Tonight ten men will begin a journey in the hope of succeeding International Leather Sir 2008, Sir Raul Mendez and International leather boy 2008, boy bill hoeppner. The year 2008 saw the resurgence of International Leather Sir/boy as the dominant title for for men who are skilled and participate in the BDSm lifestyle. Throughout the year, Sir Raul and boy bill traveled the country displaying their abilities as “players” in the BDSm community as well as spokesmen and ambassadors. It’s no secret that whoever wins the honor of becoming International Leather Sir and boy 2009 this weekend will have some tall boots to fill.

Ray, California LeatherSIR 2009 Ray recently competed in Long Beach and will represent California at the contest. Many will remember Ray from his reign as Mr. San Diego Eagle 2006 and as first runner-up at the 2006 Mr. San Diego leather Contest. He has been an active member of the San Diego Leather Community since 2005. He and his husband Stephen have been together for eight years and were legally married in 2008. He is a self-employed pet store owner specializing in very large snakes. In his playroom, Ray enjoys water sports, bondage, CBT, flogging, and mummification. We wish Ray the best of luck as he competes for the title once held by San Diegan, Mike Russell. We also want to mention California Bootblack, Blast, a genderqueer, polyamorous, service heavy switch who identifies differently in every relationship she has. Blast will compete against three other bootblacks this weekend.

Competing from the Central Plains region is Master Sampson who has been involved with the leather community for fifteen years. Master Sampson began n the leather lifestyle as a sub under a few different Masters before transitioning to Master. In 2001 he won the title of Mr. Missouri leather and went on to compete at IML. Master Sampson has taken part in training sessions as an instructor within the BDSM community teaching flogging, bondage techniques and training boys.

Sir Merrill is one of the contestants I met at Cleveland Leather Alliance Weekend last spring and will represent Great Lakes. He is the current President and is a co-founding member of the Michigan Motormen, a social motorcycle club for leathermen and motorcycle enthusiasts. Sir Merrill is a member of LIFE Detroit and will be actively involved in the organization and development of the 2010 Leather Leadership Conference, which will be held in Detroit, Mch.

The great state of Texas (or maybe not so great) will be represented by Sir David. He was mentored by former San Diegan, Daddy Lou and makes toys and floggers that are donated to events. He is a member of Discipline Corps where he serves as the events coordinator. Sir David is also a founding and current honorary member of DFWLeatherboys.

The Mid Atlantic Region is always one of the strongest and this year they will support Sir Ky as their contestant. LeatherSIR 2009

Northeast LeatherSIR 2009 Marco has been active in the leather community of Northeast Pennsylvania for over ten years. Marco has held the titles of Mr. Lehigh Valley Leather 1999 and Mr. Oneida 2006.

The Northwest is also a strong region and has produced Sir Thom who has been a member of the Portland Leather community since the early 1990’s. Sir Thom was Mr. Oregon State Leather 1997 and has volunteered for the Human Rights Campaign and Log Cabin Oregon (pre-George W Bush) where he was famous (for marching with Log Cabin in Portland’s Gay Pride parade wearing his full leathers.

Southeast LeatherSIR 2009, Sir Jason is a member of Tulsa Uniform Leather Seekers Association. In 2008 he moved to Fort Lauderdale and currently works at LeatherWerks. He is still an associate member of T.U.L.S.A. and has become an advisor/mentor of the South Florida boys of Leather.

Rounding out the contestants for International Leather Sir 2009 is Sir Jonathan from Western Canada. Jonathan has been involved in the leather community in Calgary, Alberta Canada for over 13 years. He currently holds multiple volunteer positions to support AIDS Service Organizations and Community Based Organizations.

Competing with these men will be nine boys and four bootblacks. I will be a judge and will bring you the results in the next column. Have a great Halloween and be safe!