It's Leather Pride Week in San Francisco, and if you're not exhausted already, this Sunday will see leather folk from around the world sampling all that is unique in the leather essence of San Francisco at the 24th annual Folsom Street Fair.

The week started Sunday, September 23 with the annual Leather Walk from the Castro to South of Market. Under overcast skies, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the 440 Castro bar to participate in the two and a half-mile walk that benefits the AIDS Emergency Fund and the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund.

Diligent people had been soliciting pledges from friends, lovers, co-workers, and leather-friendly people. Volunteers registered the walkers, and getting the line-up ready. The event was overshadowed by the news that former Empress XXXV Suzie Wong, a great friend of the leather community, had died earlier Sunday morning of complications from cancer. Organizers had previously decided that the walk would be dedicated to Wong. Community members were truly saddened to learn of this loss.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., the crew and spectators gathered in the area of the Harvey Milk Plaza to witness what is always an inspiring scene, the raising of the leather pride flag. A 30-foot by 60-foot flag rose to the top of the pole while hundreds cheered and cameras captured the inspiring moment for posterity. The flag remained there until midnight, Sunday.

The walkers assembled on Castro Street with the sound truck and the entertainers headed the contingent, escorted by a police cruiser, and proceeded to walk the distance to the final destination at the Eagle Tavern, with a pit stop at the Powerhouse bar. If there is a leather walk in any other city in this nation or Canada, nobody has informed us. What city has a "gay" plaza? What city has a flagpole solely for a gay or leather flag? What city has a plethora of loyal volunteers who make this leather walk the huge success that it has always been since former Mr. Headquarters Art Tomaszewski conceived the idea as a fundraiser during his title year?

Leather Pride Week has long begun with the Leather Walk. Those who continually and sarcastically ask, "Why do we need titleholders?" need only to witness the Leather Walk and all the money it raises to find an answer. And it's not just leather titleholders who support this event. Pledge money is raised from a variety of sources. It is a pleasure to inform you that over $25,000 was raised for the AEF and BCEF with this year's leather walk.

And if you want an eye-opener, check this out: the Leather Walks over the years since 1992 have raised a whopping $222,000.

Did you know you were a 'switch'?

Well, you are Blanche, you are! Last Monday morning, September 17, the powers that be at International Mr. Leather announced that the host hotel for IML XXX next Memorial Day weekend has been switched from the Palmer House Hilton to the Hyatt Regency Chic

Mama Reinhardt kibitzes with former Mr. SF Leather Julian Marshburn on Market St. for the 17th annual Leather Walk on Sunday, Sep. 23rd.

IML attendees were advised to cancel their Palmer House reservations and begin anew at the Hyatt. It's difficult to see how this would pose any problems for anyone, but already the groaning has begun. Either go or don't go. Stop your whining. Face it, neither hotel is exactly a "bargain" as far as the rates go, but when you consider the layout of the Hyatt, the vendors should be shouting for joy. Whether IML the competition will be held at the Chicago Theatre again this year is also open to conjecture. Those "in the know" at IML aren't saying anything, so live with the mystery. Stay tuned.

Sirs and boys

The next "biggie," so to speak, is the International Leather Sir/boy and Bootblack competition in Dallas the weekend of October 4-7. Former Mr. Florida Drummer, Lou Molnar, is back on board due to allegedly someone who let Mike Zuhl down "big time." That's what happens when a very poor choice is made – when the whole community knows that selected "helpers" are poor choices.

It's also very disappointing to see that there are no contestants from the New England region, the Florida region, or the Great Plains region. If they have contestants, they are doing a great job of keeping it a secret. Have these regions lost their enthusiasm for the ILS/b concept? Is there a lack of interest or contestants? Are they not capable of pulling it together? These and other questions are plaguing the community. Another situation that is rumbling through on a low tone: Is Drummer magazine coming back? Some well-heeled and genuine leather/bdsm players are in the process of bringing Drummer back and the Mr. Drummer title. You read it here first!

The marchers carried signs that indicated this year's Leather Walk was dedicated to the memory of Empress Suzie Wong, a long-time supporter of the Walk, who had passed over early Sunday morning, Sep. 23rd.

Folsom Street Fair is here

I couldn't possibly list all the events taking place on our turf this week. There is a party/gathering for almost every fetish or inclination. I've heard over and over that IML has/had turned into a "circuit" dance event and there will always be those who want to cash in on the crush of bodies and wallets for these leather weekends and FSE is no different. But the fetishists should have their fill this week what with cigar parties, boot parties, uniform parties, play parties, cha-cha extravaganzas, and you name it. The best thing I can advise is to pick up a copy of the Folsom Street Fair program. Those who were astute enough to schedule their events months ago are listed and the johnny-come-latelies will have to hope their advertisements, fliers and glossy cards will get the word out. The tourists are here; it's great to see the leather banners up on street poles on Folsom. Have a great weekend, be kind to the tourists. Leave your dogs and small children at home. As Folsom Street Events organizers stated this week, "This is an adult street fair."

Eventures in Leather, Sept. 27 - Oct. 7, 2007

Thursday, Sep. 27

KINK welcomes rough trade, leatherwear and porn "actors" at the Powerhouse; 2100 to benefit LA&M. Raging Stallion models, raffles, gift bags, auction. Sounds hot to me!

Friday, Sep. 28

Leather Daddies Art Auction at 2200 at the Eagle. 12th annual benefit this year to Visual Aid. Got art to donate? Call 777-8242 or go to www.visualaid.org

Officer Chuck Limbert of the SFPD and three other officers accompanied the Leather Walk from Castro St. to Folsom St. on Sunday, Sep. 23d in San Francisco.

Mr. SF Leather Travis Creston presents Colt Men Mitch Branson, Carlo Masi and Adam Champ for a $10 donation at the Powerhouse at 2100 to benefit CARAS. Another hot one not to be missed.

SF Chapter Men of Discipline play party at the Citadel. You must have a sponsor to attend until 0200 next day. $25 advance, $35 @ door. A MOD member must invite you. For more info, go to www.menofdiscipline.org/playparty

Saturday, Sep. 29

Hot Boots/BLUF and Cigar guys gather at the Eagle Tavern around 1500 for leather and boot men socializing. Join in the splendor of boots, cigars, and uniforms.

Sep. 28 to 30

Folsom Fringe in San Jose by smOdyssey with Lolita Wolf and Boymeat the keynote speakers. Transportation to the Street Fair. Info: www.regonine.com/folsomfringe07

Sunday, Sep. 30

It's the biggest leather event on earth from 1100 to 1800. Current leather titleholders will be introduced on the 12th Street Stage at 12:30. Booths galore, leather galore, an event not to be missed. You'll need sunscreen, helpers, kindness to tourists. You know the rules. Leave your kids and dogs at home! This is an adult event.

Weekend Oct. 4-7

International Leather Sir/boy contests in Dallas, Texas; Gay Day at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.; NY Leather Weekend in Manhattan; 14th annual Queer Biker Invasion of Death Valley. Mr. and Ms. Gay SF pageant on Saturday. Hangover all day Sunday!