Some members of the leather community are confused, upset, and even outraged. Why are they so displeased? Our new International Mr. Leather, Tyler McCormick, is a transgender man in a wheelchair. That's it – that's the reason.
I met McCormick on Thursday, May 27 at the International Mr. Leather meet and greet for contestants and judges. I had the honor of serving on a panel of very distinguished and accomplished leathermen – and, one very exceptional leatherwoman – as a judge for the contest. McCormick, from New Mexico, impressed me right away with his generous spirit and outgoing nature. It was clear that McCormick was in a wheelchair, but, during our conversation, I could tell that his disability was not going to hold him back. We chatted briefly about his title and the Rio Grande area. I could tell instantly that McCormick is a special man.
Over the course of the next two days, the judges interviewed 52 leathermen, all competing for the title of International Mr. Leather 2010. Questions ranged from the political to the social to the downright silly. With only eight minutes per contestant, it can be hard to get a good sense of one's background and personality, but we all did our best. We judged each contestant on his own merits. Not once did any judge ask to look at another judge's scoring or try to compare notes. With the scoring complete, a list of the Top 20 was compiled, based solely on the numbers given to our tallymasters. As the judges, we only knew our individual favorites, but we did not know the results of the Top 20 until they were announced on stage in front of us and the audience at the same time.
Over the next three hours of the contest, we judged each remaining contestant on Leather Image, Physique, and Speech. The judging was fast and furious; yet it was always professional, consistent, and fair. Each man performed at his best, answering questions from the MC and delivering speeches of social meaning and depth. Never knowing how other judges had scored the competition, we could only guess as to who was going to place in the top three. I guessed two out of the three correctly, and McCormick was one of them.
McCormick's speech, in particular, was heartfelt and stirring, reminding us all that we are sometimes more frightened by our power and strength than by our failings and limitations. He also spoke honestly about his transition and the doubts expressed to him by friends and peers (e.g., "you'll never be able to take your shirt off"). Although referring to his gender identity, some of the judges thought he meant the transition from "boy" to "man" and assumed that he had body image issues like many of us gay men face in today's world. It was not until after the contest had been called in favor of McCormick as IML that many of the judges had to be told that he is female-to-male transgender.
People are making claims that the judging was "fixed." Frankly, there is no way to do that. And, more to the point, such claims only pit our leather brothers against one another. My friend, Lance Holman, did an incredible job representing the city of San Francisco, placing first runner-up in the contest. I am extremely proud of him! My explanation of the judging process above seeks to convey the transparency and impartiality with which IML conducts the process.
When McCormick's name was called as the new IML, all of his class brothers left on stage surrounded him with a massive group hug, reminiscent of a sports pile on. Clearly, his colleagues were proud of him and happy for him. That outcome is not something that we could have ever predicted as the judges. Those leathermen who knew McCormick best were the happiest of all with the decision. So, really, why are some people – those of you who probably do not know him – so upset?
Perhaps you do not agree with the weighting of the scores. Maybe you think more points should be afforded to physique and beauty so we can ensure that our IML is the guy we want to fuck (or have fuck us). Of course, then IML is nothing short of a true "beauty" pageant; and, is that really what we want? Be careful what you wish for. Personally, that is not what I would want.
To paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr., I trust that we can class=huge>live in a nation where we are not judged by the color of our skin – or any other intrinsic trait – but by the content of our character. If you do not know Tyler McCormick, then get to know him. You should judge him on a personal level as a fellow leatherman, not based on what you have heard about him or preconceived notions that you may have because of his gender identity or disability. He is nothing short of exceptional, and he proved that to all of us at IML 32. Now, let us see what he does with his title year. I believe he will make us all proud. Just wait and see.
Demetri Moshoyannis is the executive director of Folsom Street Events. To see McCormick's winning speech and his outtakes from IML 2010, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhUbtkRodzg.