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NIGHTLINES & BLACKLINES

by
Cain Berlinger

NIGHTLINES - February '99

International Mr. Mid-Atlantic? That's probably what they were saying when hunky Canadian Dean Ross won the coveted title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic in Washington DC. No doubt this guy is gonna be a serious contender for IML 1999 in Chicago come May, much like his predecessor Tony Mills.

What can I say about Mid-Atlantic that hasn't already been said by other columnists, including myself from previous columns. The event was stellar, the buffet was exemplary, the vendors were great and diversified and everything went off without a hitch and the event was packed with hot men.

OK, I'll do something different and tell you what I want changed. Next Year number one, I want an orderly lineup for buffet. Number two, no plastic backings on the run pins!! That said I have already made my reservations for next year's run which promises to be even bigger and better, if that's possible. Note to Dusty Logan; how about fantasy leather event in conjunction with MAL? God knows there were enough past and present title holders in attendance to have made this an even greater star studded event. Just an idea.

A hearty congratulations to Charley Baker who became Mr. Seattle Leather 1999. A fond standing ovation to outgoing Mr. Seattle Leather 1998, Billy Lane who has won the love and respect of everyone he has come in contact with. In his title year Billy has done more to further the cause for brotherhood and diversity; and has set precedence for transgendered people all over the country. We wish him well in all his future endeavors. Good Luck Billy.

Next month I hope to have a complete report on Pantheon of Leather's community service awards, the Oscars of the community, and present to you our new Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather.

I don't usually watch erotic film but recently (and finally), I was lucky enough to view the classic film, Fallen Angel Part one which starred former Leather title holders, and personal pals Cole Tucker, Kyle Brandon and Taurus Webster.

This film was well received by viewers and critics alike when it made its 1997 appearance. My one question to the producers is what's up with this censored version of Fallen Angel? What exactly is it that they censor in a porn film? If anyone knows the answer to this please e-mail me here, as I'm sure I'm not the only guy who wants to know!

This column would not be complete without this word to new guard fetish players. Taking your bottoms from zero to sixty in thirty seconds is not going to ensure longevity in your partner or your scene. Any scene should take care, time, patience and passion. So that's it for this month, keep it real!

Blacklines

by
Cain Berlinger

February '99

It is with sadness that we accept the resignation of Andre Marcials as Mr. Ebony Leather 1998 due to personal problems. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

The judges for Mr. Ebony Leather have been chosen and they are, Graylin Thornton former International Mr. Drummer, Tom Stice Mr. Southeast Drummer, Ryan Goldner International Drummer boy, Mufasa, former Mr. Cellblock and IML finalist, Meryl of the NY Noose, Vi Johnson Pantheon winner and Leather Archives spokesperson, activist and author. Waiting for confirmation is Mr. Baltimore Eagle. Frank Nowicki and Queen Cougar will be the MC extraordinaires for the event. There is still an open call searching for an opening musical or dance act to complete the festivities at the Cellblock on May 27 @ 8pm. This years event will benefit the Leather Archives and Museum ("located in Chicago, serving the world") the goal is to raise enough money to purchase a brick toward the new building, increasing the representation of people of color in the community.

Last month's Mid-Atlantic conference saw the continuing tradition of the Chicago ONYX group's cocktail party that gets bigger and better every year! We look forward to their contribution to this years Ebony Leather Contest.

The last day of the conference saw the presentation of the Black Men In Leather manuscript, presented to Joseph Beam, executive director of the Leather Museum and Archives.

February is the designated African History month, and its time for us to make history. One way to do that is to increase our vivibility by showing our commitment to the community, a theme I never get tired of promoting. Being a title holder means 'bottoming' to the community for the duration of your title term. Being a title holder means reaching out as a role model to a generation of men and women who are dealing with issues of sexuality and inclusion. It means showing up for fund-raisers and representing your title to the best of your abilities. Its not important to be super buffed or a Shamar Moore look-a-like but being judged by your knowledge and commitment to the community and making your voice heard as the represenative voice of your constituents. This is why it is so important to enter these title contests, its all about representation and getting out of the community what you put into it. Its one thing to bitch and moan , another to put yourself on the firing line to adopt change.

