Los Angeles Leather Pride week takes place this year at various venues throughout SoCal March 27–April 3.

BY VICTOR MELAMED

Los Angeles Leather Pride, an annual event operated by The Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC)—a 501(c)4 organization, facilitates communication and mutual understanding among different segments of the leather-affiliated community.

“This year our theme is ‘BOUND’—celebrating the kinky ties that bind the diverse members of our L.A. Leather Community,” states LALC’s Marlon Morales.  “We celebrate the multiple ages, genders and ethnicities that make possible our world-renown dynamic leather/fetish scene, woven together by the Los Angeles Leather Coalition since 1999. Our celebration reflects the strength and diversity of our community.”

“We have witnessed and celebrated the victories of Patrick Smith, LAL 2015 and now International Mr. Leather (IML) 2015.  Patrick is a shining example of the possibilities for personal growth and community service available to titleholders at any level,” says Morales.

“While we readily acknowledge that any person can do great things in service to his community (no title necessary); we believe having the recognition of being a Los Angeles titleholder provides a platform from which to achieve greatness.”

“When you purchase a ticket or package to L.A. Leather Pride week, you become part of the long tapestry of leather history in Los Angeles.”

“Our celebration seeks to maintain and enhance the cooperative efforts of our clubs, bars, and businesses,” states Morales.

“To that end, we will present an unforgettable experience for all—from far and near– who will participate in L.A. Leather Pride on March 27-April 2, 2016. We have planned a full calendar of activities celebrating the kinky ties that bind us together. We are here to celebrate each other!”

For more information on L.A. Leather Pride week visit: losangelesleatherpride.com.

DaddyB makes his live U.S. debut at IBC this month in Palm Springs.

BY VICTOR MELAMED

DaddyB (a.k.a. Bill McKinley), appearing this month at the International Bear Convergence (IBC) in Palm Springs, is a multi-talented singer, dancer, choreographer, songwriter, actor, recording artist and entertainer.

Originally from Indiana, DaddyB lived and worked as a professional entertainer in New York City for 16 years before relocating to Madrid.

As a recording artist, he has two critically-acclaimed albums to his credit (“Everything Possible” and “The Closing of The Year”), and has sung in hundreds of commercials for radio and television, as well as in the Disney films POCAHONTAS and MULAN.

As a professional actor, he has numerous credits in television, film, Off-Broadway and regional theatre, and he has been dancing and choreographing professionally since he was a teenager.

Together with noted composer Javier Leon, DaddyB has written over 20 new pop and dance songs. Their first single, I WANT A BEAR, was produced by William Luque and had its worldwide debut on the main stage of Madrid Pride on July 4, 2015, followed by the online debut July 7th of the music video, directed by renowned Spanish director Alvaro Pastor, along with Director of Photography David Acereto.

The video became an overnight viral sensation, garnering over 100,00 views (currently over 200,000, climbing daily) on Youtube in less than five days.

DaddyB will be making his live U.S. debut headlining in front of more than 5,000 attendees at the International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs this month. He will be debuting eight more of the songs from his new album, and may also be filming one of his new music videos. The themes of his new songs range from Bear-centric to those celebrating inclusivity and pride, to sexy and naughty, to just pure dancing fun.

To book DaddyB through February call: (347) 901-0882.

For more info visit: www.facebook.com/bearsdancemusicfun or DaddyBmusic.com.

Renaissance man Scott Cullens on recovery, gratitude and moments of clarity.

BY TOM PARDOE  |  PHOTO BY SIMON BARNES

Whoever said you can’t have it all and still look amazing at the age of 50 (!) apparently hasn’t met Scott Cullens.

Fitness model, general contractor, designer and all around business mogul (Palm Pacific Construction, LÜB Premium Lubricant, and CUT Barber) Palm Springs based Cullens defies stereotypes.

In an interview with THE FIGHT Cullens talks about his childhood, staying sober and how gratitude is the number one character strength of the happiest people in the world.

Where did you grow up? How would you describe your childhood?

I was born in Kansas and raised in the Ozarks of Missouri. My parents were in high school when I was conceived so we kind of grew up together. Obviously, not an ideal situation, money was tight and it was rough but that’s not what I choose to remember. As an adult, all I remember now and focus on is that my parents really loved me and I think that is the only thing that’s important. Because of that love, I’m going to say it was a happy childhood.

“If a new client doesn’t hire me because they saw a picture of my dick on the internet, then whatever. I can pose nude or model underwear and still be good at my job.”

Before your addiction was in full swing, what were your dreams or goals in life?

Before my addiction, I had already found success in business. In my early 30s, I owned several private fitness gyms which boasted mostly of a celebrity clientele like Brad Pitt, Herb Ritts, Monica Lewinsky, Ryan Seacrest, on and on. It was a great time. I was this kid in a Mercedes sedan running with a fast crowd in L.A. and thinking I was invincible. I was always a big drinker but when the drugs took hold, the spiral down was fast. I’d love to say that the bottom of the barrel came as quickly as the spiral down, but I was clever enough to figure out how to survive in a disgusting world of drugs and poverty for several more years. All of my dreams were gone.

When did you know the jig was up and how did you find recovery?

When the jig was up! On the last day of my addiction, I went to the casino to see if I could turn my last few dollars into more cash. I lost all of my money and had to walk home (or the home where I was crashing), out of money, out of booze and out drugs, but worse, out of hope. I went to the bathroom and was startled by my reflection. I went from a successful, young, buff, strong, determined man to a pathetic, drug- addicted disappointment. I started to brush my teeth and they started to crumble in my mouth. As I spit out the pieces of broken teeth due to my constant drug abuse, I began to sob. I suddenly had a brief moment of clarity, I didn’t feel high or drunk and I can’t remember if I actually heard a voice or it was merely a thought but it was clear “What do you want to do now?” I replied “I want to be happy.” I went to the computer and looked up rehab centers near me and called immediately for an intake appointment.

In early recovery, what factors were key in maintaining your sobriety?

In early recovery, the keys for me to stay sober were to lose my ego completely, surrender to everyone who was trying to help me, do as I was told, start to eat healthy, start to exercise daily, attend daily meetings with others that had similar experiences, meet or call my sponsor every day and volunteer to speak and share at meetings. I threw out my phone directory and built new relationships with my family and sober friends.. But number one was the commitment to not use alcohol or drugs for the rest of my life, one day at a time.

One of the most divine interventions was when I met my sponsor. He had the biggest smile on his face when I would see him at meetings and it seemed evident that he knew something I also needed to know. He taught me to begin looking at my character strengths instead of defects of character. He started teaching me about positive psychology and reminding me that I’m the one who said I wanted to be happy. I never said I wanted to be sober, I told God I wanted to be happy. For me, the path to happiness is through sobriety but anyone is entitled to the benefits of happiness whether sober or not. For anyone seeking sobriety, a sponsor is very important, a navigator to a destination. I wake each morning and recite everything I am grateful for and make a contract with The Universe that I will show up and be present if it brings me all of the resources to accomplish my dreams. Before I shut my eyes at night, I end each day with a complete list of everything for which I am grateful. Gratitude has been scientifically proven to be the number one character strength of the happiest people in the world.

