International Mr. Leather Explained

International Mr. Leather
Nickname:IML
Status:Active
Frequency:Annually, Memorial Day weekend
Location:Chicago, Illinois
Country:United States
Founders:-->
Organised:International Mr. Leather Inc.
Or Sponsors:-->

International Mr. Leather (IML) is a multi-day conference and competition celebrating the leather, kink, fetish, and BDSM communities. Established in 1979, IML is held annually in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, drawing thousands of contestants and spectators from around the world.[1] As of 2024, 27 countries spanning six continents have competed. Events include speakers, socials, themed dance parties and a leather market. IML contestants qualify for the competition either by winning a feeder competition of a bar and/or local or regional leather contest, or by being sponsored by a leather-related bar, business, club, or organization.

IML organizers also produce the International Mr. Bootblack competition.

History

IML is regarded as the world's oldest continuously operating international leather and fetish event,[2] leading to the nickname "the granddaddy of all leather events."[3] The forerunner of the competition was the 1970s "Mr. Gold Coast" contest held at Chicago's Gold Coast leather bar, owned by Chuck Renslow and Dom Orejudos.[4] The "Mr. Gold Coast" contest became one of the bar's most popular promotions causing the need to locate the competition to a larger venue in 1979, upon which the title was changed to International Mr. Leather.

The inaugural IML competition took place May 18-20, 1979. The event was advertised as "a weekend you won't want to miss" featuring "some of the world's hottest men, representing leather bars and clubs across America and Europe" competing to win prizes worth $5,000, including a motorcycle. Spectators could purchase a weekend package for $25 that included a shirt designed Etienne (Orejudos), tickets to parties and events, and coupons for local shops and bathhouses. Standalone tickets to the contest were priced at $10. David Kloss won the first contest; Durk Dehner and Jesse Capello were first and second runners-up. Tom of Finland volunteered to judge the contest, but had to drop out for health reasons (he later judged the 1983 contest).

Orejudos designed the contest's "wingman logo" as well as much of its promotional materials.[5] In 1980, IML introduced the Black and Blue Ball. By 1984, attendance had increased from 300 to 1,500.

The leather pride flag was designed by Tony DeBlase, and he first presented the design at IML 11 on May 28, 1989.[6] The flag was incorporated into the design of the sash awarded to contest winners.[7]

The International Bootblack Competition was added to the IML program in 1993. In 1998, the coed competition was spun off into two separate competitions: International Mr. Bootblack (IMrBB), produced by IML, and International Ms. Bootblack (IMsBB), produced by International Ms. Leather.[8]

Since 2009, IML proceeds have been placed in a trust to benefit the Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M).[9] LA&M, which Renslow and Deblase co-founded, is the custodian of IML records and artwork.[10] [11]

In 2009, prior to the widespread availability of PrEP, IML forbade from its vendor market "any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking."[12] However, IML did not consistently enforce the policy and in 2019 announced that it would repeal it.[13]

The Congress Plaza Hotel has hosted IML guests and festivities every year since 2015, but the contest itself has often been hosted at offsite venues such as the Auditorium Theater.[14] [15]

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant shutdowns and cancellations of large gatherings throughout the world, in-person IML events in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled.[16] [17] IML resumed in May 2022.[18]

Rules and requirements

Eligibility

As of 2024, to qualify for IML, prospective contestants must:

Contest Criteria

Preliminary roundContest finalists are selected following:
  1. A preliminary interview with each of the nine judges, up to 8 minutes in length, are held in private (60% of the preliminary score).
  2. Stage presence and personality at a Saturday "Pecs and Personality" event (40% of the preliminary score).

The judge's highest and lowest scores for each contestant on each criterion are dropped, and the contestant's remaining seven scores are tallied to determine the 20 contestants with the highest combined scores to proceed as finalists at the Sunday IML contest event. The only time that the dropped scores are included in the tally is when there is a tie for the 20th place; the contestants in question have their dropped scores included in the tally but if the stalemate continues then each of the nine judges must vote for only one of the two contestants. Preliminary judging scores are not carried forward. There are also two tally masters.

Final roundEach of the 20 finalists is judged at the Sunday IML contest on a scale from 0 to 100 in the following order:
  1. Leather image (up to 40 points).
  2. Presentation skills that include a contestant speech (up to 40 points).
  3. Physical appearance (up to 20 points).

The highest and lowest scores for each finalist are dropped, the remaining seven scores are added together, and the top three scores designate the second runner-up, first runner-up, and winner, International Mr. Leather. A tie for the title is resolved by adding to the tally the dropped scores of the two contestants; if the stalemate continues then each of the nine judges must vote for only one of the contestants in question.

Contestants

Countries and territories

Twenty-seven countries spanning six continents have officially fielded one or more contestants to compete at IML as of 2024. As of 2022, 44 U.S. states have fielded contestants, as have Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.[20] The only U.S. states that have not fielded a contestant as of 2022 are Delaware, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

!Country!Region!First Competed!Wins!Win Year(s)!Ref.
AustraliaOceania198011980[21] [22]
Europe20180
Europe199612022
South America20170
North America198112006
South America20150[23]

Asia20190[24]
South America20220
Europe20070[25]
Europe20170[26]
Europe200212011
Europe198721987, 2001
Europe20000
Asia19950
Europe19900
North America20180
Europe199311993
Oceania19930
Europe20000[27]
Africa20100[28]
Europe19880
Europe19850
Europe20040[29]
Asia19950
Europe199412003
North America1979361979, 1981-1986, 1988-1992, 1994-2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007-2010, 2012-2019, 2023-2024
South America20190

Some IML contestants immigrated from countries that have not officially sent contestants to IML (or had not as of the time they competed). For instance, Venezuela-born Gary Iriza (Mr. Palm Springs Leather)[30] won IML 30 in 2008,[31] more than a decade before Venezuela officially sent a contestant (Mr. Leather Venezuela) in 2019.

Wins by contestants with international or nonnational preliminary titles (e.g. Mister Leather Europe, Mr. Gay Naturists International Leather) are attributed to the winner's country of residence.

Winners

As of 2024, 44 contestants representing eight countries have won IML: United States (36), Germany (2), Australia (1), Belgium (1), Canada (1), France (1), Netherlands (1), and United Kingdom (1).

The following is a table of IML contest winners. Note that winner's city as used in the table variously refers to the preliminary title host city or winner's city of residence.

