Whew! It was a busy, crowded Dore Alley (Up Your Alley) weekend here in San Francisco. There were too many great events and fun parties to choose from. The weekend got of to an early start on Thurs., July 22 when the International Leather Sir/boy and International Community Bootblack (ILSb/ICBB) competition held their meet-and-greet at Mr. S Leather. The store was packed with contestants, staff, and what seemed like every other leather person in town. After a quick stop back at the Hotel Whitcomb for a roast of the outgoing titleholders, the festivities continued at the welcome/kick-off celebration at Chaps Bar.
Friday night brought us part one of the ILSb/ICBB contest, while over at the SF Eagle the long-standing SF Leather Daddy (SFLD) contest took place. The SFLD dates back to 1983, when it was created by the original SFLD, the late Alan Selby, as a means to raise funds for people with HIV. The three contestants for SFLD XXVIII were Dick Manning, Ryan Winslow and David Meyer. The emcee duties were ably accomplished by SF Leather Daddy VI Jason Ladd. I was honored to co-judge the contest with Daddy Tom Rodgers (SFLD IV), Daddy Doug Mezzacapo (SFLD XXII �" he's my husband!), Daddy Richard Sprott (SFLD XXIII), Daddy's boy Mikey Shirts (SF Leather Daddy's boy XXVII) and our most recent SFLD (XXVII) Gauge Strongarm. Strongarm, who gave a thoughtful and concise step-down speech, will be a tough Daddy to follow. Most titles are "yearly" and are done when that year is over. Not so with the Daddies. Their titles are for life (hence the numbers), and they are a real fraternity of Daddies who continue to serve our community. Although I'm not at liberty to divulge what was discussed during the pre-contest interviews, I can report that all three contestants were more than worthy of the title. It's tough picking one winner from such exemplary candidates, who ranged in age from 29 to 63. The youngest, Ryan, was especially impressive, possessing knowledge beyond his years regarding his sexuality and dominant side. I'm thrilled to see a representative of this so-called "new guard" step up and show sincere interest in helping the community. But only one person can have the title, and our new SF Leather Daddy (XXVIII) is the equally impressive David Meyer. Congratulations to all three for giving us judges and the packed crowd at the SF Eagle a fun and thought-provoking contest.
Over at the Hotel Whitcomb, the ILSb/ICBB contest stretched across Friday and Saturday nights. Good thing, as there were 10 contestants each for the Sir and boy titles, and seven for the Bootblack title. The big finale was Saturday, with fantasies from the Sir/boy couples and speeches from the Bootblack contestants. Most of the fantasies were appropriately clever and nasty (yes, it's possible to do both at the same time!), and the bootblack speeches were equally good. The standout for me was Gulf Coast Community Bootblack 2010 Kristen, who gave an especially charming and passionate speech. I can't pick just one standout in the fantasies, there were so many. Although I do question the "Blue Collar" "fantasy" (quotes on purpose) not really being a fantasy but rather an intended social statement that came off as just plain depressing. Regardless, and thanks to Mark Frazier and staff (who once again gave us a great contest weekend), the entire contest was fast-paced, fun, and well organized. Leather Leadership Award recipient Graylin Thornton was an excellent emcee, with banter that was actually witty.
I regret that I was unable to attend Friday night's events and hear the rest of the speeches. After judging the SF Leather contest I sure didn't envy these judges, having so many great contestants. I also regret that I don't have the space here to list each contestant and judge. They deserve as many accolades as possible. In the end, the 2009 titleholders (Sir Tony Palazzo, boy Brad Hill, and Syr Evan) stepped aside for the 2010 winners: International Leather Sir, Sir Hugh (Northwest Leather Sir); International Leather boy, boy ian (Eastern Canada Leatherboy) and International Community Bootblack "redwarrior" (Southeast Community Bootblack). Congratulations and good luck in the coming year!
July 17-19 brought us American Brotherhood Weekend (ABW) in Chicago. Louie Pacheco won American Leatherman 2010, and Bryan Teague won American Leatherboy 2010. There were no contestants for American Leatherwoman, but luckily American Leatherwoman 2009 Dakota has agreed to complete the family by helping to promote the mission and values of the ABW. Congratulations, men, and thank you, Dakota, for embodying what being a titleholder is all about. For more details, visit www.americanbrotherhood.com.
Oh yeah! There was that street fair on Dore and Folsom this past Sunday. It was the perfect ending to a busy weekend, and seemed more intimate than in the past few years. I mean that in a good way �" who doesn't want to get intimate with a crowd like that? Luckily, the sun came out for a while, which, of course, prompted the clothes to come off. It was a real treat to see so many friends I hadn't seen in a long time (except on Facebook), and to make some new friends in the process, if you know what I mean.
Coming up in leather & kinkThur., Jul. 29: Hot Draw! at the Mark Chester studio (1229 Folsom). Still running (through Aug. 22): Men - photographs by German photographer Ulli Richter. Viewing hours 1-6 p.m. Go to: http://markichester.com.
