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Scarlett Sin Ms. Los Angeles Leather 2017

Scarlett Sin Ms. Los Angeles Leather 2017Basic Information: Name Current Title City, State website (if any) regular community events that you produce or participate (limit 3) Favorite Leather item in your arsenal of bar/fetish wear & social media:

My name is Scarlett Sin and I proudly represent my city of LA as the current Ms. Los Angeles Leather 2017.

I am the President of the Southland Title Sisters and the founder of The Visibility Project, an organization devoted to providing visibility to all those under the Leather flag.

While I have many items of garb, my favorite leather item is my first signal whip. It is what I learned with and through that experience I furthered my focus, discipline, passion and connection to the craft I adore so much.

Facebook: Scarlett Sin

Twitter: @ladyscarlettsin

Instagram: @ladyscarlettsin

 Sponsors:

Los Angeles Leather Pride: www.losangelesleatherpride.com

Southland Title Sisters

Sanctuary Studios LAX: www.sanctuarylax.com

Ms Los Angeles Leather: www.mslaleather.com

Free Speech Coalition: www.freespeechcoalition.com

Whipping Stripes: www.whippingstripes.com

Altar Image Photography: www.altarimagephoto.com

Rough Trade Leather: www.roughtradeleather.com

Orchid & Serpent: www.orchidandserpentstores.com

Ravynblood Creations: www.etsy.com/shop/ravynblood

Panther Prowls: www.pantherprowls.com

Firebird Leather: www.firebirdleather.com

The Trophy Guy LA: thetrophyguyla.com

Los Angeles Eagle Bar: www.eaglela.com

The Eagle 562: eagle562.com

Favorite Charity:

An organization that is extremely near and dear to my heart is The Cupcake Girls. Founded eight years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada; The Cupcake Girls started as a project to provide love and support to sex workers, and victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking; not having any agenda beyond linking people with the services they need, whether that be mental health, medical, legal, and many, many others.

Their mission statement is: We provide confidential support to those involved in the sex industry, as well as those affected by domestic sex trafficking through holistic resources, case management, and after care. We provide nonjudgmental support to empower our clients in their pursuits through respect, resources, and relationships.

Since their inception, they have been regular fixtures at numerous events, they have began services in Portland, Oregon and are soon to open their own permanent facility in Las Vegas to provide these services to all that need them.

Having seen their work first hand, and the invaluable service they do for these communities, I feel that this is a charity I can stand with and do my best to help signal boost, and serve.

How you feel about community service?:

On my path to figuring out what Leather is and whether I am Leather, what first spoke to me was the immense amount of inter- and intra-community service that I saw.

Before entering the Leather scene, I had always felt that – at my unique intersection of privilege and disprivilege – it was my responsibility to do what I could to educate, provide space for and elevate others, and link people with what they need to thrive.

Community service is integral to Leather. I feel by reaching out and doing for one another, we can see, hear, and learn from one another; building the bonds of effective, equitable, social change."   "I am serving a cause greater than myself, always striving to be better while remembering to remain humble and to listen. Willing to accept a challenge; I strive to welcome all who wish to embark on their own Leather path, regardless of what identities they bear.

What makes you a Leather Woman and/or Bootblack?:

I know this is a cliché, but there is truth in it. My heart is what makes me Leather; it guides my compassion, care, and drive with the values of honor, integrity, and respect.  That is what makes me a woman of Leather.

Who is your favorite Leather Woman…Why?:

"That young lady has a great task ahead of her” With those words, spoken about me, Vi Johnson, or Mama Vi as many know her, set my path. She is someone who from the moment I met her; saw right into my heart, past all the walls I use to shield my vulnerabilities.

She challenges me to be, and do, better; empowering me to connect with people unlike ever before. She asked me to tell her a story, and through that experience, helped me find comfort and kinship with someone who was a complete stranger moments before.

Many of us wouldn't be who we are today without the force of nature that she is, and has been for decades; her bearing witness to Leather history, and archiving it for generations to come.

She is a giant whose shoulders I am privileged to stand on

What do you feel is the most dangerous mis-information passed through traditional & social media affecting our community today, and how would you combat it should the opportunity arise?:

There is a disturbing idea that certain arbiters, who have long dominated the spotlight – not always by tenure or achievement but rather by shared identity – determine whether some of us are Leather or not, and furthermore have the ability to ""grant"" us our earned place as Leather.

This becomes toxic when women, trans-folk, people of color, and those of a plethora of differing non-majority identities are the ones who are subject to this gatekeeping.

Hardly a day goes by without a salvo launched from one camp or another in this ideological tug-of-war. Camps entrench, wagons circle, and people lose the ability to connect mirroring much of what we see in society today.

