consensual play, Leather, BDSM, Fetish, and Kink Life Styles through hands-on demonstration areas, workshops. community organizations, and alternative lifestyle friendly businesses. Fetish Men San Diego had a booth.
Editorial
Thank you to Matias, Charlie, Vince and all that is Eagle LA
Thank you to Matias Gomez Constenla, Charlie Matula, Vince and Eagle LA for organizing and managing the GoFundMe page which has raised a ton of money to help cover my recent on ongoing medical and related expenses. This is not something I dreamed up. Matias, Charlie, Eagle LA, et al did Thank you to those 290 Leatherfolk, kinksters and friends for raising what they have. If you need an emotional boost, go to the page and click "see all" where you will be able to read the impressive list of donors – some are anonymous so we'll never know all of them. The list includes friends from decades gone by, clubs, titleholders, event producers, Leather store and Leather bar owners and their employees.
On July 27 Charlie wrote on the GoFundMe page, "On behalf of Myself, Vince, and the Eagle LA Crew, we raise our glass in recognition to all those who made donations, both large and small, to this fundraiser. Dave has been a pillar in our community for decades, documenting and supporting our Leather history with his publication The Leather Journal. We feel it is time to give back. I can see by the names of those who have donated that this has reached every corner of the country, and beyond. The response has far exceeded our expectations and only proves that Dave has many friends who love and support him at this time. You have shown that the Leather Community is very much alive and well, we thank you all.
Cheers,
Charlie."
To see the list of donors check out https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-leather-legend-david-rhodes-needs-usdavid-rhodes-needs-us
I want to congratulate all that is Encuerado Latin Fetish Weekend over Labor Day. The list of volunteers and supporters is long and talented. With this, it would have been impossible to fail. Mazel tov to Alberto Alfredo Rodriguez on becoming their first title. Do know, that as the first of what we hope is many, you will leave a legacy. Make that a good one. Strive to do good. In a way, as an ambassador, you are the captain of a beautiful ship. Do your crew proud.
As promised, we have pages of LGBTQ Pride and Leather presence coverage from 39 different cities that held Pride parades, festival and related events. Two pages of copy and photos. That's a lot, but I feel we are only touching the top part of the iceberg. Hope to have more next year.
Enjoy reading The Leather Journal,
Dave Rhodes
Mr. Louisiana Leather 2026 is Kent LeVan
By Brock Andersen
Kent LeVan of New Orleans was sashed Mr. Louisiana Leather 2026 on August 30 during the Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather’s annual contest. Held at Siberia Lounge on Southern Decadence weekend the capacity crowd enjoyed a festive atmosphere with Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2024 Miss Crystal Reign-Ballz performing between judged categories. Three contestants competed in interview, formal Leather and street/bar wear.
James Phillips ( Daddy Boot Bear) of Biloxi MS who also holds the Mr. Fireside 2025 title of Mobile, AL was runner-up. DJ Gamble-Studdard (Oddly Otter) of Pinson, AL who as Mr. Mobile Leather 2025 rounded out the slate of contestants.
BlackFire Weekend Bear Bus Trip from Eagle LA
On Sunday, September 21, the Eagle LA is sponsoring a bus round trip to the Tool Shed in Palm Springs as BlackFire Weekend's Bear Bus trip. The special price is $75 for round trip transportation on a luxury coach bus. Price includes all drinks and snacks. On the bus there will be raffles and prizes. Buy now because there are only 50 seats available. Each rider on the bus will also get a Blackfire Weekend Dog Tag.
Eagle LA check-in at 12 PM, bus departs at 1 PM sharp and returns to Eagle LA at 10 PM. See Charlie or a bartender at the Eagle LA to purchase tickets.
Mr. Michigan Leather XXX
Mr. Michigan Leather XXX Weekend will be held Friday, September 219 through Sunday, September 21 at the Dunes Resort, 333 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck, MI.
Mr. Michigan Leather XXX Weekend includes great food, cocktail parties, pets and pups, closing Leather tea dance late Sunday afternoon, plus one of the best-run regional Leather contests in the country. Mr. Michigan Leather Woody Woodruff won the International Mr. Leather title in 2012.
Bootblack Round-Up 10th Anniversary
By John Urso
Bootblack Round-Up will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this October 24–26 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, MD.
Over the past 10 years the community has supported Bootblack Round-Up in countless ways: financially, physically, and emotionally. Thanks to your generosity, Bootblack Round-Up has raised and distributed over $25,000 to both local and national LGBTQ+ causes.
This year's beneficiary is Trans Lifeline which connects transgender men and women to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive, while envisioning a world where trans men and women have the connection, economic security, and care everyone needs and deserves, free of prisons and police.
MIR 29 Rubberlesque October 16-19
Weekend Packages for MIR 29 Rubberlesque are now on sale. MIR will be October 16-19 at the Embassy Suites Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont, IL.
Rush is the current International Rubber Ambassador MIR 28 and leads off a strong judging panel which includes Bondage Coach, Goddess Indigo, Elizabeth Davis, Kevin Murphy, Jack Thompson and Martin Korinth.
