(Published in Lavender Lifestyles Magazine, Issue #4, July 21, 1995)
Let me start this column by reminding you of what’s going on this weekend. Some of the events, like the Atons Campout or the International Ms. Leather contest in Chicago, are in progress as you read this, and if you’re not at the event in question you’re probably too late. On the other hand, it’s easy to join in the fun at the North Star Regional (Gay) Rodeo, which has events happening all weekend both at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo and at Bandana Square in St. Paul. I know of at least two notorious leathermen who will be competing Saturday in the Wild Drag event (one of them will be wearing gold lamé—and no, I’m not talking about myself here.) Both of those locations should be readily accessible if you feel like hanging out with cowfolk and watching them compete—or if you feel like being a rodeo rider yourself.
The fundraiser for Lawrence Lawyer (you read about it in this column last issue) will be happening as scheduled. And another party has been added to the calendar: Clark Bufkin, formerly the publisher of Gaze Magazine, prominent member of the leather and bear communities, and holder of three titles including International Daddy Bear ’95, has evidently been listening to the Village People (or was it the Pet Shop Boys?) and has decided to “Go West” to San Francisco. Come bid him farewell Saturday, July 22, from 4 to 9 pm in the Dance Annex at the Gay 90’s. Details on these two events are elsewhere in this issue.
So, that’s what’s going on this weekend. The remainder of this column will be devoted to some thoughts about what went on last weekend, when I ended my year as Great Lakes Mr. Drummer.
When I was growing up I remember hearing people ask Miss America contestants what they thought was the best part of their experience of being in the contest. I remember them always answering one of two things: either “the people I’ve met” or “the changes I’ve made in myself.” At the time I thought it sounded hokey and plastic and treacly. Guess what? If you asked me that question, I’d give both those answers. It may sound hokey and plastic and treacly, but it’s the truth.
In the last few weeks, with the help of J.D. Laufman and John Tudor, I seem to be making the transition from leather titleholder to leather mentor and impresario. The experience of helping put together the Great Lakes Drummer Weekend has been as exhausting—and as rewarding—as the experience of competing for a title last year. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been a thrill to receive so much support from the leather community—locally, regionally, and even nationally! And what really makes it a thrill is that there was a time when it looked like it would never happen.
Shortly after the International Mr. Drummer finals in September last year, there were rumors that the Drummer title system would not continue. With those rumors, and also with the recent happenings at International Ms. Leather and at the NLA International, I began hearing questions of whether titleholder systems—Drummer, IML, IMsL, the NLA titles—were becoming obsolete, whether their time had passed. Personally, I don’t think that’s the case at all; I strongly believe that our community still needs titleholders to be role models and leaders. AIDS and the radical right are still with us, and so are many other challenges.
I’ve seen and heard some encouraging things lately. The International Ms. Leather contest that’s happening this week in Chicago will have more contestants than ever before. On August 19, a new title will be created as the first International Mr. Fantasy is chosen in Omaha. And I’m very glad to see the tradition of the Drummer title system continuing. I was not destined to be the last Great Lakes Mr. Drummer, and Keith Hunt is not destined to be the last International Mr. Drummer.
So, to all the contestants who entered, to the advertisers who placed ads, and to everyone who bought tickets and cheered, thank you! You have all helped strengthen and preserve a tradition and a valuable community resource. I hope everyone joins me in wishing the best of luck to the new Great Lakes Mr. Drummer and Drummerboy.
In closing, I’ll say again what I said at the contest: My year as Great Lakes Mr. Drummer may be over, but I’ll still be around. See you next issue.
Friday, July 21, 1995
Friday, July 7, 1995
LavLife: Leather
(Published in Lavender Lifestyles Magazine, Issue #3, July 7, 1995)
Let’s talk about fantasies. (That should get your attention.) Not the kind that we leatherfolk perform on stage, and not the erotic kind we all have in our minds; today’s fantasy is more practical. For a long time I’ve had this fantasy about being able to clone myself so I could be in two (or more) places at the same time. That would mean that when two (or more) social events happen at the same time I wouldn’t have to miss either. A variation of this fantasy is being able to “time-shift” social events in the same way as we “time-shift” our favorite television shows with VCRs.
I mention both of these fantasies because the next two weeks will be very active, and so many things will be happening concurrently that I could really make use of cloning or time-shifting capabilities. I suppose I have two choices: Either I can a) bitch about why does everything have to get scheduled at the same time as everything else, or I can b) feel grateful to be part of such a vibrant community that is alive with so many activities from which I can choose. There are probably people in other areas of the country who would love to have such problems.
Here’s what’s going on:
Hellbent For Leather
Sunday, July 9, 5-9 pm
Gay 90’s Men’s Room
Before I describe this event I’m going to digress a bit, but this is important. Dear readers, there are two things I want you to get in the habit of doing: First, get in the habit of picking up Lavender Lifestyles as soon as it hits the stands on Friday night, or at least pick it up on Saturday. Second, when you pick it up, immediately turn to the LavLife: Leather column and see what’s going on. This may sound like I’m being selfish, but I’m not—really, I’m not. I just don’t want you to miss out on a great event like Hellbent For Leather because you waited until Monday to check out this column.
Presented by the Atons, Hellbent For Leather has two standout features guaranteed to make me want to come—I mean, attend. A dress code will be enforced (no details about exactly what that dress code will be, but I think we can all figure it out), and we all get to use the 4th Street side entrance, which (quite seriously) I consider a privilege. (Okay, I’m going to sound like a leather Barbara Flanagan now—I wish that side door was always open so we’d have easier access to “our” bar, and I really support the dress code idea.)
There will be free food from 5 to 7 pm, free keg beer (and sodas, a nice touch for those who don’t drink or who don’t want to drink too much), and other drink specials. Cost is $7 at the door, or show your Leather Pride dogtag and get in for only $6. (Heaven forbid I should pressure anyone, but I’m assuming that we’ll all have received our Leather Pride dog tags by then.)
Great Lakes Drummer Weekend
July 14, 15, 16
You’ve seen the posters. You’ve seen the ads in LavLife and The Leather Journal. You’ve gotten a flyer in the mail. You read about it in my last column. What more is there to say? Only this: It’s going to be BIG, and it’s going to be HOT. (And you won’t believe what I’ve got planned for my step-down performance!) It’s only $15 for the whole weekend package. Call for tickets or more information. You will want to be there!
Atons “Un-Run” Campout
July 21-23
See my last column for the details—but disregard the telephone number. If you want an application or more information, the correct number to call is (###) ###-####. (Please note: The same incorrect phone number that appeared in my last column also appeared in The Leather Journal and on the flyers that went out in the mail. So please don’t call the number listed on the flyer or in The Leather Journal article.)
A Fundraiser for Laurence
Sunday, July 23
Perhaps you’ve noticed that Laurence, who tends bar in the Men’s Room at the Gay 90’s, hasn’t been around lately. Wonder why? I talked briefly with him on Pride Sunday about what happened to him. He was going to contact me the next day with more details, but as my deadline approaches I haven’t been able to get in touch with him again. Here’s what I know:
A few weeks ago, Laurence woke to find his bedroom in flames. He knew he had to get out of there—immediately. In the process of getting out some nasty things happened to his wrist. He was rushed to a hospital and underwent microsurgery. He is now wearing a cast, doing physical therapy, and may or may not need more surgery. He expects to be able to tend bar again in September, and the 90’s will hold his job for him.
Laurence escaped, but many of his possessions didn’t. Most of the leather he’d collected over the years, including many irreplacable items, went up in smoke. (The few pieces of leather he was wearing on Sunday survived only because they were downstairs in the playroom.) He said he’s still checking to see what insurance will cover (although I don’t know if he meant household or health insurance). A tragic story—and it could have happened to any of us.
A fundraiser for Laurence’s benefit is currently being planned for Sunday, July 23; more details will be in the next issue.
International Ms. Leather Contest
July 20-23, Chicago
This major international leather title has recently been through a stormy period. But it looks like it’s back and better than ever. When I was in Omaha recently I talked with the outgoing IMsL 1994, Cindy Bookout, who told me she and partner Amy Marie Meek expect 40 to 45 contestants this year. That’s many more than IMsL has ever had, and almost as many contestants as the recent International Mr. Leather contest! In addition to the contest and related meet-the-contestant events, the weekend will include vendor displays and S/M workshops. These workshops will be designed for play between women, but IMsL is a pansexual event and men are encouraged to participate. Several different weekend packages are available. For further information call Amy at Bare Images Productions in Omaha. If you want to attend, your last chance to register by mail is July 10. After that, you can register at the event.
North Star Regional Rodeo/Great Northern Shindig
July 21-23
Quite a few members of the local leather community are also members of the North Star Gay Rodeo Association, so it’s appropriate to mention this event in this column. Cowboys and cowgirls will be coming from across the country and throughout Canada to Bandana Square in St. Paul and the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. The rodeo competition events on Saturday and Sunday are thrilling to watch, and even more thrilling to participate in. The evening dances are always festive and feature spectacular entertainment with a country/western flavor. And the people-watching should be magnificent. Wear your leather—you’ll see lots of other leather cowboys and cowgirls. For more information, call 82-RODEO.
So, there you are. Your calendar can be as full as you want it to be. I (or one of my clones) will be back in two weeks—see you then!
Let’s talk about fantasies. (That should get your attention.) Not the kind that we leatherfolk perform on stage, and not the erotic kind we all have in our minds; today’s fantasy is more practical. For a long time I’ve had this fantasy about being able to clone myself so I could be in two (or more) places at the same time. That would mean that when two (or more) social events happen at the same time I wouldn’t have to miss either. A variation of this fantasy is being able to “time-shift” social events in the same way as we “time-shift” our favorite television shows with VCRs.
I mention both of these fantasies because the next two weeks will be very active, and so many things will be happening concurrently that I could really make use of cloning or time-shifting capabilities. I suppose I have two choices: Either I can a) bitch about why does everything have to get scheduled at the same time as everything else, or I can b) feel grateful to be part of such a vibrant community that is alive with so many activities from which I can choose. There are probably people in other areas of the country who would love to have such problems.
Here’s what’s going on:
Hellbent For Leather
Sunday, July 9, 5-9 pm
Gay 90’s Men’s Room
Before I describe this event I’m going to digress a bit, but this is important. Dear readers, there are two things I want you to get in the habit of doing: First, get in the habit of picking up Lavender Lifestyles as soon as it hits the stands on Friday night, or at least pick it up on Saturday. Second, when you pick it up, immediately turn to the LavLife: Leather column and see what’s going on. This may sound like I’m being selfish, but I’m not—really, I’m not. I just don’t want you to miss out on a great event like Hellbent For Leather because you waited until Monday to check out this column.
Presented by the Atons, Hellbent For Leather has two standout features guaranteed to make me want to come—I mean, attend. A dress code will be enforced (no details about exactly what that dress code will be, but I think we can all figure it out), and we all get to use the 4th Street side entrance, which (quite seriously) I consider a privilege. (Okay, I’m going to sound like a leather Barbara Flanagan now—I wish that side door was always open so we’d have easier access to “our” bar, and I really support the dress code idea.)
There will be free food from 5 to 7 pm, free keg beer (and sodas, a nice touch for those who don’t drink or who don’t want to drink too much), and other drink specials. Cost is $7 at the door, or show your Leather Pride dogtag and get in for only $6. (Heaven forbid I should pressure anyone, but I’m assuming that we’ll all have received our Leather Pride dog tags by then.)
Great Lakes Drummer Weekend
July 14, 15, 16
You’ve seen the posters. You’ve seen the ads in LavLife and The Leather Journal. You’ve gotten a flyer in the mail. You read about it in my last column. What more is there to say? Only this: It’s going to be BIG, and it’s going to be HOT. (And you won’t believe what I’ve got planned for my step-down performance!) It’s only $15 for the whole weekend package. Call for tickets or more information. You will want to be there!
Atons “Un-Run” Campout
July 21-23
See my last column for the details—but disregard the telephone number. If you want an application or more information, the correct number to call is (###) ###-####. (Please note: The same incorrect phone number that appeared in my last column also appeared in The Leather Journal and on the flyers that went out in the mail. So please don’t call the number listed on the flyer or in The Leather Journal article.)
A Fundraiser for Laurence
Sunday, July 23
Perhaps you’ve noticed that Laurence, who tends bar in the Men’s Room at the Gay 90’s, hasn’t been around lately. Wonder why? I talked briefly with him on Pride Sunday about what happened to him. He was going to contact me the next day with more details, but as my deadline approaches I haven’t been able to get in touch with him again. Here’s what I know:
A few weeks ago, Laurence woke to find his bedroom in flames. He knew he had to get out of there—immediately. In the process of getting out some nasty things happened to his wrist. He was rushed to a hospital and underwent microsurgery. He is now wearing a cast, doing physical therapy, and may or may not need more surgery. He expects to be able to tend bar again in September, and the 90’s will hold his job for him.
Laurence escaped, but many of his possessions didn’t. Most of the leather he’d collected over the years, including many irreplacable items, went up in smoke. (The few pieces of leather he was wearing on Sunday survived only because they were downstairs in the playroom.) He said he’s still checking to see what insurance will cover (although I don’t know if he meant household or health insurance). A tragic story—and it could have happened to any of us.
A fundraiser for Laurence’s benefit is currently being planned for Sunday, July 23; more details will be in the next issue.
International Ms. Leather Contest
July 20-23, Chicago
This major international leather title has recently been through a stormy period. But it looks like it’s back and better than ever. When I was in Omaha recently I talked with the outgoing IMsL 1994, Cindy Bookout, who told me she and partner Amy Marie Meek expect 40 to 45 contestants this year. That’s many more than IMsL has ever had, and almost as many contestants as the recent International Mr. Leather contest! In addition to the contest and related meet-the-contestant events, the weekend will include vendor displays and S/M workshops. These workshops will be designed for play between women, but IMsL is a pansexual event and men are encouraged to participate. Several different weekend packages are available. For further information call Amy at Bare Images Productions in Omaha. If you want to attend, your last chance to register by mail is July 10. After that, you can register at the event.
North Star Regional Rodeo/Great Northern Shindig
July 21-23
Quite a few members of the local leather community are also members of the North Star Gay Rodeo Association, so it’s appropriate to mention this event in this column. Cowboys and cowgirls will be coming from across the country and throughout Canada to Bandana Square in St. Paul and the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. The rodeo competition events on Saturday and Sunday are thrilling to watch, and even more thrilling to participate in. The evening dances are always festive and feature spectacular entertainment with a country/western flavor. And the people-watching should be magnificent. Wear your leather—you’ll see lots of other leather cowboys and cowgirls. For more information, call 82-RODEO.
-----
So, there you are. Your calendar can be as full as you want it to be. I (or one of my clones) will be back in two weeks—see you then!
Friday, June 23, 1995
LavLife: Leather
(Published in Lavender Lifestyles Magazine, Issue #2, June 23, 1995)
There’s certainly no shortage of things to write about this time: the Twin Cities Pride Festival, the Leather Pride celebration, and the upcoming Great Lakes Drummer Weekend and Atons “Un-Run.”
Before we get started, I want to say how much I’ve appreciated the positive and encouraging feedback I’ve been getting regarding the first edition of this column. Thank you to everyone who’s offered comments; they’ve been wonderful day-brighteners.
Twin Cities Festival of Pride
and
Minnesota Leather Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25
The Pride Festival reappears, Brigadoon-like, for two glorious days each year, and Loring Park is transformed into a wonderful cross between a gay Disneyland and our own version of the State Fair. Be there, be proud, be visible—wear your leather (assuming there’s no threat of heat-stroke, of course). There’s so much to see and do—too much for only one day. Saturday I’ll casually see the booths and revel in the gay atmosphere and ambiance, as well as practicing my cruising skills (like they don’t get enough practice already). Then comes Sunday and the Pride Parade. The parade, it says here, steps off at noon; if you’re marching with the Leather Contingent, get there by 11:45 a.m. Meeting place for the Leather Contingent is on Willow between 14th St. and the Berger Fountain. The various leather clubs are sponsoring a hay wagon for those who don’t wish to trek on foot. Or ride your motorcycle (free reserved cycle parking on 4th Street).
After the parade, the Minnesota Leather Pride Celebration runs from 4-10 p.m. at the Gay 90’s Dance Annex and Men’s Room. With all four local leather clubs pooling their resources, you know this will be a blockbuster! Sponsored by (in alphabetical order) the Atons, the Black Guards, the Knights of Leather and the Leather Den, this event offers keg beer, sodas and food. Representatives from all the participating clubs will be there with club information. Other features include LIVE hot entertainment, a bootblack, jail, body piercings, temporary tattoos and haircuts by Vince, the Master Barber. All this and Dog Tags, too! Cost is a $5 donation, or wear your ’95 Pride button and get in for $4.
And while we’re on the subject of Leather Pride: This is the third year I’ve designed the logo for the Twin Cities Pride Festival. But it’s the first time I’ve designed the logo as a leatherman. When people see the Pride logo in an ad, or the Pride Guide, or on a button or T-shirt, I want them to know that the design of this year’s logo came from a member of the leather community. As an individual, as a titleholder, and as a representative of the leather community, I’m very proud that I could make this contribution to the Pride Festival.
Great Lakes Drummer Weekend
July 14, 15, 16
This is the biggest leather contest to happen here in quite some time. Leatherfolk will be traveling from all over the Great Lakes region to compete and to watch. Think how fortunate you are that you live here, and can enjoy it without the long drive or plane ticket!
Friday night, in the Men’s Room Bar at the Gay 90’s, the Great Lakes Drummerboy contest starts at 10 p.m. (But get there early for best viewing.) Then on Saturday evening, starting at 6 p.m., the Great Lakes Mr. Drummer contest will be held in the Gay 90’s Dance Annex. Your humble leather columnist, feeling a mixture of sadness and relief that his title year is over, will tearfully step down. And a new Great Lakes Mr. Drummer ’95 will be chosen, who will then go on to compete at the International Mr. Drummer Finals later this year in San Francisco. Note that Saturday’s contest starts at 6 p.m.; this means that there will be plenty of time after the contest for congratulations, celebration, and general heavy-duty partying.
Sunday afternoon the weekend ends with a bang: a victory party from 2-8 p.m. in the Men’s Room. Beer, sodas, food . . . the celebration continues.
This weekend will be BIG, and it will be HOT! You won’t want to miss it! (And I’m not just saying this because I’m one of the people putting it together.) Tickets for the entire weekend are only $15. Individually, the Drummerboy contest Friday night is $5; the Mr. Drummer contest Saturday night is $10; and Sunday’s Victory Party is $5. Call for tickets or more information.
Incidentally, the field of contestants is looking impressive. But there’s still room for more! If anyone else out there is interested in competing, call. As it says on the contest’s poster: “Go on, be a contestant. You know you want to.”
Atons “Un-Run” Campout
July 21-23
The Atons wish to invite leathermen to a low-cost, no-frills, do-what-you-want, outdoors weekend. The site, a private, wooded group camp, is located about 100 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. The area has a volleyball court and beach on a spring-fed pool. There are seven long row cabins, each with beds for up to 16. Modern toilet and shower facilities are available for your convenience. There is an area for tents if you wish to pitch your own. There will be dungeon space available all weekend and a hot tub to rest any tired bones. Cost of the campout is $80 before July 10, and $95 thereafter, which includes five meals, soda, beer and coffee. Call Jim for an application or more information.
Finally, keep watching this space—there are many more events coming up, and I’ll have details next issue.
 | |
| This picture of your humble leather columnist and his good friend Joe was taken at last year’s Pride parade. Since then, both of us have been fortunate enough to grace the pages of Drummer Magazine. He’s still a good friend even though they printed his picture bigger than they printed mine. |
There’s certainly no shortage of things to write about this time: the Twin Cities Pride Festival, the Leather Pride celebration, and the upcoming Great Lakes Drummer Weekend and Atons “Un-Run.”
Before we get started, I want to say how much I’ve appreciated the positive and encouraging feedback I’ve been getting regarding the first edition of this column. Thank you to everyone who’s offered comments; they’ve been wonderful day-brighteners.
Twin Cities Festival of Pride
and
Minnesota Leather Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25
The Pride Festival reappears, Brigadoon-like, for two glorious days each year, and Loring Park is transformed into a wonderful cross between a gay Disneyland and our own version of the State Fair. Be there, be proud, be visible—wear your leather (assuming there’s no threat of heat-stroke, of course). There’s so much to see and do—too much for only one day. Saturday I’ll casually see the booths and revel in the gay atmosphere and ambiance, as well as practicing my cruising skills (like they don’t get enough practice already). Then comes Sunday and the Pride Parade. The parade, it says here, steps off at noon; if you’re marching with the Leather Contingent, get there by 11:45 a.m. Meeting place for the Leather Contingent is on Willow between 14th St. and the Berger Fountain. The various leather clubs are sponsoring a hay wagon for those who don’t wish to trek on foot. Or ride your motorcycle (free reserved cycle parking on 4th Street).
After the parade, the Minnesota Leather Pride Celebration runs from 4-10 p.m. at the Gay 90’s Dance Annex and Men’s Room. With all four local leather clubs pooling their resources, you know this will be a blockbuster! Sponsored by (in alphabetical order) the Atons, the Black Guards, the Knights of Leather and the Leather Den, this event offers keg beer, sodas and food. Representatives from all the participating clubs will be there with club information. Other features include LIVE hot entertainment, a bootblack, jail, body piercings, temporary tattoos and haircuts by Vince, the Master Barber. All this and Dog Tags, too! Cost is a $5 donation, or wear your ’95 Pride button and get in for $4.
And while we’re on the subject of Leather Pride: This is the third year I’ve designed the logo for the Twin Cities Pride Festival. But it’s the first time I’ve designed the logo as a leatherman. When people see the Pride logo in an ad, or the Pride Guide, or on a button or T-shirt, I want them to know that the design of this year’s logo came from a member of the leather community. As an individual, as a titleholder, and as a representative of the leather community, I’m very proud that I could make this contribution to the Pride Festival.
Great Lakes Drummer Weekend
July 14, 15, 16
This is the biggest leather contest to happen here in quite some time. Leatherfolk will be traveling from all over the Great Lakes region to compete and to watch. Think how fortunate you are that you live here, and can enjoy it without the long drive or plane ticket!
Friday night, in the Men’s Room Bar at the Gay 90’s, the Great Lakes Drummerboy contest starts at 10 p.m. (But get there early for best viewing.) Then on Saturday evening, starting at 6 p.m., the Great Lakes Mr. Drummer contest will be held in the Gay 90’s Dance Annex. Your humble leather columnist, feeling a mixture of sadness and relief that his title year is over, will tearfully step down. And a new Great Lakes Mr. Drummer ’95 will be chosen, who will then go on to compete at the International Mr. Drummer Finals later this year in San Francisco. Note that Saturday’s contest starts at 6 p.m.; this means that there will be plenty of time after the contest for congratulations, celebration, and general heavy-duty partying.
Sunday afternoon the weekend ends with a bang: a victory party from 2-8 p.m. in the Men’s Room. Beer, sodas, food . . . the celebration continues.
This weekend will be BIG, and it will be HOT! You won’t want to miss it! (And I’m not just saying this because I’m one of the people putting it together.) Tickets for the entire weekend are only $15. Individually, the Drummerboy contest Friday night is $5; the Mr. Drummer contest Saturday night is $10; and Sunday’s Victory Party is $5. Call for tickets or more information.
Incidentally, the field of contestants is looking impressive. But there’s still room for more! If anyone else out there is interested in competing, call. As it says on the contest’s poster: “Go on, be a contestant. You know you want to.”
Atons “Un-Run” Campout
July 21-23
The Atons wish to invite leathermen to a low-cost, no-frills, do-what-you-want, outdoors weekend. The site, a private, wooded group camp, is located about 100 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. The area has a volleyball court and beach on a spring-fed pool. There are seven long row cabins, each with beds for up to 16. Modern toilet and shower facilities are available for your convenience. There is an area for tents if you wish to pitch your own. There will be dungeon space available all weekend and a hot tub to rest any tired bones. Cost of the campout is $80 before July 10, and $95 thereafter, which includes five meals, soda, beer and coffee. Call Jim for an application or more information.
Finally, keep watching this space—there are many more events coming up, and I’ll have details next issue.
Friday, June 9, 1995
LavLife: Leather
(Published in Lavender Lifestyles Magazine, Issue #1, June 9, 1995)
Greetings! New magazine, new leather columnist. When the editors of this publication asked me if I was interested in writing a leather column for them I immediately assured them I was. By the time I hung up the phone I had recovered my senses and ask myself, “What have I gotten myself into now?” Well, I guess we’ll see.
Like any good scene, this column has a few ground rules. I have been asked by the editors to be “interpretive” rather than “descriptive.” Translated, that means I not only get to tell you about what’s happening, I also have the privilege of sharing my perspectives and opinions. I will try not to abuse that privilege.
I intend to deal in this column with facts, not rumors. I see this column as an opportunity to strengthen and encourage our community.
My name may appear over this column, but I can't write it alone. So . . . to all clubs, titleholders, promoters and the community at large: Please let me know what’s going on! I’d love to be in the position of having so much information to cram into this column that I have to—ahem—get down on my knees and BEG for more space. (You can contact me through the Lavender Lifestyles office.)
Finally, I tip my leather cap to my leather columnist predecessor. Thank you, Pete LaSha, for faithfully chronicling our community in an upbeat, uplifting and positive manner. I shall try to do the same.
On Sunday, May 28, the Atons held Eros III at the Club Metro in St. Paul. While Eros I and II were dungeon parties, the theme this time was “On the Beach.” In spite of the weather being un-beachlike, I understand about eight guys competed in the Swimsuit Contest. In other entertainment, Bruce Chambers (president of the Atons) and Mark Warner (Mr. Minnesota Drummer ’93) presented a fantasy in which Bruce was a right-wing fundamentalist who wanted to “convert” Mark from gay to straight. Instead, however, Mark wound up hynotizing Bruce—with very interesting results.
Same weekend, different locale: The 1995 International Mr. Leather Contest was held Memorial Day weekend in Chicago (sharing the hotel with a gay square-dancers convention, and a block away from Bear Pride ’95). The men were hot (contestants and spectators alike!) but we also maintained our dignity. I heard the hotel staff had misgivings about a hotel full of leatherfolk. They quickly changed their minds and were soon talking about what good guests we were!
The new International Mr. Leather 1995 is Larry Everett. I wish him a lot of luck and think he’ll do very well as an international titleholder. I met him last November in Omaha; he’s a genuinely nice guy (and he’s gorgeous!) He is from Collinsville, Oklahoma. That’s in Tulsa County, which is Oral Roberts territory--Larry says he can’t even buy a copy of Drummer Magazine there. Count your blessings.
Minnesota was well-represented at IML this year. David Urista represented the Manhole in Chicago, but he lives in Minneapolis. Our own J.D. Laufman was a judge for the contest, and I saw lots of other Minnesotans in the audience and around the hotel.
Unfortunately, one Minnesotan who wasn’t at IML this year was Charles Blake III. Part of the job of being Mr. Minnesota Leather is representing Minnesota at IML; since Charles did not fulfill that important obligation, he has been stripped of his title. The reader is referred to other portions of this magazine for more details.
On a personal note, let us not forget that during his tenure as a titleholder Charles participated in many fundraisers and helped raise a lot of money with his dazzling displays of skill with ropes and bullwhips. Seeing how things have turned out makes me very sad, both for Charles and for our community. Well, we’ve all lived through the nightmare; now my hope and my wish, for Charles and for all of us, is lots of healing.
That’s it—the end of my first column. I wonder if this is how Mr. Marcus started out?
Greetings! New magazine, new leather columnist. When the editors of this publication asked me if I was interested in writing a leather column for them I immediately assured them I was. By the time I hung up the phone I had recovered my senses and ask myself, “What have I gotten myself into now?” Well, I guess we’ll see.
Like any good scene, this column has a few ground rules. I have been asked by the editors to be “interpretive” rather than “descriptive.” Translated, that means I not only get to tell you about what’s happening, I also have the privilege of sharing my perspectives and opinions. I will try not to abuse that privilege.
I intend to deal in this column with facts, not rumors. I see this column as an opportunity to strengthen and encourage our community.
My name may appear over this column, but I can't write it alone. So . . . to all clubs, titleholders, promoters and the community at large: Please let me know what’s going on! I’d love to be in the position of having so much information to cram into this column that I have to—ahem—get down on my knees and BEG for more space. (You can contact me through the Lavender Lifestyles office.)
Finally, I tip my leather cap to my leather columnist predecessor. Thank you, Pete LaSha, for faithfully chronicling our community in an upbeat, uplifting and positive manner. I shall try to do the same.
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On Sunday, May 28, the Atons held Eros III at the Club Metro in St. Paul. While Eros I and II were dungeon parties, the theme this time was “On the Beach.” In spite of the weather being un-beachlike, I understand about eight guys competed in the Swimsuit Contest. In other entertainment, Bruce Chambers (president of the Atons) and Mark Warner (Mr. Minnesota Drummer ’93) presented a fantasy in which Bruce was a right-wing fundamentalist who wanted to “convert” Mark from gay to straight. Instead, however, Mark wound up hynotizing Bruce—with very interesting results.
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Same weekend, different locale: The 1995 International Mr. Leather Contest was held Memorial Day weekend in Chicago (sharing the hotel with a gay square-dancers convention, and a block away from Bear Pride ’95). The men were hot (contestants and spectators alike!) but we also maintained our dignity. I heard the hotel staff had misgivings about a hotel full of leatherfolk. They quickly changed their minds and were soon talking about what good guests we were!
The new International Mr. Leather 1995 is Larry Everett. I wish him a lot of luck and think he’ll do very well as an international titleholder. I met him last November in Omaha; he’s a genuinely nice guy (and he’s gorgeous!) He is from Collinsville, Oklahoma. That’s in Tulsa County, which is Oral Roberts territory--Larry says he can’t even buy a copy of Drummer Magazine there. Count your blessings.
Minnesota was well-represented at IML this year. David Urista represented the Manhole in Chicago, but he lives in Minneapolis. Our own J.D. Laufman was a judge for the contest, and I saw lots of other Minnesotans in the audience and around the hotel.
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Unfortunately, one Minnesotan who wasn’t at IML this year was Charles Blake III. Part of the job of being Mr. Minnesota Leather is representing Minnesota at IML; since Charles did not fulfill that important obligation, he has been stripped of his title. The reader is referred to other portions of this magazine for more details.
On a personal note, let us not forget that during his tenure as a titleholder Charles participated in many fundraisers and helped raise a lot of money with his dazzling displays of skill with ropes and bullwhips. Seeing how things have turned out makes me very sad, both for Charles and for our community. Well, we’ve all lived through the nightmare; now my hope and my wish, for Charles and for all of us, is lots of healing.
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That’s it—the end of my first column. I wonder if this is how Mr. Marcus started out?
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