YearClassWinnerPreliminary Contest / Primary SponsorWinner's cityContestantsCountriesU.S. States & TerritoriesContest Location & Host Hotel
1979 1 David Kloss Mr. Leather Brig 12 1 (USA) 6 (CA, CO, FL, IL, LA, WI) Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel [32]
19802 Patrick Brookes Mr. Leather Australia 18 2 (USA, Australia) 7 (CA, CO, FL, IL, MA, MO, NY) Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel [33]
19813 Marty Kiker Sponsored by The Brig & The Phoenix San Francisco, California 36 3 (USA, Australia, Canada) 11 (CA, CO, DC, FL, IL, MI, MN, NY, OH, OR, TX)
19824 Luke Daniel Mr. DrummerSan Francisco, California 46 2 (USA, Canada) 13 (CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, LA, MI, MN, NY, OH, WI) Park West [34]
19835 Coulter Thomas Mr. Texas Leather 44 2 (USA, Canada) 15 (CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, NY, OH, PA, TX, WI)
19846 Ron Moore Mr. Leather Colorado 30 2 (USA, Australia) 14 (AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, IL, IN, MI, MO, OH, PA, TX, WA, WI) Park West & Allerton Hotel
19857 Patrick Toner Mr. Chaps San Francisco San Francisco, California 27 3 (USA, Canada, Sweden) 14 (AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, IL, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TX, UT, WA) Park West & Allerton Hotel
19868 Scott Tucker Mr. Philadelphia Leather 28 1 (USA) 14 (CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, MI, MO, NE, NY, PA, TX, WA, WI) Park West & Lake Shore Hotel
19879 Thomas Karasch Mr. Leather Europe31 3 (USA, Canada, Germany) 14 (CA, CO, IL, MD, MI, MN, MO, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, WA) Park West & Days Inn
198810 Michael Pereyra Mr. Leather San Diego 42 3 (USA, Canada, Spain) 20 (AZ, CA, CO, DC, HI, IA, IL, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, WI) Clubland at The Vic Theatre & Executive House Hotel
198911 Mr. National Leather Association48 2 (USA, Canada) 22 (AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NE, NV, OH, OR, PA, TX, WA, WI) Clubland at The Vic Theatre & Executive House Hotel
199012 Mark Ryan Mr. Boston Leather 48 4 (USA, Canada, Germany, Italy) 22 (AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IL, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI) Clubland at The Vic Theatre
199113 D Cannon Mr. CC (of Palm Springs) Los Angeles, California 50 3 (USA, Canada, Italy) 24 (AZ, CA, CO, DC, GA, ID, IL, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, WA, WI) Clubland at The Vic Theatre & Executive House Hotel
199214 Lenny Broberg Mr. San Francisco Leather San Francisco, California 56 2 (USA, Canada) 22 (AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, WI) Aragon Ballroom & Executive House Hotel [35]
199315 Henri ten Have Sponsored by Motor Sportclub Amsterdam (MSA) 51 5 (USA, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand) 23 (AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA, WI)
199416 Jeff Tucker Mr. San Jose Leather 43 5 (USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom) 21 (CA, CO, DC, FL, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, VA, WA, WI) Congress Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel
199517 Larry Everett Mr. Oklahoma Leather 50 6 (USA, Canada, Israel, Netherlands, Thailand, United Kingdom) 26 (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, VA, WI)
199618 Joe Gallagher Mr. Leather New York 49 5 (USA, Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, Spain) 26 (AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, VA, WI) Congress Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel
199719 Kevin Cwayna Mr. Minnesota Leather 53 4 (USA, Belgium, Canada, United Kingdom) 25 (CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, ND, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, TX, VA, WI) Congress Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel
199820 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 62 6 (USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom) 25 (AK, CA, CO, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, TX, WA, WI) Congress Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel
199921 Bruce Chopnik Mr. Rocky Mountain Leather Denver, Colorado 52 5 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany) 23 (CA, CO, DC, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, WI) Congress Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel
200022 Mike Taylor Mr. Heartland Leather 60 7 (USA, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway) 25 (AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, WA, WI) Congress Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel
200123 Stefan Müller Bavarian Mr. Leather 63 7 (USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom) 27 (AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV)
200224 Stephen Weber Mr. Texas Leather 66 7 (USA, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom) 28 (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, WI, WV) [36]
200325 John PendalMr. Hoist 58 5 (USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom) 25 (AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, WI, WV) Congress Theater & The Palmer House Hilton [37]
200426 Jason Hendrix Mr. D.C. Eagle 2004Washington, D.C. 57 6 (USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland) 23 Congress Theater & Hyatt Regency Chicago
200527 Michael Egdes Mr. Ramrod 52 6 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom) 25 Navy Pier Skyline Stage & Hyatt Regency Chicago [38] [39]
200628 Bo Ladashevska Mr. Leather Montreal 2006 52 5 (USA, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Switzerland) 18 Chicago Theatre & The Palmer House Hilton Hotel [40]
200729 Mikel Gerle Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2007 Los Angeles, California 53 5 (USA, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy) 23 Chicago Theatre & The Palmer House Hilton [41]
200830 Gary Iriza Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2008 51 6 (USA, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom) 21 Hyatt Regency Chicago [42] [43]
200931 Jeffrey Payne Mr. Texas Leather 2009Dallas, Texas 54 7 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom)26[44] [45]
201032 Tyler McCormick Mr. Rio Grande Leather 2010 52 10 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom)22 (incl. AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX)Congress Theater & Hyatt Regency Chicago [46] [47]
201133 Eric Guttierez Mr. Leather Europe 2011 53 7 (incl. USA, Canada, France)?Harris Theater & Hyatt Regency Chicago [48] [49] [50]
201234 Woody Woodruff Mr. Michigan Leather 2012 49 ??Harris Theater & Hyatt Regency Chicago [51]
201335 Andy CrossMr. San Francisco Leather 2013San Francisco, California 51 6 (USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, South Africa, United Kingdom)25 (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OK, TX, WA, WI, VA)Harris Theater & Marriott Michigan Ave. Chicago [52] [53] [54] [55]
201436 Ramien Pierre Mr. D.C. Eagle 2014Washington, D.C. 46 5 (incl. USA, Australia) ?Harris Theater & Marriott Michigan Ave. Chicago [56] [57] [58] [59]
201537 Patrick Smith Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2015 Los Angeles, California 52 9 (USA, Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom) 23 (AZ, CA, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, TX, VA, WA, WI) Park West and Harris Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel [60] [61]
201638 David "Tigger" Bailey Mr. New Jersey Leather 2016 59 8 (USA, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel) 25 (CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MA, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, TX, VA, WA, WI) Park West and Harris Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel [62] [63]
201739 Ralph BruneauMr. GNI (Gay Naturists International) Leather 2016 Los Angeles, California 63 12 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom) 24 (AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NJ, IA, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, WI) Auditorium Theatre & Congress Plaza Hotel
201840 James LeeMr. Kentucky Leather 2017 Lexington, Kentucky71 14 (USA, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland) 26 (AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, OK, NY, PA, RI, TX, WA, WI) Auditorium Theatre & Congress Plaza Hotel [64]
201941 Jack ThompsonLeatherman of Color 2019 Baltimore, Maryland68 13 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China (Hong Kong), France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela) 24 (AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TX) Auditorium Theatre & Congress Plaza Hotel [65]
2020 42
2021 43
202244 Gael Leung Chong WoMr. Leather Belgium 2020/2021Ghent, Belgium60 11 (USA, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Venezuela) 23 (AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, WA, WI) Arie Crown Theater & Congress Plaza Hotel [66] [67]
202345 Marcus BarelaEagle LA Mr. Leather 2023Los Angeles, California54 10 (USA, Australia, Belgium, Colombia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland) 21 (AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, RI, TN, TX) Auditorium Theatre & Congress Plaza Hotel [68] [69]
202446 Jamal "Pup Savage" Herrera-O'MalleySan Francisco Eagle Leather Pup 2024San Francisco, California59 9 (USA, Australia, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom) 21 (AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TX) Venue SIX10 at Spertus Institute, McCormick Place, & Congress Plaza Hotel [70]

In cases of regional, international, or non-geographic preliminary titles (Mr Midwest Leather, Mr SECC Leather, Leathermen of Color, Mr Leather Europe, etc.), participation is attributed to the contestant's country, state, and/or territory of residence.

Statistics

As of 2024, five preliminary contests have produced multiple IML winners. Mr. Texas Leather holds the most wins per preliminary contest (3) as of 2024. San Francisco holds the record of the most IML wins per city (7) as of 2024.[71]

!Preliminary Contest / Primary Sponsor!Wins!Win Year(s)!Ref.
Bavarian Mr. Leather12001
The Brig & The Phoenix11981
Eagle LA Mr. Leather12023
Leatherman of Color12019
Motor Sportclub Amsterdam (MSA)11993
Mr. Boston Leather11990
Mr. CC (of Palm Springs)11991
Mr. Chaps San Francisco11985
Mr. D.C. Eagle22004, 2014
Mr. Drummer11982
Mr. GNI (Gay Naturists International) Leather12017
Mr. Heartland Leather12000
Mr. Hoist12003
Mr. Kentucky Leather12018
Mr. Leather Australia11980
Mr. Leather Belgium12022
Mr. Leather Brig11979
Mr. Leather Colorado11984
Mr. Leather Europe21987, 2011
Mr. Leather Montreal12006
Mr. Leather New York11996
Mr. Leather San Diego11988
Mr. Los Angeles Leather22007, 2015
Mr. Michigan Leather12012
Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather11998
Mr. Minnesota Leather11997
Mr. National Leather Association11989
Mr. New Jersey Leather12016
Mr. Oklahoma Leather11995
Mr. Palm Springs Leather12008
Mr. Philadelphia Leather11986
Mr. Ramrod12005
Mr. Rio Grande Leather12010
Mr. Rocky Mountain Leather11999
Mr. San Francisco Leather21992, 2013
Mr. San Jose Leather11994
Mr. Texas Leather31983, 2002, 2009
San Francisco Eagle Leather Pup 202412024

Milestones

In 1984 Ron Moore became the first black man to win International Mr. Leather.[72] In 1997, his sister Genelle Moore won International Ms. Leather, which made them the first siblings to hold international leather titles.[73] [74]

In 2010, Tyler McCormick became the first openly transgender man, the first wheelchair user, and the first person from New Mexico to win International Mr. Leather.[75]

The 2012 contest featured two weddings as well as the contest's first pair of married contestants competing against each other.

In 2019, Jack Thompson became the first openly transgender person of color to win International Mr. Leather. His win also marked the first time black men won consecutive International Mr. Leather titles.[76]

International Mr. Bootblack

The International Mr. Bootblack (IMrBB) Competition runs throughout the IML weekend. Contestants are given a location in the IML Leather Market at which they perform bootblacking services. Weekend ticket package holders (as well as judges, contestants, and vendors) are each provided with a bootblack ballot which is redeemable for one shine by the bootblack of the voter's choice. Bootblacks are free to shine the boots of any person, regardless of whether that person has a ballot, although it is made clear that the ballots are the means by which the winner will be determined. Tipping is not required, but is quite common.

The bootblack contestants work during the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of IML during the time that the Leather Market is open, a total of approximately 20 hours over three days. In previous years, the bootblacks were allowed to shine boots and collect tickets at all times during the weekend. Since 2001, the bootblack contestants have established a gentlemen's agreement at the start of the weekend that they will not shine boots or accept ballots except during the established competition hours. This agreement was conceived to give the contestants the freedom to take time to enjoy the weekend without feeling the pressure to always be bootblacking.

