(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #39, November 22, 1996)
True or false: a leatherman displaying a gray hankie in his right pocket thinks it would be fun to be tied up and beaten.
Answer: False. Although “tied up” and “beaten” may seem like a natural kinky sex combination, bondage and domination or B&D (gray hankie) are not the same as SM sex (black hankie). B&D covers a wide range of activities, some of which overlap with SM but many of which don’t. The gentleman in the above example may indeed want to be tied up or otherwise dominated, but that gray hankie says nothing about wanting to be beaten.
Being tied up or otherwise restrained may be followed by a flogging session, tit clamps, and hot wax. But it could as easily be followed by a long, slow blow job, full-body massage session, or a tongue bath—things even non-kinky types might find pleasurable. If you think of bondage only in connection with SM activities, think again; you may be missing something very enjoyable.
The theme of bondage runs through modern society, although most people don’t consciously think of it that way. A wedding ring is a symbol of being bound to another person, and the fact that one needn’t get pierced to wear one doesn’t change that fact. And a necktie can symbolize submission to a multinational corporation just as much as a dog collar can symbolize submission to a master. Many people turn to bondage and domination play as a way of understanding dynamics that the rest of society often would rather not discuss.
For a person playing the “bottom” role part of the thrill of bondage may come from being, literally, “out of control”—having turned control over to the top. The top, in turn, gets a thrill from being in total control of (and responsible for) another person. Some people even practice self-bondage (harnesses, corsets, cock-and-ball toys, butt plugs, or even tall boots laced up tight) and experience a combination of both feelings.
Safe, sane and consensual applies to bondage just as much as to SM. In SM sex the giving and receiving of pain is a major source of pleasure. Pain in bondage, however, is often a sign that something’s wrong. For instance, ropes or handcuffs that are too tight can cut off circulation; uncomfortable positions maintained for long periods of time can lead to tissue or nerve damage. Duct tape-and-Saran-Wrap devotees can cause all kinds of problems by staying wrapped too long. Being bound in whatever fashion should not mean being in physical discomfort or danger.
Another safety point: Just as a good SM scene has a “safeword” which instantly stops the action, a good bondage scene has the Houdini-like escape provisions necessary to ensure safety in an emergency. Some examples: a knife or scissors to cut rope (use them carefully!); extra handcuff or padlock keys; quick-release buckles on restraints.
If bondage sounds interesting to you, explore it. Start slowly, and take the time to learn to do it safely. There are many excellent books available on various bondage techniques and at least one magazine, “Bound and Gagged,” devoted to the subject. Finally, the Twin Cities Bondage Association is a good learning and networking resource: TCBA, St. Paul, MN.
STEVE KELSO is coming to the Twin Cities!
Are you a Steve Kelso fan? If so, then Friday, December 13 is your lucky day. You’ll be able to meet the legend himself at an Aliveness Project fundraiser to be held at Town House Country in St. Paul. Buy a calendar or poster and Steve will autograph it for you on the spot. (Talk about pleasurable Christmas shopping! And for a good cause, too.) The event starts at 9 pm. $5.00 at the door, net proceeds benefit The Aliveness Project.
If you just can’t wait that long, check out the official Kelso web site, coyly called “Hairway to Steven” at www.daboy.com//kelso.html. After thorough exploration of that site, you can link to an incredible universe of other leather/bear/fur sites that could keep you busy for hours!
Upcoming and Ongoing Leather Events
For quite a while now, the Men’s Room Bar at the Gay 90’s has been the one place locally that catered specifically to the leather community. Recently several other Twin Cities clubs, listed below, have started vying for our patronage.
Thrust
Last Friday of the month (this month: November 29), 9 pm to close, Club Metro Underground
Leather/levi/latex/uniform dress code enforced, so the dance floor is all leather all evening. Come say hello to former 90’s bartenders Vern and Lawrence. $5 cover, free beer 9 pm-midnight.
NEW! Leather Knights
Wednesdays in December, 8 pm to close, Town House Country
Leather/levi/uniform attire encouraged. $5 cover includes free beer or $1.50 for other drinks.
Hard Mondays
Every Monday, 10 pm to close, The Saloon
Leather/levi/fetish wear. Amazing scenes and demonstrations. No cover.
Friday, November 22, 1996
Friday, November 8, 1996
Gay Marriage (and other forms of bondage)
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #38, November 8, 1996)
The legalization of gay marriage seems to have become a “hot-button” topic for the entire gay community, and members of the leather community are no exception. This year’s outgoing International Mr. Fantasy J.D. Buchert and his lover David Gillis renewed their vows onstage at the contest. And at this year’s International Mr. Drummer Contest, Mr. Southern California Drummer Kyle Brandon (who went on to win the International Mr. Drummer title) performed a “fantasy” which was not a fantasy at all, but rather a real-life marriage ceremony between him and his lover. In addition, many of the speeches at all three of this year’s international leather contests contained references to the issue of gay marriage.
Fighting for the legalization of gay marriage is a good and noble cause; it will be a great day when society no longer tells us our love is second-class love. But gay marriage is really just the tip of the iceberg.
In one sense, relationships in the leather community run the same gamut as in the rest of the gay community, which run the same gamut as in straight society (where, by the way, currently half of all marriages end in divorce). Leather relationships run for varying lengths of time, from hours to years, and none of them come with a guarantee. But because they’re not “normal,” people tend to give a lot more thought before entering into them, and that tends to make them healthier and more stable.
Relationships in the gay community in general and the leather/SM community in particular come in a rainbow of flavors the general straight public doesn’t usually consider. The leather community, in addition to woman/woman or man/man (and even, on occasion, woman/man) spousal relationships, offers such esoteric relationship choices as daddy/boy (neither of which is necessarily male, by the way) and master/slave. Adding to the richness of choices (or confusion, depending on your viewpoint) is the fact that one person may engage in multiple concurrent relationships; one person could theoretically be someone’s boy, someone else’s daddy, someone else’s master or slave, and someone else’s spouse all at the same time.
Certain elements of straight society find relationships like these threatening and subversive. They are so frightened by the form of these relationships they never get around to investigating the content; if they did they’d see the same kind of “traditional family values” they spend so much time talking about. The negotiations preceding an SM scene, and the trust necessary to bring it off properly, bespeak a respect for ourselves and the other person or people involved. The same can be said for a healthy and affirming daddy/boy or master/slave relationship.
These relationships don’t just happen—they require work and care and nurturing. But the work and care and nurturing pay off in learning what makes a healthy relationship and what doesn’t. And generally, the good that’s gained from these leather/SM relationships spills over into all the other relationships in which a person is involved, from work to family to casual acquaintances to people on the street.