Clearly, to get your body into this kind of shape takes a rigorous, physical discipline. Describe your routine.

I was in the fitness business before my addiction so I knew what to do to get into shape, however, this new found drive and zest made me want to see where I could go physically, spiritually and mentally. As a kid, my only “gay” outlet was to buy GQ magazine at the convenience store each month. I lived in this fantasy world where I could one day be a model like those guys in GQ. Truth is, that I always knew I did not have the face or looks to be a model but I knew that everyone has the capacity to have a good body and possibly be a fitness model with bold intense commitment and grueling training. I hired a trainer and nutrition coach and followed their advice as rigorously as I did my sober program. In sobriety at age 50, I have a better physique today than I did at 20, 30 or 40.

You have a very public persona.  How do you maintain the “real” you?

I maintain the “real” me by not segregating a social media persona from who I really am. My social media is a celebration of my construction business, designs, fitness modeling, lube company, barber shop, family, friends, rainbows, ice cream and puppies! I don’t put the sexy side separate from my businesses. It’s all Scott Cullens and if a new client doesn’t hire me because they saw a picture of my dick on the internet, then whatever. I can pose nude or model underwear and still be good at my job, I promise.

How do you manage to handle all of your businesses at the same time?

When I wake up and feel the pressure of running Palm Pacific Construction, LÜB Premium Lubricant, and CUT Barber simultaneously, I remember that I asked for this and I’m never overwhelmed, just staying in sync with what I contracted with the Universe. I swear, if I got two extra minutes back to back, I’d probably start another company. Well, that’s already underway!

What would you imagine your life to look like without being in recovery?

I would be dead without recovery. There would have been no way to continue down the path of destruction I was on without it ending in death. In rehab, they had me write a list of everything I wanted from sobriety. I wrote that I wanted a relationship with my family, real friends, financial security, to be able to take care of my family, be respected, be good at a career, fall in love, get a dog, and have a good body. Because I stayed sober and grateful, I am enjoying all of the things on my list today.

What makes you smile more than anything else?

The thing that makes me smile the most is when my parents say that they are proud of me.

For all things Scott Cullens, visit palmpacificconstruction.com, LubLube.com and CUTBarber.com.

BY JOE FARAGHER
Photos of Chavez by Jon Wells

Sitting in Juan Chavez’s home in Highland Park, overlooking Northeast Los Angeles, an enormous flurry of bees races past the open window. Chavez, 31, from Palm Springs, California, floats over and shuts the glass. He takes a moment to look out at the insects vanishing into the distance. “They’re getting the fuck out of here—too many damn drag queens” he laughs, flicking a bit of ash from his American Spirit into a little black cup. Not an unfair guess, since Chavez’s life has been sequins, fabrics and queens for some time now. He is a fashion designer who’s current project is his collaboration with Naomi Smalls, Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 8 contestant and the only queen on this season from Los Angeles. Naomi is the “High Fashion Hood Rat” with legs for literal years and a keen sense of glamour with a bit of edge that makes her stand out from the everyday “fashion” girl. Chavez has designed all the looks Naomi will wear on Drag Race, and has put together most of her red carpet attire for the premier parties, as well as looks for Kim Chi, another high-profile contender on this season. He also designed the graphics for her first t-shirts and keychain merch.

Chavez went to Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles where he was mentored by the legendary Bob Mackey. Needless to say, he’s fabulous. Slight but striking, his wan smile betrays a half-hearted attempt to hide his exhaustion. This is a designer who is not caught up in just the fantasy of sketches and inspiration; his attention to detail and labor over stitches marry high concept with flawless execution. All nighters and the hum of a sewing machine are the rhythms by which he lives.

Difficult to read but incredibly kind and soft-spoken, Chavez is confident, but not arrogant. When he describes the quality of a piece he’s made, he isn’t fluffing his ego. He has a genuine enthusiasm for fashion that makes his usually furrowed and probing eyes glimmer like a little kid when discussing the hat worn by Naomi at a premier party.

I chatted with Juan about Drag Race, his origins, and his work.

What was growing up like for you, and when did you discover that you wanted to design? 

I grew up in Palm Springs and there was nothing to do. I started dabbling into drugs when I was like 13 and I was a club kid so I started going to raves, making my own clothes but not really knowing I could make my own clothes. Like, all I would do is cut up sweaters and shirts and pants and trace them, not knowing I was making patterns.

When I was 16 I told my parents I wanted to go to arts school and they said “good luck,” so that’s when I knew that I had to bust my ass and look for scholarships and things to go to school and luckily I made it into Otis. I actually went to school for advertising, not for fashion. And my freshman year, they cal it foundation year, one of my counselors was walking around in the cafe and I was like sketching an outfit for halloween and she turns to me and says “oh you’re going into fashion” and I said no. It just so happened that the next day we had to choose our major and I checked fashion.

Did your parents know you were gay? 

I came out when I was 15. My father was more accepting than my mother was. Like my mother loves me but she wasn’t as accepting. They are now. (chuckles) Yeah, they had to know.

What inspires you? 

A lot of things. One of the first memories I have of inspiration is when I was 16 just walking down the street and going to school and on the pavement I would see the old bubble gum, like black, like little black shapes and in my head I would make little shapes and stuff like that would inspire me. So, sidewalk gum.

How did you get to where you are now in your career? When did you start collaborating with Naomi Smalls?

Well, at the time when I met Naomi she had asked for my number through another Drag Queen because I really hadn’t done costumes for Drag Queens.  I was the assistant creative designer for Iron Fist, the streetwear brand, and I had just been laid off. I made a gown or some jumpsuit for a drag queen named Valentina and it got a lot of recognition at Drag Con and through that jumpsuit, Naomi asked if I was willing to work with her. I was like “yeah of course I think you’re gorgeous!” We had started working, and within two weeks she calls me and is like can I take you to lunch and I was like yeah is everything ok and she was like yeah I just really need to talk to you and in my head I already knew I was like “The bitch made drag race.” we went to some restaurant and she was like, “I made it”.”

And then what happened? 

It was 9 days of non-stop work I didn’t sleep. My boyfriend hated me the entire time because the sewing machine was just on the entire time and it’s fucking loud. We had 9 days to make 11 looks.

How does the process look between you and Naomi? From start to finish. 

In the beginning she had like a print out of what the producers sent her of what each challenge was, so we had to design within that and she had her own ideas, some of which we didn’t follow through because…they weren’t good…because she loves fashion but she isn’t design-inclined so I would have to tailor it.