I have been able to deconstruct these ideas by helping others to see my humanity and vulnerability; that I am not just a random avatar across the ether. It is difficult to dismiss, or even hate, someone who is willing to actively listen and to openly enter the exchange of ideas.

We don't all need to agree on everything, that is not my goal; but we do need to respect that we are each the culmination of our individual experiences, and understand that how it used to be isn't how it needs to be. We can do better. I seek to open these dialogues.

My rallying cry of “WE ARE ONE LEATHER” doesn't mean we are a monolith of hegemonic ideas and values, but rather many beautiful individuals who come together under this flag to learn, love, and play with honor, integrity and trust.   

In 100 words or less what will you do as IMsL or IMsBB to promote your title?:

Education is a core component of who I am. If I were to win, I would travel – spreading the knowledge that I have attained, and bringing more knowledge back.

An even more important facet of my title year would be helping to foster visibility and meaningful dialogues around intersectionality, inclusivity, and finding common ground in communities that are often at odds with one another.

…while not forgetting to play, and have a wicked good time.

Vivian

VivianLeatherJournalBasic Information: Name Current Title City, State website (if any) regular community events that you produce or participate (limit 3) Favorite Leather item in your arsenal of bar/fetish wear & social media:

Vivian, Chicago, Illinois

I am one of the bootblacks on hand for the Women's Cruise Night and Gear Nights at Touché in Chicago. I have also begun volunteering with the Chicago Leather Community Outreach, a group dedicated to helping various local charities by offering time and knowledge.

My favorite leather item in my arsenal of bar/fetish wear is a pair of white leather and lace gloves that one of my cherished, longtime lovers gifted me from her own collection. These gloves represent me, at first seemingly delicate and innocent with their white lace backing, but as you take in the details you realize that the entire underside and edgings are made of the most sensuous and beautiful white leather, hidden just out of site by the details of the white lace; delicate and strong, expertly honed.

Facebook - Vivian Samanthe ()

Instagram - femmeviv

Fetlife - kitten-V

Sponsors:

Since my announcement to run I've had several people step forward to help me in various unofficial capacities. In particular though, I am very lucky to have Touché Chicago specifically step forward to sponsor me in my run for IMsBB 2018. Touché Chicago is one of the oldest leather bars in the country, currently celebrating their 40th Anniversary!

Favorite Charity:

Over the last ten years that I have been involved in kink and leather, I have had the pleasure of working with a number of charities in unofficial capacities. Trying to pick on charity is hard because there are so many amazing causes both within the leather community and in general. The one that immediately comes to mind is the Broadway Youth Center in Chicago, IL. The Broadway Youth Center provides a safe place for more than 1,500 LGBTQ teens and young adults experiencing homelessness or instability due to housing. They provide not only refuge, but medical, social, and mental health care services for those 12 to 24, regardless of ability to pay. Their clinic specifically offers HIV testing and STI screenings. You can find out more about this incredible organization and donate at https://howardbrown.org/byc/

How you feel about community service?:

For me, community service can be summarized in once concept: offering your skills and/or knowledge to the community of your choices without the intention of getting anything of monetary value in return for that time and effort. For me, Community Service is integral to how I feel fulfillment. I enjoy helping people and offering my knowledge and skills. Oftentimes it is easy to put on leather and go to the bar and cruise, but sometimes it is harder to look those who are in need in the face and offer what you can, even if it is not enough to solve all of their needs. It is an important reminder that what is often needed is not easy to fulfill, however you should still give as much as you can to help others, no matter how big or small it may seem

What makes you a Leather Woman and/or Bootblack?:

I am a leather woman because I choose to be. Every day, in everything that I do, I am a leather woman. I choose to honor the history that has come before me, while looking at new ways to move into the future. I choose to stay true to my word and hold myself accountable when I do not. I choose to learn from my mistakes and grow from them, while helping others who are struggling. In those things I choose to be a leather woman every day, and that choice allows me to embody it. In much the same way, I choose to be a bootblack. I feel most myself when I am on the stands, working on leather, with my hands dirty and the challenge of a difficult boot or piece of leather before me. I choose to allow myself to become fully, the leather woman and bootblack that I am, as I find solutions for those challenging problems, unafraid of the work it will take to make it happen. I am exactly who I am because I choose to be."

Who is your favorite Leather Woman…Why?:

My favorite leather woman is slave angie, International slave 2014. slave angie played a crucial role in my being accepted as a bootblack in Chicago when I first moved in August of 2017. As the resident bootblack of Touché at the time, she welcomed me to share her chair with open arms, in the way only another femme bootblack could. Getting to hear some of her stories and learn from her has been a true honor. She brings grace, strength, and dedication to everything that she does in a way that inspires me to reach for more in myself. She approaches hard conversations with compassion and kindness, standing firm in her beliefs, and in her service to both Master Michael and her community. She is my favorite leather woman because she demonstrates that remaining true to yourself and what your heart tells you is the most important thing one can do in life.