The Full Monte package runs $459 through August 15 and includes a lot - such as Weekend admission to the Kink Market, Chicago Rubber Club Gear Swap, Sunday Gaymes and Gear, Educational Workshops, Cocktail Parties, Dance Parties, and Dark Rooms, Free Coat Check, Participation in Audience Vote, Seating: Side view, left and right of center stage, four Drink Tickets Total, Saturday AM Early Gear Swap Access, Hospitality Suite Access with light snacks and non alcoholic beverages, Friday and Saturday VIP Brunch Access, Sunday VIP Winners Brunch with Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, Photos with the winners, VIP Bar access at the MIR29 Contest, Seating: Center stage, front section, with cocktail tables. Three buffet dinners priced at $65 each can be added on.
Looking to earn up to the full value of a package to attend MIR? Consider volunteering.
https://mirubber.com/register/weekend-packages/
Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout
By Ron Rasmussen
This year's Pacific Northwest Leathermen's Campout was a spectacular success. With 66 men attending this fourth annual event, everyone enjoyed a wide variety of workshops, seminars, and demonstrations of the finer points of BDSM and Kink, during the weekend of Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3, which was filled with laughter, food, fun, and friendship.
This clothing-optional, sex-positive Campout was held on 29 secluded, tree-lined acres near Oregon City, Oregon, just 25 minutes south of Portland International Airport. Next year's Campout will be held July – Sunday, 2 August.
National Capital Bootblack Competition in Ottawa
By Tania Sickman
The National Capital Bootblack Competition 2025 is being held at T's Pub, with a Leather Swap at Wicked Wanda’s and a Survivor Brunch at The Royal Oak on Bank and Gloucester in Ottawa, Canada November 14-16.
Don't forget to be at the Roast of current Bootblack Mike Laframboise and write one's favorite "roasts" on the tear away sheets for him to bring home. $20 gets one's boots or shoes blacked, two small items or a vest.
If a resident of Canada one can walk in the pride parade, and give workshops. Don't worry about your skill level, you have months to practice.
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested in competing or just come out and have fun.
https://spearheadtoronto.com/2025/04/21/national-capital-bootblack-competition
Southwest Master/slave couple Master Damascus and slave demir
By Tomo and photo by Tomo
Congratulations to 2025 Southwest Master/slave couple Master Damascus and slave demir who won their titles in Colorado Springs, CO in July.
The Southwest Master/slave Contest and Leather Run weekend is a celebration of the Leather and Levi culture including authority exchange relationships, drag, education, community building, camaraderie with like-minded individuals, fun, shenanigans, bootblacking, cigar socials, a kick ass play party, and of course, the Southwest Region Master and slave Contest.
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Encuerado Latin Fetish Weekend, Mr. Cuero Leather 2025 Alberto Alfredo Rodriguez
Billed as "the kinkiest Latin Leather Weekend Los Angeles has ever seen," Encuerado Latin Fetish Weekend – Brave New World, was held over Labor Day Weekend with four days of non-stop debauchery and community, culminating in the crowning of the first Los Angeles Mr. Cuero, Alberto Alfredo Rodriguez on Sunday night, August 30 at Rough Trade Gear
The contest was emceed by International Mr. Leather 2025 Rene Hebert and IML 2024 Jamal Herrera O'Malley. The highly-esteemed panel of judges was the audience.
These play parties and events were on the docket including the Bondage and Discipline Party, Primer Impacto Party and Aguas Frescas Party, Anything Goes, and the Los Angeles Mr. Cuero 2025 contest. Oh, and let's not forget the Erotic Art Contest judged by the legendary Latin artist Hector Silva.
Encuerado Latin Fetish Weekend venues consisted of Rough Trade Gear LA, Lüstern, and Precinct DTLA. Get ready to experience an unforgettable event. It took more than 100 kinksters and Leatherfolk to produce this event, and by all accounts, it received rave reviews.
The Encuerado mission statement is, "Providing a safe and fun environment for all the kinksters and artists across Los Angeles. Helping community build their own identities as Leather persons, with emphasis on POC and marginalized communities."
Words from Concept Creator Leonardo Iriarte
"In 2010, my life took an unexpected turn when I decided to run for a Leather contest on my birthday.
Although I placed second, this experience opened my eyes to the Leather lifestyle and revealed a significant gap: the lack of representation for minorities, particularly from the Latino community.
I realized that if I wanted to thrive as a Leather man, I needed to establish a safe haven and build a community of kinksters who could share similar experiences and identities.
This realization sparked the beginning of the Latin Leather movement in LA. It became clear that we, as Latinos..."continued on link below:
https://www.encueradoweekend.com/
Oregon State Leather Contest winners
By Ron Rasmussen
This year's Oregon State Leather Contest was held on Saturday, August 9, and featured stiff competition resulting in two winners, with a variety of all-star judges from across the country.
Lukki Girl won Oregon State Bootblack for 2025. Tenebris is Oregon State Pet for 2025.
