Welcome to the LA&M Road Show Blog for 2007

Leather Masked Ball, 2007

The Leather Masked Ball, produced by Bound South, Inc. was held on Friday, November 23rd, 2007 at UNCLES nightclub in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The LA&M Road Show was set up in the best spot in the house, at the entrace to the club. We brought the Jim Kane : Old Guard if Anyone Ever Was exhibit and an assortment of t-shirts from Ft. Lauderdale's history including Leather University's Dungeon 101 - 601 t-shirts, a Ramrod tank top and a shirt from the now defunct SLLAP (Southern Leather Lesbians At Play). Rick Storer attended the exhibit and had the pleasure of watching hundreds and hundreds of leathermen and bears enter the club, most wearing leather masks.

While inside the club the music was pumping louder and the silent auction bids were climbing higher, outside the club Rick spoke with many Floridians about the Leather Archives & Museum and leather history. He got to visit with Joshua from goLEATHER, the owners of The Ramrod, Nate (President) and Jack (Executive Director) from the Stonewall Library & Archives and many other folks from the Ft. Lauderdale area. Rick packed up the exhibit and left the club at about 2:30am, while the action continued.

On the day after the event, Rick visited the Stonewall Library & Archives and spoke with Paul, their archivist. They discussed GLBT and leather history in Ft. Lauderdale and across the country. Rick encourages residents and tourists of Ft. Lauderdale to visit the Stonewall Library & Archives, it is a valuable resource for the community there.

Rick extends his gratitude to Eric Lawrence and Ira C. Smith, co-founders of Bound South and to Bill Hoeppner, Mr. Ramrod Leather 2006 for their generosity and support in mounting the Road Show at The Leather Masked Ball. The LA&M is also honored to be a beneficiary of the event, and will use the funds contributed to save and provide access to leather history.

Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition, 2007

John P and I started out on Thanksgiving Day about 1:00 pm, heading off to Toronto for the Mr. Toronto Leatherman Contest weekend. We reached Canadian Customs in record time and my months of fretting over getting a fetish exhibit into Canada was needless as the boarder guard, a very cute one at that, just asked us a few questions about the reasons for our travels. Once I told him that we were with the Leather Archives & Museum, he just said OK and let us on in. We made a brief stop overnight in Sarnia before we headed onward to Toronto.

Once we arrived at the Primrose Best Western and walked around the gay village, we went back to set up the exhibit. John and Louis had just arrived from the airport and lent us a hand setting up. Since this was our first road trip to Canada, I wanted to make a lasting impression. Armed with the newest exhibit in our rotation, the Canadian Pride Exhibit, t-shirts, books, paddles, hankies and other LA&M merchandise we were ready to greet our Canadian leather family. Nothing started at the hotel until Saturday morning so we went off to the meet and greet at Woody’s/Sailors bar where were treated so well by the cute bartender and the rest of the staff. Mama Sandy Reinhardt was auctioning off vintage posters for her charity while the two boot black contestants were showing their stuff. We got a chance to talk to Ian “Black” Turner who was in charge of the bootblack competition and see the always charming John Pendal who was co-Emcee and presenter for the weekend. We made a brief stop in the Black Eagle before heading off to bed for some much needed sleep.

The classes started at 9:00 am and we were ready for our fist visitor. The morning started off a little slow but once the classes let out, we were pretty busy the rest of the day. We met two men from Montreal who had just started a leather club and were somewhat familiar with the LA&M. They were full of information about the Montreal scene including the fact that the MC Faucon had ended with one last surviving member. They both committed to talking to him and getting his stuff to the LA&M for safekeeping. They also promised to send us information about their club including their back patch and records.

