AZ sends two contestants to the International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy contests

The International LeatherSIR, Leatherboy and Community Bootblack contests are the self proclaimed “bad boys” of leather contests. This year this bad boy event will be held July 22-25 in San Francisco.

Thirteen regional contests were held in North America leading up to this international competition. Arizona will be sending two regional title winners to this year’s contest.

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, a panel of seven judges selected Sir Wayne as Southwest LeatherSIR 2010 and boy Jerry as the new Southwest Leatherboy for 2010.

Born in Albuquerque, Sir Wayne has resided in Phoenix for 17 years.

“I love the harsh, mysterious beauty of the desert. My life has been blessed with a good family, great friends, and many opportunities to achieve professional success and explore different areas of interest. My leather journey began 20 years ago, when I ‘cut my teeth’ in the leather bars in San Francisco. My journey has been one of self-discovery, acceptance, and crazy fun. Leather, for me, represents raw, primal masculinity.”

Sir Wayne says he is committed to keeping the leather traditions and the spirit of the Leather Man alive, thriving, and an integral part of our culture.

“Progressing as a Leather Sir has taught me that leather is not only a look, but an attitude, a lifestyle, and even a spiritual path. I’ve also learned that being an effective Sir means not only exerting dominance and control in play encounters, but also in all areas of my life as a man, including my career, home, my time, and my body. I want to inspire others, especially the young and upcoming generations, to embrace their ‘inner Leather Man.’”

Boy Jerry grew up on a large wheat farm in Kansas and actively participated showing cattle and quarter horses. After attending Kansas State University and majoring in Business Administration, Jerry moved to Wichita where he began working for the Wichita Public Library.

Jerry moved to Phoenix, 15 years ago and began a career in payroll. He is currently the payroll manager for a publicly traded, multi-state, company which allows him the opportunity to travel and has allowed him to gain the experience necessary to have earned his CPP through the American Payroll Association.

At 6’1”, boy Jerry chooses to shave his head and keep the rest of his moderately furry body trimmed.

“I have a small tattoo of a frog on my right shoulder which continues to bring me luck in my hobby of choice, bowling, and even better luck as a submissive. I am privileged to have a Sir who is patient and continues to educate, train, and enhance my leather experiences. My fetishes are electro play and water sports. I enjoy being an exhibitionist and am fun, creative, committed and happiest when I am playing and servicing. All of these together identify me; a true boy in mind, sprit, and heart!”

Both Sir Wayne and boy Jerry are being sponsored by Sir Don Hilton and Keith Thomlinson.

According to the ILSb/ICBB 2010 website, the LeatherSIR and Leatherboy contestants are judged in five categories: Interview and Personal Image; Speech; Formal Personal Image; Jock Strap (Physique); and a Fantasy Sex Scene based on the region’s assigned theme for the year. The interview is a private meeting in the morning with the judges; the other categories take place on stage during the contest. The fantasy sex scene portions of the contests are a fun celebration of BDSM leather-sex and one of the key elements that sets the LeatherSIR and Leatherboy contests apart for those styled after the International Mr. Leather and Mid-Atlantic Leather formats.

The annual International Community Bootblack competition follows the same five regional judging categories. Contestants are judged in five categories: Interview and Personal Image; Speech; Formal Personal Image, Technical Boot Shine and Technical Boot Interview; and Interpersonal Skills and Observation. The Interpersonal Skills portion of the competition allows the competing Bootblack to show off their talent and flair for bootblacking with a dominant and/or Submissive of their choice and is only one of the key elements that set International Community Bootblack apart from other Bootblack contests.

One of the defining characteristics of these contests is the up front philosophy that LeatherSIR, Leatherboy and Community Bootblack are about sex. Both the contests and titles are about the representation of the sexual side of the Leather community. But, the goals of ILSb/ICBB 2010 include networking and outreach to help educate the community about Leather folk, the community’s erotic expression, traditions and history – and of course, hot leather sex!

The International LeatherSIR and Leatherboy are erotic titles that grew out of the now defunct International Mr. Drummer and International Drummerboy contests. As the most prestigious Bootblack competition in the world, The International Community Bootblack contest has something for everyone and is open to all genders. This contest encourages, inspires and challenges contestants’ not just to be the best, but also to find the best within themselves. Organizers strive not just to find the most skilful Bootblack, but the most qualified Bootblack titleholder. In addition to being the keepers of sacred traditions and a rich heritage that spans decades of leather culture and history, LeatherSIR, Leatherboy and Community Bootblack titleholders are community leaders and community builders.