At its inception in 1993, the competition was called the International Bootblack Competition, and both men and women were allowed to compete. In 1998, it was announced that the competition would be changed to the International Mr. Bootblack Competition and that a separate competition solely for women would be held at International Ms. Leather. This change was made largely because it was commonly held that women had a significant disadvantage competing for ballots from IML's predominantly gay male attendees, who may favor bootblacks who they find attractive. Since 1999, competitors for IMrBB are restricted to persons over the age of 21 who present as male.

The winner of the International Mr. Bootblack Competition is announced (along with the first and second runners-up and the winner of the Brotherhood Award, on which the IMrBB competitors vote and which is roughly analogous to the Miss Congeniality Award from various traditional beauty contests) at the Sunday contest, immediately following the announcement of the top 20 IML finalists.

In recent years, largely because of coordination of the contest by David Hawks, International Mr. Bootblack 2000, the Bootblack Competition has begun to develop adjunct activities. An IMrBB party is held in a hotel function room on Saturday night, offering food, music, and a silent auction, the proceeds of which go to the travel fund of the winner. Likewise, during the competition hours in the Leather Market, volunteers man a table to answer questions and sell IMrBB Travel Fund pins, which also adds to the travel fund. These sources of revenue have provided the various contestants with significantly more money to aid their travel to distant events during their title years. The money is controlled by the contest coordinator, and any access to the funds must be accompanied by proof of the travel outlay.

Starting in 2013, the IMrBB contest has implemented a judging system to select the winner. Contestants are evaluated by a panel of judges on the basis of their technical bootblacking skills, how they present themselves on stage and in public and what they say in an interview with the judges. Ballot voting still makes up a percentage of the contestant's total score.

IMrBB winners

The following is a table of IMrBB contest winners:

YearWinnerWinner's preliminary title or sponsorWinner's cityContestants
1993David Morgan DC Eagle?
1994William Shields, Jr. Chicago Eagle & Chicago Hellfire Club ?
1995Tim Cousins DC EagleWashington, D.C. ?
1996Todd Nelson ?
1997Driller SF Eagle & Daddy's Bar ?
1998Matthew Duncan Centaur MC Washington, D.C. ?
1999Robert Ehrlich DC EagleWashington, D.C. ?
2000David Hawks Mid-Atlantic Bootblack 2000 (Centaur MC) Washington, D.C. ?
2001Paksen Burrell Mid-Atlantic Bootblack 2001 (Centaur MC) Washington, D.C. ?
2002Michael Lanzini The Lure ?
2003Richie Chameroy Daddy's Bar & Powerhouse Bar San Francisco, California ?
2004Alan Tunstall The Barracks Bar & Avatar Club 8
2005BooBoo Great Lakes Leather Alliance & Laws Leather9
2006Benjamin Palmer PumpJack Pub & Priape Vancouver 5
2007Spot Great Lakes Leather Alliance 5
2008Bootdog Alameda County Leather Corps 5
2009McG Bootblack Toronto 2009 6
2010Tim Starkey Boston Ramrod 5
2011Jim Deuder NYC Bootblack Roundtable, The Leather Man NYC & the Eagle NYC New York City, New York 6
2012Nick Elliott Oregon State Bootblack, 2011 2
2013Sammy Sklover Oregon State Bootblack, 2012 Portland, Oregon 3
2014Scout Eros SF & the San Francisco Eagle Oakland, California 7
2015Bamm-Bamm International Leatherboy 2012, SF Eagle San Francisco, California 6
2016Erick Joseph Alaska State Bootblack ?
2017Ryan "Pawlish" Garner-CarpenterIndependent Candidate3
2018Lucky RebelMr. Oregon State Leather 2016Portland, Oregon ?
2019Kriszly de HondMr. Puppy EU 2015, XXXLeather's House Bootblack 4
2020 rowspan=2 colspan="4" align="center"
2021
2022Alistair LeatherHiraeth Bootblack Europe 2020 3
2023 rowspan=2 colspan="4" align="center" [77]
2024

Cultural impact & legacy

According to the Chicago Reader, "IML has endured as an institution that serves the LGBTQ+ community by fundraising for grassroots groups as well as providing opportunities to gather and exchange goods, information, and kinship."[78] IML has also improved the visibility and popularity of leather culture;[79] [80] past IML contestants and attendees have founded leather organizations, competitions, and businesses around the world, including National Leather Association International.[81] [82] [83]