If we let someone else’s disapproval dampen our enjoyment of our culture and our relationships we have only ourselves to blame. No one can oppress another without the other’s consent. To the extent we are secretive about the nature of our relationships we reinforce to ourselves, and to the general public, the idea that those relationships aren’t acceptable.
The Stonewall rebellion was about gays and lesbians questioning their oppression by straight society. It spawned a viewpoint that said, “We’re tired of not having the same rights as straights. When is it going to be our turn?”
The answer to that question is simple. It’s our turn whenever we take it.
But if we don’t take it, no one will ever give it to us.
More and more gay people, both leather and non-leather, aren’t waiting for society to legalize gay marriage, to “give us our turn.” They’re taking their turn right now. The leather/SM and non-leather GLBT communities have taken society’s rulebook (in which marriage is defined as a lifelong monogamous union of a submissive wife and a dominant husband for the purpose of producing offspring) and thrown it away. We no longer constrained by those rules—we are free to invent new kinds of relationships that meet our needs and the needs of those we love. If two people of whatever sex and/or gender decide that a traditional monogamous marriage framework (with or without children) is what they want, fine. If another framework better meets their needs, that’s fine too.
Legalized gay marriage will offer certain benefits (and will also entail certain responsibilities). But legislation won’t change peoples’ hearts and minds—hearts and minds will have to change in order for the legislation to be enacted. And hearts and minds will be changed, one heart and one mind at a time, by enough of us being open and proud of our culture and our relationships—woman/woman, man/man, daddy/boy, master/slave, whatever.
Leather pride—or any other pride, for that matter—is when we can be open, honest, genuine about ourselves and our relationships, and not feel a need to apologize. And it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy—over time society will get used to the idea that our relationships can be healthy, positive and satisfying. Finally, in a stunning example of anticlimax, gay marriage will be legalized.
But we don’t really have to wait for that to happen. Remember, it’s our turn whenever we take it. It’s our turn right now.
Upcoming Leather Events
Ms. Minnesota Leather Competition 1997
Friday, November 15, 9-11 pm, Club Metro Underground “Maximum X” Bar
$5.00 at the door includes free beer, food, door prizes and free parking. Don’t forget the “trashy pants” contest! (See the previous issue of Lavender for more details.)
Black Guard 20th Anniversary Chili Feed
Sunday, November 17, 4-9 pm, Gay 90’s Dance Annex
A leather community tradition. Free beer, soft drinks, food, prizes. (You can also get your link in the “Get Linked” chain if you haven’t already done so.) $5 at the door.
The legalization of gay marriage seems to have become a “hot-button” topic for the entire gay community, and members of the leather community are no exception. This year’s outgoing International Mr. Fantasy J.D. Buchert and his lover David Gillis renewed their vows onstage at the contest. And at this year’s International Mr. Drummer Contest, Mr. Southern California Drummer Kyle Brandon (who went on to win the International Mr. Drummer title) performed a “fantasy” which was not a fantasy at all, but rather a real-life marriage ceremony between him and his lover. In addition, many of the speeches at all three of this year’s international leather contests contained references to the issue of gay marriage.
Fighting for the legalization of gay marriage is a good and noble cause; it will be a great day when society no longer tells us our love is second-class love. But gay marriage is really just the tip of the iceberg.
In one sense, relationships in the leather community run the same gamut as in the rest of the gay community, which run the same gamut as in straight society (where, by the way, currently half of all marriages end in divorce). Leather relationships run for varying lengths of time, from hours to years, and none of them come with a guarantee. But because they’re not “normal,” people tend to give a lot more thought before entering into them, and that tends to make them healthier and more stable.
Relationships in the gay community in general and the leather/SM community in particular come in a rainbow of flavors the general straight public doesn’t usually consider. The leather community, in addition to woman/woman or man/man (and even, on occasion, woman/man) spousal relationships, offers such esoteric relationship choices as daddy/boy (neither of which is necessarily male, by the way) and master/slave. Adding to the richness of choices (or confusion, depending on your viewpoint) is the fact that one person may engage in multiple concurrent relationships; one person could theoretically be someone’s boy, someone else’s daddy, someone else’s master or slave, and someone else’s spouse all at the same time.
Certain elements of straight society find relationships like these threatening and subversive. They are so frightened by the form of these relationships they never get around to investigating the content; if they did they’d see the same kind of “traditional family values” they spend so much time talking about. The negotiations preceding an SM scene, and the trust necessary to bring it off properly, bespeak a respect for ourselves and the other person or people involved. The same can be said for a healthy and affirming daddy/boy or master/slave relationship.
These relationships don’t just happen—they require work and care and nurturing. But the work and care and nurturing pay off in learning what makes a healthy relationship and what doesn’t. And generally, the good that’s gained from these leather/SM relationships spills over into all the other relationships in which a person is involved, from work to family to casual acquaintances to people on the street.
If we let someone else’s disapproval dampen our enjoyment of our culture and our relationships we have only ourselves to blame. No one can oppress another without the other’s consent. To the extent we are secretive about the nature of our relationships we reinforce to ourselves, and to the general public, the idea that those relationships aren’t acceptable.
The Stonewall rebellion was about gays and lesbians questioning their oppression by straight society. It spawned a viewpoint that said, “We’re tired of not having the same rights as straights. When is it going to be our turn?”
The answer to that question is simple. It’s our turn whenever we take it.
But if we don’t take it, no one will ever give it to us.
More and more gay people, both leather and non-leather, aren’t waiting for society to legalize gay marriage, to “give us our turn.” They’re taking their turn right now. The leather/SM and non-leather GLBT communities have taken society’s rulebook (in which marriage is defined as a lifelong monogamous union of a submissive wife and a dominant husband for the purpose of producing offspring) and thrown it away. We no longer constrained by those rules—we are free to invent new kinds of relationships that meet our needs and the needs of those we love. If two people of whatever sex and/or gender decide that a traditional monogamous marriage framework (with or without children) is what they want, fine. If another framework better meets their needs, that’s fine too.
Legalized gay marriage will offer certain benefits (and will also entail certain responsibilities). But legislation won’t change peoples’ hearts and minds—hearts and minds will have to change in order for the legislation to be enacted. And hearts and minds will be changed, one heart and one mind at a time, by enough of us being open and proud of our culture and our relationships—woman/woman, man/man, daddy/boy, master/slave, whatever.
Leather pride—or any other pride, for that matter—is when we can be open, honest, genuine about ourselves and our relationships, and not feel a need to apologize. And it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy—over time society will get used to the idea that our relationships can be healthy, positive and satisfying. Finally, in a stunning example of anticlimax, gay marriage will be legalized.