Putting together events and getting the word out about our community's diversity is a hard job. There are many title holders of color out there, as well as like minded events all over the country highlighting diverse contributions to our communities. If each and every one of you would send me the names of these title holders and community leaders of color I would like to personally highlight them and relevant events to the POC community.

Former International Ms. Leather, Jill Carter initiated the Unsung Hero award, and I would like to add to that tradition by introducing to my readers, the many men and women of color who are making a difference as people of merit willing to make a difference. NIGHTLINES - January 1999

Happy Holidays and Happy 1999! The big news is the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Conference sponsored by the Centaurs MC. The event promises once again to be the hot spot of the cold season. If you haven't got your tickets yet, I understand everything is sold out, hotels, vender space, and only a handful of tickets left. Mid-Atlantic brings everybody who's anybody, and then some, including that "hot trick" you haven't seen since the last MAL.

Already the contestants are lining up for Chicago's IML competition and the list is growing fast. Mr. Ebony Leather is already distributing entry forms for its contest, IML weekend in Chicago, May 27th at the Cellblock (e-mail me for details).

The most played out news of the month is the suspected/alleged hoax of the Houghton case, the folding of the magazine Boudoir Noir, the loss of NLA Portland's charter and the total disrespect from members of Pittsburgh MC shown to International Drummer boy ryan goldner after inviting him to be tally master at their local Leather contest. Its a shame when members of the so-called old guard, don't know the difference between 'boy' and 'slave'. I hope that by the time this column appears it will have all been cleared up and the Leather Community can once again expound on its unity, diversity and support for each other.

Recently the community of San Francisco awarded Keith Truitt, Honorary Daddy of the year for all of his social work on behalf of the San Francisco AIDS community. Keith has long been an activist who had worked tirelessly in the background for many years. It's good to see him getting the recognition he so justly deserves. Of course this may knock him out of the running for Jill Carter's unsung hero award! Each year Philip Turner, owner of Daddy's Bar selects the recipient of this award. In 1996 the first award went to Alan Selby (founder of Mr. 'S' Leathers). Jerry Roberts, 1997 Honorary Daddy skillfully tricked Keith into the Bar for the surprise ceremony.

The nominations for the 1999 Pantheon awards have been released, honoring many of your old favorites and a few new kids on the block. If you want to see where the Leaders of tomorrow are coming from, be at the New Orleans LePetit Theater Feb. 5-7. This will also be the weekend the new Mr./Ms Olympus Leather will be chosen by a distinguished judging panel. Chicago's own controversial, former candidate for Congress, John Birch will be tally master. And the Divine Piggy will be defending his Mr. Saliva title.

Across the country, some one or some persons are calling prominent members of the community from pay phones in varied cities, impersonates other members (usually title holders) claiming they were mugged, robbed, or otherwise indisposed and in need of money. The 'mark' then wires money to a pre-arranged destination and the con artists at the other end is so much the more richer.

The SFPD has been working with the Leather community on this since 1995, so far there are no leads. If you are called, contact the police immediately with as many details as possible. This guy seems to be privy to personal information like phone numbers and other personal information. Chances are high that this guy is hiding right in our own community as a sort of Scarlet Pimpernel!.

BLACKLINES

by
Cain Berlinger

January '99

Hope everyone had a terrific Holiday and celebrated Kwanzaa in the best of spirits.

It is with great sadness that we had to end 1998 with the loss of South Africa's most renowned campaigner for gay and lesbian equality, and an important anti-apartheid activist. Simon Tseko Nikoli aged 41 died from AIDS complications at his home in Johannesburg.