After she came back from Drag Race she was like “Girl, make me whatever you want.” She blindly trusts me. So I’ll make her whatever and she loves it. Like the black look with the hat and the rose dress. It’s just oof. And there’s so many looks that are coming that people haven’t seen that are just. (he pauses and closes his eyes) Stupid. It’s so stupid. (he laughs)

With the show coming up, and knowing that you are about to have this tremendous amount of exposure, how are you feeling? 

I actually had kind of a breakdown a couple days ago because ever since the premier started, and I made pretty much all the premier and performance looks for Naomi and even some for Kim Chi, I’ve been getting like, kind of hate mail, people just being really mean and angry about the looks, and me, just calling me ugly or telling me to brush my hair it’s just weird, it’s really fucking weird. To the point where Raja called me and she was like “Girl, people are looking to fucking destroy you.” I don’t get that.

Sounds like they’re jealous to me! What is your favorite part about working with Drag Queens? 

The clothes aren’t real-they’re like fantasies. Even though physically they are clothes, it’s not something people would wear. I love that because a drag queen can just tell me “I want to look like a sad clown in white with black pom-poms. Go.” And then I’ll do it. It’s fun. I love what I do. It’s stressful and time consuming but I love it.

What is your least favorite part about working with Drag Queens?

Broad shoulders.

Have you been getting a lot of requests from people since the announcement of Season 8? 

Yes but I have to be very selective. Because I’m getting hit up like left and right, and the waiting list is real. And even the same queens that are hating are still on the waiting list!

Drag queens are specific characters. Coming into designing red carpet looks and things like that, how do you find yourself representing your own brand and style when working with those specific characters? 

Well the whole red carpet looks was a different monster because it’s red carpets. And when it came to Naomi I told her specifically I want you to look glamorous. I want this to be good drag. Like high fashion, because she’s the high fashion hood rat and I wanted her to look gorgeous and a little edgy. As far as Kim Chi because she’s very avant-garde and very Harajuku, when I made her a gown it was simple and elegant and she was happy about it. She said she had never f
elt that glamorous in that way.

Are you inspired by Los Angeles? 

No. No. No. It doesn’t really affect me. I’m not inspired by Los Angeles at all because it’s a very fickle town. Things that inspire me are like, New York. I think it’s the fantasy, just that kind of feeling of the busy city, feeling like Sarah Jessica Parker.

Are you a big Sex and the City fan? 

Yes I was obsessed. For the longest time I was the biggest Dior fan, that was like my go-to brand. I fucking love Galliano. What he does with fabric, I only wish.

Do you have gay role models?

John Galliano. I feel like I should say Rupaul, he’s always been one of my favorites.

You worked with Bob Mackey. How was that? 

He was my mentor, he taught me a lot how to make gowns. We got to design with him at Otis and I was lucky enough to be on his team. He taught me a lot. I would just shut up and just listen to what he would tell me about gowns and he would critique my work and gave me a lot of insider tips of how to make foundations, corsets. How to fake chiffon nipples—that’s one of my favorite things, he was like “you have cut these almost like pepperoni and make them big and then cut smaller and smaller so you can’t see the nipples.” I thought that was brilliant.

How do you see the LA drag scene, since Naomi is an LA girl?

It’s a mixed bag. I have mixed feelings. I do get approached by a lot of queens, like even past Drag Race girls, feeling that I only work with Drag Race girls. But it’s not true. I’m lucky to get to pick and choose who I work with. Even reaching out to you (Pickle) and Meatball, because I want to work with queens who inspire me.

Do you enjoy going to drag shows? Is that fun for you? You can be honest.

I love it and I’m going to be vain about it—I love seeing my clothes in motion. I love seeing the full fantasy. I love seeing the full image with the hair and make up and accessories, and when they perform in my stuff it really does give me life. 

Anything else?

I hate everyone.

You can follow Chavez on instagram @died4yoursins. Pictured below is a Naomi Smalls shirt designed by Chavez. 

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

The Masters Of Ceremonies

Ben MacLean and Jonny McGovern are your hosts for The 17th Annual Mr. LA Leather Contest, Saturday April 2, 2016 at the historic Globe Theater in Downtown LA’s Broadway Theater District. 

BEN MACLEAN

Ben MacLean is a Canadian comedian and emcee who has been living in Berlin for six years, where he’s quickly made a name for himself with his witty delivery and likeable charm. He’s performed in London, Edinburgh and Barcelona, in addition to recently completing a tour of western Germany.

JONNY McGOVERN

Hey Qween! host and producer, TV personality and comedian Jonny McGovern is known nationwide as a cast member of LOGO’s “Big Gay Sketch Show.” Jonny’s comedy music videos as the naughty yet gay-empowering character “The Gay Pimp” have been enjoyed by millions, including the worldwide viral hit “Soccer Practice” which has been downloaded over five million times.

HI FASHION

Special musical guests include Hi Fashion, an electropop duo, consisting of Jen DM and Rick Gradone. The band’s music features electronic, upbeat pop songs. Currently, Hi Fashion has released two EPs, their debut, “Sprechen Sie Hi Fashion?” and 2013 follow-up “You Are Gorgeous.”

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

THE JUDGES

Your judges for the Mr. L.A. Leather 2016 contest. For more detailed bios on each judge visit losangelesleatherpride.com.

PATRICK SMITH

International Mr. Leather | Mr. LA Leather | Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2015

Active in politics, Patrick’s focus as International Mr. Leather is on international and domestic LGBT political activism. He has traveled to countries including Uganda and Ukraine to meet with prominent LGBT activists and learn more about how western society can make a difference.

ROBERT E. BLACKMON

Lifestyle Expert, Mr. Sister Leather 2001

His snappy style, attention to detail and effervescent personality, make author, fashion designer and life style expect Robert E. Blackmon the “Go To Guy” for planning and living your perfect life. In 2009 Robert legally married his husband Martin Connell in Ontario, Canada.

DAVID STRINGER HUGHES

President, Folsom Street East

Dave Hughes is a leather activist, community organizer, event promoter and DJ. A native of San Diego, Dave holds the titles of Mr East Coast Rubber 2005 and Mr Full Rubber 2006. He was a judge of the International Mr Leather Contest in 2012.

MASTER KEVIN

Longtime Community Member

Master Kevin is a Los Angeles native and is one of the first members of BearsLA. Active in both the leather and bear communities Master Kevin has been a den daddy, judge and tally master in feeder contests to Mr. Los Angeles Leather.

JASUN MARK

Director of Production, Titanmen and Titan Media | Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2009

Jasun Mark didn’t really seem to understand what we meant when we asked for a bio and he sent us a list of all the title holders he’s shagged. Clearly this is totally inappropriate which means it probably wasn’t a mistake. We apologize for including him. We’ll get someone more respectable next year.

