[Regional News]


Heartland Leather
David, Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2000


Ms. Olympus Leather is Alesha Raven De Fury
(Lady Raven) of Steubenville, Ohio,
and
Mr. Olympus Leather is Terrell Brown
of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.


IML 28 The Seen and The Unseen
(A Contest for All Reasons)
David M.
Interview: Thom Dombkowski

It’s been well over a year since I’ve written a formal column or any type of report about anything, gentle reader. My purpose is not to solicit or inform, not directly anyway. The last time I wrote about International Mr. Leather was in 2004. Jason Hendrix, had captured the “peacock” throne, which resulted in a series of written interactions between me and Robert Davolt about how “I went there”. (Note see previous article about IML 26 “Whoa Silver”.

The reason why this present article is exciting to me is because my publisher actually gave me an assignment, which piqued my interest. I also had my personal reasons for writing and not writing, but that is another story for another time.

The external reason for me going are as follows:

  • I won a Leather title, and I am responsible to represent it in the best light possible,
  • to provide a lesson for a friend of mine who will be competing in the International Leather Sir and boy contests;
  • do some work for the National Coalition of Sexual Freedom,' and,
  • to observe the growing number of people of color who attend the event; and
  • observe the number of people who are in committed relationships.

    However, the deeper reasons were observing and then giving my perceived impressions about what I call the seen and unseen aspects of this event. To clarify - it is evident that there is a contest takin g place and a winner will be chosen. People are also attending this event to see people that they may only see during this time and to be around the multitude of leatherfolk. Yet, what is not seen to the observer that this sea of flesh and leather that congregate in the lobby, vender areas and the multitude of parties. Each attendee has their respective reasons for being here for this event. These aspects, both seen and unseen, construct collective and individual perceptions about the institution we call IML. Be it a giant circuit party, fashion show, family reunion, contest, play party or a venue for activism this event will be something different to all of it's attendees.

    The best example comes to mind when a friend of mine told me about his first experience, which coincidentally was my first experience. While he was attending the circuit parties at IML, I was competing. When he “happened” on the vendor mart in 2000, he was intrigued by these strange new things. I, on the other hand, bought a TENS unit. Six years later, he is buying a very abrasive shark skin flogged for his Daddy. ("...and I am writing this column"; ED). Aside from participating in “all things leather”, we had time to play in the water at Millennium Park with Jessi HolmanAhart, IMsL 2005 and Robert Valin, Mr. NY Eagle 2005. (founder of NYC Leather Ivasion -ED)

    In addition to the parties, politicking and fund raisers I also wanted to pay my respects to someone who helped me find myself as a leatherman - Thom Dombkowski. Thom Dombkowski was the chief Judge for International Mr. Leather from 1992 until 2001. He is also well known for the work with the Chicago House. He has been mentor and coach to many aspiring local and national leather titleholders - me being one of them.

    I don’t think it is necessary to discuss the event from a consumer’s point of view and if that is what you are interested in then I recommend you read Robert Davolt’s article about IML and how it can be done for $1,300. This article can be found in his book Painfully Obvious. My IML experience as Mr. Olympus Leather 2006, was quite interesting - not because I had any official duties, but because I actually paraded myself in full leather and a my sash down State Street, in over 80 degree weather to the Chicago Theater. The venue was 2.5 blocks away from the Palmer House Hilton and on the way I had a number of pedestrians read my sash with emotions ranging from confusion to curiosity. Chuck Renslow’s statement of having the first Leather Pride Parade down State Street, was humorous, but in a way true. We watched 51 contestants vie, entertain and touch the hearts of our communities while under the watchful eye of nine judges: Mark Frazier, Michael Congdon, Mike “Stallion” Fry; Larry Barat, Kendra McClain, Bob Miller; Matthias Peuser, Jane Schmid and (Outgoing IML) Michael Egdes.

    When I attend IML, I usually pick my list of top 20 finalists based on several criteria: visibility, stage presence and overall attractiveness. I choose 25 or so contestants and then whittle my way down to my top three. I am not usually on the money so to speak, but I am able to successfully guess the majority of the people who make the final twenty. Once, Mr. Marcus reads which contestant makes the final cut, the remainder of the contestants are free to enjoy the rest of the contest. All of the scores are reset to zero and the remaining contestants are then scored for their respective performances and physical presentations given from that time. This year I decided to let a friend of mine do that, I thought it would be a great way for him to observe good practices that the contestants presented during the contest. I later quizzed him about what seemed to work best on stage. In addition, I also had to distribute plaques to certain venders of the NCSF (National Coalition of Sexual Freedom) and also get a small fundraiser going. That was pretty tough, as I was on double duty as a press person and a fundraiser.

