For the first time since Lenny Broberg won in 1992, the International Mr. Leather title comes back to the Bay Area thanks to Mr. SF Leather Andy Cross. The Bay Area rocked it in Chicago, with First Runner-Up going to Mr. Santa Clara County Leather Thib Guicherd-Callin. Robert Miller, Mr. Leather Man Toronto, secured Second Runner-Up. This was Broberg's first time emceeing the contest, so it's fitting that Mr. SF Leather won, meaning we rocked it on almost all fronts. International Bootblack 2013 went to Oil Tan Am from Portland, with First Runner-up going to Mike from Minneapolis. This paragraph was inserted after my deadline, more to come in my next column. Congratulations!
Scavenging South of the Slot: Have you ever wanted to go on a madcap scavenger hunt like Carole Lombard did in My Man Godfrey, but wanted one with that special "edge" that only our community can provide? Well, now's your chance! The first Great South of the Slot Scavenger Hunt takes place on Saturday, June 22. The Scavenger Hunt isn't just a fun hunt through SoMa, it's a chance to learn the varied and colorful history of the leather community beginning in 1962, when The Tool Box bar opened. The hunt starts at the Yerba Buena Gardens at 2 p.m., and ends at the SF Eagle at approximately 5 p.m., with a beer bust and silent auction hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
There are several ways you can participate:
1) Be a participant: Join the hunt! The goal is to have five costumed teams made up of five members each, three on foot and two on bike. The winning team will get $100 for each team member. Entry fee per team is $50.
2) Be a partner: Support is needed from neighborhood businesses to be checkpoints on the routes, or to make a donation towards a silent auction basket.
3) Be a sponsor: They are seeking sponsors to help defer the costs of creating maps and direction-markers used in the hunt.
4) Be a volunteer: Volunteers are needed to help with the logistics on foot, bike and online.
The hunt is the mastermind of Jose Guevara, who has been researching and collecting data about "South of the Slot" for several years now. It's co-produced by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the SOMA Guardians. Teams will be given their first clue to the hunt at the Yerba Buena Gardens. Each checkpoint will have the next clue for the next leg of the hunt. There are four routes dividing and surrounding the hunt, converging at various checkpoints.
Points can also be gained by posting photos of the scavenger hunt on the Facebook page, answering trivia questions, and winning the "best team costume." At the end, the final scoring will be done at the SF Eagle, including the audience judging of the team costumes. Three themed gift baskets will be auctioned off at the SF Eagle by the Sisters valued from $250 to $1,000 each.
It might sound a bit confusing as I've written it here, but it's not. It'll be a blast, and I urge everyone to form teams, join a team, or volunteer in some way. If you know of a business in SoMa that you think might want to help, please let the organizers know. You can contact Jose at: [email protected].
Per the press release: "The mission of The Great South of the Slot Scavenger Hunt is to preserve and promote the history of South of Market, an area once referred to as 'South of the Slot' and 'The Miracle Mile,' now SoMa. At the core of the neighborhood is the heart of our BDSM/Kink community, to which this event is dedicated. The hunt is a search for signposts to the past we treasure and will always remember.
"We commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Tool Box, the first gay motorcycle bar, which opened in 1962, and remember the iconic image of ourselves featured in Life magazine, with the now-famous mural by Chuck Arnett. The enduring spirit of The Tool Box is a testament to the resilience of the community that has survived many tragedies and created new identities."
Erotic power: Be sure to make it to "Erotic Power" this Saturday (June 1) at the Powerhouse, from 8-10 p.m. It's right after the Welcome Home (from International Mr. Leather) party for Mr. SF Leather 2013 Andy Cross. That takes place from 5-8 p.m.
Pride Contingent monitors needed: SF Pride is right around the corner! It's time to volunteer as a Wheel Monitor. Each vehicle needs two trained Wheel Monitors for each vehicle's axle. Next contingent meeting is on Saturday, June 15, at the SF Eagle Patio, at 2:30 p.m. Go to: www.sfleather.org for details.
I'd like to extend belated congratulations to Daddy Steve Gaynes and Luna for being named Grand Marshals of the Leather Contingent. You both more than deserve the honor.