Thur., Jul. 29: Cheap Ass Contest at Chaps Bar (1225 Folsom). Hosted by and benefiting Stop AIDS. $100 prize. Contestants register at 10 p.m., winner chosen by audience applause at Midnight. Free clothes check. Chaps Bar donates $1 per patron to Stop AIDS Project. Thumpin' new beats by Hotwire. Go to: www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com.
Thur., Jul. 29: A Real Women's Guide to the Art of Bedroom Striptease with Goth Kitty Jen at the SF Citadel (1277 Mission). This will be a women's and woman-identified class only �" sorry, no boys allowed! 8-10 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $20 admission. Go to: www.sfcitadel.org.
Fri., Jul, 30: Skank, the sleazy new SoMa men's party at Chaps Bar. Starts at 9 p.m. Skank go-go studs at 10:30 p.m. Go to: www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com.
Fri., Jul. 30-Sun., Aug. 1: Cleo Dubois' Erotic Dominance Intensive for Women: Professional's Course, given by the Cleo Dubois Academy of SM Arts, SF. Expand your understanding of fetishes, learn more about different Domina styles and archetypes, refine your play skills, and get some great business tips, too! The full 3-day weekend starts Fri., 11 a.m., at a private SoMa playspace, and continues Sat. & Sun. at the SF Citadel. Go to: www.sm-arts.com/intensives/pros.html or www.sfcitadel.org.
Fri., Jul. 30: Tryst at the SF Citadel. This is a specialty party for those who consider themselves to be "on the market" for new dating partners. This is a pansexual party that caters to both the monogamous and polyamorous communities. 8-10 p.m. Admission is $25, plus one-year $10 membership. Go to: www.sfcitadel.org.
Sat., Jul. 31: All Beef Saturday/100% Soma Beef & Co. at the Lone Star Saloon, presented by Castro Bear. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. DJ Craig Gabler. No chicken, no fillers, by-products or preservatives. Go to: www.castrobear.com or www.lonestarsaloon.com.
Sat., Jul. 31: Boot Lickin' at the Powerhouse (1347 Folsom). 10 p.m. Go to: www.powerhouse-sf.com.
Sat., Jul. 31: Open Play Party at the SF Citadel. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $25 per person. Go to: www.sfcitadel.org.
Sat., Jul. 31: Back Bar Action at the Eagle Tavern (398 12th St.). Back-patio bar opened to all gear/fetish/leather. 10 p.m. to close. Go to: www.sfeagle.com.
Sat., Jul. 31: Boots! Hosted by Stomper's Boots, at Chaps Bar. 9 p.m. Bootblack on duty. Come hang with some boot pigs.
Sun., Aug. 1: Castrobear presents Sunday Furry Sunday at 440 Castro. 4-10 p.m. Go to: www.castrobear.com.
Sun., Aug. 1: Panther's Beer Bust at Chaps Bar. 4-9 p.m. $1 Bud Light on draft. $8 all you can drink Bud Light or soda from 5-9 p.m. Bootblack on duty. DJ Jim provides music from 5-10 p.m. Go to: www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com.
Mon., Aug. 2: Citadel's Peer Rope Workshop at the SF Citadel. Madame Butterfly & Mr. Madame Butterfly host. $10 donation encouraged. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Go to: www.sfcitadel.org.
Tue., Aug. 3: 12-Step Kink Recovery Group at the SF Citadel. 6:30-8 p.m. Go to: www.sfcitadel.org.
Wed., Aug. 4: SoMa's Men's Club. Every Wed., the SoMa Clubs (Chaps, Powerhouse, Truck, Lone Star, Hole in the Wall, the Eagle) have specials for those who have the Men's Club dogtags. See your favorite SoMa bar for details.
Wed., Aug. 4: Naked Buddies at Blow Buddies (933 Harrison), doors open 8 p.m.-12 a.m., play til late. Go to: www.blowbuddies.com.
Wed., Aug. 4: Dominant Discussion Group (DDG) at the SF Citadel. Doors open at 7 p.m., discussion from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Go to: www.sfcitadel.org.
Wed., Aug. 4: Busted! at Chaps Bar (1225 Folsom). This week's edition: Fisting, hosted by Hell Hole. Starts at 9 p.m. Go to: www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com.
Mark your calendars:
Tues., Aug. 24: Watch your favorite 2011 Bare Chest Calendar men walk the catwalk as the auctions get a facelift. For the first time ever, they're teaming up with Donna Sachet and Lenny Broberg for a new gala at the Empire Ballroom of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. All 12 men will be auctioned off after a formalwear and sportswear fashion show. Go to: www.barechest.org/auctiongala/.
Fri., Aug. 27: 10th (yes, 10th!) annual Breast Cancer Emergency Fun at 7 p.m. at the City Forest Lodge (www.cityforestlodge.com) in SF. Thank you, Sandy "Mama" Reinhardt, for starting this worthy cause in 2000. Tickets are $22, get them at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/113713/.