As the Mr. San Diego Leather contest ends two weeks of Leather Pride events, the retiring title holder took time from his busy events schedule to answer a few questions from the San Diego LGBT Weekly. A relative newcomer to the leather community, Anthony Rollar still had an inspiring year.
LGBT Weekly: How long have you been involved in the leather community?
Anthony Rollar: I’m very new to the leather community.
What drew you to leather?
The first time I put on a pair of leather boots at the age of 17.
Who has been your mentor and/or inspiration?
Tom D has been a mentor to me during my title year. I get my inspirations from many people for a variety of reasons or their expertise in a certain area and their commitment to the community.
Why did you want to run for Mr. San Diego Leather?
I wanted to become more involved with not only the leather community but the community in general. I wanted to be a part of the leather experience I have heard other past and present titleholders talk about. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made to date.
Have you represented San Diego in other competitions as Mr. Leather?
Although I have not entered any competitions during the title year, I have been actively a representative for San Diego in various statewide events like SD Pride, Mr. SF Leather, and Mr. LA Leather and participated in Ms. Olympus for her fantasy. Also I have been a part of International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy and California LeatherSIR/boy fantasies, and judged several events like the Mr. San Diego Eagle title and the first Mr. and Ms. Trans title.
I will be representing San Diego as I compete at the International Mr. Leather in Chicago this coming May.
What have been some of your major achievements in the past year?
With the help of many volunteers and my leather family, the Meatball Turkey Dinner and fundraiser was such a huge success that it raised almost $3,000. It will now become an annual event for me. So look for news of the next one in November.
When the West Hollywood City Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) voted not to support the Tom of Finland Erotic Art Festival traditionally held in March and a part of the Los Angeles Leather Weekend, it was an opportunity for real leadership. I stepped up to assist my LA Leather brothers to help in getting the ACAC’s vote quickly repudiated by the City Council who expressed their consternation and confusion about the vote and their intention to continue to support the festival as they have for more than a decade.
As a representative of the leather community this past year, what do you tell people who want to know more about the community?
Step up and get involved. I’m always available, and you will find me in attendance at many of our local events.
How would you suggest they get involved?
Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!
What are you going to miss about being Mr. San Diego Leather?
The thrill of being a current titleholder, although I’m only stepping down; I’m not walking out. I will be in the community for many years to come. Plus, I will continue to work with the next Mr. San Diego Leather as I feel a brother titleholder should.
