All across the country, men who identify as boys are running for leather titles traditionally held by tops. Such is the case of Bryan, the current Mr. San Diego Leather and Alex who recently won American Leatherman at American Brotherhood Weekend. Below is an interview I did with Alex, but first Bryan, Mr. San Diego Leather 2009, will be hosting “Kinky Swap Meet” brought to you by San Diego League of Gentlemen and Club X. It’s time to start looking in the toy chest and setting aside what you no longer use. Sort of a late spring cleaning. Bring your unwanted toys, kinky wear or whatever, setup a table or share a table with a friend. Like any swap meet, you never know what you need until you see it. It all takes place at Joyce Beers Center on Cleveland Street on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 7-9 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact info@sdlog.net

I’ve known Alex, formerly known as boy alex, since the early ’90s when he was involved with various leather events. I found it interesting that Alex chose to run for American Leatherman instead of American leatherboy. This title reflects a change in his life, which he describes here.

Gay & Lesbian Times: How do you identify as a leather man?

Alex: Up until this past year, I identified as a boy. Leading up to and since winning the Mr. Regiment title, I’ve been taking on more responsibility and acting more independently. I just don’t feel like a boy any longer. I’m also discovering activities that I enjoy as a top. So, I would identify as a sub-leaning versatile.

GLT: How does this affect your ‘family life?’

Alex: I’m married. My husband, Loren, and I tied the knot last August, so we’re one of the 18,000 couples in marriage limbo. We’ve been together nearly 15 years. When we first met and got together, it was as a Daddy/boy couple. My collar was formally removed this year, but I still value Loren as my guide, mentor and, occasionally, conscience. We’re also looking for either a boy/sub or a versatile to add to the family.

GLT: Why did you run for the American Leatherman title instead of Leather boy title?

Alex: The primary reason is that I no longer identify as a boy. A challenge I made to myself this past year is to become a person who is driving and directing action, beyond being someone who helps others accomplish their goals. Johnny boy (the winner of American Leatherboy 2009) is definitely a better boy than I am (and probably is a better boy than I ever was).

GLT: How did you prepare for the contest?

Alex: The most important thing I did to prepare was to really get to know myself – who am I, what I’ve done, what do I care about, who do I want to see when I look back over my life.

GLT: What is your major kink/fetish?

Alex: From a fetish perspective, I’ve long been into both rubber and leather. Tight gear really gets me hot. Leather uniforms – the classic look – mouthwatering. Bondage, electrical play, impact play – chest punching is something I never thought would get me hard until I tried it. I’m also discovering I really enjoy tickling – particularly as a top.

GLT: How will you incorporate your kink/fetish into the title?

Alex: The most significant way is through a project I’ve recently started called OpenKink. It’s geared to encouraging people to be open about their kink/fetish [regardless of their sexual orientation] and to engage other people about their kinks as well. I’ve got a monthly event at the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, Hawt Gear, to encourage guys to come out in leather/uniforms. I’ll probably cycle in other fetishes over time and play in the bar.

GLT: A “fantasy” is a short skit that the contestant uses to express himself and show some skill. Describe the “fantasy” you did for the contest and why did you choose it?

Alex: I created a stage scene which was a representation of my history, the transition that this year has been, and a peek at what I see as my future. I came out in a heavy boy collar and stood alone on the stage. Loren, my husband, and long time Daddy, came out, arriving in my life, we made out on stage. Then he gave me a short, but vigorous flogging. He handed me the flogger, expressing that he felt I was ready to try topping. He called a boy from offstage (thank you Mr Los Angeles Leather, Ken Hearst). I tentatively tried flogging him (badly), then went over to him and we got nice and hot. I ripped off his shirt and started to get into flogging him, getting more comfortable and enjoying that role, with Loren watching from off to the side. Loren came back and presented me with my title vest – a symbol of my having earned the leather through my growth and experience. Then he presented me with a Muir cap, symbolizing my ability to serve as a top. Loren then removed my collar and handed it to me, acknowledging that he no longer ‘owns’ me in our relationship. He then walked completely offstage, leaving me to act independently.

GLT: What element do you see yourself bringing to the title of American Leatherman?

Alex: I like to think that I bring a recognition of our leather past combined with an eye to our leather future – a blending of Old Guard and New Guard mentalities. I have a certain balance between being dignified and mischievous that I think will also serve the title well. And, with OpenKink, I have a specific project with a clear goal I can support, which is not local to my home turf of Los Angeles. My hope is that my being out there as ALM for the next year will entice some guys out there from Olympia to Mobile to Detroit to Tallahassee to try something different – to see that leathermen and leatherwomen are not scary people, that we are simply men and women who know how to make the most of our sexuality and who have a commitment to one another as family.