The Avatar Club Los Angeles educational meeting will be Whips by Peter Fiske on Wednesday, September 24. Peter has an inventory of over 1,000 whips, authored a book on the subject and is a Fraternal member and past Chairman of The 15 Association of San Francisco and a past board member of Delta International at MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 starting at 8:30 PM.
While much of Peter's Leather life was spent in San Francisco, he moved to Palm Springs just a few years ago. He has served on the volunteer staff of International Mr. Leather for about a decade and has received numerous accolades regionally, nationally and internationally.
Avatar has provided over 30 years of community service and education. For more information on Avatar check out http://avatarla.org/
The Leather and Kink community came out in full force to support the Atons of Minneapolis as they hosted Gopher XXI the weekend of July 18-20. This was their first in-town run in over 15 years. Although there were some that missed the traditional outdoor camping experience, it was evident that everyone enjoyed their time together.
Gopher XXI: Tails of the City, was held at the Doubletree by Hilton in the Minneapolis neighboring community of Saint Louis Park. The hotel provided great accommodations and delicious food during the Saturday evening banquet and Sunday morning breakfast.
Many brother/sister clubs from the Twin Cities area, as well clubs from out of town hosted socials and cocktail parties, featuring a wide variety of drinks and some even got into the spirit of the run theme and donned inspirational attire.
Ms San Diego Leather 2014 is Sarge and Mr. San Diego Leather 2014 is Jim James who won their titles during ROMP San Diego, the 20th Anniversary of the titles at the Victory Theater on Saturday night, August 23.
The judging panel included head judge Judy Tallwing McCarthy, Lenny Broberg, Mark Holmes, Wish Linda, Alan Tunstall, Aaron Duke and Jo Blas.
The first runner-up titleholders were Barb Dwire and Cobi.
There were four classes during the day on Saturday presented by Ms Cynthia and Master Orpheus on Breath Play, Electrical Play, Relationships and Bloodless Knife Play.
The emcees were AJ Turner and Barbarella. They had quite a job with seven contestants to introduce and process.
On August 3. Mr. Christopher Street West 2014 Christopher Paul headed to South Florida to host a benefit for The Trevor Project, raising $1,600. The night consisted of local drag performers,
Sasha Lords, Alandra Matthews, Rianna Petrone, Ariel Rimm and donors all joining in and taking a stand against suicide.
Christopher Paul was raised In Florida, and when the opportunity was given to go back and make a impact on the community he jumped right on it.
"The night soared higher then expected, as one could feel the love and support throughout the entire room - including a strong sent of leather as well....I look forward to sharing an organization I care so deeply about with the rest of this amazing community and only hope people can respect it as much as I do."
The Mr. Bolt Leather 2015 Contest Weekend will be held October 17-19 at the Bolt in Sacramento, California and is a preliminary for International Mr. Leather which will be held next May.
The weekend starts with a contestants and judges Meet and Greet on Friday night at 9 PM; the Mr. Bolt Leather 2015 Contest will be on Saturday starting at 8 PM and a Victory barbecue rounds things out at 5 PM on Sunday.
All events will be at the Bolt, 2560 Boxwood Street, Sacramento, California 95815.
The Mr. Bolt Leather 2015 judges will be American Leatherman 2013 Aaron Duke who will serve as the head judge, Sandy "Mama" Reinhardt, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2014 Scott "Big Red" Farrell, Ms Alameda County Leather 2013 Girlmel Sparkles, Northern California Leather Sir 2008 Thomas Pupp.
Plans are underway for the 18th Annual Mates Leather Weekend October 2-5 as 600-700 people are expected to attend this four-night celebration of and for the Leather/Fetish community. Events include Boot Camp, Opening Reception, Uniforms and Cigars, Leather Market, First Mate Contest, Rubber Ball and the infamous Fetish Party, a military theme for 2014.
Steve DuPont has been quite the busy man since winning First Mate 2013. Just a few weeks after MLW, he competed in and won Mr. New England Leather 2014 right here in Provincetown. He then went on to compete in the 2014 International Mr. Leather Contest and was chosen first runner-up.
Steve was just named the recipient of the Pantheon of Leather 2014 New England Regional Award.
Purchase an Event Pass which gets one into every event, food at the Opening Reception and Cookout and a Mates Leather Weekend 2014 T-shirt; or attend the events individually pay the cover charge at the door. Not all events have a cover.
Greater Palm Springs Pride announced the recipients of its 2014 Pride Honors Awards. The prestigious Pride Honors are presented annually to individuals in order to recognize the work they have put into raising awareness and furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on October 10, at the Hyatt Palm Springs.
The Community Grand Marshals recognized for their positive and lasting impact represent two generations of volunteerism and service in the community. Alexis Ortega is part of a new generation that’s dedicated to building a stronger and more vibrant community and Thomas Smith is recognized for 30 years of community service, leadership in the Leather community and as an award winning author.
Community Grand Marshal Thomas Smith is recognized for 30 years of community service which includes being active in projects to provide books for elementary students, organizing a prom for youth with disabilities and raising funds for student scholarships, the senior citizens center, and community musical concerts. He has been a high school mentor and advisory board member of the Palm Springs High School Business Academy and currently he is serving as president of the Rotary Club of Palm Springs.
The Avatar Club Los Angeles educational program for Wednesday, August 27 is Fire Play with Orpheus Black at MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 starting at 8 PM.
Fire Play by Orpheus Black will include discussion on Basic Fire Safety: Preparing private or public fire play scenes, checking tools, fuel storage and transportation, safety equipment and measures, treating burns. Preparing the Sub: Easing fears, outlining safety protocols, negotiating safe words, phrases and gestures, cultivating the head space. Technique: Types of torches brushes and their differences, review of basic torching methods and basic cupping, tips and tricks Advanced Techniques Fire Painting Techniques:How to perform half body trails and full torso transfers Advanced Fire Cupping:Demonstration of horning, using cups as tie points and leads Torching Techniques: Safely combining rope bondage and fire play, safely increasing the heat and intensity of the flame.
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