We kept pretty busy most of the day while people were in and out of the vendor mart and classes all day. I had a chance to talk to Eli, MLT bootblack from 2007 who I had met at Leather Sir/boy in Dallas a few months earlier. I also talked to Ms. V. who was a boot black judge and International Ms. Bootblack 2007. Let us not forget Richard Hubly, Mr. Leather Ottawa 2008 who will be IML’s first wheelchair bound contestant. Hats off to Rollingknight! I was surprised how many people came in form the states to MLT including Clay Angus, Mr. Cleveland Leather 2005 and his partner Kevin, Mama, Ms. V, Karen “Ultra” Crecelius (who was also co- Emcee and the female version of Mel Brooks in my opinion). Connie Cox and Graylen Thornton were both Judges and singer Brian Kent from New York was part of the entertainment at the contest/ball. The winner of MLT was Matt Pavelich and Jack Pearce was announced the winner of the bootblack competition. From what I heard, the leather ball which is held immediately after the contest goes on until the wee hours of the morning, some compare it to the Onyx dance at IML. Unfortunately I was in bed by midnight, guess I am just getting old.

There was some confusion as to where the first MLT Fellowship Sash was; some people had thought it was at the LA&M while others had no idea on its whereabouts. Let us not forget how important our past is to our future.

Sunday morning was quiet, the classes and the vendor mart did not start until 2:00 pm because of the Brunch. We opened for a short time knowing that we had a long trip back to Chicago and that worrisome boarder crossing back to the US.

Our special thanks to Peter Kincheloe and Brandon Matheson for getting us settled and sharing their stories with us. Another special thanks to Shane Stefurak for assisting us in anything we needed and keeping us entertained. And to the rest of the volunteers that worked so hard on this event. It takes so much more than the LA&M just showing up with the Road Show. It takes a commitment by event producers and their staff and the hand full of people that go so far out of their way to make us feel welcome when we are so far away from home. Although it was cold in Canada, I would definitely like to do another Road Show with our neighbors to the North. Who knows, next stop Montreal or Ottawa?

Mr. International Rubber, 2008

November always brings to Chicago and the Midwest a harsh ‘reality’ that warm summer days are really GONE and the cold chilling temperatures and snow of winter is here….and here to STAY for many months to come! However, thanks to the tireless hard work and TRUE dedication of William ‘Rubberwilli’ Schendel, MIR 2003, the weekend of November 9th - 11th, 2007 brought Chicagoland 'pleasant reminders' of warmer times with many HOT rubber/latex ‘enthusiasts’ from ALL over the globe to gather in Chicago for the Mr. International Rubber 2008 Contest. From start to finish, ‘Rubberwilli’ and the many MIR 2008 volunteers delivered a ‘world class’ weekend, complete with various events and parties that were both innovative and appreciated by all in attendance.

With an personal invitation from “Rubberwilli” and the MIR 2008 staff, the LA&M Road Show Program prepared and delivered a Saturday afternoon free seminar entitled “A Brief History of Kink in America”. Starting at 1:30 PM at the Center on Halsted, lead Road Show presenter Todd Davidson delivered a relaxed, informative and interactive session that blended both our rich leather history, available to the world, with our desire to explore and expand LA&M resources in various rubber/latex areas.

Working closely with Andrea G., Todd was able to gather some actual artifacts to display and share with attendees a ’hands on’ approach linked with history from a ‘what is that for and how do you use it?’ perspective. Our seminar was well attended and group discussions could have lasted LONG into the afternoon. From all reports, all three MIR 2008 sponsored afternoon seminars were a great success and we hope to return back to MIR again in 2008 with even MORE to offer our rubber/latex brothers and sisters.

Sunday afternoon marked the ‘finale’ of competition for MIR 2008 title at Circuit. All contestants were in good hands with such an outstanding judging panel, including our very own Rick Storer from the LA&M. As one of two tally masters for this event, I can say the judges has a VERY difficult task judging each contestant as each one of the competitors delivered MORE than 100% of themselves and were well deserving of the title.