KEVIN MURPHY

Mr. Leather Ireland 2015, 1st Runner Up IML 2015

“With the writing of equal rights for LGBT into our constitution, we have never felt more proud to walk with our heads held high, and in our high-shine boots. I am privileged to be a part of it,” says Kevin Murphy, Mr. Leather Ireland 2015. “My focus has always been on valuing both inclusiveness and diversity. By embracing this, we have all ensured that our community will thrive.”

ERIC PRUITT

Sister Candy Cide— Founder of LA House SPI

Also known as Sister Candy Cide of the Immaculate Misconception, Eric is the founder of the Los Angeles House of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, currently celebrating their 20th Anniversary. Eric co-produced the Mr. Sister Leather Contest numerous times over the past 16 years. Eric has proudly been resident DJ at the Eagle LA for the past thirteen years and at the Bullet Bar for the last four years.

CLIFTON TATUM

Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2015

A resident of Palm Springs and a retired correctional officer, Clifton broke fundraiser records as Mr. Palm Springs Leather, raising over 20,000 dollars. His charities include: The Trevor Project, a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth; For the Children, A foster/adoptive parent support group in the Coachella Valley; The Center, LGBT Suicide Prevention & Anti-Bullying Presentation in the Classroom and others.

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

THE CHARITY PARTNERS

The LA Leather Pride Committee is proud to announce the following 3 charity partners who will share in the success of our 2016 event.

THE ONE ARCHIVES FOUNDATION

The ONE Archives Foundation collects, preserves, and protects LGBTQ history, art, and culture in collaboration with ONE Archives at the USC Libraries. Founded in 1952, ONE Archives currently houses over two million archival items including periodicals, books, film, video and audio recordings, photographs, artworks, organizational records, and personal papers.

SEXUAL MINORITIES UGANDA (SMUG)

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) is an umbrella non-governmental organization based in Kampala, Uganda, advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ugandans. The network, comprised of 18 organizations, works closely with indigenous, regional and international human rights organizations and persons to end discrimination and injustices towards LGBTI persons in Uganda.

TOM OF FINLAND FOUNDATION

In 1984, the non-profit Tom of Finland Foundation was established by Durk Dehner and his friend Touko Laaksonen a.k.a. Tom of Finland. As Tom had established worldwide recognition as the master of homoerotic art, the Foundation’s original purpose was to preserve his vast catalog of work. Several years later the scope was widened to offer a safe haven for all erotic art in response to rampant discrimination against art that portrayed sexual behavior or generated a sexual response. Today the Foundation continues in its efforts of educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and in promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality.

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

Folsom Europe 2016 In Berlin

Announcing LA Leather Pride 2016 grand prize drawing—includes airfare for 2 and 4 nights hotel accommodations.

As part of the LALC’s outreach to the leather folk in our sister city, we are excited to offer a once in a lifetime chance to travel to Berlin for Folsom Europe in September, 2016. Join the crowds along Fuggerstrasse in the heart of Berlin’s world famous leather enclave for a weekend of fun in the Gay Capital of Europe. Includes airfare for 2 and 4 nights hotel accommodations, event tickets (subject to availability), and much more. If you have never been to Berlin this is a perfect opportunity to get to know the city during one of the most festive leather events of the year.

Visit www.folsomeurope.info to see the full schedule of the parties, street festival and related events that make a trip to Berlin during Folsom Europe a once in a lifetime experience. See Drawing Rules for more information. Drawing will be held at Mr. LA Leather 2016 contest. Need not be present to win provided sufficient contact information furnished when ticket purchased.

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

The LA30

Extraordinary leaders are ensuring our future.

The LALC has established The LA30 Program in order to identify supporters of L.A.’s leather community willing to make a commitment of at least $250 per person ($500 per couple) on an annual basis in order to assure the ongoing financial stability for the Coalition and L.A. Leather Pride.

Members of The LA30 have a high level of access and priority, and serve as an attentive liaison between the LALC and the leather community it serves.  Although The LA 30 is not a governing body or have any ongoing obligations other than their contributions to the work of the LALC, they are a valuable resource for all matters related to the LALC and L.A. Leather Pride Week related activities

We thank the following individuals for their annual support:

Founder’s Legion Members

• Jim Neuman—Leadership Gift
• Doug Beardslee and Andrew Bassi
• Dr. Lawrence Burden and William Terrell
• Randy Carmenaty in Memory of Bob Tomasino
• Kevin C. and Brian D.
• Carlos Dievez and Tom Mathie
• Steve Ganzell
• Mike Gerle and Garret McClure
• Steve Harman
• Charlie Matula and Hunter Fox
• Marlon Morales
• Jon Wright and Eric Womack

Members

• Esteban Jimenez and Leo Iriarte
• Jeffrey Erdman and Xavier O. Espejo
• Lou Romano

New Members for 2016

• Michael Lara and Dennis Schulte
• “Daddy Don“ Anspauch
• Barry Burg
• John Freeman
• Apolonio E. Muñoz III

Honorary Members

• Eric Paul Leue
• Robert Green
• Dave Rhodes
• Patrick Smith and Michael Milenitza

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

L.A. Leather Pride Week Events

For more details on these events please visit losangelesleatherpride.com

Glory Bound:
LA Leather Pride 2016 Kick Off Party

Sunday, March 27 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Faultline, 4216 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029

Kick off Leather Pride Week in style with hundreds of hot leather men and women from around LA. The highlight of the party will be the introduction of the Mr. LA Leather contestants as they complete the traditional motorcycle ride-in and then draw their contestant numbers.

Leather Rodeo—Country Dance Event

Tuesday, March 29 @ 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Oil Can Harry’s, 11502 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604

A Leather-Country Dance Event at LA’s Famous Oil Can Harry’s Hosted by: Jeremy Ronceros & Caleb Engen Dance Lessons | Raffles | Performances Western Wear & Leather Gear Encouraged

VIP Cocktail Reception

Wednesday, March 30 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Bl
North Hollywood, CA 91601

VIP Package holders, Sponsors, Judges, Contestants, and Invited Guests are welcome to join us as we celebrate LA Leather Pride week with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres as we salute the three beneficiary organizations for LA Leather Pride 2014—Tom of Finland Foundation, Sexual Minorities Uganda, & The ONE Archives Foundation!

Hump Day Cinema—Out!
With Director JASUN MARK

Wednesday, March 30 @ 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Pistons Bar, 2020 E Artesia Bl
Long Beach, CA 90805

TitanMedia Presents OUT! Director Jasun Mark will be in the house for hilarious commentary with Pup Don Mike. $5 Cover benefits: LB/OC Surf & Sun Softball League.

