In 1995, I attended Leatherfest in San Diego where I had a conversation with leather/BDSM author and activist, Race Bannon, concerning the future of leather title holders and whether or not leather title holders were an asset to the BDSM community. In 2002 I had the same conversation with former International Mr. Leather and author, Guy Baldwin, who was also debating the legitimacy of leather title holders in the BDSM community.

This conversation continues to happen in meetings, bars and social events all over the world and while there doesn’t seem to be a clear cut answer here is definitely a feeling amongst leather people that title holders have served their function and it may be time to find representation of another sort. A few books have been written on the topic, most notably The Leather Contest Guide: A Handbook for Promoters, Contestants, Judges and Titleholders by Guy Baldwin and So You Wanna Be A Title Holder by Jill Carter. Still, the question remains whether the titleholders themselves are necessary.

Recently, I had a similar conversation with my friend, Randal Kinnear from Tulsa, Okla. who will be a judge at the Mr. San Diego Leather Contest the third weekend in March. Randal is currently the Executive Co-Producer of International Leather Sir/boy and International Community Boot Black. He has held a number of titles including International Leather Sir and has produced numerous contests. I’ve known Randal close to 20 years and he’s one of the more opinionated leather men in the community, which is why we love him so much...besides his hard work and unwavering devotion.

Gay & Lesbian Times: What do you think is the main function of a leather titleholder?

Randal Kinnear: I think a titleholder’s main function is to represent the community he or she comes from in whatever capacity they can or whatever capacity they need. I feel they should promote the lifestyle and be of service to organizations and charitable groups. They should raise money for those who are in need and help those who may require help. Yes, I said they should raise money and work hard for charities. They should also be aware of what is going on in the community. They should be a doer and take initiative to do anything needed. If he or she is a player they should both teach and play. Show people how to understand their likes, dislikes and fetishes. They should be respectful of those elders who deserve it and to the community as a whole. They should also be able to get their hands dirty and work if called upon to do so. They should organize and be useful. They should not pose, get drunk or cause disgrace. I also prefer the word ambassador to titleholder. Many of these people go on to be our leaders of tomorrow.

GLT: In your opinion what is the difference between today’s titleholders and those of 15-20 years ago?

RK: In my opinion most titleholders now are not in the life long enough to know what leather means. Nor do they understand what good can be done, nor the harm that can be done when they are foolish. People expect so little from our titleholders because there are so many of them. The concept has been diluted to the point that anyone off the street who can borrow a jock can win a contest and often does. People used to be judged on the work they had accomplished in the community. That dedication used to mean something. To enter a contest and actually compete for a title meant that you worked hard in the community and you prepared by asking questions and having already amassed a resume of good work. Now people start 6 months before the contest and do a few things or piggy back off someone else and claim deeds that never existed. They used to talk to the older people in the community. They studied the lifestyle; they lived it and worked it. Now they just hire a “stylist” (to coin a phrase) and go through the motions of “being”. Now, if someone is pretty or even good looking with a hot body or a “look” they can win the title over the more seasoned person who does not live at the gym. Judges are also to blame. They don’t do their homework.

GLT: Well, then do you think there are too many titles?

RK: Yes, I feel there are too many titles out there and sooner or later they will be weeded out. Interest tends to fall off if they are not promoted and the winner is not visible. Unfortunately, the more titles the less interest by the community. In my opinion there are too many titles because the individuals who run use it as a means of self validation. The promoters use it as a form of self validation as well and think they gain greater acceptance on there road to leather iconism.

GLT: What do you think are the main differences between International Mr. Leather, International Leather Sir/boy and American Leather Family and do they over lap?

RK: They all play to a different part of the leather subculture. The main differences used to be that IML was the political figure and Drummer (Now ILS/b.) was the bad boy title. American Leather Family (ABW) promoted the ‘family’ lifestyle as they had a man woman and boy and there used to be a girl but they dropped it for lack of interest. Now they sort of all mesh together. IML usually has a charity they work for as IML 2009, Jeffrey Payne did this year. The ILS/b, Sir Tony and boy Brad, title is a player’s title and they promote the BDSM/ Fetish lifestyle and give lectures and demos for people who want to see and be a part of the players lifestyle. And years ago, when I Bootblacked at the Silver Star saloon in Tulsa or the Dallas Eagle, I could always turn a blacking into a very, highly charged sexual adventure that could send people screaming in sheer unadulterated joy. ABW promotes leather and the sheer love of leather. Alex Lindsey and Johnny Boy have traveled far and wide promoting the lifestyle. But, in this let us not forget the women in the community. Lamalani as the IMsL loves a good cause but she is also a kinky little thing and loves a good Play session. Dakota the ABW Woman is very active working with women in the community. They all play their role in the puzzle. So, yes I believe they overlap. We all do what we can and we try to help each other when needed or asked.