But we don’t really have to wait for that to happen. Remember, it’s our turn whenever we take it. It’s our turn right now.
Upcoming Leather Events
Ms. Minnesota Leather Competition 1997
Friday, November 15, 9-11 pm, Club Metro Underground “Maximum X” Bar
$5.00 at the door includes free beer, food, door prizes and free parking. Don’t forget the “trashy pants” contest! (See the previous issue of Lavender for more details.)
Black Guard 20th Anniversary Chili Feed
Sunday, November 17, 4-9 pm, Gay 90’s Dance Annex
A leather community tradition. Free beer, soft drinks, food, prizes. (You can also get your link in the “Get Linked” chain if you haven’t already done so.) $5 at the door.
Friday, October 25, 1996
Are Leather Dress Codes Discriminatory?
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #37, October 25, 1996)
Lavender recently received a letter that asked:
“When I go into the LeFemme Show Lounge, I don’t have to wear drag. When I go into the Triangle Corral, I don’t have to wear a cowboy hat. When I go into the Dance Annex, I don’t have to wear dancing shoes.
“Why is it that when I am invited to PAY for admission to the Men’s Room for a Leather Community event, I am told that a dress code will be enforced. Does this mean that the Leather Community is excluding other factions of the total Gay Community? I’m especially interested because several times you have given the advice that if a person thinks he may be interested in the Leather Community he should attend a couple of events. That means I have to buy the leather BEFORE I make my decision.”
Mention the words “leather dress code” and a heated discussion will probably ensue. Some people feel they’re discriminatory; others wonder why the Twin Cities doesn’t have a leather bar with a dress code enforced seven nights a week, not just on special occasions.
New York City is large enough to support a leather bar with a dress code that’s always enforced. It’s called LURE; the name is an acronym for “Leather, Uniform, Rubber, Etc.,” and that’s the dress code that is very concisely spelled out at the entrance. No tennis shoes, no polo shirts, no chinos, no cologne or aftershave.
This is not the Fashion Police at work. This is a business that is trying to please its customers; the dress code is there in response to, and with the support of, LURE’s primary clientele. This is no different than an upscale restaurant requesting that gentlemen wear neckties.
Leather events in the Twin Cities use the leather dress code for the same reason: to get more people to attend. The leather clubs and other organizers of these events don’t want to exclude those who may be curious about the community but haven’t yet acquired any leather; on the contrary, they want to encourage these people to investigate the scene. This is why the dress code at most events includes “Levi/Shirtless.” The combination of jeans and a bare chest is a masculine look appropriate to the event, and just about everyone already owns a pair of jeans.
A drag show is just that: a show. The performers are on stage to be slightly outrageous, to titillate and to entertain the public. (To paraphrase Liberace, they don’t dress that way to be ignored!) Leather dress codes do aim to exclude people who don’t understand or respect leather and its ethos — who think leather is just another form of drag show and who want to be scandalized by these “brutes who are fruits.” These “tourists” are pretty easy to spot in a leather bar, and they are not appreciated. The patrons at a leather bar are there to enjoy the atmosphere and each other’s company, not to be part of a floor show.
TCBA Party Simulcast on World Wide Web
The Twin Cities Bondage Association (TCBA) recently held its “Camera Night” play party and perhaps made history at the same time. As far as anyone has been able to determine, this marked the first time that images of a play party have been simulcast over the World Wide Web. (Earlier this year the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago was the first leather contest to be simulcast in this fashion.)
The TCBA was formed to provide a safe place for bondage play, networking, and education. For further information, write to TCBA, St. Paul MN.
Upcoming Leather Events
Ms. Minnesota Leather Competition 1997
Friday, November 15, 9-11 pm, Club Metro Underground “Maximum X” Bar
In addition to the contest there will be entertainment (including the Rainbow Cloggers), vendors, a barber, and a “trashy pants” contest with a cash prize (now you know what to wear to the event). $5.00 at the door includes free beer, food, door prizes and free parking.
Women in and of leather are encouraged to compete. Contestant applications are available at Club Metro, or see Darlette Knox in the DJ booth at the Gay 90’s. Vendor space is still available for groups, clubs or businesses; for vendor forms, sponsor sheets, and further information contact Darlette.
Lavender recently received a letter that asked:
“When I go into the LeFemme Show Lounge, I don’t have to wear drag. When I go into the Triangle Corral, I don’t have to wear a cowboy hat. When I go into the Dance Annex, I don’t have to wear dancing shoes.
“Why is it that when I am invited to PAY for admission to the Men’s Room for a Leather Community event, I am told that a dress code will be enforced. Does this mean that the Leather Community is excluding other factions of the total Gay Community? I’m especially interested because several times you have given the advice that if a person thinks he may be interested in the Leather Community he should attend a couple of events. That means I have to buy the leather BEFORE I make my decision.”
Mention the words “leather dress code” and a heated discussion will probably ensue. Some people feel they’re discriminatory; others wonder why the Twin Cities doesn’t have a leather bar with a dress code enforced seven nights a week, not just on special occasions.
New York City is large enough to support a leather bar with a dress code that’s always enforced. It’s called LURE; the name is an acronym for “Leather, Uniform, Rubber, Etc.,” and that’s the dress code that is very concisely spelled out at the entrance. No tennis shoes, no polo shirts, no chinos, no cologne or aftershave.
This is not the Fashion Police at work. This is a business that is trying to please its customers; the dress code is there in response to, and with the support of, LURE’s primary clientele. This is no different than an upscale restaurant requesting that gentlemen wear neckties.
Leather events in the Twin Cities use the leather dress code for the same reason: to get more people to attend. The leather clubs and other organizers of these events don’t want to exclude those who may be curious about the community but haven’t yet acquired any leather; on the contrary, they want to encourage these people to investigate the scene. This is why the dress code at most events includes “Levi/Shirtless.” The combination of jeans and a bare chest is a masculine look appropriate to the event, and just about everyone already owns a pair of jeans.
A drag show is just that: a show. The performers are on stage to be slightly outrageous, to titillate and to entertain the public. (To paraphrase Liberace, they don’t dress that way to be ignored!) Leather dress codes do aim to exclude people who don’t understand or respect leather and its ethos — who think leather is just another form of drag show and who want to be scandalized by these “brutes who are fruits.” These “tourists” are pretty easy to spot in a leather bar, and they are not appreciated. The patrons at a leather bar are there to enjoy the atmosphere and each other’s company, not to be part of a floor show.
