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Subaru, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, and EyeSight are registered trademarks. Pandora is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc. 1Star ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safercar.gov program (www.safercar.gov). 2EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i models. Actual mileage may vary. 4EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. 5EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2016 Subaru Impreza CVT non-Sport models. Actual mileage may vary. 6EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 12 Based on manufacturer-reported interior volumes according to the EPA’s Midsize Car class as of 12/15/15. 19Activation and required subscription sold separately. Includes one-year trial subscription. See your retailer for details.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. 2 T H E F I GH T

When You Need A Lawyer Have You Been Hurt? Discriminated Against? Arrested? David Hakimfar is a Partner at Hakimfar Law in West Hollywood and a member of Pride Legal

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THECONTENTS >> MORE TO COME <<

LOS ANGELES LEATHER PRIDE 2016 MARCH 27 - APRIL 3, 2016

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YOUR SEXUALITY 20 CELEBRATING Protecting Sexual Energy

27 C E L E B R AT I N G T H E T I E S T H AT B I N D IN CONJUNCTION WITH

MAGAZINE

LA Leather Pride 2016 | THE FIGHT 1

KILL GAYS, DON’T THEY? 22 THEY International Mr. Leather Patrick Smith FIRST FAIL 25 PREP’S Still The Most Effective Tool ANGELES LEATHER PRIDE GUIDE 27 LOS Events, Contestants, Judges, Sponsors And More

COMMITTEE CHAIR 28 LALC A Message From Marlon Morales EUROPE 2016 IN BERLIN 40 FOLSOM LA Leather Pride 2016 Grand Prize Drawing HOUSE 52 TOM Glimpse Into His Private World BONDAGE ART 53 ROPE Photos By Domasan

ON THE COVER PATRICK SMITH COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM MAKE-UP ARTIST GAGE HUBBARD

DEPARTMENTS

06 THE EDITOR IN THE ISSUE 08 THE CONTRIBUTORS THE TALENT 12 THE TALK JULIANNE MOORE 16 THE CITY ELTON JOHN 32 THE SPREAD THE CONTESTANTS

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THEEDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Rina Zaide Joe Faragher SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo Eric Slayton WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio

>> IN THIS ISSUE <<

THE FIGHT is proud to be, once again this year, the exclusive media sponsor for L.A. Leather Pride Week, taking place this month at various venues throughout the Los Angeles area from March 27 to April 3. International Mr. Leather and the outgoing Mr. Los Angeles Leather Patrick Smith spoke to Race Bannon on sexual proclivities, game changers in HIV prevention and helping our LGBT brothers and sisters abroad facing the threat of assault on a daily basis (“They Kill Gays, Don’t They?” page 22). “One of the goals of my title year has been to raise awareness for the violence and persecution facing sexual minorities in countries abroad,” reveals Smith. “This is why I took the IML sash to places such as Uganda, Egypt, Ukraine and other places where being openly gay may well be a death sentence. Unfortunately, the threat of assault is a daily reality in these countries, and while I have never personally experienced horriﬁc violence such as this, I think it’s important we remember it is happening on a daily basis. We must work to do something about it, which is why I’m so

proud that Sexual Minorities Uganda is one of the beneficiaries of Los Angeles Leather Pride this year. We have it pretty good in the West, and it’s time we did more to help out our LGBT brothers and sisters abroad.” When asked what could be done to improve the lives of leatherfolk and kinksters, Smith replied: We can always use more visibility. Even within the broader LGBT community we are not fully understood, which is something I’ve tried to use my title year to address. There is much talk of the difficulty of the “second coming out,” or coming out as kinky. It really shouldn’t have to be difficult. I think raising the profile of the leather scene and destigmatizing it would go a long way. Also in this issue Dr. Steve Ganzell writes about sexuality and the leather/kink community (“Celebrating Your Sexuality,” page 20). “We cannot survive as a community if we become homogenized with other communities,” states Ganzell. “We are supposed to be different. We are the tricksters of the GLBT community because we see things from a different perspective and give others permission to do the same.”

GET THE FIGHT AT HOME Sent Via First Class Mail 12 Issues: $36 6 Issues: $24 Mail check or money order to: Third Step, LLC 611 S. Catalina St. Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 PUBLISHER Third Step, LLC DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media The Fight Magazine is published monthly by Third Step, LLC. 611 South Catalina Street, Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 Telephone (323) 297-4001 Fax (213) 281-9648 Email info@TheFightMag.com THE FIGHT MAGAZINE LEGAL CAVEATS By listing in The Fight Magazine, advertisers acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for providing same as advertised. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisements in The Fight Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. The Fight Magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents © 2016 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

TheFightMag.com

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

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THECONTRIBUTORS >> WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS <<

PAULO MURILLO West Hollywood resident Paulo Murillo has been writing for gay media for over twelve years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Visit his website at thehissfit.com, or friend him on Facebook. ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com. DUSTI CUNNINGHAM Los Angeles based photographer Dusti Cunningham grew up in a very clean single-wide trailer home in rural Kansas. His family didn’t own television so they watched tornadoes. None of his dogs were named Toto. Dolly Parton and his mother were his heroes, both wore wigs. His inspirations are gypsies, pirates, circuses, 1970s glamour, and the National Enquirer. www.dusticunningham.com. JOSEPH ARELLANO A stage and film actor from Bedford, Indiana, Joe has been involved in community events such as The Friendly House Luncheon, PATH, and LA PRIDE. Joe has appeared in Titus Andronicus, Dark Side of the Moon, and Take Me

The DSM Project that led to a beneficial change in the way psychotherapy views BDSM. His blog is www.bannon.com.

Murillo

Rostow

Cunningham

Arellano

Ganzell

Out. He also co-starred in the music video Hopeful Romantic, Hallmarks’ Holly’s Holiday, and other various short films. BRENDEN SHUCART Brenden Shucart is an HIV AIDS-LGBT rights advocate, actor, and writer whose work has been featured in Out There,The Advocate and HIV Plus magazine among others. His essays around HIV-related health issues and stigma have been described as “humanizing and heartbreaking” and “beautiful, honest, and important.” As an actor Shucart has

For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit

www.thefightmag.com

8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com

Shucart

Bannon

Lyonne

Melamed

appeared in the short film “Bug Chaser,” James Franco and Travis Mathews’ “Interior. Leather Bar.,” and Mathews’ 2010 short film “I Want Your Love.” RACE BANNON Race Bannon has been an organizer, writer, educator, speaker and activist in the LGBT, leather/kink, polyamory and HIV/STI prevention realms since 1973. He’s authored two books, created the world’s largest kink-friendly psychotherapist and medical referral service and was a leader of

DR. STEVE GANZELL Dr. Steve Ganzell is a board member of Christopher Street West (CSW), the organization that produces LA Pride. Additionally, he “works in a large federal healthcare system providing mental health services and training other providers. It has been my dream job because I have been allowed to do new and creative things and to work with fascinating people. I have often described my job is sitting on sacred ground and hearing things that no one else will ever hear.” ORLY LYONNE Orly Lyonne is a freelance journalist, focusing on issues related to LGBT equality, culture and art. Her passions include skydiving, community theater and vegan restaurants. Orly can be reached at orlylyonne@gmail.com. VICTOR MELAMED Victor Melamed began his career in journalism writing for the now-defunct Israeli gay magazine “Magaim.” He is currently working on a novel based on a true story about a love affair between two men on opposite sites of the Middle East conflict.