What do you feel is the most dangerous mis-information passed through traditional & social media affecting our community today, and how would you combat it should the opportunity arise?:

I think one of the most dangers pieces of mis-information that affects our community right now is that we all are "the same" leather and just need to love one another more. One of the most beautiful things about humans are their differences. We are not all the same. We are all vastly different. We all have different needs, experiences, and privileges that intersect in unique ways. To not acknowledge these is damaging and detrimental to our community. We are already seeing this through the many lateral aggressions and macroaggressions that take place daily via social media. Worse, we are seeing this manifested in people in positions of power who are using that power to further an agenda of racist, ableist, transphobic, misogynistic, and many other oppressive beliefs. By remaining silent, one is accepting and agreeing with these ideas. Resistance is the only option for me and for those I love and hold dear. Resistance that looks like call ins, discussions and breakdowns of privilege, working to elevate marginalized voices, believing victims, and call outs when all other options have been exhausted.

In 100 words or less what will you do as IMsL or IMsBB to promote your title?:

As IMsBB my priority will be visibility on an international scale. I will be travelling internationally as much as possible, assisting, learning from, and helping grow the women's leather and bootblack communities outside the US through networking, fundraising, and use of social media to bring awareness. Within the US, my focus will be on continuing to build the bootblacking community in lesser known areas and show that Femmes can and are skilled and amazing bootblacks. Promoting IMsBB for me, will be about educations, awareness, and helping fund smaller communities that are still finding their footing.

girl ang

girlangLeatherJournalBasic Information: Name Current Title City, State website (if any) regular community events that you produce or participate (limit 3) Favorite Leather item in your arsenal of bar/fetish wear & social media:

girl ang Melbourne, Victoria

Provocation

Gear Up

Oz Kink Fest/Fetish Expo

My favorite Leather item is my hooded coat with tails, I made it last year.

Facebook: Angela Saide (girl ang)

Facebook: Little Miss Leather

Instagram: The Girl Ang

Instagram: Little Miss Leather

Fetlife: girlang

Sponsors:

I have four major sponsors, all of whom I know on both a personal and professional level. Wayne; owner of Lucrezia & De Sade, Mz Mallice; creator of Oz Kink Fest, Fetish Expo and Provocation, Bella and Paulus; owners of Piercing HQ, and Adrian; owner of Aphrodites Pleasure. Their sponsorship and support has been so greatly appreciated. It is an honor to represent Australia with their blessings.

Favorite Charity:

With the recent trauma resulting from the same-sex marriage vote and it's associated media, I believe now more than ever our youth need our help. Minus 18 champions for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) youth Australia wide. This organization creates events, provides peer support, and delivers workshops and campaigns. I have spoken to numerous LGBTIQ youth and heard stories of how Minus 18 has helped them. I believe if we nurture and support the younger generations coming through we offer strength to the foundations they stand upon, this positive impact can then influence future generations to come.

How you feel about community service?:

Community service is the motor that drives the cogs. Community service is a significant part of what drives me at my Leather core. It is how events happen, how we educate, how we build up, help and maintain our community.

What makes you a Leather Woman and/or Bootblack?:

My heart and my choices. Finding the Leather community and understanding who they are as individuals and a community was like finding family. I know I am a Leather woman as I have Leather values and my heart feels at peace surrounded by my chosen family. My choices reinforce my place within my family. Leather values are a guiding force that streams from the past to direct my future.

Who is your favorite Leather Woman…Why?:

Sarge IMsL 2015 is my favorite Leather woman. She has been family since the night we met, and a mentor and my Sir for the last two years. Her love and involvement with the Leather community worldwide is strong. Sarge's campaign 'You Are Not Alone' involving peer support for people struggling with mental health has opened up conversations where assistance has been given and received. I feel honored to know her intimately and strive to walk my path with the same level of integrity, accountability and reliability with which she walks her own.

What do you feel is the most dangerous mis-information passed through traditional & social media affecting our community today, and how would you combat it should the opportunity arise?:

The most dangerous mis-information that has passed through media is the image or perception of what it is that we do. The way we do kink is not portrayed by 50 Shades or Tarantino's gimp in Pulp Fiction, yet these are common thought associations for those who are not kink-aware. This incorrect portrayal is a catalyst for negative stigma and dangerous behaviour to develop and spread. Through visibility and communication, I have and will continue to combat misconceptions, and educate and grow awareness of kink, BDSM and Leather.

