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A Leather Day of Caring 2005
Dear Friend:
Easter Weekend, March 26-27, 2005, extending into the month of April, Ms World Leather 2004 and the Family Hope Foundation Inc., along with countless leather people across the globe will celebrate the third annual Leather Day of Caring Worldwide. It is a pansexual event of outreach, advocacy and celebration of our generosity as a community.
“One Day Can Make A Difference; One Deed Can Change the Course of History.”
Jill Carter, 11.3.2002
This year’s platform and passion of Ms World Leather 2004, Pandora, is organ donor awareness. It is our hope that leaders, clubs, titleholders, organizations, businesses and individuals in the leather and BDSM community will take this opportunity to urge people to make personal decisions to become organ donors and support her efforts worldwide to impact the critical shortage of organs and reduce the wait that the hundreds of thousands experiencing organ failure now endure.
Through Pandora’s work and her contributions to the Coalition on Donation, the message on organ donor awareness is getting out. But, through you, the leather community, this message can be cast far and wide, and our impact can be far greater. We ask that you and your community plan to observe a Leather Day of Caring in some small way, to honor those who have given life through organ donation, the thousands who wait for transplants (including those in our leather community), to celebrate the gift of life that we all can make, and to raise money and awareness for donor awareness education. This is an opportunity to learn how transplantation benefits the world around us.
Please join us in spreading the message that by giving ourselves through organ
donation, we give life to others.
Here are some suggestions on how to help:
-- Hold an event to celebrate life and honor those everyday heroes who have
said yes to donation, and to support the thousands who await a life-saving transplant.
-- Distribute donation information in your community through brochures and newsletters.
-- Throw a benefit party to honor a recipient, donor family or someone awaiting
a transplant. They often share the most compelling stories of hope, inspiration,
challenge and sacrifice.
-- Spread the word that gay men CAN be organ donors, and through transplants,
many with HIV, like who would have died from underlying illnesses are living on,
thanks to their “gift of life”.
-- Sign a donor card and tell your friends and family of your decision.
At http://www.msworldleather2004.com/LDOC.html , there is a downloadable copy of this letter, a FAQ and resources on how to make your organ donor education event benefit those in your community. There's even a collaborative list of events happening around the globe! And, if you already have an event planned during this time, please embrace the Leather Day of Caring campaign and use it in your promotions – even if it doesn’t benefit Pandora’s campaign -- it shows that leather people worldwide can and do make a difference for the world around them.
With a list of more than 87,000 Americans and over 200,000 worldwide waiting for organ transplants, it’s time for all of us to participate in this celebration of life, and collectively work towards education, dispelling myths and creating hope for the thousands who wait. You don’t have to be a titleholder to make a difference. Changing someone’s mind, telling someone else, or just saying “yes” to donation CAN make a world of difference. Join us. Make it happen in your community.
Please let us know how we can be of assistance in making your event a success. And please share with us the announcement about your event and the results in your local community. Again, thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Pandora
Ms. World Leather 2004
http://www.msworldleather2004.com/
and the Family Hope Foundation, Inc.
http://www.msworldleather.com
Outside of Oklahoma
Congress will be deciding whether to cut or cap Medicaid the week of March 7th.
According to Families USA Action Center, A very real battle is brewing over Medicaid.
Medicaid, the health care program for the most vulnerable among us -- seniors, children,
people with disabilities, and others who have nowhere else to turn -- is under fire from
both the Administration and Congress. This will also impact people living with AIDS, a
s well as single parents with children or families that don’t make enough to afford
insurance. If you are interested in speaking out, please contact your local Congressman.
For more information, please visit the following URL
http://www.familiesusa.org/.
Pantheon 2004 winner of The Best Large Event, South Plains Leatherfest and another successful event. Producers, Mark Frazier, Master Jim and slave marsha put on a conference, that drew people from around the nation. Known as “the players conference”, SPLF once again met and exceeded everyone expectations. The Mr. and Ms. Southplains contest was cancelled this year, due to lack of contestants, and this year’s outgoing SPLF titleholders, Randal Kinnear and Mera were give some time to say a few words. This year’s International Master and slave are Master Steven and slave Catherine from New Jersey.
The 2004-2005 Heart of America Leather family includes Heart of America Leatherman 2004, Dale Rush and newly sashed Heart of America Leatherboy 2005, Ryan Setzkorn of Tulsa Oklahoma!
In addition, Daddy Mikey of Oklahoma just stepped aside as Mr. Olympus Leather.