Across North America LeatherSIR, Leatherboy and Community Bootblack titleholders are also devoted to fundraising in their local and regional communities, raising tens of thousands of dollars for community organizations and concerns.

ILSb/ICBB Judging Panel:

Master Mike Zuhl is the founder, past owner and past producer of the International LeatherSIR/boy contests, as well as the International Community Bootblack contest, the first bootblack contest open to contestants from all walks of life. During his tenure as executive producer, DCI Productions and its regional sponsors raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for national and local charities and relief organizations. In 2005, Master Mike founded the Leather Community Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, the first and only natural disaster relief fund targeted specifically for the leather community.

Sir Raul Mendez, International LeatherSIR 2008, and his partner George, have been in the leather lifestyle for 11 of the 17 years they have been united. Sir Raul bases his ideology on past experience, fetish play and relationships which comprise of three very important pillars forming his foundation and direction in life. The three pillars constitute: maturity, honesty and trust.

Woody Bebout was Mr. Drummer 1991-1992 and the Leather Journal Man of the Year for 1993 and 1996. Woody has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 2002 where he practices consumer bankruptcy and family based immigration law.

Queen Cougar is a dynamic workshop presenter, leather activist, a highly respected judge. The Queen has produced and entertained at numerous BDSM events. She was featured in “Bloodsisters” & appeared in “Safe, Sane & Consensual” – BDSM Video documentaries done in 1993. She is a top female emcee with IML, Drummer, International Leather Sir/boy & the International Community Bootblack Contests, SF Pride, Mr.& Ms SF Leather, Folsom Street Fair and numerous leather events nationwide in her resume.

Dr. Jack Fritscher, a primary historian of Folsom Street, is founding San Francisco editor-in-chief of Drummer, and award-winning pioneer author of 20 leather books, including the National Leather Association “best nonfiction book,” Gay San Francisco: Eyewitness Drummer; the 1970s Folsom-Castro novel, Some Dance to Remember; the best-selling memoir of his photographer lover, Mapplethorpe; and the first leather-identity novel, Leather Blues (1969). During his 50-year writing career, he appointed first Mr. Drummer Val Martin, and his photographs have dirtied dozens of covers/centerfolds.

Allena Gabosch, Executive Director of the Center For Sex Positive Culture has been active in the sex positive movement practically from its beginning; producing educational and social events for the sex-positive community since 1990. She is a frequent speaker on many sex-positive subjects at colleges and conferences around the US and Canada. She is the Producer of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival, a past board member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and a former commissioner with the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities.

Over the past ten years McG, International Mr. Bootblack 2009’s, community involvement has included volunteering for Casey House Hospice as a Support Care Volunteer, the Central Canada Gay Rodeo Association, as their Sponsorship Director and Volunteer Coordinator and a member of Spearhead LDSC Toronto. McG became International Mr. Bootblack having won the title at IML in May 2009. McG is the second Canadian and first Bootblack Toronto titleholder to win the title. McG became the third Bootblack Toronto titleholder to win the Brotherhood Award at IML. McG supports the Black Eagle bar titleholders by chairing the “Titleholder Support Committee” and co-producing the Mr. Bootblack Eagle Competition annually.

Stephen Palaschak’s journey into leather began at age 23 in Paris, where he lived and worked in the early 90’s. Dragged by a friend to the infamous Le Keller bar, he remembers being both terrified and fascinated. By night’s end his face was firmly pressed into the sweaty armpits of one hairy Leatherman while another poured beer over his bare butt and spanked him from behind. Suffice it to say he has never looked back…except at the marks! From PhD studies in French literature at NYU, Stephen moved to Boston where he co-owned Tribal Ways Body Piercing for over 10 years. He currently resides in Phoenix, with his Daddy and the love of his life, Dan Fabrici. Active and visible in the community, Stephen co-emceed the SW LeatherSir/boy contest the past two years. He has been a member of the Arizona Men of Leather since 2006 and presently serves as Pledge Master.

Host Hotel

The ILSb/ICBB host hotel for this year’s event is Hotel Whitcomb an elegant and historic San Francisco hotel near the Castro and theater districts that provides vintage hospitality, and many modern amenities. The Hotel is located at 1231 Market St, San Francisco, CA. The secured rate is $139 per night. Please make your reservation early. Rooms are limited. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 626-8000. To learn more about the hotel go to www.hotelwhitcomb.com. For more information about ILSb/ICBB 2010 go to www.leathersir.com.