After all the scores were tallyed and the winner announced, the crowd moving on to the Cell Block Bar for a ‘post contest’ celebration. While at Cell Block, the LA&M was honored by a presentation of valuable rubber/latex items and original erotic art work representing MEC Rubber France members in attendance. It was my honor and pleasure to accept these donations in person on behalf of Rick Storer and everyone at the LA&M.

All in all, what a GREAT weekend we had at this year’s MIR 2008 with special recognition going to both 'Rubberwilli' and Frank Blondell, owner of the Cell Block Bar and the MIR Contest title. With plans already in the works for next year, if you missed being in Chicago this time for MIR, get out your 2008 date books/calendar’s of ‘MUST’ events to attend and enter Mr. International Rubber 2009 being held November 7th - 9th, 2008 for you to be here in Chicago. Just when you think an event can’t get any better, I can assure you that Frank, “Rubberwilli’ and the MIR staff will prove us wrong and top this years event by far.

Thanks again for including us in your weekend events and, on behalf of everyone at the LA&M, it was a real pleasure to present at MIR 2008 and truly an honor. Also, we wish good luck and enjoy your GREAT title year ahead as the winner of the MIR 2008 contest, Mr. Brian Turgeon (representing Canada as Mr. Rubber Montreal).

Harbor Masters - 25th Anniversary Weekend 2007 Sail-A-Way 2007

Due to a scheduling conflict preventing Rick Storer from attending this event, the LA&M Road Show ‘Go’ Team was ‘activated’, allowing Chuck Windemuth, Road Show Program Director to attend, representing the LA&M and Road Show exhibit at this important event hosted by the Harbor Masters of Portland, Maine. With some personal ‘crafty’ schedule changes, I was able to make immediate AA stand-by travel flight arrangements and rental car transportation reservations for travel from Boston to Portland, ME, I contacted Frank Smith of Harbor Masters of my availability and to confirm that the LA&M would be in attendance.

With our Road Show table exhibit, museum artifacts and store sale items organized and sent to Maine thanks to Jeff, I was all set, ready to go to Portland with GREAT excitement attending this event, being part of this historic milestone in our leather history. In the days leading up to the start of this weekend and with little to no personal connection with the leather community of New England, I wondered what type of reception I could expect and what, if anything, I could offer the Harbor Masters and those who attend with my limited background and years of experience. After the plane landed at Logan Airport in Boston and as each mile driving to Maine, I felt any prior ‘concerns’ I had would quickly disappear and I would enjoy the weekend MORE than I knew possible. I’m happy to say I was RIGHT!

After reaching the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, ME (the host hotel), I contacted Frank Smith and was directed to check-in outside the Casco Bay Room where our exhibit, and other weekend events, would be held. With assistance from various club members and hotel staff, I was able to locate our display items shipped ahead of time and accomplished set-up tasks for the 4:00 PM opening deadline during Registration. After a quick room check-in and change of clothes, I manned our exhibit during Friday’s Registration period and get to know many local hosts and out-of-town attendees happy to see the LA&M present at this event. Our display was located next to the Harbor Masters club display, created and manned by the Harbor Masters club historian. Both displays provided weekend guests with vast examples of the importance of preserving our history, from a local level to our global presence and the ’linkage’ between both displays demonstrated that each piece of history plays an important part of the total picture of who we are, why we are here and where we can go.

After the close of Registration on Friday, various activities were available with a mix of club functions and social gatherings taking place both at the host hotel and local businesses, supporting the Harbor Masters and all that attended. This event gathered many leather men and women from various parts of the US, so many in number that the top 4 floors of the host hotel were ’sold-out’ to strictly weekend attendees and club events. The top floor (Floor #11) housed nightly cocktail parties, the hospitality suite, a play space and ‘after-hours’ parties with sponsorship from many visiting clubs.