Out and about in Oklahoma
It’s all about the Bears! In the past two years, Oklahoma has seen a significant growth in bear contests. Presently there are three feeders to the Oklahoma Bear contest that will be held on the weekend of June 2nd at the Gathering of the Clan Run in Oklahoma City. These feeders and the respective titleholders are: Mr. Finishline Bear 2004, Bruce Crouch; Mr. PlayMor Bear 2004, Jason Pelky; and newly awarded Mr. Driller Bear 2005, Rod Benham. For more information, please see http://okccavebears.com/.
Tulsa Mr. Leather 2005 was held the day after the Driller Bear contest. There were, five contestants who vied for the title. Newly sashed HOA Leatherboy Ryan, stepped down as the current TML. Once the scores were tallied, Paul Weikel was chosen as first runner-up and Olivier Pratt was named TML 2005. For more information please see http://www.tulsaleather.com.
Tribal Fire 2005 “HOTRNL” will take place April 29 – May 1, 2005 in Oklahoma City. There will be over 40 presenters, 10 “world class” venders, Mr. and Ms. Great Plains Olympus, Fetish Gala, Dungeon party and much more. For more information please see http://www.tribalfireokc.com/.
Diverse Path Resource Center has had two educational days. Ken and Odori Silk presented three classes on the first one and X and Flame Dancer presented on the second. Topics included, erotic humiliation, double flogging, fire play and BDSM relationships.
Tulsa Dungeon Society had their demo and discussion day during the same weekend as the Driller Bear contest and Tulsa Mr. Leather 2005. Exceeding their expected attendance capacity, TDS’ events continue to gather momentum. This event featured Dossie Easton, co-author of the Topping Book, Bottoming Book and the Ethical Slut. The event was a success, and of course, they were all about the food at the end. Unfortunately, I missed the entire event, and I virtually did everything I could to get there in time, but to no avail. There are too many things happening here, a blessing and a curse!
THE RISE AND FALL OF PEP ATLANTA: A BDSM FAIRYTALE BY LADY D
Once upon a time in a far off land there was a soothsayer. This leather soothsayer began People Exchanging Power (PEP) and taught the people about bdsm. She traveled all around the land from town to town, organizing like- minded people to come together and form alliances and many PEP groups were created. Everywhere she went leather people gathered around and listened to this soothsayer and when she was about to depart, she would ask the people to choose a bdsm leader to carry on her work, gathering and teaching the people. When she reached the providence of Atlanta, she found chaos and discord everywhere. She gathered the elders, other soothsayers, mentors and leaders and asked each one to help her gather together Atlanta’s bdsm townspeople. Then, as always when she was about to depart, she asked the people to choose a leader for the group and they turned and pointed to me. Now I was just one of the common people and did not think that I could possibly lead anyone anywhere but I humbly said that I would try. It was difficult to get the towns- people to the PEP meetings. The men were afraid of being ostracized by the powers that controlled the providence and the women did not feel that this group was any place for women to be. I spent time every day going from house to house, village to village, convincing the people that they would be safe, that what they did was sane and completely consensual. I went to the lawmakers and enforcers and found out about the people’s rights and the laws of the town. When the people entered my home to attend the PEP meetings, they were greeted with love and kindness. I taught them the rules to abide by while in my home and found elders, mentors and teachers to educate the leather people in the bdsm ways. One of the elders told us to continue to pass the information on and that we should “Each One, Teach One” and that became our PEP motto. The meetings were small at first and the beginners came in frightened and timid but soon we became a bdsm family. We supported one another through acceptance and love and continued to spread the word throughout the land. Soon my home that was once quiet was now constantly bustling with activity and laughter. You could always find little ones eagerly sitting at the elder’s feet listening to the tales of old.
There was a gleam in the elder’s eyes as they watched the tiny faces so eager to learn, so enthusiastic and so committed. It warmed my heart to know that although my home was rapidly becoming too small, that the young ones were growing up with such care and proper training. I decided to find a bigger place and once again as they came and learned and brought others, the place quickly outgrew. Each home we acquired was soon filled to the brim with happy, friendly PEP leather folk. By this time, we had townspeople from all walks of life, all nationalities, all sexual preferences and PEP Atlanta soon learned to be self-sufficient. Instead of going to the law makers, we taught ourselves the law, the carpenters learned to build their own houses and the soothsayers predicted that we would do great things to help change this town of Atlanta. No other town had come together, helping and teaching one another with such under- standing and enthusiasm in such a short amount of time. The town had its own groups and factions but Atlanta learned to come together for one common cause. The masses had been separated for so long that as we came together; we realized how very little we really knew of one another. Where it used to be gay, het, bi or lesbian never the twain shall meet; we now gathered together for support and together we taught all leather folk in Atlanta. It was a wondrous site and the whispers were heard throughout the other providences about the PEP Atlanta meetings and how different Atlanta had become. I invited the gays, bi, lesbian and even transgendered folks to share in my abode and all was welcome as we shared our homes and our knowledge. The PEP Atlanta family continued to grow and flourish. The word got out to the ‘powers that be’ and they frequently visited the group disguising themselves like common folk but we recognized them and let them know that they were also welcome as long as they wanted to learn and as long as they abided by the rules. PEP’s rules brought order and the townspeople recognized their importance and we abided by the rules. The PEP folk were fiercely loyal, treated others with respect and honesty and communicated with their peers. Soon other likeminded groups began to share and form their own families and as the circle of life continued, more and more were reached. This went on for many years and I led PEP Atlanta with my sister by my side.
Now the ‘powers that be’ watched this phenomenon in awe. They could not believe that they were losing control over the people and the fact that these leather people were diminishing their power angered them. The ‘powers that be’ devised a plan to regain their power and destroy the leather folk. They decided that a plague spread throughout Atlanta would surely demolish the town but the problem was how to get the townsfolk to pass the virus to one another. They knew that their plan would fail if any of the bdsm folks realized they were spreading a deadly disease. “We will build a device that looks like it will help people and tell them how they can now spread their message to towns everywhere….much further than they could ever travel” the ‘powers that be’ said. When they tried to present this device to the elders; the elders found it suspicious and immediately rejected it. So the ‘powers that be’ took the young ones aside and gave them all devices and taught them how to use them. They put the devices in all of the shops and schools and told the people that if they used the devices instead of the old ways, they would receive many benefits. Soon these devices were everywhere and leather townspeople were able to talk, learn and communicate with lands far away. They spoke to bdsm townspeople who they never could have met and everywhere the device was used; the “bug” was spread. The elders gathered to discuss why the people were getting sick and to decide what they should do. It seemed like all of the groups in Atlanta were experiencing the same symptoms of this disease. Where there used to be dignity, acceptance, support and communion, it was now replaced with indifference, mistrust, indignation and disloyalty as more and more PEP people became infected. The little ones who once sat at the elder’s feet would now rather sit alone in their room playing pretend with their new device. The stories of how the leather town began that had been passed down from generation to generation was no longer exciting to the young ones. “Why do I need to learn about the old ways when the device has so many new and exciting things to try and do?” they said. The elders told them that the device held falsehood as well as truth and they needed to learn how to discern the truth. We tried to tell them who was safe and who was not but the folks refused to listen. The devices had convinced them that they knew it all and no longer needed guidance. As the virus spread throughout the land, my sister and I realized that there was no way to stop the spread of this bug. I even awoke one morning to find that the devices had been placed in my home and the homes of the other elders. The devices were everywhere and they became the teachers and mentors. Many of the townspeople realized that they could get a device and be like the ‘powers that be’ and rid themselves of the PEP leaders by becoming so-called leaders themselves. The disease was running rapidly through the groups and the PEP Atlanta meetings were also feeling the effects. My home, which was once happy and flourishing, was beginning to smell of dead flesh as more people contracted the disease. There was chaos and everyone began examining one another to see if the other had the disease. The people began backbiting and many instilled others to riot and rebel and then the people were so unhappy and distraught that they started to cast blame on the elders. They no longer listened to nor honored the elders and they formed their own groups, passing the disease along as they went. The ones that attended the meetings now, came only to play their games, play with their devices and ridicule the elders and the mentors.