MAR CH 2016 | TH E F I GH T 9

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THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<

THAT’S THE KEY

RAYVON OWEN “If there’s anything I learned on ‘American Idol,’ it’s how important it is to be honest and vulnerable. It’s not how great you sing, but if people can connect with you, that’s how you make a difference. That’s the key.” BILLY CRYSTAL —“American Idol” finalist Rayvon Owen in an interview last month on coming out. At the end of the video for Owen’s new single “Can’t Fight It” he kisses a man. “Can’t Fight It” is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Google.

PRINCIPLES OF DIVERSITY

TOM DALEY

“Adidas acknowledges and adheres to the principles of diversity, as this is a central part of the Adidas group philosophy. Therefore Adidas warrants that this agreement will neither be terminated nor modified in case the athlete comes out to the public as a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.” —Adidas’ new clause in the contracts of the athletes it sponsors promising not to drop them if they reveal themselves to be gay. The sports manufacturer made the announcement last month at a conference discussing LGBT awareness in sports. Adidas’s roster of sports stars includes diver Tom Daley, who came out in 2013.

STILL MARGINALIZED

IT’S YOUR UNCLE

“You being willing to claim who you were, that suddenly empowers other people… And then suddenly, it’s your brother, it’s NT PRESIDE your uncle, it’s your best friend, OBAMA, ELLEN it’s your coworkers. And then attitudes shift. And the law is followed, but it started with folks like you. I’m so proud of you.” —President Obama to Ellen DeGeneres on her show, last month. Ellen thanked the President for “what you’ve done for the gay community.” During his presidency, Obama passed hate crimes legislation, repealed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and he evolved on marriage equality before his reelection. Most recently, Obama issued an executive order banning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by any company that has contracts with the federal government.

IT’S JUST COMMON

“[Gay people are] worse than animals… MANNY PACQUIAO It’s just common sense. Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or femaleto-female relations?” —Boxer turned Philippine Senate candidate Manny Pacquiao in an interview last month, apparently oblivious to the fact that there are animals in same-sex relationships. He later “apologized” in a Facebook post, citing religious beliefs. A few days after the remarks sports equipment giant Nike severed its ties with Pacquiao. “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” a Nike statement said. The Nike endorsement, whose terms were not disclosed, was Pacquiao’s most prominent sponsorship deal.

LET PEOPLE LIVE

“I feel that we should let people live their “I hope this changes [but] I think it’s problives the way they want to live their lives.” ably harder to be gay [than black in —Retired professional boxer Floyd Hollywood] … I think sexuality is still Mayweather to TMZ last month is response FLOYD marginalized in a way that is pretty to Manny Pacquiao’s anti-gay comments. MAYWEATHER open. I think it’s tough. I think for one’s own piece of mind, for one’s CHIWETEL EIJOFOR own sense of self and psychological health, I feel like that’s the horrible thing about ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and all that fucked-up shit, because it produces a sense of shame, and there“Everyone having a family is a matter of fore this sense of being ‘less than’, you human rights. Every individual should know? And I hate that. I hate that for anybody.” have the right to have a family.” JULIANNE —”12 Years a Slave” star Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Eijofor —Actress Julianne Moore commenting MOORE in an interview last month with British newspaper The Times dislast month to Berlin Film Festival reporters cussing diversity in Hollywood. on Italy’s “step-child adoption” debate to legalize same-sex parenting.

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THECITY >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

SIR ELTON JOHN

ELTON JOHN, LADY GAGA CONCERT

Elton John surprised fans in West Hollywood with a free pop-up concert at the historical Tower Records building on Sunset Boulevard. Sir Elton dipped into his vault of classic hits and he also showcased some new tunes from his latest album “Wonderful Crazy Nights.” Lady Gaga was a musical guest towards the end of the show. The free concert was a thank you gesture towards the City of West Hollywood for all their support of his annual Academy Awards viewing party at the Pacific Design Center on San Vicente Boulevard, which raises funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

FORMER WEHO DEPUTY $500,000 SETTLEMENT Former West Hollywood City deputy to councilman John Duran, Ian Owens, is reported to receive a IAN OWENS (L), JOHN DURAN $500,000 settlement in an alleged sexual harassment and wrongful punishment involving Duran who was Owens’ boss at the time. The Los Angeles Times reports that Duran and the city admit to no wrongdoing under the terms of the settlement. In his complaint, Owens alleges that he was suspended from his job after he reported alleged misconduct by an aide to another city councilmember. His concerns were ignored, he said, because Duran was angry that Owens had spurned his sexual advances. According to the settlement, the city’s insurers will cover the bill.

L.A. CENTER MEN OF COLOR STUDY

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is seeking Latino and African American/ Black men who have sex with men (MSM) to participate in a study that will address racial discrepancies in HIV infection rates, where there is an alarmingly high rate of HIV infections among minority MSM. Prospective HIV positive study participants can contact the Center for more information at 323-993-8912 or mstudy@lalgbtcenter.org. Potential participants who are HIV negative or don’t know their status can contact UCLA Vine Street Clinic at 866-4498252 or uclavsc@mednet.ucla.edu. 1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

INDIO STUDENTS ANTI-GAY BADGES

A dozen students sparked outrage last month when they walked the hallways of Shadow Hills High School in Indio with anti-gay stickers on their ID badges. The badges showed a rainbow with a red line crossed over it. Initially administrators at Shadow Hill allowed the students to wear their anti-gay symbols, citing free speech rights, however later the students were told to remove the badges “pending further investigation.” It was not immediately clear what prompted the change at the school near Palm Springs.

DRAG PERFORMER ATTACKED IN SAN DIEGO Drag performer Kickxy Vixen-Styles posted on her Facebook page that she was KICKXY attacked outside of Rich’s VIXEN-STYLES Nightclub in the gay Hillcrest area of San Diego early Sunday morning of February 28. VixenStyles reported that her attacker was an unruly club patron who had been ejected from the club and waited for her after her shift was over at around 3:30am. The attack happened as she was entering her car. The car door was slammed against her body and he tried to break her window. She screamed for help but was ignored by people passing by, until one person fetched Rich’s security. She didn’t suffer major injuries. San Diego Gay & Lesbian news reports that the Hillcrest area has been the site of a few attacks on LGBT people within the last year.

RETIRED GAY LAPD OFFICER ARRESTED Sgt. Mitchell Grobeson, 57, a retired Los Angeles police sergeant who was the LAPD’s first openly SGT. gay officer has pleaded not guilty to MITCHELL pointing a handgun at his husband GROBESON during an argument. Grobeson entered pleas this month to assault with a firearm and making criminal threats. He’s been jailed since he surrendered after a nearly four-hour standoff at a West Hollywood home. Grobeson sued Los Angeles in 1988, alleging he was forced to resign after nearly seven years on the job because of discrimination over his sexual orientation. He won reinstatement and sued again in 1996, alleging that he was harassed after returning to the force. He settled with the LAPD in 2013. n

MAR CH 2016 | THE F I GH T 17

>> LEATHERMEN <<

THE WOLFF PACK VIP Dental Spas in West Hollywood joins forces with THE FIGHT to help one gay man regain his confidence.