TCBA Party Simulcast on World Wide Web
The Twin Cities Bondage Association (TCBA) recently held its “Camera Night” play party and perhaps made history at the same time. As far as anyone has been able to determine, this marked the first time that images of a play party have been simulcast over the World Wide Web. (Earlier this year the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago was the first leather contest to be simulcast in this fashion.)
The TCBA was formed to provide a safe place for bondage play, networking, and education. For further information, write to TCBA, St. Paul MN.
Upcoming Leather Events
Ms. Minnesota Leather Competition 1997
Friday, November 15, 9-11 pm, Club Metro Underground “Maximum X” Bar
In addition to the contest there will be entertainment (including the Rainbow Cloggers), vendors, a barber, and a “trashy pants” contest with a cash prize (now you know what to wear to the event). $5.00 at the door includes free beer, food, door prizes and free parking.
Women in and of leather are encouraged to compete. Contestant applications are available at Club Metro, or see Darlette Knox in the DJ booth at the Gay 90’s. Vendor space is still available for groups, clubs or businesses; for vendor forms, sponsor sheets, and further information contact Darlette.
Friday, October 11, 1996
SF Leather Pride Week A Winner
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #36, October 11, 1996)
The leather community of San Francisco recently threw their annual party known as Leather Pride Week, which culminated in the International Mr. Drummer Contest and the 13th annual Folsom Street Fair. While Mr. Southern California Drummer Kyle Brandon captured the sash in the International Mr. Drummer contest, the leather community in general and San Francisco’s leather community in particular were the real winners.
After a full week of warm-up activities, the International Mr. Drummer contest was held Saturday afternoon, September 28. This contest almost didn’t happen, but several key individuals stepped in at the last minute to make sure it took place. Many of the behind-the-scenes personnel were new to the business of putting on a leather contest, but everyone appeared to be intensely focused on what they were doing; the result was a briskly paced contest with no awkward production moments.
No paid entertainers were on the program. The focus was solely on the contestants, who more than rose to the challenge and presented uniformly well-executed fantasies. Some highlights:
• “The Wizard of Oz” was re-interpreted by Rick Noss, Mr. Desert Plains Drummer. The Tin Woodsman’s new use for his oil can and fashioning a condom out of aluminum foil gave new meaning to the term “beer-can cock.”
• Great Lakes Mr. Drummer Jerry Leigh appeared as a bottom being worked on by three different tops while the audience enthusiastically cheered him on. (When the fantasy ended he had worn out all three tops and was begging for more.)
• Mr. Gulf Coast Drummer Don Woods presented a surreal (and inspiredly silly) fantasy reminiscent of 50’s kiddie TV show “Kukla, Fran & Ollie.” It was a hot barnyard SM scene being watched by a horse puppet (who also sang) peeking out the barn door.
• Mr. Florida Drummer Bill Masters appeared as a leather Forrest Gump. This fantasy also featured the unique symbolism of a sculpture of the state of Florida becoming an erection and finally exploding in a shower of ping-pong balls.
• The final fantasy of the evening was Kyle Brandon’s. It turned out not to be a fantasy at all, but rather a real gay marriage ceremony between Brandon and his partner, who an hour later became an instant sash widow. Brandon’s fantasy included cameo appearances by leather notables Brian Dawson (International Mr. Drummer 1989), Mikal Bales of Zeus Productions, and Pup (the outgoing International Drummerboy).
The winners: The Golden Whip Award (a.k.a. Miss Congeniality) went to “Ky” Fitzgerald, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Drummer; second runner-up was Jerry Leigh, Great Lakes Mr. Drummer; first runner-up was Ken Rosetti, Mr. Northeast Drummer; and the winner and new International Mr. Drummer is Southern California’s Kyle Brandon. The new International Drummerboy is Rocky Mountain Drummerboy Mike de Nisco.
Sunday brought beautiful weather and beautiful bodies to the Folsom Street Fair. In addition to people-watching and musical entertainment, there was shopping at the many booths selling everything a leather devotee could desire. This year’s lucky-thirteenth Folsom Street Fair was a great climax and a fitting finale to Leather Pride Week, and San Francisco’s leather community has every right to be proud of the way they hosted the worldwide leather community.
PHOTO: Winners of the 1996 International Mr. Drummer competition. Kneeling: International Drummerboy Mike de Nisco. Standing, left to right: Ken Rosetti, 1st runner-up; Kyle Brandon, International Mr. Drummer 1996; and Jerry Leigh, 2nd runner-up.
Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 Crowned
(Note): The original headline I wrote for this item was “Cwayna is Mr. MN Leather ’97”.)
Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Kevin Cwayna
Kevin Cwayna won the sash at the Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 contest held Oct. 5 at the Gay 90’s. Runner-up was Andy Tracy and second runner-up was Todd Leek. Also competing were Mat Veo and Mr. Minnesota Fantasy ’96 Robert Riley.
Judging the contest were current International Mr. Leather Joe Gallagher, outgoing Mr. Minnesota Leather Michael deLeon, current Ms. Minnesota Leather Darlette Knox, Mr. Rod’s ’96 Stacy DeSotel from Wisconsin, and Mr. Chicago Leather ’96 Jeff Affolter.
Entertainment included the Rainbow Cloggers (including Dean Preston, Mr. Minnesota Leather ’90-’91), Borderline, the Portfolio Men and the perfect leather contest music of Savage Aural Hotbed, who just may be the opening act for the 1997 International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago.
Upcoming Leather Events
The Atons present “Inquisition”
Sunday, October 13, 6-10 pm, The Saloon
Featuring demos by Matt Hopping of The Saloon’s “Hard Mondays.” $3 at the door.
Atons Halloween Party ’96
Saturday, October 26 — ORDER TICKETS NOW
Featuring DJ Black Sheep and dog tags to the first 250. Limited attendance; tickets ($17) must be ordered in advance. If you didn’t get an order form in the mail, download one from the Atons’ Web site (www.starbase21.com/ATONS). Tickets will be mailed the week of the event.
The leather community of San Francisco recently threw their annual party known as Leather Pride Week, which culminated in the International Mr. Drummer Contest and the 13th annual Folsom Street Fair. While Mr. Southern California Drummer Kyle Brandon captured the sash in the International Mr. Drummer contest, the leather community in general and San Francisco’s leather community in particular were the real winners.
After a full week of warm-up activities, the International Mr. Drummer contest was held Saturday afternoon, September 28. This contest almost didn’t happen, but several key individuals stepped in at the last minute to make sure it took place. Many of the behind-the-scenes personnel were new to the business of putting on a leather contest, but everyone appeared to be intensely focused on what they were doing; the result was a briskly paced contest with no awkward production moments.
