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Decades of Leather History lay behind us and this past year, like every year prior, has contributed much to our vibrant and dynamic community. Many milestones have been achieved, not only as individuals but as a community in our collective quest for a sexually diverse global society where hatred and discrimination are replaced with tolerance, acceptance and compassion, and of course a dash of pleasure and pain to liven it up, consensual of course.
As the outgoing International Mr. leather 2006 I welcome you to our playground over the next few days here in Chicago where only your imagination and creativity limit your expressions. For many of us of the year has been steeped in politics and community service at the regional, national and international levels. There is much work to be done but ultimately, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi "you must be the change you want to see in the world". In whatever it
is you decide to do you must find that particular balance between
the crucial action, be it political or otherwise, and the pure
and simple enjoyment of what we love to do. Never lose that passion
for the tantalizing eroticism that drew you here in the first
place; never forget the allure of the sweet stench of aged leather
and the sharp piercing sensation of cold metal against flesh;
never forget the overwhelming rush of endorphins that titillate
your senses at the mere suggestion of pain intertwined with sex;
and never deny these experiences to those who have yet to experience
its exhalations, yet yearn and crave to be a part of it. There are countless
individuals I must humbly bow to and give thanks as it is because
of them that my year has been unbelievable. From the judges'
boy who brought me water when I thirst; to the Masters, submissives,
boys and slaves, and to When asked if I had fun this year, my response is that "my" journey can be likened to that of a rollercoaster with its ups and downs, twists and turns. Now that this ride has come to an end I can sigh a great sigh of relief but it has left within me an insatiable hunger to move on to the next rollercoaster ride in life with renewed excitement and anticipation drawn by the unknown and the inevitable thrills and chills that await me. When asked if I achieved the goals I set for myself, my response is that a year was certainly not enough time. For those whom I have met this year you are well aware of the issues I feel most passionate about, issues we all face to varying degrees in our lives and in our communities around the world. 1.Working towards the realization of equal status and recognition of our GLBTQ relationships and nurturing family structures be it through marriage, or otherwise. Many have achieved these rights in countries around the globe but there are still far too many who have yet to enjoy the sense of liberty I and others have been afforded by their governments. Some communities have taken that first step towards equity with the recognition of Civil Unions albeit often with limited rights and freedoms. Do not give up the fight for unequivocal rights in you respective countries as we are NOT second class citizens; 2.Increasing awareness regarding the aim to abolish the now 20 year-old ANTI HIV travel ban that still exists in the USA and a few rogue countries around the world. These laws perpetuate ignorance and discrimination. Its existence is tearing apart our global leather community, denying the coming together of leather brothers, sisters and families; 3.Fighting against rampant apathy and complacency that ravages our community spirit and drive. We must rekindle the roaring flame of activism that once burned in our hearts causing us to take action; 4.Witnessing a disconnect between young and old or New Guard and Old Guard factions within our community. The overwhelming lack of youth presence in our rapidly aging leather community, if not rectified, will ultimately result in our demise. As I have traveled this year from community to community it has become apparent that this may be one of our greatest challenges to overcome; 5.And of course increasing awareness of the persistent and destructive forces of HIV/AIDS and addictions that still haunt our lives. These are a few of the more salient issues I have been able to address during my title year with audiences, with individuals I have met, and with the thousands of cyber leather folk who I have connected with via the World Wide Web. The internet is a resource we have underutilized as a means to educate and inform a global generation of leather folk who starve for information. If used properly, it can play a major role in providing the desperately needed mentorship while alleviating the strain on our fast disappearing keepers of knowledge and history. However let us look to this weekend to renew our spirit and drive and to celebrate and show support to those incredible men from around the world who have stepped forward as our agents of change, taking on the enormous challenge of being our role models, our leaders and our sources of inspiration. Although only one man will emerge from this weekend with the title of IML 29 all of the men represent a collective force committed to action and change. We must be forever grateful and honor them for their sacrifices in their quest to represent you, our community, and our love of the lifestyle we live. Now go forth and experience IML and all it has to offer your playground awaits you!! Bo Ladashevska photo: chapter9photography.com |
This
weekend marks yet another milestone in our community's growth
and evolution and a time to gather and rekindle old friendships
and forge new ones amidst the celebration of our sexualities,
our passions and our unmistakable "joie de vivre".
We have gathered to practice and promote the lifestyle of Leather
and BDSM each one of you has embraced with all of its' individual
nuances and unique expressions of fetish, kink and what others
in more conservative circles deem taboo. It's IML: 29 years old
and PROUD! 
the
bootblacks, pain sluts and those with no names, I thank you for
helping me delve deeper into a world I "thought I knew";
to the producers who worked tirelessly to create the contests
and events we all enjoy; to Brett Sprang of BEX Leather here
in Chicago who created the leathers I proudly wear this weekend
and to the thousands of volunteers and sponsors who give of their
time and resources yet ask for nothing in return. Their dedication
and selfless acts of community service and kindness affirm in
my heart that there is still much good in this world and much
of it originating from our great global leather nation.