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our years into his recovery from crystal meth addiction, Wolffgang Scott’s life has done a complete turnaround. There is plenty for him to be happy about. And yet, until recently, “Wolff” rarely smiled. Make no mistake—Wolff is fervently committed to his recovery and to helping others achieve the same. But no amount of dedication to sobriety can correct some things. In Wolff’s case, this included the serious dental damage caused by the drug. Last September, THE FIGHT focused much of its reporting on recovery in the

1 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

LGBT community. Not long after, the magazine learned of reader Wolff’s situation, channeling the spirit of the fast-approaching holiday season, they were inspired to give back to the community by bringing together a group of individuals dedicated to helping Wolff regain his smile. Dubbed the “Wolff Pack,” the team’s first step was to find a local dentist practice willing to perform reconstruction. As most people dealing with dental issues know, cost can be highly prohibitive, even with dental insurance. In Wolff’s case, the $1,700 he’d raised from friends and loved ones on GoFundMe.com

wasn’t nearly enough to cover the intensive work required. “I would see one dentist and they would tell me the cost would be around $30,000, and then I’d see another and I’d be told $80,000. The money I was able to raise was the least of what came about because of the Go Fund Me campaign. I also got a lot more help in the way of advice, recommendations and leads. The crazy thing is that I knew the answer had to be out there somewhere, but I had to just be humble enough to admit how bad the problem was and ask for help. It was the only way I was going to find the help I needed.” Wolff’s willingness to go public resulted in THE FIGHT arranging a meeting with VIP Dental Spas in West Hollywood. VIP’s Dr. Sherwin Matian and Dr. Arash Hakhamian are two of Southern California’s top dentists, having graduated at the top of their classes from UCLA and USC, respectively. Since then they have made it their mission to bring the best of modern dentistry to West Hollywood. They are respected nationally as instructors in the use of stem cell therapy to restore lost and missing teeth. They routinely perform advanced surgical procedures, full mouth reconstruction, dental implants and much more, all in the relaxed, pampering atmosphere of

>> VIP DENTAL SPAS <<

their Santa Monica Blvd offices above the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. But it’s not only their expertise that distinguishes Dr. Sherwin and Dr. Arash. Born into families with deep roots in medicine, both doctors learned early on the importance of serving others, as well as the joys of relieving pain and suffering. That’s why it is their office policy for all employees to volunteer at least two weeks each year to an organization of their choice. In the last two years, they have offered their talents with various charities in New Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Vietnam and Jordan, among others. Locally, their team was selected to provide pro bono care to the 2015 World Special Olympics, held in Los Angeles. In addition to these missions, they also regularly choose one deserving person within their community, someone facing both financial trouble and extreme dental needs. Their goal: To help raise this lucky patient out of pain and disfigurement, restoring their ability not only to chew and speak, but also to smile. This year, the lucky patient was Wolff. Before VIP Dental Spas was first men-

“I DON’T KNOW HOW I WOULD HAVE EVER BEEN ABLE TO PAY THE BILLS FOR SUCH EXTENSIVE PROCEDURES… I GUESS I’LL JUST HAVE TO TAKE A PAGE FROM VIP’S PLAYBOOK AND PAY IT FORWARD WHEN I CAN.” tioned to Wolff, he “had no idea that there were benevolent forces working behind the scenes to make this happen.” After several consultation visits, the work on Wolff’s smile began. As of press time, there is still work to be done. Yet after VIP’s outstanding reconstructive work on his upper teeth,

Wolff is well on his way to permanently regaining his smile. “Beyond the generosity they showed me, Dr. Matian and Dr. Arash were amazing, and really knew what they were talking about. Before the reconstruction began, I had learned to live with the situation as it was, and even developed a sort of self-confidence in spite of what was going on with my mouth. I can’t even put into words how it feels today to not have to overcompensate, hide, or cover up to feel confident. And this confidence is the result of only the first stage of the work.” (If you’d like to help Wolff reach the finish line with his dental restoration, please visit GoFundMe.com/RadicalResto.) VIP Dental Spas, THE FIGHT, and the rest of the Wolff Pack are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the LGBT community. Wolff, of course, also feels enormous gratitude, and much more. “Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe it. I don’t know how I would have ever been able to pay the bills for such extensive procedures. So I guess I’ll just have to take a page from VIP’s playbook and pay it forward when I can.” He says this, of course, with a smile.

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CELEBRATING YOUR SEXUALITY While sexual energy can be powerful—it is also fragile. It has to be nurtured and it has to be protected. BY DR. STEVE GANZEL L

here are some guys who look forward for years to crossing some imaginary threshold and entering their first leather bar. They are a bit afraid it will be dark, dank, a bit scary, and very, very sexy and they will be very disappointed if it is not. They imagine they might find someone who will tie them up or fulfill any one of a thousand other kinky fantasies. They don’t expect to find someone giving a didactic on bondage that starts with the history of rope through the ages. When they walk into their first leather bar, I doubt that they expect to see fundraisers that rely on trying to identify raffle tickets in the dark or endless announcements about events they could read about on-line. On-line where they could also create a calendar entry, a reminder, an interactive map, and prepay the cover charge but let’s stop whatever guys in bars are there to do, stand on a stage, ask… then petulantly demand their attention, and make “announcements.” My fantasies are about kinky sex and I stopped buying raffle tickets a long time ago. Not because I don’t need any more cheap lube and bad porn, but because

2 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

>> SEXUALITY <<

Some of the folks we have built bridges with have been great but others have been very annoyingly entitled. Privilege is what makes your house guest think that it’s okay to move your furniture and shave your dog when they are staying with you,. And it is privilege that makes a woman think that she can tell men to relegate their sexual behavior to a corner of a bar because her socializing with someone is more important. In both cases, they are invited guests who are acting quite rudely and probably unaware why their visits have become much less welcome. I have heard guys decrying the loss of something sexual in the leather community. I believe sexual energy is very powerful. And this is about sex. If you think that new guy in the bar came in so he could buy a raffle ticket or see a “demo,” you don’t get it. If you are one of the folks who refuse to recognize that two guys standing in a bar, inches from each other “talking” find it a major “cock block” when you interrupt to talk to them so you can invite them to an event and

nothing ruins my leather image like pulling out my reading glasses and having to turn on the damn flashlight on my iPhone to be able to read the numbers. Besides, I would like to think that I will be so busy doing something perverse and disreputable that I can’t be bothered with other “stuff.” I go out to play with those fantasies and the men who share them, or have shared them in the past, or will share them in the future, hopefully the very near future. All this to say that we cannot survive as a community if we become homogenized with other communities. We are SUPPOSED to be different. We are the tricksters of the GLBT community because we see things from a different perspective and give others permission to do the same.