GLT: People see IML as a political title. Should title holders play a role in our politics?

RK: I don’t know that titleholders should play a part in the political scene. That would be a personal choice to them. If they truly believed in a cause, I would encourage them. I have marched for causes, made AIDS quilts for my fallen brethren and marched in pride parades. I have gone back to businesses and told managers that clerks were rude to me because they suspected or knew I was gay and I have made sure those people have lost there jobs. I have written gay dollars on my money when I am out in another city to show people gay dollars are out there and I have a choice to spend my money where I want. I have also written and phoned politicians when they react negatively to a gay event. I believe it should be a personal choice and not peer driven should they choose to be politically involved. Those people must understand for every one who supports their activism there are two who do not. They must also expect a backlash from the community they represent. A backlash is not a bad thing if you have strong convictions without regret later.

GLT: On the flip side, should leather titleholders participate in the BDSM scene?

RK: If a person is interested in the BDSM scene then yes they should participate, teach and educate about the BDSM lifestyle. Leather Sir/boy and Bootblack is all about the play and I relish in that. I love to play. I never met a hank of rope nor a habanera pepper I didn’t like. Many of the new titleholders are not versed in the BDSM, scene. They should be allowed to learn about their kinks and become comfortable with them.

GLT: There is talk of revamping the title holder system. Do you see this as a possibility?

RK: I would like to see the title systems revamped but the only way to do this is to encourage people to not have so many contests. To encourage really qualified people to run and then keep them interested and busy after their title year. Most are so tired and fed up they flee the community and run screaming into the night never to be seen again. I would also encourage contest directors not to award a title if people do not get the minimum amount of points. If they do not deserve the title do not give it to them. Don’t sash someone just to have a titleholder. Most require 70 percent cumulative points. Maybe that should be upped to 75 or 80 percent so we get the best and not what is left. The problem is not that there are so many titleholders it is that the ones who are out there need to get off their behinds and work at it. Imagine what could be done if everyone worked at it.

GLT: What do you think the future holds for title holders?

RK: We will always have titleholders. We will always have people who will give of themselves, work hard and make a difference in some way. They will be good and bad and they will be remembered and forgotten. But, they will be. People really cannot predict the future but if we do not change our system there will not be the good titleholders that we need.

GLT: Thank you, Randal! I appreciate your insight as a former title holder, sponsor, producer, emcee and judge.

Randal will be a judge at San Diego Mr. Leather 2010 which will be part of San Diego Leather Pride that begins on Thursday, March 11 with All Club Night held at the Joyce Beers Community Center at 7 p.m. with a $5 donation. Every kinky club in San Diego is invited out to this event to share info and invite people to join up. At the same time several clubs have teams entered in the Leather Olympics. Meet the leather women running for the San Diego title and the Judges that they need to impress at the Ms San Diego Leather Meet and Greet Friday, March 12, at 9 p.m. at the San Diego Eagle.

The Ms San Diego Leather Contest is on March 13th with food and silent auction at 5 p.m. A VIP ticket can be purchased at www.MrsSanDiegoLeather.org. The general door is $20 with the contest at 6:30 p.m. at Rich’s. The Ms San Diego Leather after party is at 9 p.m. at Gossip Grill on University. BDSM classes will be held on Sunday, March 14, at WSN Studio on 30th Street. Admission with a VIP ticket or $5 donation.

The following week is the Titleholder Cocktail Party to be held on Thursday, March 18, as we celebrate with Ms SD Leather 2009, Christi and Mr. SD Leather 2009, Bryan and say “great year!” Admission with a VIP ticket or $5. Cocktail attire or Leather requested. The Mr. San Diego Leather Meet and Greet will be on Friday, March 19th at the San Diego Eagle beginning at 9 p.m. The Mr. San Diego Leather Contest is on Saturday at Rich’s, with the VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. and general door at 6:30 p.m. with a $20 ticket that can be purchased at the door. L.L. Bear Dance is included with the VIP Ticket. More events are planned so get your VIP tickets at www.MrSanDiegoLeather.org or purchase single contest tickets for $20 at the door. See ya at Ms San Diego Leather this week!