Were you there? Did you experience the energy? Did you feel the excitement? If you did, then you know that I’m talking about the 2012 California Leather Sir/boy Community Bootblack and Puppy Contest held at Queen Bee’s on Saturday June 18. It was off the chain, literally!
After the National Anthem was performed by T-roy, San Diego’s very own Ms. Roxy Bleu introduced the six competitors: Sir Sam Fenix of Lancaster, Sir Dino Garcia of Long Beach, boy Zack of Long Beach, Pup Britt of San Diego, Slut Pup Chris of San Diego and Pup Zigzag of Los Angeles. The theme for the contest was locker room and the stage was set with a stadium backdrop.
It was very competitive. The contestants came out to the theme from Chariots of Fire playing in the background. Then we pumped it up with some Rock Jock tunes, and the games began! Contestants appeared on stage draped in towels, wearing only swimsuits or some really little underwear, donated by Jagermeister. Off went the towels.
When the smoke cleared, and the ultimate fighting, rough housing and speeches were done, Sir Sam is 2012 California Leather Sir, boy Zack is 2012 California Leather boy and Slut Pup Chris is 2012 California Puppy. Sir Dino and Pup Britt were First Runner-ups in their respective categories. Our head judge Tom D. assembled an all-star cast of judges who had the task of selecting our winners. Thanks to the rodeo for making the bar happen.
Glitz Glam led the Malashock dancers into the auditorium on leashes and entertained the packed house with a steamy performance to the tune of S&M by Rihanna. How apropos!
The lovely Caryl of Club-X corralled a few men to assist her with displaying one of the most professional silent auctions I’ve seen in a while. She stepped in and took control. And for all she did, I applaud her for helping raise funds to get the current and future contestants to the international contest.
The after-party continued on at the San Diego Eagle, where the winners were introduced to a very crowded leather bar. The contestants received patches for their leather vest, medallions and gift packages from statewide vendors and donors.
The Sir and boy will go on to compete next year at the 2012 International Leather Sir/boy contest. They will be making appearances around California for the next year, and for sure in San Diego.
An interesting fact about the Sir and boy winners; they’re all in their 20s! What a good sign. Youth and vitality is returning to the community. The leather community is building leaders for tomorrow. I was very impressed also by the young men who came up to me and said, “Next year, I’m going to run!” I’ll be waiting on your application!
We, the mentors and elders look forward to educating, teaching traditions and cultivating the credo of trust, honor and respect. That credo spans across the leather, Levi, bear, kink and fetish communities. As Sir Sam stated in his speech, “We are hungry for it, and we want it!” So to everyone within the reaches of this column, if you’re interested and you’re not sure, come on, hang out! You too, might become a member of a leather family even in your 20s, 30s, or perhaps in your 50s. Remember a boy is not an age, it’s a frame of mind.
This year was the debut of the Puppies. I can tell you that after speaking with the judges of this contest, some seasoned members actually told me that they learned a lot and are willing to learn more. So Slut Pup Chris and Britt, I challenge you to educate and breed more puppies. I challenge you to bring honor and respect to your pack! I challenge you to bring us a pup next year at 2013 California Leather Sir/boy, Bootblack and Puppy Contest, right here in your own backyard. I also make that challenge to the bootblacks. Start grooming them now. Let’s get some boots in the bar or any other events!
Sir Miles and boy shawn hosted a cigar social, sponsored by Man-Upp, at the Redwing on Sunday after the contest, which was very well attended. The winners were on hand and were introduced by Roxy.
Big props go out to the behind the scene staff of CLSB, Pup Phoenix, Roxy, Michael Hardwick, Curtis Dickson, Joe, David, Anthony, Vince, Shawn and volunteers of the day! Papa Tony, thanks for photos! Thank you to Pleasures and Treasures for their warm hospitality and allowing us to use their new upstairs space for contestant interviews all day Saturday. Go by and check it out.
And last but not least, I should give a medal to my co-producer Chris, who had the honor of putting up with me, again, and again and again! Thanks!
Email me: intlleathersir2003@cox.net. Let’s connect and share energy!