    The assignments given to me by my publisher were interesting, however not as difficult as I initially thought they would be. Mufasa made one of them very easy. He founded the People Of Color Caucus in 2004. The P.O.C Caucus gave me the opportunity to see that there is a significant number of African American men who are interested in leathersex and power exchange dynamics; simply put there were a number of real players attending IML. The percentage, compared to the number of overall IML attendees was small; however, it was good to see a presence. On the other hand, the number of POC contestants was down compared to previous years. (Two in 51 -ED) This year’s caucus was very interesting in the sense that, instead of only discussing issues that exist in the POC communities, Mufasa decided to kick things off with a few demos and then a discussion about issues about play and leathersex in the POC community. I was initially there as an observer, but Mufasa asked me to help with a body punching demo. I said yes, because its difficult to say no to him. What he left out was the other demo person was an SM TOP as well, so when Doc (the president of Onyx New York) and I began to negotiate, we spent a little more time discussing how this was going to work. It was finally decided that we would trade punches and Mufasa would owe me a big favor! The demos covered flogging, pumping, caning, paddling and body punching. After the demos were over, we debriefed and discussed play dynamics and issues that seem to be prevalent. One of those being how others cope with strong African American men who are able to submit or identify as “boy”. The presenters also talked about their respective demo experiences and some of the important issues that come up in dungeons. The topics were engaging and relevant.

    Next I was off to the IMsL party, the Chicago Hellfire Party, (which were being held concurrently) but I missed Jack Rinella’s party. I then spent an hour observing the leathermen in the lobby. My goal was to identify people who could possibly be in a committed relationship. A very difficult task presented to me considering, that there were 50 plus hook ups happening per minute, give or take. I knew, however, quite a few people down there and knew that many of them were in committed relationships. Although some people were partnered, you knew some of them were looking for trade. There were also couples cruising together. Looking at what was going on tends to make me question the nature of relationships and how they are defined. In my opinion polyamory could be a visible presence yet, should these types of dynamics attempted to be discussed in this type of environment and does my biased observation give me any type of understanding about the myriad of connections being made? Be it agape, Eros or just raw lust; all of those elements could be seen or perceived through observation. I could, if I chose to, give a narrative to any one of the conversations, but I am just an observer.

    The multifaceted nature of IML can also be seen in this very same lobby. While the socialization, and the hooking up is happening in the lobby, people were choosing an IML in another part of the hotel. In addition to that, people were also raising monies, preserving our heritage and paying their last respects to a man I consider to be a integral part of this contest’s identity from 1992-2001. Yes, IML is a contest and a party. It is also a family reunion as well as a place where community decisions are made. This is why the event can attract a variety of people.

    Sex was being had, people were arrested for drugs and yet the people who would embody “heart, mind and soul” of IML were being determined by nine judges. While 51 people were baring themselves, over 10,000 others were buying vending, educating and playing. Looking closer, there were groups of people who were the support systems, a willing shoulder to cry on and fuck buddies. Another look shows people working to make this event more enjoyable, while others were labeled as the “eye of the storm” - never the less, the lobby maintained an wave of leather clad flesh talking, drinking, smoking cigars and of course connecting with one another.

    I wondered how many people cared about the contest itself as I emerged from and descended into them by way of escalator on my way to Pecs and Personality, the contest, and closing ceremonies because the amount of people never seemed to decrease but increase. I also thought that maybe the choosing of an individual year after year after year isn’t the end all and be all of the event and that IML is multifaceted in the sense that maybe the fellowship is just as important as the contest. Be it holding court, making small talk, or slinking away to hotel rooms for intimate interludes they were still connecting.

    However, I was puzzled because history was being made at the Chicago theater by just being there and the results of the contest were historic as well with Bo Ladashevska, Mr. Leather Montreal 2006 and Benjamin Palmer from Vancouver, B.C., becoming International Mr. Leather and International Mr. Bootblack respectively.

    Ceremonies for the winners were had, colors were presented and people “exhaling”, while the party raged on in the lobby into the early morning and at 5AM where I still see the tide of people have waned and the remnants are just a few men talking, smoking and hugging. The previous day, Thom was remembered, songs were played from his IPOD, Mark Malan spoke beautifully and Jimmy Dohr held up very well. On a side note, upon hearing the news of Thom’s death, I went weak and my knees buckled, I felt “that knot” in the pit of my stomach and for an instant a hole in my heart as if it was ripped from me. I was angry and confused, but I understood - no I didn’t - not until I spoke with Jimmy at CLAW (Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend -Ed), he told me that Thom was tired and was ready and how he spent his last moments serving the community by giving instructions to which cause gets what from his personal and valued mementoes in order to raise monies - he then decided to lie down and go to sleep in his home with the people he loved most. How can I be mad at that.

    So gentle reader, in that sea of leather clad flesh making waves, making connections, getting pinned, getting collared loving and being loved - personal histories were also being made there as well. Robert Davolt would have found this amusing or maybe not because he would have ' been looking for a nice stiff drink and a good conversation. Thom, The Chief, Maleficent the Evil - would have had that boyish smile and probably would have been offering advice to that up and coming IML hopeful. Bo has the “peacock throne” and Benjamin the golden brush for a year and I’m sure they’ll make everyone proud! Canada has made history and out of the sea of leather clad flesh comes two men who will have an amazing 2006-2007!


    Balancing what was made unbalanced:
    Thoughts about things that may fuck with us and how we deal with them:
    David M.

    1. disequilibrium: n : loss of equilibrium attributable to an unstable situation
    in which some forces outweigh others [ant: equilibrium]
    2. To upset the equilibrium of (the economy, for example); unbalance.
    3. First, people are satisfied with their mode of thought and therefore are in a state of equilibrium. Then, they become aware of the shortcomings in their existing thinking and are dissatisfied (i.e., are in a state of disequilibration and experience cognitive conflict). Last, they adopt a more sophisticated mode of thought that eliminates the shortcomings of the old one (i.e., reach a more stable equilibrium)

    The process of disequilibration has always fascinated me. Everyone has experienced this process and has reacted to it one way or another. For example: discomfort, denial, extreme confusion, anger, or ambivalence. The catalyst to disequilibration is being introduced to a new experience, frame of reference or truth that challenges an individual's thoughts, ideas, values or beliefs. Once this catalyst (agent of change) is set into action the individual processes this information and assimilates it into their own experiences, knowledge and values which finally results in the creation of a knew knowledge base or belief system and a change in within the individual. Once this change has taken place the individual regains their sense of equilibrium or balance.

    The degree of change within the individual will depend on the intensity of the catalyst and how this process will affect the individual as it can range from a minor change or a change that is life altering.

    The point that I am getting at is this: introducing a change may have a profound effect on an individual but what about introducing a change that further challenges someone's sexual identity? How does one cope with this type of change? To be specific; kinksters are being exposed to or educated about certain skills that may challenge their personal values and it has occurred to me that the way this information is processed is important to their growth and development in this lifestyle.

    In order to further understand this, it is necessary to give an example. Let's say there is a class on mind fucking. Lets also establish that this mindfuck involves making the individual feel like they are going loose their lives. Let's also say that the person teaching this class introduces a simulated environment where this scene will be successful while simultaneously puts into place a safety protocol that will ensure the bottom's safety. Once everything is in place, the act begins. The individuals who are watching and learning are introduced to information and the catalyst is that agent of change that will spark how the learner will react to this process, which will consequently impact their future perceptions about this activity. Let's say the Top begins to use a process that involves humiliation, and military interrogation tactics. The bottom is degraded and beat to a with a blunt object. The result of course brings a happy and glowy bottom, however what has happened to many of the onlookers and what is the overall feeling the onlookers may be experiencing?

    How does the learner process this information? Unlike the bottom of this scene, who gets to be comforted after the scene, what happens to the individual that just watched this and hasn't quite processed the scene?

    My idea is seminars that deal with playing with an individual's psyche and emotions will more than likely strike a nerve. People who experience this process are interested in playing on this level, however haven't experienced it previously. They experience this form of conflict because, something that is happening in that scene may contradict values in which they were raised or are socially acceptable. The conflict takes place because humiliation and military interrogations are not socially acceptable activities. As a kinkster the individual is very interested, but as an individual who has more than likely been raised with "traditional values," the individual becomes bothered by what they have just seen. This conflict must somehow be resolved. Because things are not black and white the resolution to this conflict may happen in stages...for example: confusion, an emotional response, confusion, rationalization, the need for clarification and finally resolution and justification of that resolution. The end result rests on the individual, how he or she processes the experience and finally their interpretation of this experience.

