Leatherati Voices

Why I Stopped Wearing Leathers

by Aubrey Sparks

We stand in the street at Tacoma's Pride event, collecting friends for a play party afterwards. It is a warm, balmy day with many interesting people and several food options. We openly cruise the crowd, hungry for fun. Good music plays and people dance. As we stand, a collection of nuns walks by and they bless me (something that makes me laugh because I am an atheist). We feel assured that the days spent getting ready for the play party will all be worth it once we begin to play. Cakes, tarts, pasta, fruit, cold beer, a magnificent spread for the anticipated guests.

Two men who have been invited previously arrive and join our group. I have wanted to play with one of these men for about two years, as he has an amazing anatomy. Then, suddenly, the spirit of the group changes. The partner of one of the group has decided to compete for an upcoming Leather contest. As usual, the producers waited until the last minute to find men, turning up rocks to find anyone they could call a contestant. I want to help him prepare and I begin to ask him questions. “How much time have you spent on stage? Have you read the common Leather books to prepare yourself? Are your clothes ready? Do you have a plan for your fantasy? Have you been practicing your speech?” And if he wins, “Do you have the money to wear the sash for a year? Is your partner ready for the next year without you?” These questions are basic questions that every contestant must ask. They are not the challenging questions that can arise later in the interview.

Our organic group of friends anxious to play quickly turns into an unscheduled workshop on titles. Three of the men decide to go elsewhere, no interest in Leather contests. They had hoped to play but realize quickly that they have no interest in the “unity of community” discussion. And, unfortunately, this means that there will be fewer players in my home this evening.

Does the Title Make the Difference?

by Loren Berthelsen, Editor in Chief

Nothing is more clear to me than the fact that we live in the Time of Titles.  In the last 10+ years titles have popped up like spam across our national landscape.  And like spam, they offer us instant gratification.  In the case of titles, that gratification comes in the guise of a new "leader" for whatever micro-segment of the population the title purports to champion.

Let me be clear:  I'm as culpable as every other event producer out there.  In 2005 I co-founded West Coast Rubber and the Mr West Coast Rubber title (now in it's 7th year).  In 2009 I created the American Rubber Pup title, a one-year-one-winner title (but he's a hottie!).  Also in 2009 I ran for, and won, a new title created for guys over 50 called Mr Golden Leather (cue yellow hankie comments), also a one-year-one-winner title.  In the wake of that I mentored a friend who created the Daddy Pig title and the jury is out on the continuation of that auspiciously piggy honor.

It seems that titles have always been part and parcel of our leather/kink/fetish/perv community and we've always had wildly divergent attitudes towards and requirements of our titleholders.  I'll grossly compress and simplify the time line as an example.  In the early days (70s to early 80s) it was mostly bar titles that reigned supreme and the point was pretty clear:  go to the bar, get blasted, get on stage, win a bar vest that would get you laid.  

The SF Bare Chest Calendar contest (in the pre-corporate sponsorship days) was a perfect example.  The hardest thing you had to face (other than the wood of horned up bar patrons) was figuring out how you would answer Marcus' patented question, "If your butt hole were an animal, what animal would it be and why?".  Ah...simplicity.

Hugh B. Russell - The Titleholder Striptease

by Sir Hugh B. Russell, International LeatherSIR 2010

For more than two decades I have shunned title contests. While I cannot deny that I have met some amazing titleholders, I also recognize that some sash wearers I encountered were selfish assholes. Obviously, a title does not make a Leatherman or a leader.

For years I have questioned the role of titles in the Leather Community. What did contests serve other than to provide opportunities for gathering? Two years ago a different question emerged. Can an established member of the Community use a title as a catalyst for his work in the Community? With this question in mind, I decided to run for Northwest LeatherSIR and subsequently, for International LeatherSIR. I chose the LeatherSIR title track because it seemed to reflect my identity as a Leatherman and a Player. The very nature of the title touted the concept of mentorship, an integral part of who I am.