Recognition

See also

Footnotes

  1. Book: Bean , Joseph W. . 2004 . International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions . . 1st . Nazca Plains . . 1-887895-38-8 .
  2. Book: Davolt , Robert . 2003 . Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized Manual for Leather/SM . cover design by Steve Diet Goedde . Daedalus Publishing . . 1-881943-19-4 . 212 .
  3. Web site: International Mr. Leather, Inc. . Contestant Application . 2005-12-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060324045723/http://www.imrl.com/forms/ContestantApplication2006.pdf . 2006-03-24 . dead .
  4. Web site: Leather Archives & Museum Announcement. Twitter. 2009-05-25. 2009-09-04.
  5. Web site: IML Makes History. Will Clark World. 2009-07-15. 2009-09-04.
  6. Web site: International Mr. Leather, Inc. . Official IML Scoring Procedure . 2005-12-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20051222054853/http://www.imrl.com/contestantinfo/scoring.asp . 2005-12-22 . dead .
  7. Web site: International Mr. Leather, Inc. . IML 2004 . 2005-12-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060324045826/http://www.imrl.com/imlpast/2004.asp . 2006-03-24 . dead .
  8. Book: International Mr. Leather, Inc. . 2005-05-30 . Michael Egdes Named International Mr. Leather 2005 Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago . (Microsoft Word) . Press release . 2005-12-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20051223153734/http://www.imrl.com/press/IML2005PostRelease.doc . 2005-12-23 . dead .
  9. Web site: International Mr. Leather – Bootblack Contest . 2006-04-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060324045320/http://www.imrl.com/bootblack/index.asp . 2006-03-24 . dead .
  10. Web site: International Mr. Leather – Past Bootblack Winners . 2006-04-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060324045308/http://www.imrl.com/bootblack/pastbootblacks.asp . 2006-03-24 . dead .
  11. Book: International Mr. Leather, Inc. . 2007-05-27 . Mikel Gerle Named International Mr. Leather 2007 . (Microsoft Word) . Press release . 2007-05-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070721025006/http://www.imrl.com/press/2007/2007IMLWinnersRelease.doc . 2007-07-21 . dead .
  12. Web site: International Mr. Bootblack 2013 Press Release . 2013-02-08 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130719082245/http://www.imrl.com/press/2013/IMBB2013JudgeAnnouncement.pdf . 2013-07-19.
  13. Source for 1979 to 2003: Book: Bean , Joseph W. . 2004 . International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions . . 1st . Nazca Plains . . 1-887895-38-8.
  14. Source for 2004 to 2008: Web site: International Mr. Leather - History . 2009-03-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090220182519/http://imrl.com/history/viewyear.php . 2009-02-20.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Street . Mikelle . 2019-01-19 . What You Need To Know About International Mr. Leather 2019 . 2024-05-28 . . en.
  2. Web site: Peregrin . Tony . 2012-05-21 . International Mr. Leather competition to include two gay weddings in 34th year . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  3. Web site: International Mr. Leather . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  4. Web site: Goldsborough . Bob . 2017-06-30 . Chuck Renslow, Chicago gay community icon and International Mr. Leather contest founder, dies at 87 . 2024-05-28 . . en-US.
  5. Web site: International Mr. Leather . 2024-08-06 . International Mr. Leather . en-US . International Mr. Leather, International Mr. Bootblack, the Wingman logo, and “IML” are all trademarks or registered trademarks of International Mr. Leather, Inc., or The Renslow Charitable Foundation used under the terms of a licencing agreement, all rights reserved..
  6. Web site: Leather History Timeline . 2008-02-14 . Leather Archives & Museum . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100803065539/http://www.leatherarchives.org/exhibits/deblase/timeline2.htm#1989 . 2010-08-03.
  7. Web site: Croix . Sukie de la . 2003-05-21 . International Mr. Leather Hits 25th Anniversary . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  8. Web site: The History of Bootblacking . 2024-07-03 . en-GB.
  9. Web site: Leather Archives & Museum Announcement. Twitter. 2009-05-25. 2009-09-04.
  10. Web site: KANE, "DRUMMER," AND DEBLASE — Rick Storer, Leather Archives & Museum — San Francisco Leathermen's Discussion Group . Sfldg.org . 2014-10-22 . 2020-04-24.
  11. Web site: Croix . Sukie de la . 2003-05-21 . International Mr. Leather Hits 25th Anniversary . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  12. Web site: Bannon . Race . 2017-07-09 . A Hero Leaves Us :: Leather Folk on the Passing of Chuck Renslow . 2024-06-15 . Bay Area Reporter.
  13. Web site: Villarreal . Daniel . 2019-04-15 . Exclusive: Chicago’s International Mr. Leather Event Will Soon Repeal Its ‘Bareback Ban’ on Vendors . 2024-03-29 . . en.
