by Leland Carina
Northwest Leather Celebration was an amazing event weekend. Compliments to the organizers, presenters, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and of course-- the contestants!
Congratulations to Daniel Basse (BusDriver) and Pink for winning the title of Northwest Master and slave!
Classes and discussions were abundant, with over 40 different presenters. The subjects extended far beyond M/s and were categorized into three tracks: community building, relationship building, and SM technique. A full list is available here: http://www.northwestleathercelebration.com/workshops
Early on the day of the contest, the contestants were required to give a 10 minute synopsis of a class that they would give at Leather events. Daniel and Pink went first, their class was entitled “Tuning M/s Relationships with Performance Management.” They called upon their experience in the workplace for models of positive reinforcement and related those to M/s dynamics. Master Dave and slave glenda went next and presented on the topic of abuse in relation to BDSM. They shared their personal histories, strategies for overcoming the lingering effects of abuse, and talked about various organizations where people can find support.
To open the contest, the Marine’s booming voice powerfully led the color guard in the flag presentation, bringing the entire audience to attention. The Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus sang the National Anthem beautifully. The Producer, Ms. Margaret, welcomed the audience and introduced the emcees for the evening: Val Langmuir and Kevin Roche. Head Judge was Master Stephen, the rest of the judges were Ms. Rhonda, slave drew, Master DJ, Gabrielle, Daddy Ken, and slave jan. Never tiring of volunteering, Tally Master was Liza and tally slave was Liza’s slave Jody both of whom had just stepped down from the title the night before. Judges’ girl was Angel and Judges’ boy was Mikey.
Daniel started his speech with, “Like many of you, I am a filthy pervert.” He went on to speak of being in the closet for years before he discovered our community. He said that now is the time for him to step up, give back, and welcome newcomers. He talked about M/s being healthy and real, then ended with an enthusiastic, “Consent counts!” Pink started with, “When Master said we were running for this title, I replied ‘I don’t think that is a very good idea, Sir.’” She spoke of how her Master challenged her on this and eventually, she realized how much she contributes and what she has to offer. She also spoke of her most meaningful moments in the community and said she was ready to be brave, open her heart, and walk the path.
slave glenda asked the audience, “How would you like to be remembered when you die?” She went on to ask if the audience wanted to be remembered for attending parties, playing, and going home? Or would we rather be remembered for things like helping to raise funds for people with Hep C, supporting a slave who lost their Master, and/or sitting by the bedside of someone in hospice care? She challenged us to think about this and said that she certainly knows how she wants to be remembered. Following her speech, Master Dave came to the mike and quipped, “That’s why I keep her!” He spoke about his past in law enforcement helping with his journey to become a Master. However, he said, what makes him a Master is that she (slave glenda) says he is one and that respected people in our community also say he is one. He spoke of his responsibility to share knowledge with and learn from others and concluded that he looked forward to the possibility of representing the Northwest region.
Rich Stadtmiller gave the Sunday keynote address. As someone who has a deep admiration for his work, I was very happy to learn about his personal history of photographing over 1,000 events, surviving the AIDS crisis, and the meaning he finds in what he does. You may read the entire address here. http://www.northwestleathercelebration.com/keynote
Ms. Margaret, the event Producer, shared her thoughts following the weekend: "I grew up as an only child; I longed for siblings. I have found many brothers and sisters in the Leather Community. Producing this event is like hosting a Leather family reunion! I hardly know where to begin to thank everyone who deserves to be thanked! There were so many selfless and talented people involved – people who gave generously and tirelessly of their time, their labor and donations.”
Nothing wraps up the weekend better than Daniel’s tweet to Pink, “... congrats on being the entire Northwest region's slave for 2011.”
Leland Carina
www.lelandcarina.com
My slave girl and I want to congratulate The Bus Driver and his slave pink and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
We are from Phoenix and were made to feel right at home by the warmth and openness of everyone we met during this wonderful weekend. We made some new friends and we are looking forward to more adventures in the Northwest.
If any of you find yourself in the Phoenix area please feel free to contact us as we would love to reciprocate the kindness that we were shown.
Thank you one and all for such a special weekend.
Master Bleu Sadist & slave alena girl
Posted by: Master Bleu Sadist | 05/29/2011 at 07:16 PM