Leather Reboot—ONYX Dance

Wednesday, March 30 @ 9:00 pm – March 31 @ 2:00 am
Precinct, 357 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013

ONYX SOCAL/SOUTHWEST Presents LEATHER REBOOT DANCE Music by DJ Dixon Whiskey $5 Cover Dancing | Go-Go Boys | Play Area

Tightening Bonds:
Official Meet & Greet

Thursday, March 31 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Precinct, 357 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here is your chance to meet the Class of 2016 Mr. LA Leather contestants and judges up close and personal at the combined Meet and Greet. The event will be followed by ROPE BURN: The Roast of outgoing Mr. LA Leather (and IML) Patrick Smith and is included in the same ticket.

Rope Burn: The Roast
Of PATRICK SMITH

Thursday, March 31 @ 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Precinct, 357 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Is it hot in here? Since winning Mr. LA Leather & International Mr. Leather, Patrick Smith has done wonders for our community and the world. But, now it’s time to have a little fun at his expense. Following in the tradition of roasting the outgoing titleholder, join us as we give Patrick a good-natured ribbing.

The Assembly

Friday, April 1 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Rough Trade Gear, 3915 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

Join hosts BLUF, The California B&B Corps, & The Regiment of the Black & Tans as they bring you the hottest uniform event in the Southland. Come out to Rough Trade Gear in Silver Lake on Friday the 1st for an evening of food, cocktails, fun and some of the hottest men in uniform to be found in the Southland! Wear your best uniform gear, and bring out some serious energy for a fantastic Friday night. Strict Dress Code Enforced.

Leather Dog Pound

Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm – 11:55 pm
Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Bl
North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Official Puppy Party for LA Leather Pride Join the guys from Dog Pound as they put on their awesome puppy party at The Bullet. Leather Dog Pound is back as the Official Pup Play Party of Los Angeles Leather Pride 2016. During the week long LA Leather Pride celebration, theres only one place to get your ‘pups all riled up, and that’s the Bullet Bar, home of Dog Pound! Hosted by L.A. Pup 2016, Pup Zero. Ashtray Kain and…

Cigar Social—Presented By Eagle LA & Maximus

Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm – 11:55 pm
Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

Open to entire leather community and the men of Maximus will be there to sell cigars.

Unbound—By Nasty Kink Pigs & Avatar

Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm – April 2 @ 3:00 am
333 Live, 333 S. Boylston St
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Prepare for a night of Dark Beats & Dirty Men! DJ EUROSTEVE Live Performance by Aarin Asker Gear Code: Biker • Jock • Rubber • Leather • Sport • Skin • Puppy • Muscle Bear.

Demented Fools—Play Party By Kinklife & Avatar

Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm – April 2 @ 3:00 am
Sanctuary LAX, 10914 S. La Cienega Blvd
Lennox, CA

Largest Play Space! Slings | Crosses | Fetish Demos $20 Advance / $25 Door Tickets: http://kinklife.com/tickets.

Desert Bonds—Afternoon Beer Bust

Saturday, April 2 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Bl
North Hollywood, CA 91601 United States

Our Friends from the desert—PSLOD—once again host a pre-contest beer bust. Relax, have a beer & a cigar and hang out with the hot men.

Mr. Los Angeles
Leather Contest 2016

Saturday, April 2 @ 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Globe Theater, 740 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Get your tickets early and save $10 off the $40 door price! Go to losangelesleatherpride.com.

Legion

Saturday, April 2 @ 10:00 pm – April 3 @ 3:00 am
Globe Theater, 740 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014 U

Brought to you by LA super-producers Hunter Fox & Justin David, LEGION brings you the hottest DJ’s & State-of-the-art Lighting to create one hot party. If you like your dance floor filled with wall to wall sweaty guys in leather, than this is for you! And the best part, your ticket is good for BOTH the dance AND the Mr. LA Leather Contest before. Get your tickets in advance for $30 and SAVE $10 off the door price. Go to losangelesleatherpride.com.

Off Sunset Festival

Sunday, April 3 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Santa Monica Bvld in Silverlake, 4200 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029.

The 4th Annual Off Sunset Festival will take place on Santa Monica Blvd from Hoover to Sunset in the heart of Silverlake on Sunday April 3. Bands, vendors, food, beer PARKING Parking lots will be open for a fee near Commonwealth & Santa Monica Blvd. GO METRO The nearest Metro Station (Red Line) is at Vermont & Santa Monica Boulevard, just a 7 Minute walk to the Hoover & Santa Monica entrance gate.

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

The Contestants

The 17th Annual Mr. L.A. Leather Contest will take place on Saturday April 2, 2016 at the historic Globe Theater in Downtown LA’s Broadway Theater District.  Ten men will compete to succeed Mr. LA Leather 2015 Patrick Smith, who went on to win the International Mr. Leather title in March of last year.

PHOTOS BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

JEFFREY ERDMAN

Mr. Christopher St. West Leather 2016

Jeffrey received his BA in Business Administration from the University of Washington in 1987. After a career in hotel management, Jeffrey went to law school in Los Angeles and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law in 1995. Jeffrey’s law practice is focused primarily on civil matters, including business and contract disputes, as well as domestic partnership matters. Currently, Jeffrey sits on the Board of Directors of the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, which is the world’s largest collection of LGBT literary, educational, historical, and cultural materials and resources. Jeffrey has previously served on the Boards of Directors of the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association of Los Angeles as well as the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association.

JOE GREGORY

Mr. Sister Leather 2016

Originally from a small town in rural Ohio named Champion, Joe moved to Chicago in the late summer of 1999. Chicago afforded Joe the opportunity to experience more diversity than small town Ohio, and to explore his growing interest in leather and kink. It was in Chicago where Joe went to his first leather bar and experienced the physical attraction, and emotional connection, to other leather men. During his 15 years in Chicago, Joe discovered what he wanted out of his personal and sexual life, and really embraced who he was… he could finally live his “true” life. Joe moved to LA in August 2014, where he is currently a project manager for a large pharmaceutical company.

MATTHEW JENSEN

Mr. Regiment 2016

Matthew is an artist, writer, and activist who lives on the West Side. Back when he had spare time he volunteered in the community and had articles published promoting gay rights and liberal politics. Raised in an anti-gay household, he considers the leather community his adopted family.

MICHAEL MORALES

Mr. Sanctuary Leather 2016

Michael’s journey into fetishism and leather got off to a rocky start; a bad experience at a young age pushed him away. However, after an “amazing experience” at DomCon five years ago, where he was flogged by Mistress Cyan, his passions exploded and he began his journey into the wonderful world of kink. Flogging became a main interest for Michael, the exchange of power, the feel of a flog, the trust involved were all very captivating, he says. While entering the leather world took him some time—after getting to know the community and choosing to remove his own mental restraints he pushed to be himself, a gender-fluid, fetishist, semi-fem weirdo. He found acceptance and love once he did, he also found a family.