    What can be done? Is the person teaching this class to be held responsible for bringing the individual to a specific comfort zone where that person is able to process what they have just experienced or is this a process that can only be completed through a personal growth process that may last days-weeks after the seminar is over?

    Putting humpty together again:

    The bottom line is that the attendees of the workshop will have to go through their individual journeys/experiences. Disequilibration occurs when the individual feels challenged, uneasy or confused generally. It is the responsibility of the attendee to ask questions honestly regardless if it deals with their emotional distress or technical questions. It is the responsibility of the presenter to check in with the group and give them a forum to communicate in an environment that is non-threatening. Working through these feelings and coming to some sort of resolution will precipitate that balance that existed before class.

    Just a thought.

    Note: Issues such as safety and pushing limits have not been addressed in this part and will be addressed in part two.

    Out and About I don’t know where to start. Hmmm let’s say the beginning? The Sooner State’s significance seems to be further recognized by more and more people. The best example of this is Tulsa’s Ryan Setzkorn, Heart of America Leatherboy 2005 being chosen as American Leatherboy 2005. Ryan is the first Oklahoman to hold a title from this system.

    Tribal Fire “HOTRNL” took place on the weekend of April 29th. Packed with over 40 classes, two play parties, the “Soul Dance” and a regional Olympus contest the event gave more bang for the buck. The inaugural Mr. and Ms. Great Plains Olympus contest took place on Friday. There were three mister contestants and one miss contestant. At the end of the night, Terrell and Win were named the first Mr. and Ms. Great Plains Olympus. Tribal Fire also shared this weekend with two other major events; CLAW and Beat Me in St. Louis. On Saturday, May 14th, the men of TULSA threw our current Oklahoma Mr. Leather, Mason Alexander a send of party and raised over $1500.00 for him. Mason will be competing at International Mr. Leather Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Mason has been very busy and involved in the Oklahoma BDSM/Leather community for over five years and has also taken an active role with educating, not only the Oklahoma community but outside of the state as well traveling many different states. Good luck Mason!

    Tulsa Mr. Leather 2005 Oliver Platt has just registered the name for Oklahoma’s first historical project. Watch for more information to come. Prior to the introduction of the Oklahoma Leather Archives, Malik has undertaken the task to begin a written history of Tulsa Dungeon Society.

    Also if you see Keith Hunt out and about, wish him a happy fortieth birthday! HAHAHAHAHA whoops, I have a few years left until its my turn.

    Other Happenings

    Blackkat is the current American Leatherman and is also the first African American to hold this title.

    The 8th annual Butch Revue will be taking place August 20th, 2005 in San Diego, California. More information will be coming soon from the event’s producer, Annie Romano.

    The second annual Vi Johnson Award will be given at Black BEAT 2005. The criteria for nominating someone are as follows:

    The Viola Johnson Award is given to a person or group whom has made significant contributions to the African American / People of Color Leather lifestyle. This contribution(s) may include, but is not limited to:
    • Sponsoring or promoting leather / fetish events that encourage positive
    exchanges among People of Color
    • Mentoring men and women of color
    • Writings that encourage and promote the African American leather lifestyle
    • Founding and perpetuating organizations for People of Color in leather
    • Producing educational resources unique to People of Color in service to the
    African American Leather/Fetish community.

    Please include the name and contact information for the nominee, a detailed description of their contribution, along with a written explanation regarding why you believe the nominee is deserving of this distinctive award. Nominees must be an active participant in the BDSM or Leather Community and have belonged to an organization(s) for a minimum of one full year. The nominee* must be able to attend Black BEAT 05. (Travel/lodging is not provided for recipient.)
    * If a group is selected, one (1) member of the group such as the president or selected designee must be available to receive the award on the behalf of the group. A committee will carefully review all entries, and select the nominee most qualified. A vote will then determine the winner. The results and winner/recipient will be notified by mail on June 30, 2005, and announced during the awards presentation on Saturday, August 20, 2005. All Nominations are due by June 4, 2005. Please use the form below to submit your nomination. Pictures should be submitted separately to Black Beat

    International Ms. Leather 2005 will be taking place July 15-17, 2005 in Omaha Nebraska for more information please email IMsL.

