Last weekend had its ups and downs. On the downside, the Chargers lost their battle with the undefeated New England Patriots. They fought a courageous fight, and I couldn’t be more proud of them – but there can only be one winner. Unfortunately, it was the Patriots, and I HATE the Patriots but I REALLY HATE the Giants so the Pats get my Super Bowl support.

Last weekend was also Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. You would think, 40 years after MLK fought for civil rights, attitudes toward race would be significantly different. While there aren’t regular lynchings, there is subtle and not-so-subtle racism everywhere in America, in San Diego, and in the gay community. Next time you’re on Adam4Adam, Manhunt, BigMuscleBears, HotSex4Men or any other hook-up Web site, count how many profiles say “no fats, no fems, no blacks, no Asians,” “Latins only, sorry guys just my preference,” “nikkas git wit yo boi,” “others like me,” “white only,” or “black only.”

Preference for an entire race over another for any reason IS racism. Whether Asian, Pacific Islander, Latin, white, black or “other,” we are people, and people have varying physical attributes. If you can’t find anything attractive about anyone who doesn’t look like you, just beat off.

Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in our nation’s capital also coincides with my second favorite leather event, Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (San Diego Leather Pride is my first). The Centaurs ensure the weekend doesn’t grow so large that it loses track of its original mission, “a continued shared sense of pride and brotherhood.” That fact, coupled with hordes of hot, horny, approachable, friendly men sets MAL apart from any other leather weekend.

There are receptions in the hotel; packed (and I do mean packed) play parties, bar parties and dance parties; Leather Cocktails, a Centaur and MAL tradition; a vendor mart, which is limited to a reasonable number of vendors (also unique to MAL); intense lobby cruising; and, of course, the Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest.

The MAL contest runs like clock work. I have to give props to Frank Nowicki, who is one of the best emcees in the country and is still as pretty as the day he won MAL in ’93, a very good year for pretty titleholders. The entertainer, Varla Jean Merman, was as superb as one expects from Varla Jean and is a must-see for any practicing homosexual.

This year, Sir Bill, Carl Hornberg, Tom Buckley and Chris Grasso stepped up to the plate to vie for the title. I always say it’s better to have a few good men than a shit load who are gonna’ waste your time. It was Chris Grasso from Connecticut who impressed the judges, wowed the crowd and walked away with one of the most coveted local/regional titles in the leather United States. Chris will compete with Mr. San Diego Leather, Lee Butler, at International Mr. Leather in Chicago Memorial Day Weekend.

San Diego Leather Pride is gearing up, and the San Diego Eagle will host a “Black Out” Party on Saturday, Jan. 26 (yes, this Saturday!). It’ll be one of those “back to backroom fun” nights we’ve been craving in San Diego. If all goes well, we may be able to talk Sir Nicholas into more “backroom fun” nights. For a donation at the door, everyone will get a small flashlight to use when the lights go out. Only use it when you can’t find what you want with your hands. You’ll also be given a raffle ticket for a door prize, and at midnight $100 will be awarded for Underwear Night. Let’s see, donation at door … lights out … flashlight … door prizes … $100 … underwear … Eagle … be there! The following Saturday at 9 p.m. is the Mr. San Diego Eagle contest, a time to have some fun and represent. Everyone has something to give to make the world a better place. Plus, it’ll get you laid, and if you have a boyfriend it’ll get you great three ways. And, if that doesn’t work, you’ll walk away with a cool vest and adoring fans.

Also, Feb. 1, March 7, and April 4, Rich’s is hosting a brand new bear night called Black Out with DJ Bryan Pruett. It’s a back-room-style party with dark lighting, a cruising area and plenty of hot sweaty men. If you like L.L. Bear, you’ll love this new night. Black Out is every first Friday of the month with the launch party on Friday, Feb. 1. Leather or black attire is encouraged. There’s no cover before 11p.m. with local gym card or military ID.

Well, when I’m out of town at a leather event I usually say “I have to go back to bed now.” So, I have to go back to bed now. See you In The Pit. Write me at Inthepitsd@aol.com.