ANNOYINGLY ENTITLED Please stop saying you want to build bridges between communities. It might be time we got rid of the bridges and started building motes and filling them with alligators.

hand them a “bar card,” then you don’t get it and if you’re gonna visit you need to at least try to do so. You see, those guys are in the initial stages of a sexual experience, hopefully one of many more they will explore, and they are pissed you don’t get how your being in the way fucked that up. I think that kinky folks tend to be wired just a little bit differently. We are the kid in your Boy Scout Troop who learned knots, not so he could advance to first class scout but so he could tie the other kids up and talk them into having a spanking party. There are folks who buy Tom of Finland art work because it is highly collectable and will appreciate in value. And there are those who buy it quite simply because they find it makes their dick hard. While sexual energy can be powerful—it is also fragile. It has to be nurtured and it has to be protected. That means that we must scoot over and make room at the table for the folks who bring new energy to the feast. But it also means we might have to send a few guests home early.

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International Mr. Leather and outgoing Mr. Los Angeles Leather Patrick Smith on sexual proclivities, game changers in HIV prevention and helping our LGBT brothers and sisters abroad facing the threat of assault on a daily basis. BY RA CE BA NNON | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM

have always contended that International Mr. Leather (IML) is the Grand Poobah of leather contests, and its winner the king of that title universe. Perhaps an exaggeration, but it’s always felt that way to me. The current IML is Patrick Smith, who also happens to be Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2015. When you meet Patrick, you are of course struck by his almost overwhelming beauty. His handsomeness and muscled body are not easily ignored. Like so many beautiful people, it might be easy to discount him as just another pretty face and body. You would be wrong. Patrick is indeed the whole package: handsome, muscled, friendly, charming, engaging and quite intelligent. I hate him (just kidding). THE FIGHT Magazine has given me the distinct honor of interviewing Patrick for 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

this issue and as you’ll see as you read further, that honor was deepened by having the privilege of asking questions of someone who clearly has his head screwed on well and understands the leather and kink scene as well or better than most. I think you’ll enjoy this brief exposure into the mind of the current IML. Before we begin with personal questions—can you tell us about this issue’s cover photo? One of the goals of my title year has been to raise awareness for the violence and persecution facing sexual minorities in countries abroad. This is why I took the IML sash to places such as Uganda, Egypt, Ukraine and other places where being openly gay may well be a death sentence. Unfortunately, the threat of assault is a daily reality in these

countries, and while I have never personally experienced horriﬁc violence such as this, I think it’s important we remember it is happening on a daily basis. We must work to do something about it, which is why I’m so proud that Sexual Minorities Uganda is one of the beneﬁciaries of Los Angeles Leather Pride this year. We have it pretty good in the West, and it’s time we did more to help out our LGBT brothers and sisters abroad. How do you juggle home life and your career while traveling so much during your title year? It’s been a challenge. I’m on track to spend just over 30 weekends of my IML year away from home. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a supportive partner to go through this with. I would have gone crazy without Michael.

> > C O V E R F E AT U R E < <

What was growing up in Canada like? It was easy, actually. Canada has a very different education system and set of values when it comes to sexual orientation. I was taught in elementary school that some people are gay, some people are straight, and there’s nothing we can do to change that. When did you come out as gay, and kinky, and what was that process like? I came out as gay when I was 21. I have the exact date tattooed in roman numerals on my right oblique. It was personally challenging, as it is for everyone, but I had a strong support network including my parents, grandparents and friends. As for my kinky side, I never really had a “coming out” per se. With me, what you see is what you get. I’ve never made an effort to hide my sexual proclivities. I’m an open book. Just ask. For someone who has not been to IML, why should they go? Go to immerse yourself in the leather scene and experience true and unapologetic sexual freedom, which is the leather community’s greatest gift to the world. I wouldn’t even say that you must attend the contest. Go for yourself, have fun, and if you happen to experience the contest, that’s great too. Chuck Renslow gave a speech at IML 2014 in support of PrEP, the once-a-day pill to prevent HIV infection. What are your views on PrEP and the current state of HIV prevention in general? I’ve been on PrEP for more than two years now, so I was an early proponent. It’s been an absolute game changer in HIV prevention. Now we need to make sure everyone who wants access to it gets access to it. It is a liberating feeling, having guilt-free spontaneity returned to sex. What was the most memorable experience during your travels? There have been so many. But the most memorable was standing on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court, wearing the IML sash, when the same-sex marriage ruling was announced. You couldn’t help but cry. We’ve come so far in such a short time. When and how did it become clear to you, if it ever did, that being IML would ﬁt into your plans for yourself and your life? I never had any grand design to be IML, or to be a titleholder for that matter. But

after I won Mr. Eagle, a contest I entered mostly for fun, I decided I wanted to take a very serious run at winning Mr. Los Angeles and winning IML. My inspiration was seeing what Eric Paul Leue had done with the Mr. L.A. title, how he was able to make a difference with that platform and how it transformed him personally. I wanted to follow in those footsteps.

identifiers. That’s a really cool feeling. You need to pinch yourself when that happens. What do you wish you had done differently? I have absolutely no regrets, only choices made and a fantastic year to look back on. Do you feel a leather title represents a sexuality, an identity, a lifestyle, or some combination? It really depends on who the titleholder is and what they choose to make of it. Some are focused solely on community service, for example, while others use it to have fun and express their sexuality. For me, I feel that titleholders should be sex symbols first and foremost. A leather titleholder is a representative of a sexual community, and that should be embraced as #1 by the man or woman behind the sash. Secondary to this, for me, are elements of service, education, and so on. But sex comes first. It’s what this community was founded on.

ONE OF THE GOALS OF MY TITLE YEAR HAS BEEN TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE VIOLENCE AND PERSECUTION FACING SEXUAL MINORITIES IN COUNTRIES ABROAD. THIS IS WHY I TOOK THE IML SASH TO PLACES SUCH AS UGANDA, EGYPT, UKRAINE AND OTHER PLACES WHERE BEING OPENLY GAY MAY WELL BE A DEATH SENTENCE. How would you like to be remembered? For doing things a little differently and taking the leather community to places it doesn’t usually go, beyond just leather contests and weekends. And that hopefully I made us a little more “big tent.” This goes both for my international travels to Uganda, Egypt, and elsewhere, but also by showing up in my sash at events and places that people might not expect such as awards galas, political fundraisers, the whole bit. Hell, I even spoke at a Sunday morning church service wearing full leather! What has been the most frightening part of your IML activities? Crossing through customs into Uganda, where gay people are beaten and thrown in jail every day just for being who they are. What has been the most rewarding? The friends I’ve made. The title lasts a year, but the relationships are forever. A runner-up answer would be getting recognized in public, sometimes halfway around the world, without wearing any sort of IML

Do you have role models, and if so who are they? My grandfather, who was so understanding when I came out to him and who displayed so much courage throughout his life. He was shot out of his bomber jet in World War II and survived crashing through the ice of a frozen lake in France. I wear the pin he was awarded around my neck at all times. If you were to identify one thing that could be done to improve the lives of leatherfolk and kinksters, what would it be? We can always use more visibility. Even within the broader LGBT community we are not fully understood, which is something I’ve tried to use my title year to address. There is much talk of the difficulty of the “second coming out,” or coming out as kinky. It really shouldn’t have to be difficult. I think raising the profile of the leather scene and destigmatizing it would go a long way. During your many travels, is there any one story that stands out in your mind as encapsulating of the importance of your IML year? Shortly after winning I was walking around the House of Blues, which was hosting the official IML victory party (my victory party!). A stranger came up to me, looked at my sash and gold medallion with a sense of bewilderment, and said, “Wow, Continued on page 28 MAR CH 2016 | THE F I GH T 23

> > PAT R I C K S M I T H < <

look at you. Did you win something?” It was, shall we say, a sobering moment. But the takeaway was this. While we titleholders may be important, we’re not that important. We must remember that we are one small part of a giant, diverse community.

