A couple of weeks ago we met the new American Leatherman 2009, Alex Lindsay. Besides being the latest major titleholder, Alex is also one of the producers of West Coast Rubber Weekend. Rubber is one of the kink communities least understood fetishes here on the West Coast – especially in Southern California. One of the main reasons is probably the weather. It doesn’t seem likely that most kinksters would be attracted to a fetish that requires clothing which can double as a sweat suit for those wishing to shed water weight before a big wrestling match. Southern Californians tend to lean in favor of leather and uniforms while the east coast and Europe embraced rubber years ago. New York City along with Vancouver, Toronto, Amsterdam and Berlin, all host hugely successful rubber events each year.

In 2005 the very first West Coast Rubber kicked off in Palm Springs and was produced by Alex Lindsay and his husband Loren. It’s amazing they picked one of the hottest and driest cities in California, but despite the sweat shop conditions the event was hugely successful. That year more than 100 rubber men defied the sweltering Labor Day heat of Palm Springs, giving birth to West Coast Rubber Weekend. Like most kinky events West Coast Rubber Weekend continued to grow and in 2008 Alex and Loren moved to Los Angels, taking West Coast Rubber with them.

Rubber kinsters, rubber clothing, rubber bands…everything rubber will rubberize Los Angeles from Sept. 4-7.

This year’s host hotel is the Comfort Inn, just down the street from LA’s premier leather/kink bar The Eagle, which is the event host bar. Like most kink oriented events the weekend kicks off with a Meet and Greet at the Eagle along with a Gear Swap and Sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet other rubbermen and trade in that rubber shirt that makes you look and feel like an overstuffed chorizo. Remember, rubber is the most unforgiving and unflattering kinky gear you can ever put on. Also, it doesn’t like body hair and makes you sweat like a pig in heat. Of course those are the things I love most about being a man. Therefore, you want to make sure it fits properly before sauntering down to the meet and greet. If you have a feeling that it might not fit, then it probably doesn’t and you should trade it for something at the swap meet that’s a bit more comfortable.

The fun continues on Saturday with the Slime Pit and Barbecue followed by the Full Gear Dungeon Party. If you have never been to a rubber play party or play space be sure you understand the meaning of “wet.” Also, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and under no circumstances are you to eat asparagus, artichokes, brussell sprouts or spinach. Again, refer back to the rubber kinkster’s definition of “wet.” West Coast Rubber Weekend kicks into high gear on Sunday with the West Coast Rubber Contest. Although its not a leather events it is still a kinky event and every kinky event must have a title contest. Its in the Kinky Event Rule Book and heaven forbid there’s ever an event that exists purely for fun and play without a title contest.

To be fair, the producers of West Coast Rubber Weekend also do Winter Warm Up and Rubber Play Parties throughout the year, which do not have a title contest so there are non-pageant options available. The winner of the West Coast Rubber contest can go on to compete in Chicago at International Mr. Rubber. There are no official duties for Mr. West Coast Rubber except to look good in your rubber or latex for the entire year. So, if you decide to diet before competing make sure to continue that diet because as I said earlier, rubber is unforgiving and if you gain an ounce…we will notice. For more information on West Coast Rubber Weekend check out the website at www.westcoastrubber.com Also, if you need to update, ipsize or downsize your rubber gear get over to Pleasures and Treasures and I’m sure the guys will help you out. See ya in LA for Labor Day!