Leather Pride Week in San Francisco got off to a rousing start this past Sunday, September 18 when close to 300 people gathered at Daddy's on Castro Street to begin the Leather Walk to the South of Market "leather zone," with a pit stop at the Powerhouse and ending at the Eagle Tavern.

The marchers for the AIDS Emergency Fund and the Breast Cancer Fund raised more than $18,000, with the top contribution made by Don "Ho" Tse. Musical entertainment accompanied the group down Market Street, along with with an SFPD escort and celebrities "Berlin", Brian Benamati, and Donna Sachet, with flag work by Jeff Hettinger (Mr. Russian River Eagle). Assemblyman Mark Leno was on hand to present certificates of honor from the California Assembly and urged all to demand Governor Schwarzgoogle sign the marriage legislation passed by the California Assembly. The Leather Daddies of San Francisco were paid tribute for their ongoing support of Leather Walk.

As the Leather Pride flag ascended the flag pole in Harvey Milk Plaza, everyone's favorite diva, Sharon McNight, warbled a touching, poignant rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" as the flag slowly ascended the pole, a rendition that made even the staunchest Judy Garland fan give Judy's performance a second thought.

After the warm welcome at the world famous Powerhouse, the walkers proceeded to the Eagle Tavern where a big crowd was on hand applauding the group who were waiting for the Bare Chest Calendar dinner date auction to start. The warm breezes of last Sunday made it another glorious day t

Mr. Leather Europe 2005 "Christian", center, won his title last Friday, September 16 at the MSC-Amsterdam  35th anniversary. He was flanked on the left by Robert Menchetti, Mr. Leather Europe 2004, and on the right by IML 2005&nbs

o celebrate Leather Pride - a wonderful kickoff that ends with the Mr. San Francisco Leather contest at the Eagle on Saturday and the Folsom Street Fair on Sunday. Quite frankly, the leather tribe rocked!

I received some 67 press releases for leather events taking place all week and believe me, if I owned the Bay Area Reporter I would print them all, but alas, space limitations prohibit my largesse in this column. Those who waited until the last minute (like midnight last Saturday) are lucky if their event is listed herein.

Across the continent

In far off Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the world-famous Double L resort staged their Mr. Double L Leather competition on Saturday night, September 17th. The outgoing titleholder (Steve Ranger- "everybody wants my jock strap"), who went on to win the Mid-Atlantic Leather title in Washington, D.C. and was among the top 20 at IML 2005, passe his sash to a rather handsome 42-year old stud, Scott Dean Harris. They say it was a great night.

Mr. Harris advances to compete at the Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend in Washington, DC in January and he will be here to attend the Mr. San Francisco Leather contest and the Folsom Street Fair.

Even farther away, the Motor Sports Club-Amsterdam celebrated their 35th anniversary with a rockin' party last Friday night, September 16, that included the Mr. Leather Europe 2005 contest.

     For the second year in a row, a leather man from Belgium (Liege, to be exact) took the title and his name is "Christian" (they don't use last names at this contest).

Last year's winner, Roberto Menchetti, gave a gracious step aside speech, citing his Latino heritage and noting that his successor too is Latino man. 

Christian advances to compete in the IML Class of 2006 next May. This makes almost two dozen contenders already . . . and it's only September!

Who succeeds Dodger Allen?

Four men will compete for the Mr. San Francisco Leather 2006 title this Saturday, September 24, at 4 p.m. at the Eagle Tavern. They are: John Caldera, Toro Camacho, Richie Chameroy and Sean Kline.

Queen Cougar and Werner Tillinger will MC, with entertainment by stand-up comic "Lurch" and T.J. Istvan and "Sheba".

Organizers of the contest feel elated that IML Executive Producer Chuck Renslow (Chicago) and IML Michael Egdes are on the judging panel. The other judges are Ed Morgan, Tony Koester, Steve Kajikawa, John D. of the M.O.D. and Dodger Allen will help pick his successor on this panel. The committee has been working diligently and attendees should be pleased with the results. A commemorative pin will be given to all ticket holders.

Tickets are going fast at $15 advance or $20 at the door.

Get your kicks

Enjoy yourself this weekend; don't overdo anything; be kind and helpful to tourists/visitors. Drink plenty of water and enjoy the pastiche of one of leather's finest hours — the Folsom Street Fair: the biggest leather gathering in the universe!