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The “leather” scene isn’t all about leather anymore. How do you feel about that? I feel fine about it. To me, the leather scene is more about an attitude of unapologetic sexual expression than it is about the material itself. What would you say to the older people in the scene who have had a difficult time adapting to the new ways of being kinky? Everything changes. It’s just how things go. And the older people can choose to adapt, but they certainly don’t need to. So long as there is an understanding that we are a big tent community, and that kinks change and evolve, we’ll be just fine. What would you say to the younger people just coming into our scene to make their entry a bit easier? Find some great people you connect with, to help show you the ropes (pun intended). It’s helpful to have people you trust implicitly when taking this journey. Anything else you’d like to say? Thank you, Los Angeles, for sending me on the most incredible ride of my life. And have fun with the next guy!

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HIV

activists, advocates, and healthcare professionals gathered in Boston last month for the annual CROI (Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections ) where they received some unwelcome news—the first documented case of a fully adherent PrEP recipient testing positive for HIV. Researchers out of Canada presented evidence that a PrePadherent, 42-year-old, gay Toronto resident tested positive for HIV after being exposed to an extremely rare strain of that virus which had developed resistance to emtricitabine and tenofovir—the two drugs which make up Truvada, currently the only drug approved by the FDA for use as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis against HIV.

PRACTICALLY INEVITABLE This unfortunate development has—understandably—sent tremors of concern radiating out through the HIV prevention community, but statistically speaking such an event was practically inevitable. Since it’s approval by the FDA in 2012, Truvada-as-PrEP has proven to be remarkably effective at preventing HIV infection. But the “nearly perfect” protection against HIV provided by Truvada—often quantified as “more than 99% effective—still isn’t completely perfect. Thankfully, the emtricitabine/tenofovir resistant strain is exceedingly rare—it’s carried by fewer than 1% of those living with HIV—and even if an individual does carry this rare strain, it would be almost impossible for them to pass it along if they are on treatment, and undetectable.

NEW FORMS OF PrEP There are also new forms of PrEP in the pipeline, drugs like maraviroc (a combination of Celsentri & Selzentry) which may prove effective at protecting against this strain in the future. Truvada-as-PrEP is still the most effective tool in the fight to end the HIV epidemic—a fact underscored by this being the first documented case of infection among the estimated 40,000 PrEP users over the last 4 years. The example of this “Toronto Patient” provides a sobering reminder that there are no “silver bullets” in HIV prevention. There are only tools and strategies to help us manage risk—not one of which can end the epidemic on it’s own. MAR CH 2016 | THE F I GH T 25

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LOS ANGELES LEATHER PRIDE 2016 MARCH 27 - APRIL 3, 2016

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E T I E S T H AT B I N D IN CONJUNCTION WITH

MAGAZINE

T T 27 LA LeathMAR er PCH ri d e2016 2016| |THE T H EF IFGH I GH 1

PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

WELCOME TO L.A. LEATHER PRIDE A message from Committee Chair, Marlon Morales

hank you for granting me the opportunity to be your Chairman for a second year— it has been a great privilege. With the continued support of the LALC community partner organizations and with the help of my great committee, we have produced yet another record breaking L.A. Leather Pride. With great pleasure I present you this 2016 guide and program—the result of countless hours of hard work and collaboration with THE FIGHT Magazine. This endeavor fully realizes what we have known for a long time: Los Angeles is comprised of a strong network of businesses, clubs, community based organizations and leaders in leather who collaborate to showcase the incredibly vibrant leather scene in Southern California. Following yet another successful year, we return once again on Sunday March 27th to kick off from The Faultine. We would like to see as many of you there as possible. L.A. Leather Pride promises to be an exciting fun week of unforgettable experiences for all, reflecting the strength and diversity of our community, from far and near, reaching its peak with the selection of the new Mr. L.A. Leather at the Globe Theater in the heart of Downtown L.A on April 2nd. After last year’s success we have witnessed and celebrated the

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MARLON CHAIRMAN

L.A. LEATHER PRIDE PROMISES TO BE AN EXCITING FUN WEEK OF UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES FOR ALL, REFLECTING THE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY. victories of Patrick Smith, Mr. L.A. Leather 2015 and now International Mr. Leather (IML) 2015. Patrick is a shining example of the possibilities for personal growth and community service available to titleholders at any level. While we readily acknowledge that any person can do great things in service to his community (no title necessary); we believe having the recognition of being a Los Angeles titleholder provides a platform from which to achieve greatness. When you purchase a ticket or package to L.A. Leather Pride week (for tickets please visit losangelesleatherpride.com), you become part of the long tapestry of leather history in Los Angeles. You will feel L.A.’s

world-wide reputation through the unique experience we have planned for you. Joining you will be visitors from numerous states across the country and long-distance travelers from Germany, the UK, Latin America, Canada and Ireland. It’s going to be a unique and unforgettable week! The fun thing is that this is LA year round and we hope to show you why. This year our theme is “BOUND”—celebrating the kinky ties that bind the diverse members of our L.A. Leather Community. We celebrate the multiple ages, genders and ethnicities that make possible our world-renowned dynamic leather/fetish scene, woven together by the Los Angeles Leather Coalition since 1999. Returning by popular demand will be an opportunity drawing for a trip to Berlin during Folsom Europe 2016. We invite you to top off your celebration with the Off Sunset Street Festival on April 3rd. Our Charitable beneficiaries will be the Tom of Finland Foundation, ONE Archives Foundation and Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) based in Kampala, Uganda. SMUG advocates for the protection and promotion of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ugandans. And finally, I am delighted to announce the dates for next year. Mark your calendars for next year’s L.A. Leather Pride, CODE L.A. taking place March 26-April 1, 2017. We are looking forward to the coming year and hope to see you soon. Thank you for your support and welcome! Yours in leather, Marlon I. Morales Chairman L.A. Leather Pride 2016

MAR CH 2016 | THE F I GH T 29

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

THE CONTESTANTS JEFFREY ERDMAN

JOE GREGORY

MATTHEW JENSEN

MICHAEL MORALES

ERIC SLAYTON

DAVID COSIO

MONTY FREEMAN

CALEB ENGEN

JASON ATKINSON

KELLY BIGELOW

The 17th Annual Mr. L.A. Leather Contest will take place on Saturday April 2, 2016 at the historic Globe Theater in Downtown LA’s Broadway Theater District. Ten men will compete to succeed Mr. LA Leather 2015 Patrick Smith, who went on to win the International Mr. Leather title in March of last year. PHOTOS BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM

JEFFREY ERDMAN

MR. CHRISTOPHER ST. WEST LEATHER 2016 Jeffrey received his BA in Business Administration from the University of Washington in 1987. After a career in hotel management, Jeffrey went to law school in Los Angeles and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law in 1995. Jeffrey’s law practice is focused primarily on civil matters, including business and contract disputes, as well as domestic partnership matters. Currently, Jeffrey sits on the Board of Directors of the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, which is the world’s largest collection of LGBT literary, educational, historical, and cultural materials and resources. Jeffrey has previously served on the Boards of Directors of the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association of Los Angeles as well as the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association.