  14. Web site: Ambrosius . Andy . 2015-05-19 . IML 2015 going back to its Chicago roots May 21-25 . 2024-03-28 . GoPride Chicago . EN.
  15. Web site: 2023-05-30 . Barela wins International Mr. Leather title . 2024-03-28 . Windy City Times.
  16. Web site: 2020-05-26 . IML officially cancelled for 2020 . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  17. Web site: Farinas . Gerald . 2021-06-09 . IML cancels November date; will return Memorial Day weekend 2022 . 2024-05-27 . GoPride Chicago . EN.
  18. Web site: Event Schedule . 2022-07-11 . International Mr. Leather . en-US.
  19. Web site: Application . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  20. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2014-12-04 . Mr. New England Leather 2015 Dalton Flint . 2024-06-19 . The Leather Journal . en-gb.
  21. Book: Leather Archives & Museum . International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions . 2004 . Nazca Plains . 1-887895-38-8 . Bean . Joseph W. . 1st . Las Vegas, Nevada . 206-207.
  22. Web site: 2018-05-27 . International Mr. Leather 40: The contestants . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  23. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2015-05-29 . Patrick Smith wins IML and Bamm Bamm is IMBB 2015 . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  24. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2019-05-19 . IMBB and IML 2019 Contestants Preview . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  25. Web site: Mikel Gerle Named International Mr. Leather 2007 . 2024-07-03 . GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.com) . EN.
  26. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2017-05-19 . IML and IMBB 2017 Contestant Bios and Photos . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  27. Web site: Rhodes . David . 2023-05-19 . The Leather Journal's IML 2023 Contestants Preview . 2024-05-27 . The Leather Journal.
  28. Web site: Leatherati . 2016-08-26 . IML 2010 Contestants . 2024-07-03 . Medium . en.
  29. Web site: 27th Annual International Mr. Leather in Chicago, May 26-30 . 2024-07-03 . GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.com) . EN.
  30. Web site: Mister Marcus . 2008-04-07 . Mr. Powerhouse wins it! . 2024-05-27 . Bay Area Reporter.
  31. Web site: 2008-05-28 . International Mr. Leather 2008, first photos . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  32. Web site: Croix . Sukie de la . 2003-05-21 . International Mr. Leather Hits 25th Anniversary . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  33. Web site: Wade . Matthew . 2015-09-17 . Throwback: When Patrick Brookes was crowned Mr Leather Australia . 2024-05-27 . .
  34. Web site: Mister Marcus . 2006-03-28 . Remembrances . 2024-05-27 . Bay Area Reporter.
  35. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 1992-12-21 . Leather Titles in 1992 . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  36. Web site: Jones . Arnold Wayne . 2009-05-28 . That's MISTER Leather to you! . 2024-06-09 . . en-US.
  37. Web site: Lenius . Steve . 2003-06-13 . International Mr. Leather 2003—Silver Anniversary . 2024-05-27 . Leather Life.
  38. Web site: 2005-06-01 . International Mr. Leather 2005 . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  39. Web site: 2006 IML switches locations, moves to Chicago Theatre . 2024-07-03 . GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.com) . EN.
  40. Web site: 29th Annual International Mr. Leather Contest: May 24-28, 2007 . 2024-07-03 . GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.com) . EN.
  41. Web site: Mister Marcus . 2007-05-29 . LA's Mikel Gerle wins IML . 2024-07-02 . Bay Area Reporter.
  42. Web site: Mister Marcus . 2008-05-27 . Californians sweep IML 2008 . 2024-07-02 . Bay Area Reporter.
  43. Web site: Life After IML - June 2008 . 2024-07-03 . www.pawscave.dircon.co.uk.
  44. Web site: Lenius . Steve . 2009-06-19 . International Mr. Leather 2009 . 2024-07-03 . Leather Life.
  45. Web site: 2009-05-27 . 31st annual International Mr. Leather photos . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  46. Web site: Brogan . Scott . 2010-06-01 . Trans man wins IML 2010 . 2024-06-19 . Bay Area Reporter.
  47. Web site: Leatherati . 2016-08-26 . IML 2010 Complete Coverage . 2024-08-06 . Medium . en.
  48. Web site: Leatherati . 2016-08-26 . IML 2011 Recap . 2024-07-03 . Medium . en.
  49. Web site: Anthony . Brett . Eric Guttierez named International Mr. Leather 2011 . 2024-07-03 . GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.com) . EN.
  50. Web site: 2024-01-23 . Eric - Mr. Leather Europe 2010 . 2024-08-12 . ECMC.
  51. Web site: 2012-05-28 . International Mr. Leather 2012 crowned . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  52. Web site: 2013-05-26 . Andy Cross wins International Mr. Leather 2013 . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  53. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 51 men will compete for the IML 2013 title - The Leather Journal . 2024-07-03 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  54. News: Burger . Rodney . 2013-03-08 . A Two-Headed Titleholder? Seeing Double at Mr. SECC Leather Contest . 2024-08-10 . Baltimore Out Loud . 22 . 10 . 20.
  55. News: 2013-04-10 . Clark Wins Code . 2024-08-10 . Watermark: Your LGBT Life . 43 . 20.07.
  56. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . German Native, Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2014 at IML 36! - The Leather Journal . 2024-07-03 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  57. Web site: Bannon . Race . 2014-06-10 . Chicago Style . 2024-07-02 . Bay Area Reporter.
  58. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . IML Class of 2014 - Part III - The Leather Journal . 2024-07-03 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  59. Web site: Ramien Pierre wins International Mr. Leather 2014 . 2024-07-03 . GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.com) . EN.
  60. Web site: Staff . Windy City . 2015-05-25 . International Mr. Leather chosen . 2024-07-03 . . en-US.
  61. Web site: IML 2015 Contestants - The Leather Journal . 2024-08-11 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  62. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2016-06-05 . IML 2016 was hotter than the weather in Chicago . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  63. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2016-05-17 . IML Class of 2016 Bios and Photos - The Leather Journal . 2024-08-12 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  64. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . IML 2018 Contestants' Photos and Bios - The Leather Journal . 2024-08-02 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  65. Web site: Street . Mikelle . 2019-05-26 . Jack Thompson Is the First Trans POC to Win International Mr. Leather . 2024-05-27 . . en.
  66. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2022-06-07 . IML 2022 Winners, Top 20 and Contenders . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  67. Web site: Bleather - Bear and Leather Pride . 2024-08-11 . Mobile Leather Weekend . en.
  68. Web site: 2023-05-30 . Barela wins International Mr. Leather title . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  69. Web site: 2022-12-05 . Podcast: Andy Walgraef (Mister Leather Belgium/Europe) & Johnny Verburg (Mister Bear Belgium) Videov . 2024-05-27 . gaylive.be.
  70. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2024-05-16 . IML 2024 Contestants Preview . 2024-05-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com . en-gb.
  71. Web site: Mr SF Leather Titleholders . 2024-05-27 . SF Bay Area Leather Alliance . en-US.
  72. Web site: Displaying items by tag: International Leather . 2020-05-03 . The Leather Journal.
  73. Web site: Cuir Underground . www.black-rose.com.
  74. Web site: 23 May 2020 . Leather Archives & Museum . 28 Aug 2022 . Twitter.
  75. Web site: 2011-01-04 . Tyler McCormick, International Mr. Leather 2010 - Leatherati Online . 2020-05-03 . Leatherati.com.
  76. Web site: Rhodes . Dave . 2019-05-31 . Jack Thompson is the first Trans POC to win IML title . www.theleatherjournal.com.
  77. Web site: Bootblack Contest . International Mr. Leather, Inc. . 10 May 2023.
  78. Web site: Caporale . Micco . 2024-01-31 . Leather could be for everyone . 2024-05-27 . . en-US.
  79. Web site: Our Story . 2024-05-29 . . en-US.
  80. Web site: Cheves . Alexander . 2017-11-09 . 35 DOs and DON'Ts of a Gay Leather Bar . 2024-07-10 . . en.
  81. Web site: Judge 5, Daniel Premack - Executive Producer of Mister Leather Israel (Tel Aviv, Israel) . 2024-05-27 . Darklands Festival.
  82. Web site: About Us – History of Leather64TEN . 2024-05-27 . Leather64TEN.
  83. Web site: History - NLA International . 2024-07-13 . . en-GB.
  84. Web site: July 4, 2021 . International Deaf Leather | AWARDS .
  85. Web site: Pantheon of Leather Awards All Time Recipients - The Leather Journal . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150325083826/https://www.theleatherjournal.com/pantheon-awards/recipients . 2015-03-25 . 2020-12-27 . www.theleatherjournal.com.
  86. Web site: Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151017032241/http://www.glhalloffame.org/index.pl?page=inductees&todo=year . 2015-10-17 . 2015-06-28.
  87. Web site: CLAW . 2019-12-18 . Clawinfo.org.
  88. Web site: > Home . 2019-12-18 . Leatherhalloffame.com.
  89. Web site: Record No. O2018-3236 - Office of the City Clerk . 2024-06-10 . City of Chicago, Office of the City Clerk.
  90. Web site: 2018-05-07 . Chuck Renslow street dedication May 19 . 2024-06-10 . . en-US.
  91. Web site: 2020-10-31 . Chuck Renslow Way . 2024-06-10 . Honorary Chicago . en-US.