The elders, teachers and mentors who were once revered, were now despised and they soon stopped attending meetings and coming out in public. I sat at the meetings now, silent and sad, wondering what went wrong and could I ever fix it. My once loving and supportive family now constantly bickered and complained. I found that the building that was ten times larger than my first house I built was no longer a home. It no longer felt like home and as I watched my children scurrying from room to room fighting and lying and stealing, I realized the time had come for PEP Atlanta to end. The townspeople no longer wanted to learn from me or listen, they rebelled at my authority and as I looked in their eyes, they no longer looked like the children that I had raised but had become strangers to me. I was tired, tired of fighting a losing battle, tired of the complaining and the lying and the hatred that now absorbed PEP.Yes, there were still a few who still traveled and taught and tried to spread the message but now the message had been so diluted by the devices that we all felt like a dinosaur becoming extinct. The mentors and teachers who went under- ground were rapidly being replaced by those who had no experience but convinced the people that they did. The devices took on a life of their own and soon other devices were created to continue to perpetuate the myths that had been created. With any of these devices you could be a pauper and make the people think that you were King of the providence and many people were deceived. I went to the elders and found the mentors and teachers to see if they had thought of a solution to end this deadly disease but they too were worn down and tired and had no more of a solution than I. I called the townspeople together and asked all of PEP Atlanta folk to attend the next meeting for a big announcement. The rumor had already spread that PEP Atlanta and other groups may be closing their doors and disbanding. Folks came from near and far and I saw faces from surrounding towns that I had not seen at a meeting in a long, long time. I looked around the room at all of the faces. I looked at the other leaders and saw the sadness in their eyes. I looked at the babies who were too new to know how this house used to be and realized that they didn’t even understand what they were about to lose. I watched the people who squirmed in their seat with disinterest in their eyes as they waited to hear me say that it was playtime. I watched the teachers who had been told that they didn’t know what they were talking about as they now stood in the background. I watched the mentors of old shake their heads as they watched these mentor want-a-bees devour their children. I watched the elders tear stained faces as they breathed a sigh of resolved resignation. I watched the ‘powers that be’ snicker because their plan was working perfectly but they still held jealousy in their heart. I watched the young ones who looked bewildered and confused because they realized that they would have no place left to learn the old ways. My voice trembled as I told them that this was the last PEP meeting and as I read the PEP farewell speech, I thanked them for all that they had brought into my life and reminded them once again to continue what they had been taught.
Yes, disease has run amok in my world but I still believe it can be eradicated. I don’t have the answers and I don’t know how but I have faith in my leather brothers and sisters and children. I may no longer be able to move the masses but I still believe in the philosophy of “Each One, Teach One” and I will continue to live by that motto. PEP Atlanta has fallen and I do not know if it will rise again. What I do know is that there are people out there who know the truth and the truth shall set you free. We were taught to bring order, to gather the people, to teach them and care for them and that is our destiny. Whether I fulfill that destiny in a crowd of people or individually does not matter because I believe that although I may not know the how or when, it will be done. At that time I will once again rejoice. For now, I will continue to do what I was taught by my elders and pray for a cure for my diseased family.
PEP-ATLANTA FAREWELL BY LADY D
To My Leather Family and Friends:
This letter was a long time coming because I have a lot to say and only intend to say it once. My decision to give up People Exchanging Power (PEP) was a very painful one to make but a very necessary one. The main thing that everyone needs to understand is that the decision to close PEP’s doors was not about PEP but about Lady D. I can understand the confusion since for the past six months I have only spoken to everyone about the condition of PEP and the possibility of closing. I now realize that it was about Lady D being willing to let go and for quite a while I definitely was not willing. PEP is my family and you have always been my babies and as a cat woman I am fiercely protective of what is mine. Nancy Ava Miller may have given birth to PEP but I loved, nurtured and cared for each of you and tried in every way that I knew possible to help you to grow, realize and be proud of who you really are. I have listened and read many things that people think I would have, should have or could have done. I need to set the record straight on these issues.
1. PEP never was at any time and in any capacity a Democracy. It was a Matriarchy started by Nancy in Atlanta in 1991 and taken over by me three months later. I have always encouraged people to give their input and share their thoughts and opinions but the final decisions that were made were all mine. Being in a male dominated society, some men are not comfortable with a woman being in control and that is unfortunate. I have always taken responsibility for my actions and my decisions, good or bad, right or wrong. The only other decision maker is Mistress Kay who is my sister in the lifestyle and my business partner and also a part of the Matriarchy. It was mentioned that PEP was a member of the Southeast Conference of Clubs (SECC) and that is true. It is also true that the SECC bylaws require a board of electors but what you may not know is that the bylaws were voted on to be amended so that PEP could join since I explained that I was the board. It was approved and of course PEP was allowed to be a part.