In my interview for Northwest LeatherSIR twenty-one months ago, Sir Jack Pearce asked me what legacy I would like to leave as a titleholder. “I want men to remember me as a good Sir to his boys.” This was the sole reason that I ran for a title. I saw boys being treated poorly and I felt that I could present an alternative model. I wanted to turn up the volume on a message that I felt I embodied as a Sir.

In Defense of Leather Title Contests

by Rio Spooner

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about the value of leather contests.  I happen to think that they make a valuable contribution to our communities. To admit my own bias, I’m running for a leather title myself. And I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think that contests still have relevance and purpose.

In society at large, leaders develop in many ways. They rise through the ranks of organizations, they are cultivated by mentors, they go into politics, they start influential businesses. We don’t have most of these kinds of options in our communities, and title contests are a uniquely leather solution to these challenges. Is it a perfect system? Of course not. Winning a title is no guarantee that the winner will do anything but enjoy their year and then disappear. But you only have to look at contests where all titleholders past and present are invited to stand that you realize how many of our leaders have been titleholders themselves. 

I read an opinion recently that titles are now as common as tattoos. But that’s not true in my area (San Francisco), where we have fewer leather titles in 2010 than we did in either 2000 or 1995. Titles come and go, as does everything else, including leaders. But if there’s a growth in contests, it’s in areas of the country which are now coming into their own. Leather contests spring up in cities where the leather community is strong, active and involved. Leather contests are a way we celebrate ourselves.

Joe Mannetti - Do Titles Make a Difference?

by Joe Mannetti

No, a title in and of itself never makes the difference. It can offer a spotlight, showcase a moment, and provide one lucky winner with a sash or a medallion. But, after that fleeting flash of recognition, it is an empty and forgettable symbol unless it is made into something worthwhile by the individual holding it. The real difference is facilitated by the passion, motivation, and objective(s) of the title holder. But, regardless of titles, significant change can never be produced without heart, sincerity, intelligence, education, the ability and willingness to network, and an acknowledgment of the fact that truly effective change can never come about without the participation and efforts of others. 

You never need a title to make this happen.

My last official "Bear" title was nearly three years ago. I was awarded the Mr. International Daddy Bear 2009 title at one of the last IBR contests in San Francisco. I have not earned another contest title on stage since that time. Yet, I have never stopped engaging in making public speaking presentations on LGBT community issues, freelance writing, outreach education, and fund-raising. I did not need a title to accomplish those goals. I did need the support and assistance of grass-roots outreach activist groups, club owners, LGBT organizations, media folks kind enough to help me promote worthy causes, and the volunteer leaders without titles who consistently make profound contributions to our communities every day.

kassie - Does the title make the difference?

by kassie

I realize that my perspective may be limited as I do not live in a community with a vibrant Leather contingent. I get my Leather vicariously, though events I go to and people who I network with. The leather bars I’ve been to have been out of town. This, I am sure, colors my opinions, which are mine and not necessarily those of the International House of Leather, its member stations or lackies...

To answer the immediate question, “Does the Title make the difference”, my answer is this: Only if the winner has the foundation to turn that title year into something that is positive for the community at large.

But, as many have said, perception is reality.

Recently, I suggested that Leather Behaviors – Honor, Integrity, Commitment, Respect – should be apparent in anyone who identifies as a Leather person. However, this was met with this curious comment; these are Leather Values, not Leather Behaviors.

Ok, so let’s pick us some nits here. Behavior is manifested by one’s values. If someone’s a liar, a misrepresenter, an attention pig or deceitful, clearly their behaviors aren’t going to manifest themselves as recognizable to those who have Leather Core Values as Leather behavior; in other words, you can say you are Leather, but the behavior will be otherwise. And really, how many vests, caps, chaps, boots, jocks, etc, you own doesn’t really mean much if you aren’t behaving like a Leather person.

All the frosting in the known universe isn’t going to make you a Leather person. There are folks who only own a pair of boots bought second hand, that are well used, well taken care of and loved. They don’t own a bar vest ‐it’s them and their boots .