No paid entertainers were on the program. The focus was solely on the contestants, who more than rose to the challenge and presented uniformly well-executed fantasies. Some highlights:
• “The Wizard of Oz” was re-interpreted by Rick Noss, Mr. Desert Plains Drummer. The Tin Woodsman’s new use for his oil can and fashioning a condom out of aluminum foil gave new meaning to the term “beer-can cock.”
• Great Lakes Mr. Drummer Jerry Leigh appeared as a bottom being worked on by three different tops while the audience enthusiastically cheered him on. (When the fantasy ended he had worn out all three tops and was begging for more.)
• Mr. Gulf Coast Drummer Don Woods presented a surreal (and inspiredly silly) fantasy reminiscent of 50’s kiddie TV show “Kukla, Fran & Ollie.” It was a hot barnyard SM scene being watched by a horse puppet (who also sang) peeking out the barn door.
• Mr. Florida Drummer Bill Masters appeared as a leather Forrest Gump. This fantasy also featured the unique symbolism of a sculpture of the state of Florida becoming an erection and finally exploding in a shower of ping-pong balls.
• The final fantasy of the evening was Kyle Brandon’s. It turned out not to be a fantasy at all, but rather a real gay marriage ceremony between Brandon and his partner, who an hour later became an instant sash widow. Brandon’s fantasy included cameo appearances by leather notables Brian Dawson (International Mr. Drummer 1989), Mikal Bales of Zeus Productions, and Pup (the outgoing International Drummerboy).
The winners: The Golden Whip Award (a.k.a. Miss Congeniality) went to “Ky” Fitzgerald, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Drummer; second runner-up was Jerry Leigh, Great Lakes Mr. Drummer; first runner-up was Ken Rosetti, Mr. Northeast Drummer; and the winner and new International Mr. Drummer is Southern California’s Kyle Brandon. The new International Drummerboy is Rocky Mountain Drummerboy Mike de Nisco.
Sunday brought beautiful weather and beautiful bodies to the Folsom Street Fair. In addition to people-watching and musical entertainment, there was shopping at the many booths selling everything a leather devotee could desire. This year’s lucky-thirteenth Folsom Street Fair was a great climax and a fitting finale to Leather Pride Week, and San Francisco’s leather community has every right to be proud of the way they hosted the worldwide leather community.
PHOTO: Winners of the 1996 International Mr. Drummer competition. Kneeling: International Drummerboy Mike de Nisco. Standing, left to right: Ken Rosetti, 1st runner-up; Kyle Brandon, International Mr. Drummer 1996; and Jerry Leigh, 2nd runner-up.
Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 Crowned
(Note): The original headline I wrote for this item was “Cwayna is Mr. MN Leather ’97”.)
Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Kevin Cwayna
Kevin Cwayna won the sash at the Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 contest held Oct. 5 at the Gay 90’s. Runner-up was Andy Tracy and second runner-up was Todd Leek. Also competing were Mat Veo and Mr. Minnesota Fantasy ’96 Robert Riley.
Judging the contest were current International Mr. Leather Joe Gallagher, outgoing Mr. Minnesota Leather Michael deLeon, current Ms. Minnesota Leather Darlette Knox, Mr. Rod’s ’96 Stacy DeSotel from Wisconsin, and Mr. Chicago Leather ’96 Jeff Affolter.
Entertainment included the Rainbow Cloggers (including Dean Preston, Mr. Minnesota Leather ’90-’91), Borderline, the Portfolio Men and the perfect leather contest music of Savage Aural Hotbed, who just may be the opening act for the 1997 International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago.
Upcoming Leather Events
The Atons present “Inquisition”
Sunday, October 13, 6-10 pm, The Saloon
Featuring demos by Matt Hopping of The Saloon’s “Hard Mondays.” $3 at the door.
Atons Halloween Party ’96
Saturday, October 26 — ORDER TICKETS NOW
Featuring DJ Black Sheep and dog tags to the first 250. Limited attendance; tickets ($17) must be ordered in advance. If you didn’t get an order form in the mail, download one from the Atons’ Web site (www.starbase21.com/ATONS). Tickets will be mailed the week of the event.
Friday, September 27, 1996
Leather Contests Explained
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #35, September 27, 1996)
The new International Mr. Fantasy was recently chosen in Omaha . In San Francisco this weekend the International Mr. Drummer contest takes place. Next weekend brings the Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 contest here in Minneapolis (details in the gray box), the winner of which goes on to the International Mr. Leather (IML) contest in Chicago next May.
Where did all these contests (and all these titleholders) come from? What purpose do they serve for the leather community? And what difference do they make for anyone who’s not into the leather scene?
Where’d they come from? The same impulse that in straight society finds expression in the Miss America pageant find expression among members of the leather community in leather contests and titleholders. Interestingly, the drag/transgender community has evolved the Imperial Court system of royalty in response to the same impulses. As a psychologist would say: gay,straight or whatever, we’re all socialized the same. If the Imperial Court system produces emperors, empresses, and ladies-in-waiting, perhaps leather contests produce the leather community’s “knights.”
Both IML and Drummer started in 1979. “Beauty pageants” at first, the job of titleholder was transformed by the AIDS crisis — leather titleholders were among the first people to raise funds both for research and to benefit people living with AIDS, simply because they saw the need and were in a position to do something about it.
What purpose do they serve? A good leather contest is a challenge for the contestants and entertainment for the community. Watching a parade of beautiful bodies parading in full (or skimpy) leather and performing leather fantasies (erotic skits) makes for a pleasant evening for the audience. For the contestants and judges, of course, much more is involved.
The judges are as interested in the minds of the contestants as in their physical presence, which is why most contests include a private interview with the judges and a public speech before the audience. The judges are looking for the contestant who will be the community’s best representative, both at local functions and in more advanced levels of competition.
Why would someone want to compete? There are many reasons. Some contestants don’t care if they win or not; they compete for the chance to be in the spotlight for a few minutes. Others compete because they have something to prove, either to themselves or to others. At least a few international titleholders have entered a local contest on a dare. Then there are those contestants who earnestly want to win the contest and to have the experience of holding a leather title.
What’s involved in being a leather titleholder? A certain amount of glamour and a lot of work — and the good feeling that comes from being able to give something back to the community. Besides going on to further levels of competition, titleholders raise funds for charities, educate, entertain, raise consciousness, and are community ambassadors — all things that make the leather community stronger.