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CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

JOE GREGORY

MR. SISTER LEATHER 2016 Originally from a small town in rural Ohio named Champion, Joe moved to Chicago in the late summer of 1999. Chicago afforded Joe the opportunity to experience more diversity than small town Ohio, and to explore his growing interest in leather and kink. It was in Chicago where Joe went to his first leather bar and experienced the physical attraction, and emotional connection, to other leather men. During his 15 years in Chicago, Joe discovered what he wanted out of his personal and sexual life, and really embraced who he was... he could finally live his “true” life. Joe moved to LA in August 2014, where he is currently a project manager for a large pharmaceutical company.

MATTHEW JENSEN MR. REGIMENT 2016

Matthew is an artist, writer, and activist who lives on the West Side. Back when he had spare time he volunteered in the community and had articles published promoting gay rights and liberal politics. Raised in an anti-gay household, he considers the leather community his adopted family.

MICHAEL MORALES

MR. SANCTUARY LEATHER 2016 Michael’s journey into fetishism and leather got off to a rocky start; a bad experience at a young age pushed him away. However, after an “amazing experience” at DomCon five years ago, where he was flogged by Mistress Cyan, his passions exploded and he began his journey into the wonderful world of kink. Flogging became a main interest for Michael, the exchange of power, the feel of a flog, the trust involved were all very captivating, he says. While entering the leather world took him some time—after getting to know the community and choosing to remove his own mental restraints he pushed to be himself, a gender-fluid, fetishist, semi-fem weirdo. He found acceptance and love once he did, he also found a family. Continued on page 34

THE LAL PMAR G UI CH DE 2016 | TH E F I GH T 31

THESPREAD

L.A. LEATHER PRIDE

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JEFFREY ERDMAN, MR. CHRISTOPHER ST. WEST LEATHER 2016; MATTHEW JENSEN, MR. REGIMENT 2016; JOE JASON ATKINSON, MR. BULLET LEATHER 2016; ERIC SLAYTON, MR. SOCAL LEATHER 2016; CALEB ENGEN, MR. OIL 3 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

2016 CONTESTANTS PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

GREGORY, MR. SISTER LEATHER 2016; KELLY BIGELOW, MR. PISTONS LEATHER 2016; MONTY FREEMAN, EAGLE LA MR. LEATHER 2016; CAN HARRY’S 2016; MICHAEL MORALES, MR. SANCTUARY LEATHER 2016; DAVID COSIO, MR. LA LEATHER BEAR 2016. MAR CH THE JANUAR Y 2016 | TH E F I GH T 33

CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

ERIC SLAYTON

MR. SOCAL LEATHER 2016 Eric moved to L.A . to pursue his love of film and television. After working in the media and PR industry his work shifted more towards community activism and outreach. Eric began working with a local LGBT publication which brought him into the leather community. Eric dove head first into the community, wanting to learn education, kink, and share his experience with those who are questioning, curious, or lost. Currently is an advocate for PrEP. Eric works with minority communities both locally and nationally, advocating for education and linkage to care for those in need. He currently serves as a member of the Thrive Tribe Friends, UCLA/Black Aids Institute HIV/AIDS Fellowship, Generation KP, The Los Angeles LGBT Youth Center, and Minority Aids Project. He is also a founding member of the SoCal/Southwest ONYX group.

DAVID COSIO

MR. LA LEATHER BEAR 2016 Born and raised in Los Angeles, David shares his life with his husband and best friend Jim Koller-Cosio. They have been together for 21 years and legally married for 8 of those years. David was a member of the “The Campers,” a camp drag performance group in the mid 1980s. Based in L.A. at Oil Can Harry’s, the group toured all over California and the southern states. Some of his passions in life are helping people in need. One of these projects was helping with the non-profit, Sacks for Life, helping to feed the homeless. David has volunteered at the LA Gay and Lesbian Center and also volunteered at Long Beach Pride and supported many other charity events.

MONTY FREEMAN

EAGLE LA MR. LEATHER 2016 Monty moved to Los Angeles in 1998 to pursue a career as an actor. He landed two agents and booked several jobs. After a life altering gastric bypass surgery in 2001 Monty lost 220 pounds and was no longer considered for character actor roles. He bounced back and forth from LA to NYC—working in the club scene for several years. Currently Monty is an executive at the the largest rehab facility in Malibu and prides himself on helping others—passing judgement on no one who deals with addiction and is trying to be sober. Monty is looking to forward to marrying his fiancé David Bonneau this spring.

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CELEBRATING THE TIES THAT BIND

CALEB ENGEN

MR. OIL CAN HARRY’S 2016 Caleb moved to L.A. last year to pursue a life of love and happiness. Caleb did not shy away from social interaction when he first moved here, diving head first into the community by supporting events and offering to help where ever possible. He is an avid reader and enjoys traveling, exploring, and immersing himself into new cultures and experiences.

JASON ATKINSON MR. BULLET LEATHER 2016

Jason has enjoyed leather for many years but it wasn’t until he moved from the O.C. to L.A. and saw his first leather event that he knew that he wanted to be a leather man. He was impressed by how hot, inviting and thrilling the leather community made him feel and wanted to share that feeling with others around him. Jason is passionate about the ongoing and growing problem of homeless LGBT youth. With his title as Mr. Bullet 2016 he wants to highlight the issue and continue working for our next generation.

KELLY BIGELOW

MR. PISTONS LEATHER 2016 Kelly was a bartender at The Frat House in O.C., where he participated in many functions for the LGBT community. Kelly battled meth addiction for eight years until it almost took his life. During that time, he was also diagnosed with having HIV. It was through the “grace of the powers that be,” friends and family that he was able to recover to a healthier state and help those seeking to break the grip of meth addiction. Kelly has spent the better part of 2015 exploring his kinky side and experiencing new adventures. He has helped with the Leather Tent during Long Beach Pride, the Off Sunset Street Festival and is “super excited” to see what he can do during his title year.

For more comprehensive bios on each contestant please visit losangelesleatherpride.com.

