Winner Brandon clark and runner up Lance Holman, receiving the adulation of their supporters. The title holders are expected to help raise charity funds and dedicate themselves to public service. Photo by Rink.

The 31st annual Mr. SF Leather Contest was held on April 4 in the Hotel Whitcomb Ballroom. Mr. SF Leather 1992 Lenny Broberg the cop and former Empress and today’s gal about town Donna Sachet were the emcees. Donna blew a whistle and rushed to the stage festively dressed as a cop drag queen (if that can be imagined). An impressive procession of leatherfolk, drag queens and kings, Imperials, Mama’s Family, and assorted queers solemnly marched down the stairs carrying lanterns, circling the room, and lining up in front to show the great diversity of people involved in leather BDSM. A video screened with the phrase: “What role will you play this year in leather?” This was followed by slides of leatherfolk illustrating possible answers such as: fantasy, tribe, service, dominant, surrender, respect, confidence, brotherhood, connection, acceptance, exploration, vision, passion, power, woof! 

SF Bay Area Leather Alliance (SFBALA) President Dahn Van Laarz spoke of the mission of the organization as working together through education, outreach, and support to expand the vibrancy of the SF Bay Area’s leather, motorcycle, fetish communities. “We focus on safety and health issues, promote awareness, and encourage and promote the formation, growth, viability, and cooperation of member organizations,” he said. 

The emcees introduced the judges: Mr. SF Leather 2008 Ron Balos; butch top dyke Vick Germany; former International Mr. Drummer Graylin Thornton; Leather Woman of the Year Queen Cougar; Men of Discipline member Mario Torrigino; and of course, Mr. Marcus, celebrating his 38th year as a leather columnist. Donna and Lenny explained the process and structure of the contest. Earlier that day, each contestant met with a panel of judges for an interview, which counted for 30% of total points. In the first round, we met the entrants in their casual bar/ cruise/ fetish wear: Lance Holman, Mr. Powerhouse runner-up; Bryan Duke, Mr. Hayes Valley Leather; Mike Schuman, Mr. Deviant Truck; and M. Brandon Clark, Mr. Powerhouse 2009. They were each asked questions by the emcees, based on their bios they had turned in earlier. 

Van Laarz then presented the Unsung Hero Award, given to someone who has always been available to help with the many facets of SFBALA.

Manager of Powerhouse bar, Scott Peterson, accepted, thanking all his staff at Powerhouse. 

For the next part, contestants appeared in their formal leather attire and had 90 seconds to give their speeches. But my favorite portion was the last one, Pecs and Personality, where we got to meet the meat of the matter, as it were. Each entrant picked a card that had a question that was humorous or provocative, wearing just a pair of boots and a jock! Woof! When Holman was asked what hankie colors President Obama would wear, he replied, “left pocket - hunter green, because he’s our daddy now; both pockets - robin’s egg blue, because it’s always as nice to give as to get [BJs]; yellow, if you piss on me, and dark red – I will double fist you back.” Schuman was double questioned if he was in an adult bookstore, what would he stick through the hole – his mouth, cock, or ass?, and what if Mr. Marcus was on the other side? “I’d stick my backside, and I’m sure Mr. Marcus is quite experienced, so I’d say thank you and be on my way.” Duke got the question: if you could be a sex toy, what would you be and what would you have done with you? He said, “I’d love to be a microphone and get stuck up any of these wonderful men tonight with the old spit and shove.” Clark was asked to write his personal ad using the words “bondage, leather, handcuffs, Republican, and Donna Sachet.” He said, “Rough trade ex-con who’s no stranger to handcuffs, incarceration, and bondage for kinky sex including gun play and blood; Donna Sachet look-alikes especially encouraged to apply; leather-skinned Republicans, please don’t bother.” 

State Senator Mark Leno’s aide, Anna Damiani, presented a certificate of recognition to SFBALA. Earlier that day, the contestants voted on the Brotherhood Award, embodying the spirit of a leather brother, which was presented to Bryan Duke. 

Mr. SF Leather 2008 Ron Balos gave his step-down speech, saying, “This has been a year filled with love, camaraderie, sex, pigs, leather, community, and vision.” He concluded, “Whether you be a pig or Mother Theresa, it matters not. The options of how we express ourselves are endless, with a list as unique and diverse as the community that produced it.” 

When the judges’ votes were tallied, the first runner-up was Lance Holman, and Mr. SF Leather 2009 was M. Brandon Clark. He will go on to represent San Francisco at the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend.