San Diego Leather Pride Week kicked off February 28, with many highlights continuing through this week, including the 20th Annual Mr. San Diego Leather Contest taking place Sat., Mar. 6, at The Center. On hand to judge the contests will be leather titleholders Mike Russell, International Leather Sir 2003, Eric Edelstein, Mr. North Coast Leather 2004, Karen Yew, Ms. San Diego Leather 2004, Stephen Blackwell, Mr. L.A. Leather 2003, and Mark Holmes, Mr. San Diego Leather 1984. As in years past, money raised from Leather Pride Week will benefit the Mr. San Diego Leather Travel Fund and The Something Special Food Pantry, a nonprofit 501(c)3 food delivery organization whose services were recently taken over by Mama’s Kitchen. Mama’s Kitchen will continue providing this valuable service for people affected by HIV/AIDS in San Diego.

“The leather community in San Diego is huge,” says Tom Dickerson, Mr. San Diego Leather 2002 and chairman of the 2004 Leather Pride committee. “We include every color and flavor. We encompass people from all walks of life and every sexual orientation. We are gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual and transgendered. I am very proud of the contributions each facet has and continues to make.”

All Club Night and Pipe and Cigar Party, hosted by Mark Holmes, Mr. San Diego Leather 1984, takes place at Pecs, 7:00 p.m. Call (619) 296-0889.

Friday, March 5 Boot Camp, official contest meet-and-greet, at the San Diego Eagle, 9:00 p.m.

“Deaf Jam Dance Party”, hosted by Juan Zazueta, Mr. International Deaf Leather 2003, at Bacchus House, 11:00 p.m. (619) 299-2032

Saturday, March 6 Mr. San Diego Leather Contest XX at The Center; 6:00 p.m., VIP reception ($15); 7:00 p.m. regular admission ($10)

Slave Auction at Wolf’s, 11:00 p.m., $3 cover, (619) 291-3730

Chow (Victory Brunch) at Pecs, 11:00 a.m., $5 donation (619) 296-0889

Mess Hall, Not Your Average Ice Cream Social, at The Hole, 6:00 p.m. (619) 226-9019

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