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L.A. LEATHER PRIDE WEEK EVENTS For more details on these events please visit losangelesleatherpride.com GLORY BOUND: LA LEATHER PRIDE 2016 KICK OFF PARTY Sunday, March 27 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Faultline, 4216 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029 Kick off Leather Pride Week in style with hundreds of hot leather men and women from around LA. The highlight of the party will be the introduction of the Mr. LA Leather contestants as they complete the traditional motorcycle ride-in and then draw their contestant numbers.

LEATHER RODEO—COUNTRY DANCE EVENT Tuesday, March 29 @ 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Oil Can Harry’s, 11502 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604 A Leather-Country Dance Event at LA’s Famous Oil Can Harry’s Hosted by: Jeremy Ronceros & Caleb Engen Dance Lessons | Raffles | Performances Western Wear & Leather Gear Encouraged

VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION Wednesday, March 30 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Bl North Hollywood, CA 91601 VIP Package holders, Sponsors, Judges, Contestants, and Invited Guests are welcome to join us as we celebrate LA Leather Pride week with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres as we salute the three beneficiary organizations for LA Leather Pride 2014—Tom of Finland Foundation, Sexual Minorities Uganda, & The ONE Archives Foundation!

HUMP DAY CINEMA—OUT! WITH DIRECTOR JASUN MARK Wednesday, March 30 @ 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm Pistons Bar, 2020 E Artesia Bl

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Long Beach, CA 90805 TitanMedia Presents OUT! Director Jasun Mark will be in the house for hilarious commentary with Pup Don Mike. $5 Cover benefits: LB/OC Surf & Sun Softball League.

LEATHER REBOOT—ONYX DANCE Wednesday, March 30 @ 9:00 pm March 31 @ 2:00 am Precinct, 357 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013 ONYX SOCAL/SOUTHWEST Presents LEATHER REBOOT DANCE Music by DJ Dixon Whiskey $5 Cover Dancing | Go-Go Boys | Play Area

TIGHTENING BONDS: OFFICIAL MEET & GREET Thursday, March 31 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Precinct, 357 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013 Here is your chance to meet the Class of 2016 Mr. LA Leather contestants and judges up close and personal at the combined Meet and Greet. The event will be followed by ROPE BURN: The Roast of outgoing Mr. LA Leather (and IML) Patrick Smith and is included in the same ticket.

ROPE BURN: THE ROAST OF PATRICK SMITH Thursday, March 31 @ 10:00 pm - 11:30 pm Precinct, 357 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013 Is it hot in here? Since winning Mr. LA Leather & International Mr. Leather, Patrick Smith has done wonders for our community and the world. But, now it’s time to have a little fun at his expense. Following in the tradition of roasting the

outgoing titleholder, join us as we give Patrick a good-natured ribbing.

THE ASSEMBLY Friday, April 1 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Rough Trade Gear, 3915 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 Join hosts BLUF, The California B&B Corps, & The Regiment of the Black & Tans as they bring you the hottest uniform event in the Southland. Come out to Rough Trade Gear in Silver Lake on Friday the 1st for an evening of food, cocktails, fun and some of the hottest men in uniform to be found in the Southland! Wear your best uniform gear, and bring out some serious energy for a fantastic Friday night. Strict Dress Code Enforced.

LEATHER DOG POUND Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm - 11:55 pm Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Bl North Hollywood, CA 91601 The Official Puppy Party for LA Leather Pride Join the guys from Dog Pound as they put on their awesome puppy party at The Bullet. Leather Dog Pound is back as the Official Pup Play Party of Los Angeles Leather Pride 2016. During the week long LA Leather Pride celebration, theres only one place to get your ‘pups all riled up, and that’s the Bullet Bar, home of Dog Pound! Hosted by L.A. Pup 2016, Pup Zero. Ashtray Kain and…

CIGAR SOCIAL—PRESENTED BY EAGLE LA & MAXIMUS Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm - 11:55 pm Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029

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Open to entire leather community and the men of Maximus will be there to sell cigars.

UNBOUND—BY NASTY KINK PIGS & AVATAR Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm - April 2 @ 3:00 am 333 Live, 333 S. Boylston St Los Angeles, CA 90017 Prepare for a night of Dark Beats & Dirty Men! DJ EUROSTEVE Live Performance by Aarin Asker Gear Code: Biker • Jock • Rubber • Leather • Sport • Skin • Puppy • Muscle Bear.

DEMENTED FOOLS—PLAY PARTY BY KINKLIFE & AVATAR Friday, April 1 @ 9:00 pm - April 2 @ 3:00 am Sanctuary LAX, 10914 S. La Cienega Blvd Lennox, CA Largest Play Space! Slings | Crosses | Fetish Demos $20 Advance / $25 Door Tickets: http://kinklife.com/tickets.

DESERT BONDS—AFTERNOON BEER BUST Saturday, April 2 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Bl North Hollywood, CA 91601 United States Our Friends from the desert— PSLOD—once again host a pre-contest beer bust. Relax, have a beer & a cigar and hang out with the hot men.

MR. LOS ANGELES LEATHER CONTEST 2016 Saturday, April 2 @ 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Globe Theater, 740 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014 Get your tickets early and save $10 off the $40 door price! Go to losangelesleatherpride.com.

LEGION Saturday, April 2 @ 10:00 pm - April 3 @ 3:00 am Globe Theater, 740 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014 U Brought to you by LA super-producers Hunter Fox & Justin David, LEGION brings you the hottest DJ’s & State-ofthe-art Lighting to create one hot party.

If you like your dance floor filled with wall to wall sweaty guys in leather, than this is for you! And the best part, your ticket is good for BOTH the dance AND the Mr. LA Leather Contest before. Get your tickets in advance for $30 and SAVE $10 off the door price. Go to losangelesleatherpride.com.

OFF SUNSET FESTIVAL Sunday, April 3 @ 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Santa Monica Bvld in Silverlake, 4200 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 The 4th Annual Off Sunset Festival will take place on Santa Monica Blvd from Hoover to Sunset in the heart of Silverlake on Sunday April 3. Bands, vendors, food, beer PARKING Parking lots will be open for a fee near Commonwealth & Santa Monica Blvd. GO METRO The nearest Metro Station (Red Line) is at Vermont & Santa Monica Boulevard, just a 7 Minute walk to the Hoover & Santa Monica entrance gate.

