The 25th anniversary International Mr. Leather competition was held last month in Chicago, IL. The co-founder of the event, Chuck Renslow, delivered the following address on the night of May 25. We congratulate the IML organization on this milestone in their history and are pleased to reprint Mr. Renslow's remarks for the benefit of those who couldn't attend this year's contest.

Good evening and welcome to the 25th anniversary of International Mr. Leather.

I’ve spent a lot of time these last few days walking around the Palmer House and talking with many of you; getting to know who you are and where you come from. What struck me was how much has changed since the first IML contest 25 years ago.

The changes I have seen in my life, especially during the last 25 years, are nothing less than astonishing. Being a gay man or woman is no longer talked about in whispers and in secret. We're out there in ways we could only have dreamed about back then. A testimony to that is the recent elections of Tom Tunney, the first openly gay alderman here in Chicago, and Rod R. Blagojevich, our governor, who is pro-gay. Also worth noting is the fact that all of the democratic contenders for President of the United States support gay rights. But the changes I’ve seen, good and bad, go beyond the election of public officials.

The leather community has changed a great deal. IML is living proof of that. What was a small event 25 years ago now attracts up to 15,000 leatherfolk from all over the world. In bars and clubs around the globe, well over 1,000 contests are held each year, though no other contest exists of the magnitude of IML. Through these events the leather tribe makes their presence felt everywhere in their communities worldwide.

When we band together as one, with respect for all, amazing things can happen. Thirteen years ago, Tony DeBlase presented to the leather tribe the leather pride flag. That flag has become the cornerstone and rallying symbol for all of us.

The establishment of the leather archives is another shining example of what this community can do when we truly band together. What was a dream and an idea in the early 90's is now a living, breathing, place filled with the stories, artifacts and milestones of our history. And we built it, we bought it, and we own it.

In the last 25 years, we saw the growth and ultimate acceptance of bootblacks. First only viewed as the work of a bottom or a boy or a slave, bootblacks have grown into something much more. A fetish to be sure, but also a person who embraces that form of service and raises it to an art form. Later in tonight's program your votes will decide the winner of this year's International Bootblack Competition, truly something extraordinary.

Interesting thing about change -- it's the only constant in life. And it never stops. We've all heard about the days of the "old guard" and the “new guard.” Today there is a new generation of leatherfolk becoming more and more prominent poised to take their rightful place in our community. In the past few years, leather "boys clubs" and leather "boys troops" have grown in size, becoming major contributors in their communities and gaining the respect they deserve for their good work. These clubs and their members are making the leather community recognize that there is more to boys than sex and service to their tops. They are special people and very likely will give the leather brotherhood our next generation of leadership. Do not shun them because of some ill-conceived notion of what a boy is or should be. They have chosen to come together for the good of all, not just for themselves. Embrace them, support them, and by all means respect them.

But all of these wonderful things, all of this growth, hard work, and leadership is pointless if we do not take note and do something to stop the enemy from within. AIDS took its toll on our community, killing so many promising leaders, taking away hope and happiness from so many. And AIDS is still with us. In spite of advances in treatment, AIDS is still incurable and is still taking people before their time. In addition, syphilis is making a strong comeback in our community.

Last year, I spoke about barebacking. We know that unprotected sex can likely lead to a venereal disease or even death. Some call it a personal and informed choice. I call it stupid. Uncommitted fucking without a condom is stupid -- period.

But if AIDS isn't enough, we have a new scourge that is taking lives from within our community -- the so-called party drugs: GHB, X, and Crystal Meth. All are ingested to make the high be a little higher. One takes a little more when one is playing to feel a little better or to enhance one's sexcapades.

Since IML last year, how many of our own have died, not from AIDS, but from a drug overdose? More than we care to admit. I’m thinking, in particular, of two who were leaders and had so much to offer. In their short time with us, these two gentlemen inspired us to new ideas, and worked hard to help us be better than we already were.

But they are gone, their voices silenced forever. Silenced because of drugs. Bad choices lead to bad consequences. So now let me take a moment to speak to those in the audience tonight who have a “special” party planned later. To you, I ask, do you really need to use this stuff to make that party better? Perhaps you're already on a nice high, and maybe another bump later will make your sex-high much better. But look around you now. Look at the people next to you, and your brothers and sisters around you. And let them look at you.

Why? Because tonight might be the last night you ever see them. There may be no tomorrow for you.

Some will again say this is an informed personal choice, these drugs can be taken safely. I feel that they are wrong! There is no safe way to use these recreational drugs. One false move and you’re dead. And there is no coming back, not in this world anyway.

We are at a crossroads. President Bill Clinton called on us to “build a bridge to the 21st century." Well, we have crossed that bridge; the generational change has begun. But we need to choose now what road we will take. Will it be for the common good? Will it be about brotherhood or will it be about selfishness and self-destructive behavior leading to death?

The choice is ours. Let us take the high road that is about who we are. Let that be our focus and let that be our legacy.

Thank you for making IML’s first 25 years something truly special. Thank you for coming to Chicago. Thank you all for enriching our lives by your participation in IML and by the many good deeds you do at home. You are my species and I love you all.

 

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