Perhaps what I noticed after I arrived and witnessed throughout the weekend was the LARGE amount of support, cooperation and celebration for the Harbor Masters from NUMEROUS leather clubs/organizations, from inside Maine and also from other areas far away from New England. The club recognized as having the largest number of club members attending were the Centaurs MC of Washington, DC. With representation from other clubs from states up and down the Eastern Seaboard and far west, it was easy to notice that everyone was having a good time together, showing it’s very possible for many to come together and make things happen!

As Saturday morning arrived, so did the clouds and rain that were part of the tropical storm traveling up from the south. Although the weather was not ‘ideal’, it did nothing to change the weekend plans with even a late morning harbor cruise coming off without a hitch. Other activities, both inside the host hotel and at outside locations went ‘as planned’ and even the wet weather did nothing to dampen anyone’s spirits and desire to have a GREAT weekend. I manned our exhibit during the TFL Tea from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM then enjoyed an OUTSTANDING 25th Anniversary Dinner later on that evening. Music was provided by the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus and, during a recognition ceremony of Past Captains of Harbor Masters since 1982, I accepted on behalf of the LA&M the gold pin forJohn Preston, the 1st Captain of the Harbor Masters for the years 1982-1986. This dinner was beautifully done with recognition and praise for both the weekend host club, the Harbor Masters and the host hotel and staff, the Holiday Inn by the Bay. After dinner events continued with varied theme cocktail parties and the play space open and available that continued well into the night and early Sunday AM.

The ‘official’ start of Sunday events began with ‘eye-opener’ cocktails at 8:00 AM with the Installation of Officers, Awards and Farewells Brunch set to begin at 10:00 AM. With so many fun activities attended, sharing the LA&M with leather men and women just met, and hearing the history from those who were there from the start, the weekend seemed to end FAR too quickly. But, with event planning so professionally done and weekend events and ceremonies delivered with ‘smooth sailing’ as Harbor Masters did with their 25th Anniversary celebration, I shouldn’t be so surprised.

Starting with top Harbor Masters Commodores Butch Fenton and Ralph Cusack, all the way through towards each Harbor Master pledge, EVERY member in this club worked very hard, deserves great credit and sincere appreciation for giving ALL of us a weekend to remember. Thank you all for inviting the LA&M to be part of your weekend. It was very much OUR pleasure!

After packing up and heading back to Boston, I realized I gained FAR more than I expected. As I continued on and headed back to Chicago, what I came away from this weekend was a MUCH deeper sense of appreciation and better understanding for the many sacrifices done in the past of others I never knew but paved the way so that I may be free to be who I am today. As a personal challenge, and hopefully for others, is to carry great pride in our hearts, with a strong sense of our past with honor, strive to keep it alive but also be open to listen/learn new ideas from young leather brothers and sisters. Then, use ALL that we’ve learned to build a better leather future now - together.

Western Michigan “Munch” Zeeland, Michigan

Thanks to the suggestion and contact efforts of LA&M Road Show Team member Andrea G., the LA&M Road Show Program and Exhibit achieved a ‘1st ever’ invitation to appear and present at a privately hosted ‘munch’ at the Bed and Breakfast owned and operated by Miss Julie "Wildflower" in Zeeland, Michigan. Having never attended (or even heard of before…) a ’munch’, I was very excited to have this opportunity to bring the LA&M to communities, regardless of sexual orientation, wanting to learn about our museum and share with them our rich history and vast resources available yet I was also thrilled to meet fellow BDSM/Kink/Fetish enthusiasts out there who possess a rich resource of valuable history that relates to us all.

So - with our exhibit packed up, artifacts included and a presentation planned entitled “The LA&M: It’s about US!”, we set off for a 2 hour drive to Zeeland, Michigan (near Grand Rapids, MI.) and to our host location at Miss Julie’s Bed and Breakfast on Friday night, October 12, 2008. During our drive, what I valued the most was having the opportunity to spend some personal time with Andrea G., getting to know her better by sharing great conversations and personal stories so much so that the music CD’s brought along for our trip never made it into the CD player at any one time!

