Leather Lens: International Mr. Leather 2004

(Leather Life column published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #237, June 25, 2004)

Jason Hendrix of Washington, D.C., was chosen as the twenty-sixth International Mr. Leather (IML) on May 30 in Chicago. Here are pictures of some of the moments that made up this year’s IML weekend.

(These are photos of the new International Mr. Leather, Jason Hendrix, that you can outline and use as a graphic element , or possibly screen back and use as wallpaper.)

Thursday, 5/27, 10:06 P.M. Mr. Padlock Leather 2004 Rohno Geppert, from Phoenix, Ariz., draws his contestant number during the Thursday night opening ceremonies and contestant introduction. (He drew number 18).

Friday, 5/28, 3:28 P.M. The 2004 International Mr. Bootblack contest was another feature of IML weekend. Bootblack contestant Spanky, Mr. Mid Atlantic Bootblack from Washington, D.C., is shown practicing his craft.

Friday, 5/28, 4:06 P.M. Host hotel for this year’s IML weekend was the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This is the way the second-level lobby bar, “BIG,” looked all weekend. It’s the longest free-standing bar in North America. The bar’s motto also sums up many people’s IML experience: “Where bigger is better and more is more.”

Saturday, 5/29, 4:45 P.M. Some of the crowd at The Minnesota Party, held at Gentry on State Street. Left to right: Steve Brinduse, Jeffrey Winkler, Terry Cole, and Eric Pankratz.

Saturday, 5/29, 4:52 P.M. The Minnesota Party at the Gentry. Left to right: Chris Boudewyns, Mr. Mpls. Eagle 2004 Carl Byrd, Minneapolis Eagle owner Ed Hopkins, and Adam Johnson.

Saturday, 5/29, 9:41 P.M. Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2004 Carl Byrd during Saturday night’s Pecs & Personality prejudging at the Hyatt.

Saturday, 5/29, 10:59 P.M. Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2004 Carl Byrd during Saturday night’s Pecs & Personality prejudging at the Hyatt.

Saturday, 5/29, 9:12 P.M. Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2004 Carl Byrd during Saturday night’s Pecs & Personality prejudging at the Hyatt.

Saturday, 5/29, 9:22 P.M. Contestants onstage during Saturday night’s Pecs & Personality prejudging. Left to right: Bavarian Mr. Leather Robert Hoepfner, Mr. Fetish Switzerland Thomas Schoch, Mr. Leatherman Toronto Remi Collette, German Mr. Leather Philipp Tanzer, Mr. Exile-Columbus (Ohio) Robert Dean Haas, Mr. Iowa Leather Robert Hawes, and Mr. Santa Clara County (Calif.) Leather Khol (partially shown at right).

Sunday, 5/30, 1:33 P.M. Former Minnesota resident Roger Gregg, now with Gotham Piercing, shows off some body jewelry at his booth in the Leather Market at the Hyatt. Gothan was one of approximately 120 vendors at this year’s Leather Market.

Sunday, 5/30, 6:29 P.M. All 56 contestants are onstage during the IML Contest Sunday night.

Sunday, 5/30, 10:36 P.M. Victory! Center, new International Mr. Leather Jason Hendrix flanked by, left, first runner-up Remi Collette and , right, second runner-up Thomas Schoch. Not shown is the new International Mr. Bootblack Alan Tunstall.

Sunday, 5/30, 10:36 P.M. Victory! Center (standing), new International Mr. Leather Jason Hendrix flanked by, left, first runner-up Remi Collette and , right, second runner-up Thomas Schoch. Kneeling in front is the new International Mr. Bootblack Alan Tunstall.

Monday, 5/31, 1:54 P.M. At the conclusion of the press conference, the new IML is surrounded by other competitors.