The next stop on the “Leather Events You Should Attend Around the Country Tour” is ABW, or American Brotherhood Weekend. Where IML, LeatherSir/boy and IMsL represent individuals in the leather community, ABW is “a celebration of the bond of Leather families.” Leather families are some of the most complex relationships in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersexed, Queer, Questioning community and also may include members of the pansexual, heterosexual and any other sexual community. Basically, any number of kinky people regardless of sexual identity can form a “leather family” with members fulfilling any number of kinky and/or sexual roles. ABW strives to embody that sense of family with contests that select an American Leatherman, American Leatherwoman, American Leatherboy and now American Leathergirl. The other difference between ABW and the international titles is that ABW is a national title and contestants must be gay and/or lesbian U.S. citizens. Over the years this has pissed off members of the international community who may or may not have wanted to run for one of the ABW titles – especially Canadians. A few years back there was a Canadian Leather Family modeled after ABW but that venture was short lived and is now defunct.

The ABW was founded by Bostonian leather man Mike Miller in 1989 with the American Leatherman title. Later he added American Leatherwoman, then American Cowboy, and later American Leatherboy. He tried American Cowgirl, but there was little interest and support for the title, so it never really took off. The most colorful producer of American Brotherhood Weekend was American Leatherman 1991 and 1992, Jose Alberto Ucles. If Liberace had been a leather man, his name would have been Jose Alberto Ucles. Now, instead of the traditional leather sash that most titleholders win in a leather contest, the American Leatherman was awarded a huge leather- and stud-covered WWF (World Wrestling Federation – for non-sports fans and gay men) bling belt. Yes, the American Leatherman would walk around in a giant leather corset looking like a big leather super hero. Jose was known for taking this look to the next level by adding more chrome, studs and bling to any place on his body the huge WWF belt didn’t cover. Luckily for our eyes Jose Alberto Ucles only held the title for two years. Currently, the corporation American Brotherhood Weekend, Inc. operates under the auspices of Frank Nowicki, who is the East Coast’s answer to leather MC/auctioneer Lenny Broberg.

San Diegans, Bill Mitchell and sheryl dee held the titles of American Leatherman and American Leather Woman in 2003. There, now you know. American Brotherhood Weekend will take place in hot and humid New Orleans, L.A. over the weekend of July 10th. Ms. World 2001 and one of the producers of San Diego Leather Pride, Annie Romano is on the judging panel. Check out www.americanbrotherhood.com for more details.

This is the end of June which means San Francisco Gay Pride. For those who are making the trek up to “Fagdad-By-The-Bay” there is a lot or too much happening that can get you into all sorts of trouble. There is “Folsom Friday” at Chaps II with an special appearance by up and cumming adult star, Race Cooper for those of you who like your men black like your leather. Down the street from Chaps II they will kick off Pride weekend with the launch of the “2010 Bare Chest Calendar” at South of Market’s most popular cruise spot – The Powerhouse. The Calendar guys will receive their official Bare Chest Calendar vests and my roommate Chris aka Jake Mitchell is Mr. October. If that’s not enough you can head over to the Mr. S Store on 8th Street where Mr. SF Leather Brandon Clark will host “Pride in Unity: The Darker Side of Pride.” You gotta love that title. This one is a benefit for the new Ms. SF Leather Contest. Somewhere in there you can try to fit in the “Uniform and Leather Ball” at the Green Room but its probably easier and a lot more fun to hang out in the back room of the Powerhouse. Saturday is “Pink Saturday” but the “in-crowd” will be at “Disco Cherry” at Mezzanine. Tickets for that will set you back about $40, or you can return to the back room of the Powerhouse or even drag yourself over to Blow Buddies.

Whatever you do have a safe trip up north and remember to celebrate Gay Day with pride.