With excellent directions Miss Julie provided Andrea G. and her help in navigating our course, we arrived at our host’s location Friday night to receive a warm and gracious ‘welcome’ from Miss Julie and her sister. After we unpacked our rental truck, Miss Julie gave us the grand tour of her B&B and made us both feel VERY comfortable and welcomed as her guests. Miss Julie, even after our ‘delayed’ arrival, provided us a wonderful dinner and time to sit, relax and get to know her better and what we could expect for Saturday’s munch meeting. With her help, Andrea G. and I were able to collectively agree on every detail of our presence during the munch and how best to showcase the LA&M to the group. With a long day and drive behind us and a great day ahead, it was soon time to get some sleep.

Saturday morning came with breakfast provided for us and set-up plans and preparations for a 1:00 PM start time for the munch to begin. Utilizing both floors of the B&B, our Jim Kane display was set up on the main floor on Miss Julie’s dining room table so attendees, as they arrived, would be able to review our display in a relaxed, casual manner at anytime during their visit. In the downstairs area, our display of LA&M artifacts were tragically placed on top of a ‘lift’ bondage table with additional space provided with LA&M store items for purchase. With great teamwork, we met our show time deadline of 1:00 PM, Soon after showering and making a change of clothing, both Andrea G. and myself were set, ready and ‘on hand’ with Miss Julie, meeting and greeting those that arrived for the munch, manning the display available to answer any questions that were raised.

Thanks to the OUTSTANDING job Miss Julie did with advertising the munch and our appearance, a great number of many men and women from all over the Western Michigan area, as well as some from surrounding states there as well, came to this munch, making it a great success. A special mention and ‘thank you’ goes to Spot (International Mr. Bootblack 2007) who, along with a large number of hot, handsome men from the Lansing, MI. area, attended this munch and added to the group a gay perspective to the primarily heterosexual attendees. This ’mix’ of individuals, through open dialogue, shared both common interests and similar problems faced in many areas but often not recognized. This, in itself, was a great gift we received, not expected BUT truly appreciated by everyone we met. Andrea G. and myself enjoyed a great afternoon at this event, meeting many new fellow BDSM/Kink/Fetish by sharing the message and mission of the LA&M to those attending and now feel well represented on a worldwide basis. Our afternoon and opportunity to continue at this munch could have lasted far beyond our anticipated ‘end time’ but, due to my need to return to Chicago Saturday night, we left Miss Julie’s B&B and Zeeland, MI. shortly after 6:00 PMish and headed back to Chicago.

Looking back, I truly enjoyed this event and our LA&M Road Show appearance. As usual, I learned FAR more than expected and I hope we have other opportunities to return again for future events with our new found friends in the Western Michigan area. Both Andrea G. and I feel we accomplished many ‘goals’ for the LA&M, some we anticipated BUT many wonderful ‘surprise’ moments unexpected but both heartfelt and appreciated.

After packing up and before leaving the B&B, Miss Julie thanked us for coming, gave us a financial donation for the LA&M and invited us back to another munch and her home anytime we‘d like. After experiencing my ‘1st’ munch, it’s my HOPE the Road Show Program and the LA&M will have other opportunities to do MORE of these gatherings as we look ahead towards 2008 and beyond.

Driving home from Zeeland, MI., both Andrea G. and I gained a renewed sense that, although we may not share common sexual preferences and play ‘likes and dislikes’, what we DO share are SO MANY issues with others that possess a bond which connects us all - the knowledge of WHO we are, what we want and just how much we really do have in common.

Miss Julie ‘Wildflower’ was a WONDERFUL host to both Andrea, G., myself and here other guests attending this munch.

