Category: National

News from the National LGBTQ, bear, leather and kink communities.

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Woodhull Freedom Foundation filing suit against FOSTA

WASHINGTON — The Woodhull Freedom Foundation announced Thursday that it was filing a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 (“FOSTA”), under the First and Fifth Amendments of the United States Constitution. Woodhull filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for…

Leathertarian Awards announce 2018 winners

DALLAS — The Leathertarian Awards announced their 2018 winners on Thursday, June 21. They are: Lifetime Award Winner Vi Johnson Female Award Winner Tyesha Nicole Best Male Award Winner Nitro Hankinson The Male and Female winners will receive a check in the amount of $500.00. The Lifetime Award winner will receive a check in the…

C.O.M.M.A.N.D. MC in Maryland changes to inclusive name

BALTIMORE — C.O.M.M.A.N.D. MC of Maryland announced last week they would be changing the name of their club to adapt to changing community demographics. In an announcement on their Facebook group, the club said the acronym C.O.M.M.A.N.D. would now stand for Corps of Marylanders Making A Noticeable Difference. Previously, it had been “Corps of Men.” “We see…

Applications for ABW available

  CHICAGO — Applications to compete for American Brotherhood Weekend are now available. ABW welcomes contestants from all over the United States to run for the American Leatherman, American Leatherwoman, and American Leatherboy titles October 5 through 7 in Chicago.  For details on contestant requirements, you can visit their website www.americanbrotherhood.com and download the application or…

New Olympus Leather titleholders sashed in San Diego

SAN DIEGO — Olympus Leather Weekend 2018 (May 4-6, 2018) highlighted an impressive roster of contestants, an incredible luau, fantastic weather, and 3 new titlists. International Mr Olympus Leather 2018 Ben Workman, International Ms Olympus Leather 2018 Samsara, and International Mx Olympus Leather 2018 Raven Darknights. We welcome them to the Olympus Leather Family and look forward to them inspiring non-biased visibility as they promote a positive image of the leather lifestyle.

James Lee wins IML 40, Lucky Rebel wins IMBB

CHICAGO — James Lee, Mr. Kentucky Leather, won International Mr. Leather 40 and Lucky Rebel, Mr. Oregon State Leather 2016, won International Mr. Bootblack 2018 in Chicago on Sunday, May 27. Lee is the first IML to come from Kentucky and an ONYX Great Lakes member. Mr. Friendly SF 2018 Stephen Ferris was second runner-up…

PASSINGS: Artist Michael Kirwan

LOS ANGELES — The Tom of Finland Foundation announced the passing of artist Michael Kirwan over the weekend. From the press release: With a sad heart, we are letting you know that artist Michael Kirwan passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, 26th May 2018, in Los Angeles, California. Hoist a glass and make…

MIR announces judges, emcee, new venue

CHICAGO — Mr. International Rubber announced a slate of changes for the 2018 contest Friday afternoon at International Mr. Leather in Chicago.

The biggest news was a change of venue for the final portion on the Saturday of the contest weekend. MIR COO Rubberwilli said that the Center on Halstead would remain the home of the vendor market and Friday night portion of the contest. However, due to the growth of the audience, the finale portion will now be at the auditorium at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Contestant numbers for IML/IMBB 2018 assigned

CHICAGO — International Mr. Leather announced the contest numbers for this year’s contestants during the Opening Ceremonies Friday night in Chicago. The contestant numbers are: 1- Nick Hollie, Mr Philadelphia Leather 2017 2- Bret Streetman, Oklahoma Mr Leather 2018 3- Damien Basile, Northeast Handler 2017 4- Scot Blumstein, Mr Ramrod 2017 5- Ray Sparo, M…