    International Mr. Leather will take place May 26th-30th 2005 Memorial Day weekend. For more information, please visit IMRL

    Lastly

    As many of you know, Robert Davolt passed away of cancer on May 16th 2005. Robert was a columnist for the Leatherpage and columnist/editor for Bound and Gagged magazine. Other accolades and accomplishments include being the former Producer of International Drummer and publisher of Drummer Magazine until 1999. I will remember Robert for the insightful conversations that we’d had the past few years I knew him. I have admired his writing and the courage that it took for the content he’d written.

    Take care,

    David M.


    Heartland Leather
    ARCHIVES

    David, Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2000


    "Black Expressions; Alternative Tastes"

    Balancing what was made unbalanced:
    Thoughts about things that may fuck with us and how we deal with them:
    David M.

    1. disequilibrium: n : loss of equilibrium attributable to an unstable situation
    in which some forces outweigh others [ant: equilibrium]
    2. To upset the equilibrium of (the economy, for example); unbalance.
    3. First, people are satisfied with their mode of thought and therefore are in a state of equilibrium. Then, they become aware of the shortcomings in their existing thinking and are dissatisfied (i.e., are in a state of disequilibration and experience cognitive conflict). Last, they adopt a more sophisticated mode of thought that eliminates the shortcomings of the old one (i.e., reach a more stable equilibrium)

    The process of disequilibration has always fascinated me. Everyone has experienced this process and has reacted to it one way or another. For example: discomfort, denial, extreme confusion, anger, or ambivalence. The catalyst to disequilibration is being introduced to a new experience, frame of reference or truth that challenges an individual's thoughts, ideas, values or beliefs. Once this catalyst (agent of change) is set into action the individual processes this information and assimilates it into their own experiences, knowledge and values which finally results in the creation of a knew knowledge base or belief system and a change in within the individual. Once this change has taken place the individual regains their sense of equilibrium or balance.

    The degree of change within the individual will depend on the intensity of the catalyst and how this process will affect the individual as it can range from a minor change or a change that is life altering.

    The point that I am getting at is this: introducing a change may have a profound effect on an individual but what about introducing a change that further challenges someone's sexual identity? How does one cope with this type of change? To be specific; kinksters are being exposed to or educated about certain skills that may challenge their personal values and it has occurred to me that the way this information is processed is important to their growth and development in this lifestyle.

    In order to further understand this, it is necessary to give an example. Let's say there is a class on mind fucking. Lets also establish that this mindfuck involves making the individual feel like they are going loose their lives. Let's also say that the person teaching this class introduces a simulated environment where this scene will be successful while simultaneously puts into place a safety protocol that will ensure the bottom's safety. Once everything is in place, the act begins. The individuals who are watching and learning are introduced to information and the catalyst is that agent of change that will spark how the learner will react to this process, which will consequently impact their future perceptions about this activity. Let's say the Top begins to use a process that involves humiliation, and military interrogation tactics. The bottom is degraded and beat to a with a blunt object. The result of course brings a happy and glowy bottom, however what has happened to many of the onlookers and what is the overall feeling the onlookers may be experiencing?

    How does the learner process this information? Unlike the bottom of this scene, who gets to be comforted after the scene, what happens to the individual that just watched this and hasn't quite processed the scene?

    My idea is seminars that deal with playing with an individual's psyche and emotions will more than likely strike a nerve. People who experience this process are interested in playing on this level, however haven't experienced it previously. They experience this form of conflict because, something that is happening in that scene may contradict values in which they were raised or are socially acceptable. The conflict takes place because humiliation and military interrogations are not socially acceptable activities. As a kinkster the individual is very interested, but as an individual who has more than likely been raised with "traditional values," the individual becomes bothered by what they have just seen. This conflict must somehow be resolved. Because things are not black and white the resolution to this conflict may happen in stages...for example: confusion, an emotional response, confusion, rationalization, the need for clarification and finally resolution and justification of that resolution. The end result rests on the individual, how he or she processes the experience and finally their interpretation of this experience.

    What can be done? Is the person teaching this class to be held responsible for bringing the individual to a specific comfort zone where that person is able to process what they have just experienced or is this a process that can only be completed through a personal growth process that may last days-weeks after the seminar is over?