If your travels take you near the Saugatuck/Grand Rapids, MI, area, a visit to her B&B a ‘must‘ for anyone looking for a place to ‘kick back’, relax and enjoy her hospitality. While there, you’re even invited to utilize a back deck Jacuzzi and a lower floor dungeon that‘s EXTREMELY well-equipped in every way possible! As a true dedicated, strong community leader, Miss Julie works hard to assist/support others wishing to learn about BDSM/Kink/Fetish lifestyles and, when you meet her, will find an friendly welcome with ’open door’ at her B&B.

To find out additional information about this remarkable B&B and enjoy the BEST hospitality Western Michigan has to offer, contact Miss Julie directly at (616) 772-5971. You’ll be happy you made the call and will enjoy so much more can be described. Thank you again for a weekend I know I will forever cherish.

International LeatherSir/leatherboy 2007

Rick and I packed up the Rav4 and headed off to Texas for International LeatherSir/leatherboy in Dallas. After about an hour in Chicago traffic we made it out of the city limits. With a stop over in Memphis, we finally made it to Dallas and the Crown Plaza hotel. Seems the Crown Plaza has become Dallas’s “Kinky Hotel” because of it’s kink friendly attitude towards groups like International Master/slave and International LeatherSir/leatherboy.

Thursday night was the meet and greet at the Dallas Eagle. A pretty good crowd was on hand for the step down speeches of last year’s winners with very emotional speeches from International leatherboy 2006, marshall and International Community Boot Black Henry James. The stage had so many contestants they had to move Producer Mike Zuhl off the stage for the drawing of the numbers. The 2007 ILSb contest consisted of 11 contestant couples and ICBB competition consisted of 4 contestants. Of course one of the reasons we were there, other than the Road Show was because Rick was a judge of the ISLb contest so he was busy all day with his duties while I manned the Exhibit and renewed a few memberships

We brought with us a little of the LSLb history dating back to the days of the Drummer Contest including T-shirts, posters and programs books from both ISLb and Drummer. As always, the Jim Kane exhibit was a big hit. We also brought 2 sets of posters from the Tony DeBlase Art Sale from the early days of Drummer to help raise funds for the museum. Friday continued with a fajita dinner for package holders and the all Dallas clubs and silent auction. The evening wouldn’t be complete without the dungeon space at the Sanctuary.

Saturday morning started out with breakfast at the hotel then a workshop by Black from Toronto on his boot blacking techniques. Rick was busy with his judging interviews while I manned the exhibit. Got the opportunity to talk to the new president of T.U.L.S.A and the president of a new boys group in Dallas called the DFW Leatherboys. Both were very interested in the archives in different ways. T.U.L.S.A. is going to help promote the LA&M and the DFW Leatherboys are going to donate their new club colors. The hotel was pretty quiet because everyone was at the Dallas Eagle for a barbeque which gave me the opportunity to keep updating the LA&M website including uploading Preserving the Legacy, a mini documentary about the LA&M.

The Saturday night contest went off without a hitch, most of the fantasies were entertaining and some of the speeches really stood out. A new LeatherSir and leatherboy were named along with a new Community Bootblack. Time for bed… need to get ready for the long drive home tomorrow.

Watch for some exciting changes at International LeatherSir/leatherboy next year including a new producer. Next stop Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition Thanksgiving weekend, Portland, ME for the Harbor Masters 25th Anniversary, Chicago, IL for Kinky Kollege

Great Lakes Leather Alliance 2007

Rick, Piggy (you’ll read more about him later), and I set out early Friday morning for Indianapolis. We had terrible storms and flooding the day before, so we thought we would get an early start… good thing we did, (as you will read about later). We had to be to GLLA by noon because I was a Boot Black judge. We arrived at the hotel with no problems, got checked in and went to our room. A nice tray of wine, candy and other treats were waiting for us. What a nice surprise.

I had to get to my judge’s meeting so I was whisked away by Cristo to the front of the registration line while Rick and Piggy had to wait their turn. After a brief meeting with Cristo an the other judges and Natalie the Tally Person, we received a call from Minax telling us that I94, the main Interstate to Indiana from Chicago was closed because of flooding. She ended up being 4 hours late because of the ordeal.