ERIC SLAYTON

Mr. SoCal Leather 2016

Eric moved to L.A . to pursue his love of film and television. After working in the media and PR industry his work shifted more towards community activism and outreach. Eric began working with a local LGBT publication which brought him into the leather community. Eric dove head first into the community, wanting to learn education, kink, and share his experience with those who are questioning, curious, or lost. Currently is an advocate for PrEP. Eric works with minority communities both locally and nationally, advocating for education and linkage to care for those in need. He currently serves as a member of the Thrive Tribe Friends, UCLA/Black Aids Institute HIV/AIDS Fellowship, Generation KP, The Los Angeles LGBT Youth Center, and Minority Aids Project. He is also a founding member of the SoCal/Southwest ONYX group.

DAVID COSIO

Mr. LA Leather Bear 2016

Born and raised in Los Angeles, David shares his life with his husband and best friend Jim Koller-Cosio. They have been together for 21 years and legally married for 8 of those years. David was a member of the “The Campers,” a camp drag performance group in the mid 1980s. Based in L.A. at Oil Can Harry’s, the group toured all over California and the southern states. Some of his passions in life are helping people in need. One of these projects was helping with the non-profit, Sacks for Life, helping to feed the homeless. David has volunteered at the LA Gay and Lesbian Center and also volunteered at Long Beach Pride and supported many other charity events.

MONTY FREEMAN

Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2016

Monty moved to Los Angeles in 1998 to pursue a career as an actor. He landed two agents and booked several jobs. After a life altering gastric bypass surgery in 2001 Monty lost 220 pounds and was no longer considered for  character actor roles. He bounced back and forth from LA to NYC—working in the club scene for several years. Currently Monty is an executive at the the largest rehab facility in Malibu and prides himself on helping others—passing judgement on no one who deals with addiction and is trying to be sober. Monty is looking to forward to marrying his fiancé David Bonneau this spring.

CALEB ENGEN

Mr. Oil Can Harry’s 2016

Caleb moved to L.A. last year to pursue a life of love and happiness. Caleb did not shy away from social interaction when he first moved here, diving head first into the community by supporting events and offering to help where ever possible. He is an avid reader and enjoys traveling, exploring, and immersing himself  into new cultures and experiences.

JASON ATKINSON

Mr. Bullet Leather 2016

Jason has enjoyed leather for many years but it wasn’t until he moved from the O.C. to L.A. and saw his first leather event that he knew that he wanted to be a leather man. He was impressed by how hot, inviting and thrilling the leather community made him feel and wanted to share that feeling with others around him. Jason is passionate about the ongoing and growing problem of homeless LGBT youth. With his title as Mr. Bullet 2016 he wants to highlight the issue and continue working for our next generation.

KELLY BIGELOW

Mr. Pistons Leather 2016

Kelly was a bartender at The Frat House in O.C., where he participated in many functions for the LGBT community. Kelly battled meth addiction for eight years until it almost took his life. During that time, he was also diagnosed with having HIV. It was through the “grace of the powers that be,” friends and family that he was able to recover to a healthier state and help those seeking to break the grip of meth addiction. Kelly has spent the better part of 2015 exploring his kinky side and experiencing new adventures. He has helped with the Leather Tent during Long Beach Pride, the Off Sunset Street Festival and is “super excited” to see what he can do during his title year.

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

Welcome To L.A. Leather Pride

A message from Committee Chair, Marlon Morales

PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

Thank you for granting me the opportunity to be your Chairman for a second year—it has been a great privilege. With the continued support of the LALC community partner organizations and with the help of my great committee, we have produced yet another record breaking L.A. Leather Pride.

With great pleasure I present you this 2016 guide and program—the result of countless hours of hard work and collaboration with THE FIGHT Magazine. This endeavor  fully realizes what we have known for a long time: Los Angeles is comprised of a strong network of businesses, clubs, community based organizations and leaders in leather who collaborate to showcase the incredibly vibrant leather scene in Southern California.

Following yet another successful year, we return once again on Sunday March 27th to kick off from The Faultine. We would like to see as many of you there as possible.

L.A. Leather Pride promises to be an exciting fun week of unforgettable experiences for all, reflecting the strength and diversity of our community, from far and near, reaching its peak with the selection of the new Mr. L.A. Leather at the Globe Theater in the heart of Downtown L.A on April 2nd.

After last year’s success we have witnessed and celebrated the victories of Patrick Smith, Mr. L.A. Leather 2015 and now International Mr. Leather (IML) 2015.  Patrick is a shining example of the possibilities for personal growth and community service available to titleholders at any level.  While we readily acknowledge that any person can do great things in service to his community (no title necessary); we believe having the recognition of being a Los Angeles titleholder provides a platform from which to achieve greatness.

When you purchase a ticket or package to L.A. Leather Pride week (for tickets please visit losangelesleatherpride.com), you become part of the long tapestry of leather history in Los Angeles.  You will feel L.A.’s world-wide reputation through the unique experience we have planned for you. Joining you will be visitors from numerous states across the country and long-distance travelers from Germany, the UK, Latin America, Canada and Ireland. It’s going to be a unique and unforgettable week! The fun thing is that this is LA year round and we hope to show you why.

This year our theme is “BOUND”—celebrating the kinky ties that bind the diverse members of our L.A. Leather Community.

We celebrate the multiple ages, genders and ethnicities that make possible our world-renowned dynamic leather/fetish scene, woven together by the Los Angeles Leather Coalition since 1999.

Returning by popular demand will be an opportunity drawing for a trip to Berlin during Folsom Europe 2016.

We invite you to top off your celebration with the Off Sunset Street Festival on April 3rd.

Our Charitable beneficiaries will be the Tom of Finland Foundation, ONE Archives Foundation and Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) based in Kampala, Uganda.

SMUG advocates for the protection and promotion of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ugandans.

And finally, I am delighted to announce the dates for next year. Mark your calendars for next year’s L.A. Leather Pride, CODE L.A. taking place March 26-April 1, 2017. We are looking forward to the coming year and hope to see you soon.

Thank you for your support and welcome!

Yours in leather,
Marlon I. Morales
Chairman
L.A. Leather Pride 2016

VIP Dental Spas in West Hollywood joins forces with THE FIGHT to help one gay man regain his confidence. 

BY ANDY NICASTRO

Four years into his recovery from crystal meth addiction, Wolffgang Scott’s life has done a complete turnaround. There is plenty for him to be happy about. And yet, until recently, “Wolff” rarely smiled.

Make no mistake—Wolff is fervently committed to his recovery and to helping others achieve the same. But no amount of dedication to sobriety can correct some things. In Wolff’s case, this included the serious dental damage caused by the drug.