William Schindler - Do you need a title to make a difference?

by William Schindler

Before winning the title of Mr. L.A. Leather 1999, I was completely unknown in the leather community aside from a casual acquaintance with a man who was a founding member of Avatar. Immediately after winning the title, the owners of both the Faultline and Gauntlet II (now the Eagle L.A.) began asking for my opinions about what could be done in the community. I met with Guy Baldwin for inspiration and guidance, and I began researching what other titleholders had done during their title years. As a result my partner at the time and I co-founded the Los Angeles Leather Coalition, set up the feeder contest system, took the LAL title out of the bar, and co-produced the first all-city contest at the El Rey Theater along with James Stone. I might add, we three produced the contest in March starting in November and without the small army of volunteers that now produce the event. Over 1100 people attended that first all-city contest. 

I also produced the first and only Mr. Detour Leather contest, the winner of which, Jeff Wacha, went on to win Mr. L.A. Leather 2000. 

Tyesha - Do you need a title to make a difference?

by Tyesha

Everyone has gifts and talents that can be contributed to the Leather community to help continue its growth and uniqueness as a culture. No matter how great or small a part you play, it is every bit important in the ongoing creation of what Leather is.

I have been looking from a Community Perspective and have started asking myself and others the question: "Should the Title wear the person or the person where the Title?" I believe Titles should be used as a voice box, a way to magnify what you already do for the community, or want to do for the community. Titles are a way of being the change you wish to see in the community using a larger audience and acting as a spokes person and ambassador, and being an example for issues, platforms, and ideas for others to see and take note of and use in their own ways.

It is a delight to see those people who have worked very hard in their local communities receive a title and find their voice to become louder and stronger, causing even bigger change and education during their title year. These people are definitely using their title to make a difference locally and beyond. They have selflessly dedicated their authentic selves to helping those who sometimes can't help themselves whether it is to be a voice, fundraise, lead, and/or educate.

Tynan Fox - Sarah Palin doesn't have a sash

by Tynan Fox

I had to think long and hard about this question, and in the end, I found myself wondering why we consider our titleholders to be automatic leaders of our communities once they’ve won their contest.  That’s not to say some winners aren’t already leaders, but rather, maybe it’s not their most immediate job?  Having run for Mr. International Rubber last year, I learned a lot about what the judges are looking for in a competition, and most frequently, they’re looking for someone who is composed, confident, good looking, articulate, intelligent, dedicated, friendly, and approachable.  All of these are very admirable qualities, and they are in fact the qualities of a community leader. 

Imagine, for a moment, a world where all citizens of a community come together and decide on someone to make all the decisions to run a government.  Imagine a world where those people are selected not through an election or some similar kind of run off, but rather, through a leather contest.  Can you imagine what would become of your government if we simply found the sexiest guy at the bar, ignored his levels of knowledge or qualifications, put him in something sexy and marched him down the stage to get a good enough audience reaction so he could win?  The new leader of the community’s government would look amazing on TV, but these governments would shut down, budgets would crash, and planes might fall from the sky. 

We really don’t need any leather Sarah Palins or rubber Michelle Bachmanns.  In my humble opinion, being a leader of a community should be a prerequisite to being a titleholder of one – not the result. 

Leland Carina - Do you need a title to be a leader in our community?

by Leland Carina

As a candidate for the Ms SF Leather 2011 title*, I have been talking to many people in the SF Bay Area and National communities about the concept of title-holding. I’m talking to title holders, as was suggested to me, but I’m also talking to many people who have either run and not won or have never felt the need to run in the first place.

There are many amazing leaders in our community that have never held a title. I will tell you about some that have had a personal impact on me. If you want to know who they are in your community, look to the officers of your clubs, the organizers of major events, and the people who are engaged in discourse through education, writing, and publicity. I encourage you to sing their praises!

Mama Reinhardt doesn’t really need an introduction, but just in case you don’t know, Mama has a leather family that includes over 1,300 people worldwide. The creation of a common link between all of these different people is a huge service to our community. She has also raised a phenomenal amount of money for charity, and her work has inspired so many other people to do the same.

Dahn van Laarz is the President of the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance. He is also known as Sister Camille Leon of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Part of the reason I love being on the board of the Leather Alliance is getting a chance to witness his leadership. His quiet, yet sure authority and strong gentle guidance are very instructive.