How do leather contests and titleholders benefit the non-leather/SM community? The most obvious benefit is fundraising: children’s charities are a favorite benefactor, as are AIDS charities (such as AmFAR, who sponsored Joe Gallagher, IML ‘96, and Andy Borden, 3rd runner-up for IML ‘95). But leather contests and titleholders serve another, perhaps less-obvious, purpose both for the leather community and for the GLBT community at large. The contests, and especially the fantasies, are positive, affirming celebrations of alternative sexuality. Leather titleholders promote that same sex-positive message to society at large — the idea that enjoyable, life-affirming, healthy sexuality isn’t limited to the heterosexual missionary-position flavor. They are sexual freedom-fighters working not just for the rights of the leather/SM community but for all sexual minorities.
Upcoming Leather Events
PHOTO: Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon
Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Reception
Friday, October 4, 9 pm-1 am, Gay 90’s Men’s Room Bar
This reception honors Michael deLeon, Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996; it’s also your chance to meet this year’s contestants and judges, including Joe Gallagher, IML ’96.Dress code will be in effect for the evening. Admission is $5 and there will be free beer, soft drinks and food for those attending.
Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Contest and Show
Saturday, October 5, 4-9 pm, Gay 90’s Dance Annex
Entertainment by The Portfolio Men, Borderline, Rainbow Cloggers and featuring the music of Savage Aural Hotbed (if you missed them at Michael deLeon’s IML send-off this spring, you’ll want to hear them now!) Contestants, having been interviewed earlier by the judges, will be judged on their speeches, leather image, fantasy presentation and on their stage and physical presence. Be there when IML ’96 deLeon sashes his successor. $10 admission. (Individuals wishing to enter the contest should call Colin Spriestersbach for additional information and contest application forms.)
The new International Mr. Fantasy was recently chosen in Omaha . In San Francisco this weekend the International Mr. Drummer contest takes place. Next weekend brings the Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 contest here in Minneapolis (details in the gray box), the winner of which goes on to the International Mr. Leather (IML) contest in Chicago next May.
Where did all these contests (and all these titleholders) come from? What purpose do they serve for the leather community? And what difference do they make for anyone who’s not into the leather scene?
Where’d they come from? The same impulse that in straight society finds expression in the Miss America pageant find expression among members of the leather community in leather contests and titleholders. Interestingly, the drag/transgender community has evolved the Imperial Court system of royalty in response to the same impulses. As a psychologist would say: gay,straight or whatever, we’re all socialized the same. If the Imperial Court system produces emperors, empresses, and ladies-in-waiting, perhaps leather contests produce the leather community’s “knights.”
Both IML and Drummer started in 1979. “Beauty pageants” at first, the job of titleholder was transformed by the AIDS crisis — leather titleholders were among the first people to raise funds both for research and to benefit people living with AIDS, simply because they saw the need and were in a position to do something about it.
What purpose do they serve? A good leather contest is a challenge for the contestants and entertainment for the community. Watching a parade of beautiful bodies parading in full (or skimpy) leather and performing leather fantasies (erotic skits) makes for a pleasant evening for the audience. For the contestants and judges, of course, much more is involved.
The judges are as interested in the minds of the contestants as in their physical presence, which is why most contests include a private interview with the judges and a public speech before the audience. The judges are looking for the contestant who will be the community’s best representative, both at local functions and in more advanced levels of competition.
Why would someone want to compete? There are many reasons. Some contestants don’t care if they win or not; they compete for the chance to be in the spotlight for a few minutes. Others compete because they have something to prove, either to themselves or to others. At least a few international titleholders have entered a local contest on a dare. Then there are those contestants who earnestly want to win the contest and to have the experience of holding a leather title.
What’s involved in being a leather titleholder? A certain amount of glamour and a lot of work — and the good feeling that comes from being able to give something back to the community. Besides going on to further levels of competition, titleholders raise funds for charities, educate, entertain, raise consciousness, and are community ambassadors — all things that make the leather community stronger.
How do leather contests and titleholders benefit the non-leather/SM community? The most obvious benefit is fundraising: children’s charities are a favorite benefactor, as are AIDS charities (such as AmFAR, who sponsored Joe Gallagher, IML ‘96, and Andy Borden, 3rd runner-up for IML ‘95). But leather contests and titleholders serve another, perhaps less-obvious, purpose both for the leather community and for the GLBT community at large. The contests, and especially the fantasies, are positive, affirming celebrations of alternative sexuality. Leather titleholders promote that same sex-positive message to society at large — the idea that enjoyable, life-affirming, healthy sexuality isn’t limited to the heterosexual missionary-position flavor. They are sexual freedom-fighters working not just for the rights of the leather/SM community but for all sexual minorities.
Upcoming Leather Events
PHOTO: Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon
Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Reception
Friday, October 4, 9 pm-1 am, Gay 90’s Men’s Room Bar
This reception honors Michael deLeon, Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996; it’s also your chance to meet this year’s contestants and judges, including Joe Gallagher, IML ’96.Dress code will be in effect for the evening. Admission is $5 and there will be free beer, soft drinks and food for those attending.
Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Contest and Show
Saturday, October 5, 4-9 pm, Gay 90’s Dance Annex
Entertainment by The Portfolio Men, Borderline, Rainbow Cloggers and featuring the music of Savage Aural Hotbed (if you missed them at Michael deLeon’s IML send-off this spring, you’ll want to hear them now!) Contestants, having been interviewed earlier by the judges, will be judged on their speeches, leather image, fantasy presentation and on their stage and physical presence. Be there when IML ’96 deLeon sashes his successor. $10 admission. (Individuals wishing to enter the contest should call Colin Spriestersbach for additional information and contest application forms.)
Friday, September 13, 1996
Announcing: Mr. Minnesota Leather Contest 1997
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #34, September 13, 1996)
PHOTO: Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon
The Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Contest, to be held October 4 and 5 at the Gay 90’s, will see Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon ending his title year by helping to choose his successor. It will also feature a guest appearance by Joe Gallagher, International Mr. Leather 1996.
The event kicks off with a reception Friday night (October 4) for deLeon, who will be serving as head judge at this year’s contest. deLeon has represented the Minnesota leather community throughout the year at contests, fundraisers, and other events locally and throughout the U.S. and Europe. This event will also be a chance to meet this year’s contestants and judges. The reception starts at 9 pm in the Men’s Room Bar at the Gay 90’s (dress code will be in effect for the evening). Admission is $5 and there will be free beer, soft drinks and food for those attending.
On Saturday morning the judges will interview the contestants in a private session. The contest and show will be held Saturday afternoon (October 5) starting at 4 pm in the Gay 90’s Dance Annex (admission $10). Contestants will be judged on their interviews, speeches, leather image, fantasy (erotic skit) presentation and on their stage and physical presence. The winner, Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997, receives his title sash and $750 in cash and travel expenses to allow him to serve as our representative at the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago during Memorial Day Weekend of 1997. A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to the first runner-up.