    Putting humpty together again:

    The bottom line is that the attendees of the workshop will have to go through their individual journeys/experiences. Disequilibration occurs when the individual feels challenged, uneasy or confused generally. It is the responsibility of the attendee to ask questions honestly regardless if it deals with their emotional distress or technical questions. It is the responsibility of the presenter to check in with the group and give them a forum to communicate in an environment that is non-threatening. Working through these feelings and coming to some sort of resolution will precipitate that balance that existed before class.

    Just a thought.

    Note: Issues such as safety and pushing limits have not been addressed in this part and will be addressed in part two.

    Out and About I don’t know where to start. Hmmm let’s say the beginning? The Sooner State’s significance seems to be further recognized by more and more people. The best example of this is Tulsa’s Ryan Setzkorn, Heart of America Leatherboy 2005 being chosen as American Leatherboy 2005. Ryan is the first Oklahoman to hold a title from this system.

    Tribal Fire “HOTRNL” took place on the weekend of April 29th. Packed with over 40 classes, two play parties, the “Soul Dance” and a regional Olympus contest the event gave more bang for the buck. The inaugural Mr. and Ms. Great Plains Olympus contest took place on Friday. There were three mister contestants and one miss contestant. At the end of the night, Terrell and Win were named the first Mr. and Ms. Great Plains Olympus. Tribal Fire also shared this weekend with two other major events; CLAW and Beat Me in St. Louis. On Saturday, May 14th, the men of TULSA threw our current Oklahoma Mr. Leather, Mason Alexander a send of party and raised over $1500.00 for him. Mason will be competing at International Mr. Leather Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Mason has been very busy and involved in the Oklahoma BDSM/Leather community for over five years and has also taken an active role with educating, not only the Oklahoma community but outside of the state as well traveling many different states. Good luck Mason!

    Tulsa Mr. Leather 2005 Oliver Platt has just registered the name for Oklahoma’s first historical project. Watch for more information to come. Prior to the introduction of the Oklahoma Leather Archives, Malik has undertaken the task to begin a written history of Tulsa Dungeon Society.

    Also if you see Keith Hunt out and about, wish him a happy fortieth birthday! HAHAHAHAHA whoops, I have a few years left until its my turn.

    Other Happenings

    Blackkat is the current American Leatherman and is also the first African American to hold this title.

    The 8th annual Butch Revue will be taking place August 20th, 2005 in San Diego, California. More information will be coming soon from the event’s producer, Annie Romano.

    The second annual Vi Johnson Award will be given at Black BEAT 2005. The criteria for nominating someone are as follows:

    The Viola Johnson Award is given to a person or group whom has made significant contributions to the African American / People of Color Leather lifestyle. This contribution(s) may include, but is not limited to:
    • Sponsoring or promoting leather / fetish events that encourage positive
    exchanges among People of Color
    • Mentoring men and women of color
    • Writings that encourage and promote the African American leather lifestyle
    • Founding and perpetuating organizations for People of Color in leather
    • Producing educational resources unique to People of Color in service to the
    African American Leather/Fetish community.

    Please include the name and contact information for the nominee, a detailed description of their contribution, along with a written explanation regarding why you believe the nominee is deserving of this distinctive award. Nominees must be an active participant in the BDSM or Leather Community and have belonged to an organization(s) for a minimum of one full year. The nominee* must be able to attend Black BEAT 05. (Travel/lodging is not provided for recipient.)
    * If a group is selected, one (1) member of the group such as the president or selected designee must be available to receive the award on the behalf of the group. A committee will carefully review all entries, and select the nominee most qualified. A vote will then determine the winner. The results and winner/recipient will be notified by mail on June 30, 2005, and announced during the awards presentation on Saturday, August 20, 2005. All Nominations are due by June 4, 2005. Please use the form below to submit your nomination. Pictures should be submitted separately to Black Beat

    International Ms. Leather 2005 will be taking place July 15-17, 2005 in Omaha Nebraska for more information please email IMsL.

    International Mr. Leather will take place May 26th-30th 2005 Memorial Day weekend. For more information, please visit IMRL

    Lastly

    As many of you know, Robert Davolt passed away of cancer on May 16th 2005. Robert was a columnist for the Leatherpage and columnist/editor for Bound and Gagged magazine. Other accolades and accomplishments include being the former Producer of International Drummer and publisher of Drummer Magazine until 1999. I will remember Robert for the insightful conversations that we’d had the past few years I knew him. I have admired his writing and the courage that it took for the content he’d written.

    Take care,

    David M.


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