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The LA30

Extraordinary leaders are ensuring our future.

he LALC has established The LA30 Program in order to identify supporters of L.A.’s leather community willing to make a commitment of at least $250 per person ($500 per couple) on an annual basis in order to assure the ongoing financial stability for the Coalition and L.A. Leather Pride. Members of The LA30 have a high level of access and priority, and serve as an attentive liaison between the LALC and the leather community it serves. Although The LA 30 is not a governing body or have any ongoing obligations other than their contributions to the work of the LALC, they are a valuable resource for all matters related to the LALC and L.A. Leather Pride Week related activities We thank the following individuals for their annual support: Founder’s Legion Members • Jim Neuman—Leadership Gift • Doug Beardslee and Andrew Bassi • Dr. Lawrence Burden and William Terrell • Randy Carmenaty in Memory of Bob Tomasino • Kevin C. and Brian D. • Carlos Dievez and Tom Mathie • Steve Ganzell • Mike Gerle and Garret McClure • Steve Harman • Charlie Matula and Hunter Fox • Marlon Morales • Jon Wright and Eric Womack Members • Esteban Jimenez and Leo Iriarte • Jeffrey Erdman and Xavier O. Espejo • Lou Romano New Members for 2016 • Michael Lara and Dennis Schulte • “Daddy Don“ Anspauch • Barry Burg • John Freeman • Apolonio E. Muñoz III Honorary Members • Eric Paul Leue • Robert Green • Dave Rhodes • Patrick Smith and Michael Milenitza

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FOLSOM EUROPE 2016 IN BERLIN Announcing LA Leather Pride 2016 grand prize drawing—includes airfare for 2 and 4 nights hotel accommodations.

s part of the LALC’s outreach to the leather folk in our sister city, we are excited to offer a once in a lifetime chance to travel to Berlin for Folsom Europe in September, 2016. Join the crowds along Fuggerstrasse in

the heart of Berlin’s world famous leather enclave for a weekend of fun in the Gay Capital of Europe. Includes airfare for 2 and 4 nights hotel accommodations, event tickets (subject to availability), and much more. If you have never been to Berlin this is a perfect opportunity to get to know the city during one of the most festive leather events of the year.

xxi50

CONGRATS TO OUR 21ST MR. PISTONS LEATHER

KELLY BIGELOW AND TO 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE LEATHER LGBT COMMUNITY! GOOD LUCK AT MR. LA LEATHER 2016 KELLY!

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Visit www.folsomeurope.info to see the full schedule of the parties, street festival and related events that make a trip to Berlin during Folsom Europe a once in a lifetime experience. See Drawing Rules for more information. Drawing will be held at Mr. LA Leather 2016 contest. Need not be present to win provided sufficient contact information furnished when ticket purchased.

LIVE

11 AM - 6 PM

T EQU I LA

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 FOLSOM STREET BETWEEN 8TH & 13TH SAN FRANCISCO, CA THANK YOU TO OUR RETURNING SPONSORS:

The

FOLSOMSTREETEVENTS.ORG

Copyright ÂŠ 2016 Folsom Street Events. Folsom Street Events and Folsom Street Fair are trademarks of SMMILE, a non profit 501(c)3 California corporation. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. For more information, contact Folsom Street Events at 415-552-3247,

folsomstreetevents.org. Photography by Michael Smith. Art direction by Atom Edwards. Hair by Stefano Tarricone. Make up by Andrea Ortega. Graphic design by Greg Traverso. Special thanks to Mr. S Leather and Beatbox. This is a smoke free event, per SF Health Code, Article 19L.

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THE CHARITY PARTNERS The LA Leather Pride Committee is proud to announce the following 3 charity partners who will share in the success of our 2016 event. THE ONE ARCHIVES FOUNDATION

SEXUAL MINORITIES UGANDA (SMUG)

The ONE Archives Foundation collects, preserves, and protects LGBTQ history, art, and culture in collaboration with ONE Archives at the USC Libraries. Founded in 1952, ONE Archives currently houses over two million archival items including periodicals, books, film, video and audio recordings, photographs, artworks, organizational records, and personal papers.

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) is an umbrella non-governmental organization based in Kampala, Uganda, advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ugandans. The network, comprised of 18 organizations, works closely with indigenous, regional and international human rights organizations and persons to end discrimination and injustices towards LGBTI persons in Uganda.

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TOM OF FINLAND FOUNDATION In 1984, the nonprofit Tom of Finland Foundation was established by Durk Dehner and his friend Touko Laaksonen a.k.a. Tom of Finland. As Tom had established worldwide recognition as the master of homoerotic art, the Foundationâ€™s original purpose was to preserve his vast catalog of work. Several years later the scope was widened to offer a safe haven for all erotic art in response to rampant discrimination against art that portrayed sexual behavior or generated a sexual response. Today the Foundation continues in its efforts of educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and in promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality.

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THE JUDGES Your judges for the Mr. L.A. Leather 2016 contest. For more detailed bios on each judge visit losangelesleatherpride.com. PATRICK SMITH INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER | MR. LA LEATHER | EAGLE LA MR. LEATHER 2015

Active in politics, Patrick’s focus as International Mr. Leather is on international and domestic LGBT political activism. He has traveled to countries including Uganda and Ukraine to meet with prominent LGBT activists and learn more about how western society can make a difference.

He was a judge of the International Mr Leather Contest in 2012. MASTER KEVIN LONGTIME COMMUNITY MEMBER

Master Kevin is a Los Angeles native and is one of the first members of BearsLA. Active in both the leather and bear communities Master Kevin has been a den daddy, judge and tally master in feeder contests to Mr. Los Angeles Leather.

ROBERT E. BLACKMON

JASUN MARK

LIFESTYLE EXPERT, MR. SISTER LEATHER 2001

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION, TITANMEN AND TITAN MEDIA | EAGLE LA MR. LEATHER 2009

His snappy style, attention to detail and effervescent personality, make author, fashion designer and life style expect Robert E. Blackmon the “Go To Guy” for planning and living your perfect life. In 2009 Robert legally married his husband Martin Connell in Ontario, Canada. DAVID STRINGER HUGHES

Jasun Mark didn’t really seem to understand what we meant when we asked for a bio and he sent us a list of all the title holders he’s shagged. Clearly this is totally inappropriate which means it probably wasn’t a mistake. We apologize for including him. We’ll get someone more respectable next year.

PRESIDENT, FOLSOM STREET EAST

Dave Hughes is a leather activist, community organizer, event promoter and DJ. A native of San Diego, Dave holds the titles of Mr East Coast Rubber 2005 and Mr Full Rubber 2006.

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KEVIN MURPHY MR. LEATHER IRELAND 2015, 1ST RUNNER UP IML 2015

“With the writing of equal rights for LGBT into our constitution, we have never felt more proud to walk with our

heads held high, and in our high-shine boots. I am privileged to be a part of it,” says Kevin Murphy, Mr. Leather Ireland 2015. “My focus has always been on valuing both inclusiveness and diversity. By embracing this, we have all ensured that our community will thrive.” ERIC PRUITT SISTER CANDY CIDE— FOUNDER OF LA HOUSE SPI

Also known as Sister Candy Cide of the Immaculate Misconception, Eric is the founder of the Los Angeles House of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, currently celebrating their 20th Anniversary. Eric co-produced the Mr. Sister Leather Contest numerous times over the past 16 years. Eric has proudly been resident DJ at the Eagle LA for the past thirteen years and at the Bullet Bar for the last four years. CLIFTON TATUM MR. PALM SPRINGS LEATHER 2015

A resident of Palm Springs and a retired correctional officer, Clifton broke fundraiser records as Mr. Palm Springs Leather, raising over 20,000 dollars. His charities include: The Trevor Project, a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth; For the Children, A foster/adoptive parent support group in the Coachella Valley; The Center, LGBT Suicide Prevention & Anti-Bullying Presentation in the Classroom and others.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OFFICIAL TITLE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CHAMPION SPONSORS

HERO SPONSORS