This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Colin Spriestersbach, the contest organizer and the new Mr. Northwoods 1996-97. Individuals wishing to enter the contest should call Spriestersbach for additional information and contest application forms.
IML ’96 Joe Gallagher to appear at Mr. Minnesota Leather Contest
PHOTO: International Mr. Leather 1996 Joe Gallagher
Joe Gallagher, International Mr. Leather 1996, will be traveling all the way from New York City to be a judge at this year’s Mr. Minnesota Leather Contest. He will also be promoting one of his current projects called“Get Linked.”
When not acting as International Mr. Leather 1996, Gallagher works as a publishing specialist and World Wide WebMaster in New York City. He became International Mr. Leather after just three weeks as Mr. Leather New York. His sponsor is AmFAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research).
Gallagher is a board member of Gay Male S/M Activists (GMSMA) and has produced several GMSMA programs on topics ranging from “S/M On-Line” to “Hitting, Punching and Bruising.” He is a contributing member of the New York Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center and the Empire State Pride agenda. He shares his life with his lover of six years, Joel Geraci, their dog (canine, not human) and their real boy, ‘boy doug.’ If you would like to see more, check out the Zeus video “Brute Force” or visit Gallagher’s web page at http://www.nycnet.com/Gallagher for a list of appearances throughout the coming year.
“Get Linked” is an effort to construct a physical chain made from individual links, each contributed by members of the Leather/SM community. According to Gallagher, “Its very size will create a symbolic, but very powerful, tangible display of how large and diverse our community is.” The entire chain will be displayed at the International Mr. Leather 1997 contest, after which it will be turned over to the Leather Archive and Museum. More information will be available the weekend of the Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Contest; information about “Get Linked” is also available on Gallagher’s web page (address above). In the meantime, get those chain links ready!
PHOTO: Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon
The Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Contest, to be held October 4 and 5 at the Gay 90’s, will see Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon ending his title year by helping to choose his successor. It will also feature a guest appearance by Joe Gallagher, International Mr. Leather 1996.
The event kicks off with a reception Friday night (October 4) for deLeon, who will be serving as head judge at this year’s contest. deLeon has represented the Minnesota leather community throughout the year at contests, fundraisers, and other events locally and throughout the U.S. and Europe. This event will also be a chance to meet this year’s contestants and judges. The reception starts at 9 pm in the Men’s Room Bar at the Gay 90’s (dress code will be in effect for the evening). Admission is $5 and there will be free beer, soft drinks and food for those attending.
On Saturday morning the judges will interview the contestants in a private session. The contest and show will be held Saturday afternoon (October 5) starting at 4 pm in the Gay 90’s Dance Annex (admission $10). Contestants will be judged on their interviews, speeches, leather image, fantasy (erotic skit) presentation and on their stage and physical presence. The winner, Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997, receives his title sash and $750 in cash and travel expenses to allow him to serve as our representative at the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago during Memorial Day Weekend of 1997. A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to the first runner-up.
This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Colin Spriestersbach, the contest organizer and the new Mr. Northwoods 1996-97. Individuals wishing to enter the contest should call Spriestersbach for additional information and contest application forms.
IML ’96 Joe Gallagher to appear at Mr. Minnesota Leather Contest
PHOTO: International Mr. Leather 1996 Joe Gallagher
Joe Gallagher, International Mr. Leather 1996, will be traveling all the way from New York City to be a judge at this year’s Mr. Minnesota Leather Contest. He will also be promoting one of his current projects called“Get Linked.”
When not acting as International Mr. Leather 1996, Gallagher works as a publishing specialist and World Wide WebMaster in New York City. He became International Mr. Leather after just three weeks as Mr. Leather New York. His sponsor is AmFAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research).
Gallagher is a board member of Gay Male S/M Activists (GMSMA) and has produced several GMSMA programs on topics ranging from “S/M On-Line” to “Hitting, Punching and Bruising.” He is a contributing member of the New York Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center and the Empire State Pride agenda. He shares his life with his lover of six years, Joel Geraci, their dog (canine, not human) and their real boy, ‘boy doug.’ If you would like to see more, check out the Zeus video “Brute Force” or visit Gallagher’s web page at http://www.nycnet.com/Gallagher for a list of appearances throughout the coming year.
“Get Linked” is an effort to construct a physical chain made from individual links, each contributed by members of the Leather/SM community. According to Gallagher, “Its very size will create a symbolic, but very powerful, tangible display of how large and diverse our community is.” The entire chain will be displayed at the International Mr. Leather 1997 contest, after which it will be turned over to the Leather Archive and Museum. More information will be available the weekend of the Mr. Minnesota Leather 1997 Contest; information about “Get Linked” is also available on Gallagher’s web page (address above). In the meantime, get those chain links ready!
Friday, August 30, 1996
Route 66, Part 2
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #33, August 30, 1996)
What I did on my summer vacation, continued . . . Oklahoma City was might pretty, all right, but one thing was missing: Their local leather bar, Levi’s, burned down two weeks before my visit. First Rod’s in Madison and now this—I suddenly sympathize with churchgoers in the South whose churches are being burned.
From Oklahoma, Route 66 continues through the Texas Panhandle. From the Cadillac Ranch (ten vintage Cadillacs buried fins-up-nose-down in a cornfield) to the 72-ounce steak at the Big Texas Steak Ranch (eat it, and all the trimmings, in one hour and it’s free—otherwise it’s $50), you really know you’re in Texas. But while the leather community is strong in Texas, there’s not much evidence of it along Route 66.
Albuquerque, on the other hand, is a Route 66 town with a strong leather presence. Every bar in town tries to attract leather, cowboys, or both. (And all the bars are conveniently located on Route 66!) A fun cowboy bar called The Ranch incorporates a leather bar called Cuff’s which is the home of the Sandia Leathermen (more about them later).
Unfortunately, Route 66 does not go through Phoenix and Tucson, where much of Arizona’s leather community flourishes. Instead it goes through Flagstaff, a charming little city where the Damron guidebook says a bar called Charlie’s is “discreetly frequented by the local gay population.” After Flagstaff, I experienced an adventurous (harrowing?) drive through mountains and the strange beauty of the Mojave Desert, as seen in the film Bagdad Cafe. Civilization at last reappeared in Barstow, California. From San Bernardino to the ocean, the remainder of Route 66 was a drive through urban Southern California.
