Leather Pride Week 2007 kicks off this weekend with the Leather Walk from the Castro to South of Market, preceded by the raising of the gigantic leather pride flag in Harvey Milk Plaza around Noon on Sunday, September 17. And every night between then and Sunday, September 24 (day of the Folsom Street Fair), there are scores of leather/bdsm events scheduled to suit everyone's palate.

One of the main events during Leather Pride Week is the annual Mr. San Francisco Leather contest on Saturday afternoon (beginning at 1600) at 715 Harrison. At last count, four men have stepped forward to compete for this city's highest leather title. They are Juan Carlos Pinedo (Mr. Latin Leather), Steve Mayer (Mr. Hayes Valley Leather), Matt Johnson (Mr. Powerhouse Leather) and Travis Creston, (sponsored by Joe's Barber Shop).

It's a dynamic group, but one that should be augmented with more men. With as many leather people that live in San Francisco, leather stores, and leather groups, it's mystifying that there are only four contestants.

Mr. Powerhouse Leather chosen

Last Saturday night, September 9, a huge crowd was on hand for the Mr. Powerhouse 2007 contest. Only two men stepped forward to compete, Matt Johnson and John Caldera. They faced judges Richie Chameroy, Stafford Hemmer, Jorge Vieto, Houston Davenport, and Troy Anicete in the usual categories onstage after preliminary interviews earlier in the evening.

Ross Dierking handily emceed the proceedings with lots of humor injected. It was also announced that an "independent" contestant for Mr. SF Leather 2007 was present, he being Travis Creston, a feisty young man with dynamic qualities that should serve him well in the competition.

The moment of truth arrived around 2330 a few minutes after outgoing Mr. Powerhouse Leather Richie Chameroy gave his 7 ½-minute step/aside speech. During the speech, he singled our Norm McAllister, a local photographer, with a certificate of appreciation for his support during the past year.

The new Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2007 is Norm Johnson, a professor and Mr. January on the 2007 Bare Chest Calendar. He is 5 feet 11 inches, weighs 190 pounds with blue eyes and salt and pepper hair. Johnson advances to compete for the Mr. San Francisco Leather 2007 title. You can order your tickets online in advance for $20 at www.frantix.net. Good show. Great crowd.

Judges named for ILS/b/BB

Mike Zuhl, president of DCI Productions, announced last Sunday, September 10 that the judges for the International Leather Sir/boy and Bootblack contest taking place the weekend of October 5-7 in Dallas are as follows:

I am happy and honored to join: Int'l. Leather Sir Dexter Edmond 2005; International Leather boy Mike "Stallion" Fry; Don Leach, Great Lakes Leather Sir 2002; Dale Breunig, Int'l. Leather Sir 2002; Tug Taylor, Mid-Atlantic

Scott Harris, Mr. Double L Leather (Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) passes his sash to a successor this coming weekend. Scott went on to win the Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2006 title and at IML 2006 was in the top 20 in that competition.

Mr. Leather 2004; IML 2006 Bo Ladashevska; "Pandora", Ms. World Leather 2004; and Brandon Matheson, Eastern Canada Leather Sir 2004. The Bootblack judges are: "Ultra Domme;" "Elegant," S.E. Bootblack 2005; and Arthur "Boo Boo" Funni, International Mr. Bootblack 2005.

All the regional contests are complete and the final contest was held in Seattle for the NW Leather Sir/boy/Bootblack two weekends ago. The winners there: Wendell Joost III of Seattle is NW Leather Sir; Brandon Lyons-Nava is NW Leather boy; and Henry Brown of Seattle was chosen NW Bootblack. They advance to compete in Dallas next month.

Meanwhile, back east

The Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend producers (Centaur Motorcycle Club) announced their judges for MAL 2007 next January 12-14, in Washington, D.C. They are Scott Harris, head judge; IML Bo Ladashevska; IMsL. Lady Faye; Int'l. Leather Sir Dexter Edmond; IML executive Bill Stadt; and former Mr. DC Eagle (1977-78) Wayne Nesbitt. It should be an interesting contest next year. Have you made your reservations yet?