Rick and I finally connected to get the exhibit set up, we were allowed to set up in the main social area near the Boot Blacks, a prime location! After setting up, we got a bite to eat and started our day talking to visitors about the museum.

Rick and I were both pretty busy, me because of my judging duties, Rick and Piggy because of their session on Gunge and Natalie with her Tally Person duties and her session on parenting. Luckily I was able to be near the exhibit the entire time because of its location to all the activity.

It was nice to have all the festivities located in the hotel, and GLLA took over the entire hotel including the outdoor pool and the Bennegan’s that was attached to the hotel. There was a small vendor mart and so many classes, who could attend them all. One class I did attend, although reluctantly, was my Husband’s class on Gunge. Now for those of you who are not familiar, Gunge is a form of food play. No, not the kind where someone is turned into a human table, but the kind where you smear, throw, wipe and otherwise make a mess of your partner. Anyone remember the TV shows called Double Dare or You Can’t Do That on Television? Lucky for me and my stomach, Rick and Piggy used sweets for their class.

A highlight of the weekend was the Leather Barbeque and auction by the pool. Bidding was fierce; everything from erotic art to a leather recliner was up for auction. A great BBQ was provided by IMAS (Indiana Masters and slaves/submissives/switches) along with plenty of soda and water for the hot afternoon. A free bar was also provided by NEILA that kept everyone feeling good. Twords the end of the day, a hand made leather pride quilt was auctioned off to benefit the LA&M along with a chance to lube up Mark Fraiser and Master Conrad fo lube wrestling that was going to top off the days activities. That auction raised over $2,000.00 for the LA&M. Now if you’ve ever seen Master Conrad and Mark Fraiser, you would know why they raised that amount. Who wouldn’t have wanted a chance to lube them up?

The contest went well, it was a Chicago Sweep. Riley one the Boot Black competition and Sir Rob and boy joey won the LeatherSir/Leatherboy Competition. The Trailblazers victory party was held after the contest, sponsored by Louisville Trailblazers, Louisville Munchand Early Bloomers. As always, the cocktails were strong, almost a straight shot of whisky. With the evening winding down, most of the GLLA attendees were in the dungeon, spanking the night away. Rick and I had a cigar by the pool and retired early. What did happen to Piggy anyway?

Sunday morning came; it was time to go to Brunch. Ms. Kendra thanked her staff and the crowd for another great GLLA. A very emotional “Capping Ceremony” took place and a very entertaining Key Note speech was delivered by Rick Storer. His speech touched on traditions vs. rules in the Leather Community. Something Rick is very passionate about. He feels that rules may keep the new Leatherfolk from entering the community. What do you think?

As always, Ms. Kendra and her slave garrett put on a great event. Since Rick and I started attending GLLA, they’ve grown and improved this event to benefit the Leather Community.

American Library Association 2007

A display on the Leather Archives & Museum’s Teri Rose Memorial Library won second place at the Diversity Fair at the American Library Association’s 2007 Annual Conference. This prize came with a $200 gift certificate from DEMCO, a library/archives supplier and the Diversity Fair sponsor.

The exhibit was anchored by a selection of pins, photos, and papers from clubs, bars, and people from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Books from the Teri Rose Memorial Library, photos of the Library, and information on the LA&M were combined by Matt Johnson with handkerchiefs, clothespins, READ posters, and a club vest for a truly arresting display.

The exhibit and handouts fascinated Diversity Fair attendees. John Bradford, joined by volunteers Matt Johnson and Louis Lang and LA&M Board Member Rob Ridinger, discussed the LA&M, the Teri Rose Memorial Library, and the Road Show with a constant stream of visitors for the two-hour event. By the end of the Fair, the Road Show had run through its supply of membership forms, archivist’s guides, keychains, and newsletters.