The final stretch of Route 66, Santa Monica Boulevard, held one very special feature for me. For its entire length as one of the main drags (no pun intended) through the openly-gay community of West Hollywood (and past the International Male store!), the same highway that runs through the Bible Belt sports a grass median with flagpoles flying rainbow flags! The Mother Road has a powerful lesson to teach us: Like it or not, it unites us all; it brings together white, black, native American, Asian, Jew, Fundamentalist Christian, children of the rainbow—and leatherfolk. We’ll all be much happier if we learn to live comfortably with one another.
Kevin Watson is International Mr. Fantasy ’96
The Twin Cities was well-represented at this year’s International Mr. Fantasy Contest in Omaha, Nebraska; in addition to our contestant, Robert Riley, I saw many other Twin Cities faces.
On Friday night the outgoing International Mr. Fantasy, JD Buchert, was roasted in traditional, semi-embarrassing fashion. To his credit, JD (who lives in Dallas, Texas) has taken this newly-established international title and given it a solid, credible start in its first year. My hat is off to him and to his partner, David Gillis. Prior to the roast, in the presence of the audience, JD and David renewed their marriage vows onstage. It was another of those genuinely touching moments for which Fantasy is becoming noted; last year’s contest was the scene of an onstage marriage proposal.
Saturday’s contest opened with a wacky but inspired production number re-creating the opening scenes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The evening was marred by some technical difficulties and problems with pacing, but those problems were forgotten as the fantasy performances heated up. By a fortunate accident, the final fantasy of the evening was also the best one by far—a sizzling cowboy scene featuring a lazy ranch-hand and an angry owner determined to teach him a thing or two. Some fancy ropework and a finale with a branding iron made this one of the best fantasies I’ve ever seen anywhere.
The results: Rick Strub (Nebraska) was second runner-up; Jeff Sappenfield (Texas) was first runner-up; and Kevin Watson, the man wielding the branding iron in the above-mentioned fantasy, is International Mr. Fantasy 1996! Kevin is from New Mexico, and the many Sandia Leathermen who traveled with him to Omaha held what turned out to be a victory party at the hotel after the contest. There was general agreement among audience members (and even other contestants) that “the right guy won.” Kevin, here’s hoping you have a wonderful year as International Mr. Fantasy 1996!
Drummer Contest Update
This year’s International Mr. Drummer Contest will be held in San Francisco on Saturday, September 28. VIP reception (hors d’oeuvres & open bar) starts at 2 pm, contest starts at 3 pm and runs 3-4 hours. VIP tickets are $40, regular tickets are $25. (My personal recommendation: spring for the VIP tickets.) To order, call the Townsend Box Office voice mail; have your credit card number and your mailing address handy.
What I did on my summer vacation, continued . . . Oklahoma City was might pretty, all right, but one thing was missing: Their local leather bar, Levi’s, burned down two weeks before my visit. First Rod’s in Madison and now this—I suddenly sympathize with churchgoers in the South whose churches are being burned.
From Oklahoma, Route 66 continues through the Texas Panhandle. From the Cadillac Ranch (ten vintage Cadillacs buried fins-up-nose-down in a cornfield) to the 72-ounce steak at the Big Texas Steak Ranch (eat it, and all the trimmings, in one hour and it’s free—otherwise it’s $50), you really know you’re in Texas. But while the leather community is strong in Texas, there’s not much evidence of it along Route 66.
Albuquerque, on the other hand, is a Route 66 town with a strong leather presence. Every bar in town tries to attract leather, cowboys, or both. (And all the bars are conveniently located on Route 66!) A fun cowboy bar called The Ranch incorporates a leather bar called Cuff’s which is the home of the Sandia Leathermen (more about them later).
Unfortunately, Route 66 does not go through Phoenix and Tucson, where much of Arizona’s leather community flourishes. Instead it goes through Flagstaff, a charming little city where the Damron guidebook says a bar called Charlie’s is “discreetly frequented by the local gay population.” After Flagstaff, I experienced an adventurous (harrowing?) drive through mountains and the strange beauty of the Mojave Desert, as seen in the film Bagdad Cafe. Civilization at last reappeared in Barstow, California. From San Bernardino to the ocean, the remainder of Route 66 was a drive through urban Southern California.
The final stretch of Route 66, Santa Monica Boulevard, held one very special feature for me. For its entire length as one of the main drags (no pun intended) through the openly-gay community of West Hollywood (and past the International Male store!), the same highway that runs through the Bible Belt sports a grass median with flagpoles flying rainbow flags! The Mother Road has a powerful lesson to teach us: Like it or not, it unites us all; it brings together white, black, native American, Asian, Jew, Fundamentalist Christian, children of the rainbow—and leatherfolk. We’ll all be much happier if we learn to live comfortably with one another.
Kevin Watson is International Mr. Fantasy ’96
 |
| Kevin Watson, International Mr. Fantasy ’96. |
On Friday night the outgoing International Mr. Fantasy, JD Buchert, was roasted in traditional, semi-embarrassing fashion. To his credit, JD (who lives in Dallas, Texas) has taken this newly-established international title and given it a solid, credible start in its first year. My hat is off to him and to his partner, David Gillis. Prior to the roast, in the presence of the audience, JD and David renewed their marriage vows onstage. It was another of those genuinely touching moments for which Fantasy is becoming noted; last year’s contest was the scene of an onstage marriage proposal.
Saturday’s contest opened with a wacky but inspired production number re-creating the opening scenes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The evening was marred by some technical difficulties and problems with pacing, but those problems were forgotten as the fantasy performances heated up. By a fortunate accident, the final fantasy of the evening was also the best one by far—a sizzling cowboy scene featuring a lazy ranch-hand and an angry owner determined to teach him a thing or two. Some fancy ropework and a finale with a branding iron made this one of the best fantasies I’ve ever seen anywhere.
The results: Rick Strub (Nebraska) was second runner-up; Jeff Sappenfield (Texas) was first runner-up; and Kevin Watson, the man wielding the branding iron in the above-mentioned fantasy, is International Mr. Fantasy 1996! Kevin is from New Mexico, and the many Sandia Leathermen who traveled with him to Omaha held what turned out to be a victory party at the hotel after the contest. There was general agreement among audience members (and even other contestants) that “the right guy won.” Kevin, here’s hoping you have a wonderful year as International Mr. Fantasy 1996!
Drummer Contest Update
This year’s International Mr. Drummer Contest will be held in San Francisco on Saturday, September 28. VIP reception (hors d’oeuvres & open bar) starts at 2 pm, contest starts at 3 pm and runs 3-4 hours. VIP tickets are $40, regular tickets are $25. (My personal recommendation: spring for the VIP tickets.) To order, call the Townsend Box Office voice mail; have your credit card number and your mailing address handy.
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