Last September, THE FIGHT focused much of its reporting on recovery in the LGBT community. Not long after, the magazine learned of reader Wolff’s situation, channeling the spirit of the fast-approaching holiday season, they were inspired to give back to the community by bringing together a group of individuals dedicated to helping Wolff regain his smile.

Dubbed the “Wolff Pack,” the team’s first step was to find a local dentist practice willing to perform reconstruction. As most people dealing with dental issues know, cost can be highly prohibitive, even with dental insurance. In Wolff’s case, the $1,700 he’d raised from friends and loved ones on GoFundMe.com wasn’t nearly enough to cover the intensive work required. “I would see one dentist and they would tell me the cost would be around $30,000, and then I’d see another and I’d be told $80,000. The money I was able to raise was the least of what came about because of the Go Fund Me campaign. I also got a lot more help in the way of advice, recommendations and leads. The crazy thing is that I knew the answer had to be out there somewhere, but I had to just be humble enough to admit how bad the problem was and ask for help. It was the only way I was going to find the help I needed.”

Wolff’s willingness to go public resulted in THE FIGHT arranging a meeting with VIP Dental Spas in West Hollywood. VIP’s Dr. Sherwin Matian and Dr. Arash Hakhamian are two of Southern California’s top dentists, having graduated at the top of their classes from UCLA and USC, respectively. Since then they have made it their mission to bring the best of modern dentistry to West Hollywood. They are respected nationally as instructors in the use of stem cell therapy to restore lost and missing teeth. They routinely perform advanced surgical procedures, full mouth reconstruction, dental implants and much more, all in the relaxed, pampering atmosphere of their Santa Monica Blvd offices above the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

But it’s not only their expertise that distinguishes Dr. Sherwin and Dr. Arash.  Born into families with deep roots in medicine, both doctors learned early on the importance of serving others, as well as the joys of relieving pain and suffering. That’s why it is their office policy for all employees to volunteer at least two weeks each year to an organization of their choice. In the last two years, they have offered their talents with various charities in New Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Vietnam and Jordan, among others. Locally, their team was selected to provide pro bono care to the 2015 World Special Olympics, held in Los Angeles.

In addition to these missions, they also regularly choose one deserving person within their community, someone facing both financial trouble and extreme dental needs. Their goal: To help raise this lucky patient out of pain and disfigurement, restoring their ability not only to chew and speak, but also to smile. This year, the lucky patient was Wolff.

Before VIP Dental Spas was first mentioned to Wolff, he “had no idea that there were benevolent forces working behind the scenes to make this happen.” After several consultation visits, the work on Wolff’s smile began. As of press time, there is still work to be done. Yet after VIP’s outstanding reconstructive work on his upper teeth, Wolff is well on his way to permanently regaining his smile. “Beyond the generosity they showed me, Dr. Matian and Dr. Arash were amazing, and really knew what they were talking about. Before the reconstruction began, I had learned to live with the situation as it was, and even developed a sort of self-confidence in spite of what was going on with my mouth. I can’t even put into words how it feels today to not have to overcompensate, hide, or cover up to feel confident. And this confidence is the result of only the first stage of the work.” (If you’d like to help Wolff reach the finish line with his dental restoration, please visit GoFundMe.com/RadicalResto.)

VIP Dental Spas, THE FIGHT, and the rest of the Wolff Pack are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the LGBT community. Wolff, of course, also feels enormous gratitude, and much more. “Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe it. I don’t know how I would have ever been able to pay the bills for such extensive procedures. So I guess I’ll just have to take a page from VIP’s playbook and pay it forward when I can.”

He says this, of course, with a smile.

A glimpse into the private world of an unabashedly gay artist and his eclectic taste for both high art and camp. 

Tucked behind a monumental hedge on a street of LA’s Echo Park is one of the gay world’s most idiosyncratic and authentic historical sites. Known officially as Tom House, 1421 Laveta Terrace was where Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen, 1920–1991) lived and worked during the last decade of his life. It is an extraordinary place—equal parts frat house, haven, archive, utopian collective, community center, and den of iniquity. Still occupied by the men who resided there with Tom and dedicated themselves to preserving his legacy, the house serves as a living tribute to the artist’s astonishing oeuvre and his radical vision of unapologetic homoerotic sexuality. Today, the gabled Craftsman abode serves as the headquarters of the Tom of Finland Foundation, which exists as a shelter for runaway LGBTQ youth, a gallery for outsider art, and a vast repository artwork, correspondence, historical documents, and ephemera. All of this and more are captured in Michael Reynolds’ expansive new book TOM HOUSE: TOM OF FINLAND IN LOS ANGELES, which also contains a lively essay by Architectural Digest’s west coast editor Mayer Rus, offering an immersive glimpse into the private world of an unabashedly gay artist and his eclectic taste for both high art and camp.

For more info visit: www.rizzoliusa.com.

PHOTOS BY DOMASAN

“Art is an expression of human creation. It can be in all forms and thoughts,” states L.A. based rope artist and photographer Domasan. “Through rope art I try to bring out a person’s energy, peace and beauty. If it is good art, it becomes a part of me.”

For more info on roping and safe bondage visit: socalbondage.com.

A PreP-adherent gay male tested positive for HIV after being exposed to an
extremely rare strain of that virus.

BY BRENDEN SHUCART

HIV activists, advocates, and healthcare professionals gathered in Boston last month for the annual CROI (Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections ) where they received some unwelcome news—the first documented case of a fully adherent PrEP recipient testing positive for HIV.

Researchers out of Canada presented evidence that a PreP-adherent, 42-year-old, gay Toronto resident tested positive for HIV after being exposed to an extremely rare strain of that virus which had developed resistance to emtricitabine and tenofovir—the two drugs which make up Truvada, currently the only drug approved by the FDA for use as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis against HIV.

PRACTICALLY INEVITABLE

This unfortunate development has—understandably—sent tremors of concern radiating out through the HIV prevention community, but statistically speaking such an event was practically inevitable.

Since it’s approval by the FDA in 2012, Truvada-as-PrEP has proven to be remarkably effective at preventing HIV infection. But the “nearly perfect” protection against HIV provided by Truvada—often quantified as “more than 99% effective—still isn’t completely perfect.

Thankfully, the emtricitabine/tenofovir resistant strain is exceedingly rare—it’s carried by fewer than 1% of those living with HIV—and even if an individual does carry this rare strain, it would be almost impossible for them to pass it along if they are on treatment, and undetectable.

NEW FORMS OF PrEP

There are also new forms of PrEP in the pipeline, drugs like maraviroc (a combination of Celsentri & Selzentry) which may prove effective at protecting against this strain in the future.

Truvada-as-PrEP is still the most effective tool in the fight to end the HIV epidemic—a fact underscored by this being the first documented case of infection among the estimated 40,000 PrEP users over the last 4 years.

The example of this “Toronto Patient” provides a sobering reminder that there are no “silver bullets” in HIV prevention. There are only tools and strategies to help us manage risk—not one of which can end the epidemic on it’s own.