DomCon LA 2007

DomCon LA was an awesome event. Although it is associated with the professional female dominant, presenter Mistress Cyan is a longtime community member, therefore DomCon LA is all inclusive of the BDSM community at large. We had a substantial space for the exhibit with two big tables, our banner and our very precursory exhibit sketchily titled “”A History of US Dominatrices”. We had a plethora of vintage publications featuring professional female dominants as early as 1967. We also featured lovely images of women dominating men from the turn of the twentieth century. The booth was well attended, as many people were excited to learn of the Leather Archives & Museum. Many people were enthusiastic about seeing images of former Mistresses they once had the pleasure to visit as well as magazines they used to enjoy.

I also hosted an anecdotal roundtable discussion entitled “History of the Professional Female Dominant” - which was lively and interesting to hear the different perspectives on the history of the female dominant and how with the advent of technology her presence has become much more acknowledged, albeit often superficially. I would like to particularly thank David Jackson, publisher of Domination Directory International, which has been in publication since 1984, who shared his many viewpoints and memories from his association with numerous professional female Dominatrices.

I also had the pleasure of attending a discussion with the notorious Guy Baldwin who never ceases to amaze with his pithy and complex perspectives on BDSM culture. All in all, it was a very lively and exciting weekend and well worthwhile towards creating liaisons between the Leather Archives and Museum and the pansexual BDSM community.

PLA's Kinkfest March 2007

There was a full schedule of classes, which were well attended. Two nights of dungeon play was a fun time for all. The pansexual event attracted almost 500 people for education and play.

The LA&M booth was set up in an area where everyone had to pass us as they went to class or to play in the dungeon. On Saturday, the dungeon opened at 5:00PM, so we had traffic into the booth both day and night.

The Road Show display was the new one that is titled, "Jim Kane : Old Guard if Anyone Ever Was". We also brought t-shirts, a poster, and a sash, from past Living In Leather events. We also brought many photographs that were taken at those same events. People loved seeing the memoribila from the past events, especially the photographs in which many of them were pictured. Some even asked to caption the photos so that names and dates were there for our Archives.

We would like to thank Margret for donating ORGASM t-shirts to the archives, and also Salee, who offered pins from LIL events to add to the collections. Thanks again to both of you.

The Leather Archives & Museum would like to thank the entire Kinkfest staff, for all their help in making this a truly memorable Road Show.

Conductors L/L Track XXV 2007

The Conductors L/L club of Nashville, TN celebrated 25 years of leather with a fantastic run. Track XXV featured everything one expects from a great club run and then some. The LA&M Road Show set up our new traveling exhibit "Jim Kane : Old Guard if Anyone Ever Was". The exhibit features artifacts and papers from the Kane collection. Jim Kane was a leatherman who started in Denver, CO and moved to San Francisco, CA as the leather scene was developing there. He was at the center of the underground culture as new clubs, bars and businesses started defining San Francisco as a leather capital in the United States.

We also brought t-shirts and flyers from Nashville's leather history. We pulled t-shirts from past Conductor's runs, flyers from People Exchanging Power [PEP] Nashville and other interesting papers. We also brought a photo album full of recognizable faces (and other body parts) of activists, educators, artists and other leather personalities.

Anyone who has been to a Conductor's run knows that the run show is a highlight of the weekend. Track XXV proved no differently. During the show, the performers revealed a 6' x 6' square set of panels that had the Conductor's logo on one side and the participating clubs' logos on the other. Run attendees signed their names next to their club logo and the Conductors will sign the back next to their logo. This set of panels will then be sent to the LA&M to be added to our collections.

A friend of the LA&M and member of the Gryphons (Dayton, OH) Steve F., brough the LA&M a binder of IML clippings and papers to be added to the collections. Thank you Steve!

On behalf of the LA&M, I thank the Conductor's for a great run and a great opportunity to display our history in Nashville.