By Jim KZ
The Mr. and Ms Philadelphia Leather 2016 contest was held on Saturday, February 13, on the third floor of the Bike Stop in Philadelphia, PA. There were seven contestants total: six going for the title of Mr.
Philadelphia Leather (Dennis, BearWoof, Daniel, Damon, Jonathan, and Rudy) and one for Ms. Philadelphia Leather (Alaina).
After a rousing competition, Rudy Flesher was named Mr. Philadelphia Leather 2016 and Alaina Hummel was named Ms. Philadelphia Leather 2016.
Rudy and Alaina each have their choice to compete at International Mr. Leather or American Brotherhood Weekend for Rudy, and International Ms Leather or American Brotherhood Weekend for Alaina.
First runner-up in the Mister competition was Damon and Alaina ran unopposed but had to score a minimum number of points in order to win the title. The contest
was co-hosted by Ms Philadelphia Leather 2008 Carlota Ttendant and American Leatherboy 2013 Tank Teachworth.
Judges were Mr. Philadelphia Leather 2015 Jason Hall, Ms Philadelphia Leather 2015 LasciviousJane, and MasoMutt, coproducer of the Philadelphia Fetish and Bootblack Contest and Chair of the Mid Atlantic Puppy and Handler Contest. Tally Master was Craig K, and the den staff consisted of Mr. Maryland Leather 2011 Alex Lemaire, Ms Mid Atlantic Leather 2014 Nikki Wireman, and Mr. Philadelphia
Leather 2003 Jim KZ.
The bar was at capacity all night long. The contest was held in front of a live audience on the third floor, and broadcast in HD to screens on the second and first floors for the overflow crowd to enjoy. There was no pre-judging. The Philadelphia format provides for all interviewing to be conducted on stage during the Bar Wear and Jock/Hot Wear segments. Contestants also had the chance to give a speech during the Formal Wear segment. Everyone in the bar and even folks at home were able to vote online for their favorite, and those votes counted in the fourth category to help decide the winner.
The contest was immediately followed by a Gear Party featuring DJ Dave Huge from NYC, which ran until closing time.
The contest was co-produced by the Bike Stop and Philadelphians MC.
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