2. PEP was never intended to be anything but an education, support and social group for those who wanted to know about this lifestyle. When Nancy left Atlanta, PEP meetings were being held in her apartment and I was a mother with two children and had nowhere to hold the meeting. A woman who ran a house of domination said that I could hold my meetings in her dungeon on Saturdays. Unfortunately, this soon turned out to be a disaster since she wanted both drinking and smoking at the meetings since she did both. The women were also being approached and asked if they wanted to work there. Finally, at one of the PEP meetings when a drunken member sat on the sink and broke it thinking that he was on the commode, I knew that I could no longer hold meetings there. I put everything in storage and looked for a place and four months later we began again in a three-bedroom apartment. Understand that I have never thought of PEP as a business. That may very well have been one of my downfalls. PEP has ALWAYS been about likeminded people sharing my home to mingle, learn and enjoy one another. PEP was about family since I have always felt like I was finally home since the first Atlanta Power Exchange (APE) meeting. APE was a huge group with sometimes 200 to 250 people at one of their gatherings. PEP became a local offshoot of that and many of the presenters at APE were some of PEP's first guest speakers. Although you may have paid an admission to be in my home, I have always let you know that it was indeed my home. I was Mom and lived here and when you came and just threw your stuff around or lost or stole some of my stuff, I’d let you have it. At those times I reiterated that someone had overstepped the boundaries in my personal space. At two, three and even four in the morning, I told you that it was time to go home now because Mom was going to bed. I have always been open and honest with you and have never pulled any punches. My decisions may not have always been the best or even wise but as an avid Star Trekker I have learned that the needs of the many out way the needs of the few. To ask why should Lady D be having a problem keeping a 10,000 sq ft facility open and to imply that you don’t know where your money is going is downright insulting to me. I have never been unreasonable in what I asked of you. I don’t look like a televangelist who is milking their family and community dry. I walk, when most others drive. I live in a public facility so that you have a home and I have lost countless number of slaves and friends because they had to share Lady D with PEP. If this had been about money, I would have charged each and every one of you who came to me for counseling or therapy or that phone call or e-mail. I would never have played on Saturday night and instead handed you a business card so that you could see me professionally. My business life and PEP were always kept separate and most of you never even knew that I was a pro-domme. Whether you agreed with my tactics or not, in your hearts you know that I have always acted with integrity and for someone to imply anything else makes me as Hank Hill on King of the Hill says “want to kick your ass!”
3. Simply put, I am taking a hiatus from PEP because Mom is tired. Actually, I am grand mom since I have biological and lifestyle grandchildren. I have realized that I will be more effective without PEP and the constant responsibilities of it. It has been over twelve years and many of my goals have been achieved and I now have new goals. Often when there is a growth about to take place, something must die so that something else may live. Right now that something is PEP. Many things have happened over the past few years that show me that this is true. The decline of respect in the community and for one another. We grandparents don’t understand that because it just wasn’t a part of our existence. You did not have to like the person or their views, in fact you could even think that they did not deserve the respect that was given but you gave it because they were your elders and they earned it. People were hungry to learn and to share and to bring to light what had been such an under- ground society. Now, this lifestyle is the latest fad with everyone doing everything and their own thing regardless of how that impacts others. The computer and the Internet were a two edged sword. It allowed people who lived in the middle of nowhere and thought that they were totally alone find out that there were others sometimes even in the same town that shared their passion. It created e-groups and munches and a forum for likeminded people to share and learn from one another on a much larger scale. Unfortunately, it also has allowed anyone to claim to be anything and perpetuate the myth without an ounce of real experience. It has allowed us to rely more on the fantasies of this lifestyle instead of embracing the truths that it holds. It allows people who have their own agenda to have an outlet by which to carry it out and allows cowardly people to become anonymous so they can “out” those they do not like or share their views. I said I would never sound like my parents and those that have come before me but I, like them, don’t like what I now see. There is discord and backbiting and too much politics and too little love. I understand that this is just another evolutionary process in the circle of life but I also realize that I am in a higher place. This is not to sound snooty but I know what my purpose is and this is a very spiritual walk for me. My Higher Power whom I chose to call God has shown me my path and that is one of education and enlightenment. I don’t have time to play babysitter to disobedient children on a Saturday night. It is too draining and too time consuming and distracting me from my mission. When I ran for Ms. World my platform was ‘Sexual Healing.’ I called it that because in some form or another this lifestyle is about sex and because for many of us sex was an unspoken, unacceptable, regimented thing, we needed healing to bring dignity and to accept ourselves. I know that this is my calling and that I can best do this on a one on one basis. I will know that those who seek my help really need and want it. I want to help those in our community who are doing destructive and detrimental things to understand why and help them live up to their full potential. I want the freedom to travel to other groups and visit colleges and give classes and seminars. Without PEP I will be able to concentrate on the things, which have been, put on the back burner way too long………my personal relationships, my family and slaves, my writing, my business and my therapy work. I have sacrificed much in my life in hope that it would improve yours. Understand that this is not a complaint. It was completely consensual and safe and most of the time sane but now it is time for me to do something else.