While sexual energy can be powerful—it is also fragile. It has to be nurtured and
it has to be protected. 

BY DR. STEVE GANZELL

There are some guys who look forward for years to crossing some imaginary threshold and entering their first leather bar. They are a bit afraid it will be dark, dank, a bit scary, and very, very sexy and they will be very disappointed if it is not. They imagine they might find someone who will tie them up or fulfill any one of a thousand other kinky fantasies.

They don’t expect to find someone giving a didactic on bondage that starts with the history of rope through the ages.  When they walk into their first leather bar, I doubt that they expect to see fundraisers that rely on trying to identify raffle tickets in the dark or endless announcements about events they could read about on-line. On-line where they could also create a calendar entry, a reminder, an interactive map, and prepay the cover charge but let’s stop whatever guys in bars are there to do,  stand on a stage, ask… then petulantly demand their attention, and make “announcements.”

My fantasies are about kinky sex and I stopped buying raffle tickets a long time ago. Not because I don’t need any more cheap lube and bad porn, but because nothing ruins my leather image like pulling out my reading glasses and having to turn on the damn flashlight on my iPhone to be able to read the numbers. Besides, I would like to think that I will be so busy doing something perverse and disreputable that I can’t be bothered with other “stuff.” I go out to play with those fantasies and the men who share them, or have shared them in the past, or will share them in the future, hopefully the very near future.

All this to say that we cannot survive as a community if we become homogenized with other communities. We are SUPPOSED to be different. We are the tricksters of the GLBT community because we see things from a different perspective and give others permission to do the same.

ANNOYINGLY ENTITLED

Please stop saying you want to build bridges between communities. It might be time we got rid of the bridges and started building motes and filling them with alligators.

Some of the folks we have built bridges with have been great but others have been very annoyingly entitled.  Privilege is what makes your house guest think that it’s okay to move your furniture and shave your dog when they are staying with you,. And it is privilege that makes a woman think that she can tell men to relegate their sexual behavior to a corner of a bar because her socializing with someone is more important.

In both cases, they are invited guests who are acting quite rudely and probably unaware why their visits have become much less welcome.

I have heard guys decrying the loss of something sexual in the leather community.  I believe sexual energy is very powerful. And this is about sex. If you think that new guy in the bar came in so he could buy a raffle ticket or see a “demo,” you don’t get it. If you are one of the folks who refuse to recognize that two guys standing in a bar, inches from each other “talking” find it a major “cock block” when you interrupt to talk to them so you can invite them to an event and hand them a “bar card,” then you don’t get it and if you’re gonna visit you need to at least try to do so.

You see, those guys are in the initial stages of a sexual experience, hopefully one of many more they will explore, and they are pissed you don’t get how your being in the way fucked that up.

I think that kinky folks tend to be wired just a little bit differently. We are the kid in your Boy Scout Troop who learned knots, not so he could advance to first class scout but so he could tie the other kids up and talk them into having a spanking party. There are folks who buy Tom of Finland art work because it is highly collectable and will appreciate in value.  And there are those who buy it quite simply because they find it makes their dick hard.

While sexual energy can be powerful—it is also fragile. It has to be nurtured and it has to be protected. That means that we must scoot over and make room at the table for the folks who bring new energy to the feast. But it also means we might have to send a few guests home early.

Manny Rodriguez, Executive Director and Founder of La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, on how to enjoy White Party Palm Springs in the best possible way.

BY MANNY RODRIGUEZ

The world famous and legendary White Party Palm Springs descends upon us yearly with major glitz, glamour and top-tier talent. Lucky for me—I have a front row seat. Well… not really, I am more like the person taking tickets and ensuring everything goes smoothly at the door. Yup….it’s a gig I’ve had the privilege of being offered for the last seven years. I look forward to it and welcome the change from my responsibility of running the very fabulous La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center!

White Party provides a deluxe list of A-Class events for several days that consistently lives up to its promise of ongoing fun to the men and even a few women who travel across the national and international globe.

Creating a plan for safety in a
party environment—whether you
are attending, working or otherwise—for newly sober people
is crucial for avoiding the triggers and pitfalls of relapse.

Some of you may be thinking, “why he is contributing a story on “this weekend?” My reasons are several… give me a moment.

After-hours, pumping music and keeping the party going as long as I could were the norm for many years; until it just became harder to manage. In August of 1993 it all came to a crashing halt when I hit bottom from alcohol and drug dependence. This was long coming and I finally mustered up the courage to ask for help.

While this was a much-needed change, my job at this time was of “club promoter” for the legendary nights named “The Temple” and “Pump.” My greatest fear being newly sober was of relapsing… if and when I returned to work. This was a pretty serious dilemma.

I had the good fortune to be under the care of an excellent therapist and an understanding business partner/lifelong friend (DJ Eddie X) who I shared my concerns with. We reviewed the pros and cons as well as the dangers of returning to a job where alcohol was served and party favors readily accessible. At the heart of this conversation was the reality that my “club promoter” job was the only means I had for being self-supporting. What would I do? We decided that I would at least attempt returning to work. Together we created a plan to help me navigate through an experience I had no reference points for but one that my life depended on. The key part of this plan was that I was to immediately leave work or any situation if I felt that my recovery was at risk at any time. Drinking and drugging spelled death for me and I knew this. Following that plan and staying sober allowed me to be even better at that job and also helped open other doors up to this current date.

This very same dilemma is one I come across on a daily basis in my work with newly sober people. My experience and plan are not “a one size fits all” plan and probably not one I would recommend very freely. However, what I always recommend is to come up with a plan that is realistic, attainable and that is attached to accountability.

Creating a plan for safety in a party environment whether you are attending, working or otherwise for newly sober people is crucial for avoiding the triggers and pitfalls of relapse.

Here are some of suggestions for creating a plan: 

Share your concerns or allow others to share theirs if you are newly sober and are attending or working in a party environment.

Have a means of transportation so that you can leave if you feel triggered.

Involve your employer in your plan if possible.

Have a list of people you can call for support.

Attend party events with other sober people or individuals that have your best interest at hand and support your recovery.

People newly in recovery many times wonder if they will ever have fun again. There are also many individuals struggling with addiction and who desire recovery but resist seeking it out of fear that their lives will become dull without the drinking and drugging. My experience was that the fun changed after getting sober and that when it was time to leave… I left.

One of the greatest things I have learned from working yearly at the biggest party weekend is that almost all of the gay men who attend are kind, hard working, love celebrating their lives and are not strung out. This has also been a great opportunity to express kindness and love even when I bear the brunt of a guest’s unhappiness for the all so many reasons that come up.

How we conduct ourselves in any situation is a golden opportunity to truly express the gift of recovery wherever we are and with everyone we meet!