Judges included Heartburn, who is Mr. Oregon State Leather for 2024; Jamal, who is International Mr. leather for 2024; Sarge, who is International Ms. Leather for 2015; Grandma Judy Tallwing McCarthy, the first International Ms. Leather for 1987; Robbie Robinson of the Carter Johnson Leather Museum; Sir Daddy Daun Webb, who won the Ms. title for Master and slaves Together (MAsT) 2017; slave girl J (slave to Daun Webb); and Biscuit, who is the Washington State Leather Organization Bootblack for 2025.
The contest was held at Badlands Bar in downtown Portland, Oregon, with an enthusiastic audience. The were no contestants for Mr., Ms., or Mx. Oregon State Leather this year.
Eagle Cathedral City coming soon
By Eric Gray for Palm Springs Tribune
A new chapter in LGBTQ nightlife is unfolding in Cathedral City as the infamous bar Eagle Cathedral City prepares to open in the same space once occupied by the beloved Barracks Bar, which closed after three decades of community and Leather-kink culture....
It is projected that the Eagle will open in the Winter of 2025 however, projects are typically delayed in construction which may push the opening to 2026....
Read complete story at https://pstribune.com/2025/08/13/cathedral-citys-lgbtq-nightlife-to-get-a-big-boost-eagle-cathedral-city-to-rise-from-the-ashes-of-the-barracks/
Leather Reign IXX Conference returns to Seattle
Tickets are on sale for one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved events, Leather Reign. Evergreen Leather Events declared that the much anticipated 19th annual Leather Reign conference will be held November 7-9. This vibrant and educational Leather/BDSM/Kink event, just minutes from Seattle, focuses on the theme of “making the most of our kink."
Leather Reign has enhanced its workshops with a selection of presenters delving deeper into three core areas: Understanding our motivations - Leather Reign will discuss the reasons behind its practices, focusing not just on techniques but on the meaningful “why” of the community; Dynamics of Dominance and submission/Mastery and slavery/service - These topics explore relationship structures, the calling to BDSM roles, and the formalities of service; and Advanced how-to sessions (201 level and above) - Attendees can engage in discussions about edge play, advanced techniques, and other creative methods of BDSM.
Register at http://www.LeatherReign.org
International Leather Sir, boy and Community Bootblack returns
Like a phoenix rising, the International Leather Sir, boy and Community Bootblack is making its return to Dallas, TX as part of Beyond Vanilla Weekend, October 9-12 at an unnamed hotel. The name of the hotel will be disclosed once one registers for the event.
The passing of Stanford Altamirano
By ONYX Southwest Brotherhood, photo by Dusti Cunningham
We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Stanford Altamirano.
As one of the original founders of ONYX Southwest, Inc., Stanford helped lay the foundation for what would become a powerful brotherhood. While we didn’t see much of him after the first year, his presence was always felt. Through The Fight magazine (our long-time sponsor), he supported ONYX quietly but consistently, never seeking recognition, just doing what he believed in.
Stanford was a pillar in our community, a force for good, and a true friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the spaces he helped create.
Once ONYX, always ONYX.
You will be deeply missed, brother. Our condolences to his family.
Robert Bender passes away
By Leslie Anderson
This morning, August 19, I received the news that Robert Bender passed away.
For many years, Robert was a great friend to me, and to the LA&M. He didn't have to do any of the things he did, but he devoted his skill in all things financial to the museum as well as other organizations. He advised me from time to time on ways to save money in preservation work.
It's sometimes the quiet and reserved people behind the scenes who make things happen. He didn't do stuff for awards or for public accolades. He did it because it was right, and because he could.
I'll miss him. Thank you Bob for all of the many things you did for all of us.
Volunteer – accounting at the Leather Archives & Museum. President, Treasurer, Auditor and Financial Consultant at various not-for-profit organizations, charities and condominium associations.
Former Presidential award recipient 2022 at Leather Archives & Museum.
Sean Campbell of Twilight Guard passes
By Michael Conley
It is with mixed feelings i must relay that Sean Campbell of Twilight Guard passed after a long battle with colon cancer.
He is at rest finally, but fought to the end. There will be no wake or funeral. A memorial service will be planned in the future.
Sean proudly (and loudly) served as Vice President of the AMCC. He was a long-time friend and a supporter of the LI Ravens MC. Sean was best known for his artistic talent and outstanding cocktail parties at many runs. His brainchild Willy Wonka cocktail was the pinnacle of absurd genius. Please remember him fondly.
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A Blast from The Past
Koalas MC in 1967
This photo of the Koalas MC from 1967 surfaced recently. The noted Peter Fiske appears on the lower right corner. Fiske is a noted author, activist and one of the kinkiest kinksters the world has ever known. e is a member of The 15 Association of San Francisco and now resides in Palm Springs, CA. He has a huge whip collection from all over the world from which he sells at events. He has worked with International Mr. Leather as a volunteer for a couple decades.
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The Leather Journal was founded in May, 1987. The Leather community was hungry for news magazine that covered clubs, organizations and events. TLJ has successfully met that need for 34 years. We have adapted to change more than once and when the Internet came about we were there by adding www.TheLeatherJournal.com