4. What does this mean for you? PEP was never a building. It was a concept originated by a woman who wanted to share that vision with others. I have tried very hard to share that vision with each and every one of you. I have taught you as I have been taught…to be proud of this lifestyle and who you are. I have taught you how important, trust, honor, communication and honesty are. I have tried to carry on Jill Carter’s philosophy of Each One, Teach One. I have taught you to respect one another and to try to remain non-judgmental because there is room enough for us all in this lifestyle. I have tried to be there for you in whatever capacity you needed me, as a teacher, counselor and even mediator. I have always tried to be a positive influence and an inspiration to those that followed. I have given you all the tools. I have taught you all the lessons. It is now up to you. What does PEP’s doors closing mean? It means that you once again will have to learn to lean upon one another. It means that since you don’t have this big building to get lost in, that you will have to learn to interact on a more personal level. It means that you will go back to the basics when things were a lot less complicated. It means that you will meet in smaller groups and smaller facilities and actually get to know one another and get reacquainted. It means that all of those who have given so many suggestions will now have the opportunity to put some of them into action. It means that you will pull together and support one another the way this community and the lifestyle in general were meant to be. It means that you will take all that I have told you and apply it. It means that some of the elders will mentor and some of the ‘know it alls’ will learn to be silent. PEP is not over. PEP can never be over. The building is closing. Instead of everyone complaining and bitching about why you think it did, make a personal commitment and ask how you can help to make this community stronger and better.
To my grown up kids, you need to take the responsibility to teach the younger ones. To my younger kids, you and your kids are the next generation and therefore you must continue to Each One Teach One. If you have knowledge and experience, share it. Understand that there is no right, wrong or one way in this lifestyle and please learn to be tolerant of one another. Continue to play and have fun and don’t take yourselves too seriously. Remember that having big egos is great in play and fantasy but in life we should learn to be humble and think about our neighbor instead of just ourselves. Support your leather community as you have in the past, the dungeons, vendors, events, stores and such.
5. Finally, I want you to know that I am still here and have all intention of continuing to be involved in this community and to teach, preach and help heal. For those of you who had visions of your own, like Alex and Angel, Mom and Dad who started Tribe and Bob and Michelle who started KPOG, I thank you. For all of those who have given of your time, your money, your heart and your soul, I am eternally grateful. My doors are always open to you my family and you always have a piece of my heart. Give your time, your money and your love to Daddy Doug and all of those that selflessly give to you. Most of all, always remember to KEEP LOVE IN THE LIFESTYLE!!!!
Loving you always………….Lady D
My Vest
My first leather vest that I purchased is a quite fashionable lambskin Beldine (whatever that is). I bought it in December 1998. I didn’t know anything about leather and had no intention of wearing it in the context of leather, as I know it today. I liked it simply because it looked similar to the vest that was worn by Vincent Perez in “The Crow: City of Angels”. A year later this vest received its 1st pin by Hardy Haberman: The Dallas Inquisition pin.
Today my vest weighs a few pounds and is covered in pins, ribbons, and medals. Each one has a story, each one a reason. Like the very first pin that I received that represents a place that has since closed. But I will always remember this place, because it was the 1st dungeon that I went to. I remember Ms. Twisted giving me the grand tough and actually playing DJ to some degree, I remember watching a certain Leatherboy getting played with beautifully and he called his Top every name in the book and that simply amazed me. Four years later I had the opportunity to play with this Leatherboy and I remember getting the biggest hard on when he called me an evil motherfucker SIR. Afterwards he licked my boots so intensely; I could feel his tongue massaging my toes.
Another pin represents, the first leather contest I helped to produce as the chairman of that committee. I think that was when I finally realized that no matter how much a club may fight, that in the end we are still family and we care about each other.
My red, white and blue ribbon is for the troops that were sent away to fight a war on terrorism but it also represents many of our troops out there who are not asking or telling… the irony of freedom.
