This past March, Lee Butler won the title of Mr. San Diego Leather 2007. Like most titleholders, Lee has had his share of ups and downs, drama, criticism and everything else that goes with being in the public with a huge target on your back. Like his predecessors, Lee’s tried to mix nontraditional events with some true S & M activities, like Buster’s Skate Night.

Next weekend Lee is planning a Leather Camping Trip with anyone else who can pitch a tent invited.

It’s been six months since Lee won his title so let’s see how his reign as Mr. San Diego Leather has been.

GLT: First of all, why did you run for Mr. SD Leather?

LB: It was a goal I set for myself last year while working the Leather Realm 2006. I’ve never been a title holder and just thought it would be fun.

GLT: Everyone knows that “Black don’t crack,” and unless we’re on crack, we usually look good for our age. At 50, you’re older than most current title holders.

LB: With age come experience, knowledge and history. My 30 years of Leather History was a big advantage during the interview part of the contest.

GLT: How did you prepare?

LB: First I have to thank Mike Russell our den father (Mother). His help and guidance during the contest were invaluable. I found the process hectic but at the same time enjoyable. The contest, just like life, is about pacing yourself so that you can make it to the end.

GLT: People always want to “save the world by building bridges and mentoring the youth to give back to the community that has given so much to them.” How about you?

LB: My biggest goal was to unite the leather, bear, cowboy, sisters, fetish (Club X), court and women’s groups – to get them working together and hopefully at the same time just having fun.

GLT: You set high goals and are not one of those title holders who does nothing all year, expects the community to give him everything and whines when they don’t. Have you accomplished what you wanted the first half of the year?

LB: For the most part, yes. I attended LLC in Minneapolis, attended LA Pride and was a member of the 2007 SD Leather Realm Committee. I hosted the Erotic Art Show at SD Pride 2007. Build the SD Leather Float for SD Pride 2007 and am looking forward to the first annual combined camping trip next month with the members of the leather, bear, cowboy, sisters, fetish (Club X), court and women’s communities.

GLT: What’s your least favorite experience so far?

LB: Honestly, getting the women of our community to come together and work with each other as a cohesive group. I do need to note however that there have been exceptions to the above comment. Most notably Christi and Lori without whose help I could not have pulled off the 2007 Leather Realm or the 2007 Leather Float during SD Pride.

GLT: You were in the first International Mr. Leather competition, and you plan to run in 2008 for the 30th IML competition as Mr. San Diego Leather.

LB: The first time I ran I was a 21-year-old cocky kid who did it on a dare. Now I’m more seasoned, mellow and have 30 years of experience to assist me in my next attempt at IML.

GLT: Any advice for anyone wanting to run for Mr. SD Leather?

LB: Run for the title because you want to serve the community. Enjoy the experience and pace yourself, otherwise the community and/or the experience might eat you up. The support that I have received from the community has been incredible, and it has never let me down.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their assistance and support during the first half of my term.

Replies, comments or event notices are sometimes welcome at InThePitSD@aol.com. This is sigma and I HOPE to you “In The Pit.”