As an aside to this contest, the D.C. chapter of the Men of Discipline has announced that it will produce a contest to name Mr. Old Dominion Leather at Freddie's Beach Bar in Arlington, Virginia on Saturday, October 7. The winner will compete at MAL 2007 in January.

The Mr. Montreal Leather 2007 contest, which was scheduled for later this year, has been postponed and will happen at a date to be announced. The reason for this change is that only one contestant had been fielded for this year's competition and the club is revamping its contest and adding new board members to MC Faucon, the sponsors of this contest. Stay tuned for developments.

Attention current leather titleholders

All current leather titleholders are reminded that Folsom Street Events is affording them an opportunity to be introduced on the 7th Street stage at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, September 24. Be there early to sign up. Volunteers will assemble the sign-up cards in alphabetical order. Be on time, please.

The community looks forward to the coming week when leather pride encompassing people from around the world will shine bright and proud. Be kind and helpful to the tourists. Hotels, motels, and other hostelries are booked solid and couches and guest bedrooms are booked solid. It should be a glorious week for leather and all its elements. Hopefully, the weather will be conducive to everyone having a good time. Wear sunscreen, exercise caution, drink lots of water, and have a great time. San Francisco welcomes everyone with open arms (and a few legs here and there!).

Correction: There was a representative of the AIDS Emergency Fund at both the Leather Daddy and Leather Daddy's Boy contests at the Eagle. Jay Hemphill was present representing the AEF. Sorry about that. ­–Mr. Marcus

EVENTURES IN LEATHER & KINK

Weekend September 15-17

At the Double L Resort in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Scott Harris steps aside from his Mr. Double L Leather title to sash a successor. Winner advances to compete at MAL 07 in Washington, DC in January 2007.

Western Boy Run 2006 in San Francisco with a sit-down dinner, trip to Alcatraz, T-shirt, pin. For info, contact: westernboyrun2006@yahoo.com.

Mr. Dixie Belle Leather at Missie B's Bootlegger Bar in Kansas City, Missouri. IML Bo Ladashevska will be the head judge.

Friday, September 16

Exiles of SF present Midori expounding on "Seducing Lady Luck" at the Women's Building. Doors open 1930, program at 2000. Parking not good in this area.

Eagle Tavern celebrates its ninth anniversary party tonight (no time given) with food, libations and music. Congratulations and best wishes for future success!

"Jolly Ho" pirate party at the Powerhouse bar (talk about "rough seas"!) from 2100 to midnight. Walk the plank, grog, raffles, Jell-O shots and a Pirate Booty contest. $5 donation to benefit PAWS.

Sunday, September 17

Kick off SF Leather Pride Week with the Leather Walk from the Castro to SOMA with pit stops along the way. Raising of the leather pride flag in Harvey Milk Plaza around noon. Download pledge sheets from www.mamasfamily.org.

Wednesday, September 20

Leathermen's Discussion Group Fetish Fair at the Citadel from 2000 to 2200. For info, surf to: www.sfldg.org.

Joint Leather & Underwear Buddies party at 933 Harrison at the usual time with the dress code regulations prevailing for both genres.

September 22-24

Folsom Fringe in San Jose featuring the NW Regional Master/slave contest. For info, surf to: www.folsomfringe.com/nwms.

Friday, September 22

California Boots & Breeches present "Roll Call 2006" dinner. For info, e-mail: j.judd@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, September 23

Mr. San Francisco Leather 2007 contest at 715 Harrison; doors open 1500; contest at 1600. Tickets $20 advance, $25 at the door. You can order online at www.frantix.net. Toro Camacho steps aside to sash his successor. Thanks Toro, for a good and fun year.

Tit Play Party at the Powerhouse from 1500 to 1700. Show those pecs! For info, surf to www.nippleplay.com.

Sunday, September 24

1100 to 1800: The world's biggest leather event, Folsom Street Fair from 7th to 12th Streets on the "Miracle Mile" (Folsom St.). Leather galore, madness, mayhem, spanking booths, men, women, boys, and girls, (leave pets at home), freak freely and frequently. See you there! Drink water. Apply sunscreen. Enjoy!