I have a multi-colored ribbon for autism, which my daughter has. I am told she is high functioning and will be able to do well in this society, but how can a father not worry.
I have pins of causes that I have supported, but now are defunct, friendship pins, pins of contests that I’ve judged and events where I’ve presented or just simply attended and each one has a story.
New people have asked me about the pins and what they represent and I can’t even begin to explain, as they are not trophies, they are memories. So for the moment, I j just tell them they are my memories.
Each year, I have either earned, been given or acquired other articles of leather aside from this vest. I now own various articles that belonged to people who have since passed on. I have earned my club colors along with other articles, because I spent time serving the community in one way or another. One of the most important articles that meant a lot to me was an arm band that my mentor made for me right before I competed in a leather contest, it has since been stolen unfortunately. These articles, like this vest, contain the memories of people who have either lived or who are currently living. They all seem to have this ethic of giving and helping and so I try to do the same.
Today, my vest is a culmination of my experiences as a leather man, and I do wear it in that context. It is well traveled and is second skin to me. It is not the traditional bar vest; it’s an old frumpy, very worn and very fashionable looking vest.
David M.
My Vest
My first leather vest that I purchased is a quite fashionable lambskin Beldine (whatever that is). I bought it in December 1998. I didn’t know anything about leather and had no intention of wearing it in the context of leather, as I know it today. I liked it simply because it looked similar to the vest that was worn by Vincent Perez in “The Crow: City of Angels”. A year later this vest received its 1st pin by Hardy Haberman: The Dallas Inquisition pin.
Today my vest weighs a few pounds and is covered in pins, ribbons, and medals. Each one has a story, each one a reason. Like the very first pin that I received that represents a place that has since closed. But I will always remember this place, because it was the 1st dungeon that I went to. I remember Ms. Twisted giving me the grand tough and actually playing DJ to some degree, I remember watching a certain Leatherboy getting played with beautifully and he called his Top every name in the book and that simply amazed me. Four years later I had the opportunity to play with this Leatherboy and I remember getting the biggest hard on when he called me an evil motherfucker SIR. Afterwards he licked my boots so intensely; I could feel his tongue massaging my toes.
Another pin represents, the first leather contest I helped to produce as the chairman of that committee. I think that was when I finally realized that no matter how much a club may fight, that in the end we are still family and we care about each other.
My red, white and blue ribbon is for the troops that were sent away to fight a war on terrorism but it also represents many of our troops out there who are not asking or telling… the irony of freedom.
I have a multi-colored ribbon for autism, which my daughter has. I am told she is high functioning and will be able to do well in this society, but how can a father not worry.
I have pins of causes that I have supported, but now are defunct, friendship pins, pins of contests that I’ve judged and events where I’ve presented or just simply attended and each one has a story.
New people have asked me about the pins and what they represent and I can’t even begin to explain, as they are not trophies, they are memories. So for the moment, I j just tell them they are my memories.
Each year, I have either earned, been given or acquired other articles of leather aside from this vest. I now own various articles that belonged to people who have since passed on. I have earned my club colors along with other articles, because I spent time serving the community in one way or another. One of the most important articles that meant a lot to me was an arm band that my mentor made for me right before I competed in a leather contest, it has since been stolen unfortunately. These articles, like this vest, contain the memories of people who have either lived or who are currently living. They all seem to have this ethic of giving and helping and so I try to do the same.
Today, my vest is a culmination of my experiences as a leather man, and I do wear it in that context. It is well traveled and is second skin to me. It is not the traditional bar vest; it’s an old frumpy, very worn and very fashionable looking vest.
What’s Happening in the Sooner State
The end of January has been quite eventful. With Flesh and Fantasy part 1, DPRC’s Ken and Silk demo, NLA-OKC bringing in Spanky and hosting a dinner/fundraiser that evening, there was quite a bit to choose from. Reports have been coming in slowly about each of the events in Oklahoma and they have been glowing.
I chose to attend Flesh and Fantasy in Dallas on Saturday. Unfortunately, the weather delayed my trip until Saturday. I drove down to support Daddy Randy and boy brian’s bid for the next level of competition; South Central LeatherSir and boy 2005. Flesh and Fantasy combined four leather contests in one weekend: Mr. Texas Leather, South Central Leather Sir, South Central Leather boy and South Central Community Bootblack.
The weekend began on Thursday with Mike Zuhl, the owner and producer of the International LeatherSir, Leatherboy and Community Bootblack contests making the keynote address. Attendees gathered as they were very curious about where the venue for next year’s contest would be, however on Saturday, the only thing that Zuhl would admit to is that it would be held in either Atlanta, GA or Charlotte, NC. He did announce that a decision would be announced within a four-week period, so stay tuned. In addition there were a few IML hopefuls in attendance to get a bit of Zuhl’s time as he is a judge for IML2005.
The contests were run in a timely manner and they were finished before 11PM both evenings. The fantasies were good, most of them were humorous some entertaining and hot. When then dust settled, the winners were: Daddy Lou, Mr. TX Leather 2005; Daddy Randy, South Central LeatherSir 2005; boy maverick, South Central Leatherboy 2005.
An honorable mention goes to boy brian, Oklahoma Leatherboy 2005-2006 who represented the state of Oklahoma very well. Each titleholder will go to their respective competitions: International Mr. Leather, International LeatherSir and boy.
Earlier this month, Link-Oklahoma hosted a breath play and rough body play demo that was taught by Mark Frazier. It was well attended and it was very informative. However, they tried to get me to be the stunt bottom, and I don’t care how cute Mark is, homey wasn’t gonna play dat!
Outside of Oklahoma
Jimmy Lee Murray passed away Saturday, January 22, 2005. Jimmy was one of my IML brothers, class of 2000. He was the first Mr. Ebony in Leather and the first Mr. North Coast Leather. He was a very kind man and I will always remember him because he put a smile on my face when there were tears in my eyes. I will never forget him.
Black Beat 05 has now opened its registration and the presenters for this year have been named. This year’s theme is 1970’s “Its Your Thang”. For more information you can check the following URL: http://blackbeatinc.org/.
The Leather Archives and Museum will be having its Mortgage Burning Ceremony during Pantheon Weekend, which is February 18th –20th. For more information you can check the following URL www.leatherarchives.org/.
Watch for the Pantheon Community Service awards there are a few Okies and former Okies who have been nominated this year: Leigha Flemming for Woman of the Year and Mid Atlantic Region, Viola Johnson for forebearer, Tribal Fire for Best Large Event of the Year, Tulsa Dungeon Society for Best Small Club. Randal Kinnear, TJ McKinsey, and Daddy Mikey are all up for the South Central Region. For more information you can check the following URL: www.theleatherjournal.com.
South Plains Leatherfest/ International Master and slave will be taking place during the weekend of February 25-27. This is my absolute favorite event. Deemed as the “event that heavy players attend” and where the common phrase is heard, “hey wait a minute, we can play hard here, this is South Plains” it has become one of the premier events. I would recommend that you get your packages soon as this event will sell out quickly. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Laura Antoniou, author, activist and cigar enthusiast. For more information check the following URL: www.southplainsleatherfest.com.
The official press release for International Mr. Leather has been made and the judges have been named. This year, will mark a significant change as the International Mr. Leather contest will not be taking place at the congress theater. It will instead take place at the Navy Pier Grand Ball Room. The 2005 International Mr. Leather Judges include: Jason Hendrix (Washington, D.C.), Race Bannon (San Francisco, CA), Joseph Bean (Maui, HI), Lynn Bouchard (Montreal, Quebec), Connie Cox (New York, NY), Daniel Dumont (Brussels, Belgium), Christian Henning (New York, NY) Chuck Rodocker (Chicago, IL) and Mike Zuhl (Pittsburgh, PA). The 2005 IML Tally Masters include: Tom Kelley (Morristown, NJ) and Dennis McMahon (Cleveland, OH). For more information, please check the following URL: www.imrl.com.
Other News
Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2003 Richie Johnson recently had surgery to remove a tumor in his brain. He is doing well so far and hasn’t suffered from any other residual effects. There were rumors that he had suffered a stroke, but he did not. I spoke to him shortly this past weekend and he was home resting with his lover Chad. Please send them positive thoughts!!!!
Finally, it seems our community has been bombarded with tragedy as of late and for all of those who have suffered a loss of a loved one or has experienced hard times, please remember that there is a community of people who do support you and care about you.
And what about Sooner State Leather? Daddy Ric Poston, formerly of Oklahoma and now residing in Colorado has just purchased Sooner State Leather back. Will he be able to revive the contest to its former success prior to 2003? In addition, Oklahoma has six leather contests including the inaugural Oklahoma Mr. and Ms. Contests (that is planned to take place during Tribal Fire Weekend) and four bear contests, will we be able handle one more? Stay tuned.
David M.
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