Nickoli was founder of both the Gay and Lesbian Organization of the Witwatersrand (GLOW) and the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality (NCGLE). A statement from both groups called him "a courageous person who dared to declare his sexual orientation and his HIV status at a time when few were prepared to do so. Through these acts he defied the notion that being gay is un-African."

Nikoli is also credited with playing a key role in putting the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bi sexual, transgenderd people on the agenda of the African National Congress (ANC), of which he was a member. He was specifically involved in seeing that the nation's 1994 constitution protected gays, lesbian, bi sexuals and transgendered people from discrimination. Our hearts and condolences go out to his partner Roderick Sharp.

After eight years of research, the long awaited , A Study of Black men in Leather is finally available. The book interviews a cross section of America's POC on the issue of racism in the Leather Community. From its inception in 1993-1998, it's interesting to note the many positive changes that have occurred in our diverse community e-mail me for details.

Good news for transsexuals! The American Psychiatric Ass'n board voted to reject Gender Identity Disorder as a diagnosis, saying that the diagnosis itself is harmful because it implies people have a disease, and that in of and itself can cause depression, anxiety, and self destructive behavior.

Several years ago Lydel Jackson and friends formed Jacks of Color, A New York jack-off and safer sex club for Blacks, Asians, Latinos and other nonwhites. In 1986 Alan Bell formed the longest running all-black gay sex party in America: Black Jacks in Los Angeles.

So far Black Jacks has had only one spin-off, and that was in Chicago in 1988 by Max Smith. In 1990 the club came to a happy end when most of its members paired off into relationships. Original founder Kobi says that there is a unique tone at parties for men of color. "There's definitely more of a bonding here." he states. "it allhas to do with cr Its the time of year to reassess and examine the choices that will carry us into the next millennium. It's another year and a whole caseload of new scenarios. There's something about moving into another century that makes you feel just a little more circumspect in the choices that your going to make for the next few hundred days.

1998 saw a lot of turmoil regarding civil rights, sexual rights, redefining situations, strategies ,and some of our most prestigious institutions went through radical change, isolating and gaining new supporters. These changes will affect us into the next century and beyond. This is going to be the time to leave antiquated emotions and ideals behind and grasp the diversity concept that our communities are giving so much attention to.

Hate crimes aren't going to stop until we demand legislation and take action. Hate crimes are not just against gays or minorities but these are crimes against humanity. The only way we are going to implement these changes is by total involvement/commitment, we are no longer going to leave our lives in the hands of Washington and activists no matter how well intentioned. We must all become activists now because our legacy as victims of the 20th century is at stake and the way we are going to march into the 21st century is up to us.

We have the knowledge, numbers and the power, political and socially to make our voices heard. Use your pens, typewriters, computers as bullets into the hearts of those that are pushing their own agenda and using us as scapegoats and sacrificial lambs. It's up to you to make sure that the advances of the 20th century aren't lost and the embarrassments and oppression of the last 100 years is buried under an avalanche of change and personal heroism.

The diversity within our communities isn't just about being a minority but working and recognizing the minorities within the minorities. Nobody is entitled to make the decision about who's got the Blacker sensibilities or who is the better gay magazine/calendar role model or whether or not a skin color dictates a more active sexual prowess than another.

I'd like to think that much of the infighting over the last few years between groups, clubs and minorities was just growing pains. Its time for us to enter the next millennium as grown ups working together. Most important is that we take our anointed leaders and activists to task making sure that it's our agenda they are promoting and not just their own.

Last Thanksgiving I gave thanks for so much besides being with friends and loved ones and having emerged from a bad relationship. The death statistics from AIDS dropped a whopping 47% . It didn't make the loss of so many friends easier but it did make me grateful for the new friends I have made who have a better chance at life.

Recently I've had the honor of sitting on boards and councils with more POC present than ever. As an old man of the Stonewall era, I applaud the changes watching the seeds of 70's activism finally come to full fruition in time for the new millennium.

e-mail Writercain@aol.com

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