In 100 words or less what will you do as IMsL or IMsBB to promote your title?:

Smile, talk, travel, listen, invite, share and be involved. I believe being visible, available and open to authentic communication opens doors for connections to be made. These connections between people provide strong fibers for the weave of our community. By bringing the title back to the Australian community it will show people the strength and reach of this title, this action in itself will promote.

Tig, Ms. SouthEast LeatherFest 2017

TigLeatherJournalBasic Information: Name Current Title City, State website (if any) regular community events that you produce or participate (limit 3) Favorite Leather item in your arsenal of bar/fetish wear & social media:

Tig, Ms. SouthEast LeatherFest 2016 and 2017 from Charlotte, North Carolina

Three of my favorite events include SouthEast LeatherFest, South Carolina Pride in Leather, and Trademark.

My favorite leather item in my collection is my earned leather vest with my North Carolina Leather Contest patch. It was presented to me by my Leather brother, family, and the Charlotte Tradesmen.

Facebook: Tig Natious

Instagram: msself2016

Twitter: Tignatious

Sponsors:

I am sponsored by SouthEast LeatherFest. I am Ms SELF 2016-2017 and have actively worked my title for two years. SouthEast LeatherFest was founded in 1995 by Jack Stice, Victoria G., David Armstrong, and several others with the goal of creating a place for everyone to be able to learn, share, and celebrate diversity. https://secure.seleatherfest.com

I am also sponsored by Mayfaire Moon Corsets and Costumes, maker and designer of couture corsets.     

Favorite Charity:

For me, as a Leatherwoman and as a human being, I feel it is my job to do what I can, when I can, for causes I believe in. I support several charities. Some of them are the House of Mercy who provide a home and care for people living with HIV/AIDs, Child’s Play that donates toys and games to children’s hospitals across the country, Triad Health Project providing support, education, and testing for HIV/AIDs, the Carter/Johnson Leather Library, and numerous others.  Each one is important, and needed in their own right, for both the local and national communities. Call me poly-philanthropic, but I could not rank one charitable cause above another as the need is great for all of them.

How you feel about community service?:

Being in service to my community is a part of who I am. Growing up, volunteering was just something my family did. There is a Ghandi quote that perfectly captures my feelings about service, “The best way to find oneself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Our community doesn't just magically function, it is run on the blood, sweat, tears, and passion of your everyday Leatherfolk. Enjoying all the community provides, without giving back in the ways that I can, feels wrong for me. So, I do what I can, when I can. Whether it's putting my literal ass on the line for a charity paddling, taking an extra volunteer shift, teaching, or simply helping to carry items for an event, it all counts and makes a difference.

Who is your favorite Leather Woman…Why?:

I choose to live my life with honor, being deeply loyal to my people and my principles, acting with integrity, and loving a good, rough, filthy fuck. For these reasons, I self identify as a Leatherwoman.  My favorite Leatherwoman is Lizzy, Ms. Atlanta Eagle 2013. She is an incredible woman who has worked tirelessly for years fundraising for charity and always managed to look amazing while doing it. The first time I saw her, I felt that she was the epitome of high femme. As another femme presenting, bi/pansexual woman in the Leather community, I have always looked to her as an example of authenticity. She has always been quick to help with charity fundraising, once even donating her own shoes to be auctioned off for the March of Dimes. Over the years, her health has presented challenges to her ability to volunteer, yet she has consistently met these challenges head-on and found new and creative ways to continue her work. Her determination inspires me daily.

What do you feel is the most dangerous mis-information passed through traditional & social media affecting our community today, and how would you combat it should the opportunity arise?:

A pervasive idea that has been ingrained in our community is that a young age denotes a lack of experience. We all have to start somewhere and the digital world that we live in today plays a major part in self-discovery. There are people who entered the community as soon as they were able to at eighteen and have now put in over ten years. The best way I have found to deal with this misunderstanding is to open a conversation, share my experiences, and find out why someone is holding onto this misconception. As a Leatherwoman, I combat this injustice by bringing up what young leaders in the community to showcase their achievements experiences, and find out what I can do to dismantle these preconceived notions by using positive dialogue and by building a personal connection.

In 100 words or less what will you do as IMsL or IMsBB to promote your title?:

 I hope to inspire and educate others in everything I do. I will to continue to invest myself in all of the events that I attend. When you work at an event, or a place, that isn't your home people notice. In my experience, pursuing this personal investment allows the title to be represented and makes me as a titleholder more approachable. I know that social media plays an important role in today's society. I believe that by combining it with personal connections that we build within our community- we are able to create a bridge that lasts a lifetime.

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