Upcoming Events

As I've mentioned elsewhere, IML is over for the year, Mr. SD Leather 2010 Anthony is one of the Top Three winners (congratulations, good man!), and now it's time for Mr. SD Leather 2011 Kurt to start getting ready for IML 2012!  There are photo galleries everywhere if you Google "IML 2011 Photos", but Leatherati has a very good one to start with.

Here is what Scotty sent along:

First off congrats on Anthony taking second runner up.  The charts you asked about show how many Californians placed 1,2, or 3 over the years.  There were a total of 31 men from CA. who took one of those positions in its first 25 years.  There were:

9 - IML (at least 10 if you count Mikel Gerle from 2007)
12 - First runner up
9- Second runner up

These are the years 1979-2003.  Don't know after that.  California outstrips the rest of the world with 31 men winning one of these titles.
There were not numbers for different cities though.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the IML IN EXILE PARTY this last Saturday. For a spur-of-the-moment event, it sure brought in a nice, big, HIGHLY CONGENIAL crowd. The underwear contest was just as fun as I had expected it to be, and David did a great job running it.  I'm thoroughly inclined to throw a few more of these impromptu parties in the next few months, and I plan to invite a bunch of my instigator buddies along again, to get the festivities started.

After eleven full months of operations, FMSD is still growing at an exciting pace, and we're getting the full spectrum of men that any thriving Tribe needs. Please bring your buddies to upcoming events… I plan to relax a bit once we hit 3,000 members. Only 1,971 to go!  I've done it before, here in San Diego, so you may as well believe that we can do it again.

San Diego Pride is coming up in a month and a half.  FMSD will be actively participating in the Leather Realm during the festival, so I'm asking for volunteers to help out during a two-hour shift.  If you want to help out, drop me a line at FetishMenSanDiego@gmail.com - Basically, we'll be acting as ambassadors for the local gay fetishmen's community, guiding newbies toward people who can help them with various questions. The friendlier and more authentic we are, the more likely we'll have new friends among us at upcoming events. Too many of us gave up participating in the larger community, because we didn't perceive that there was a place for us. Now that there IS, let's spread the good word!

-=-=-=-=- UPCOMING EVENTS -=-=-=-=-

* Events marked with an asterisk are mixed male/female events, usually hosted by Club X, which is a very large, very reputable and very wonderful pansexual club in San Diego. FMSD is focused on gay-male interests, always and forever, but we also support all other local kinky groups that may attract some of our members. Everybody can use some brotherhood!

Wednesday, June 1, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Pup DragZ and San Diego Puppy Play (SDPP). First Wednesday of each month.

Friday, June 3, 7PM: SDLOG monthly educational meeting: CBT

Saturday, June 4, 9PM-2AM; BearNight Dance at Numbers. $5 cover. First Saturday of each month. Lots of leathermen attend this event, and it comes highly recommended… Here are some reviews.

* Saturday, June 4: Club X Play Party featuring Simon Blaise presenting "Blaise Wrap" -- Cling Play/Polyvinyl Suspensions

Sunday, June 5, 5-8PM: CIGARS & BOOTS at Redwing, hosted by California LeatherSir Miles B. First Sunday of each month, out on the patio at Redwing. I don't even smoke, and I love this event. Everybody is warm, welcoming and relaxed.

Friday, June 10, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle; 2nd Friday of each month. This has become the biggest fetishmen event in San Diego every month!  It's the nicest, friendliest crowd you'll see at a leather bar.  Here are a few reviews, if you haven't been to one yet. This month's theme is HARNESSES, so please wear one if you've got it. I'll be taking a group photo at around 11PM.  Here are some pictures from October, February, March and April. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too

June 10-12; Los Angeles Pride

June 16, 8-11PM; Yellow Hanky Night at the Eagle. Third Thursday of each month.

* Friday, June 17, 8:30PM-1AM: FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy 2010, tiger - Ms San Diego Leather 2010, caryl - San Diego's premier Sea Monkey Trainer, and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. Third Friday of each month. This is a GREAT educational event if you want some hands-on training in a safe environment.

June 17-19; California Leather Sir/boy,  Bootblack and Puppy Contest. It'll be a major leather event in San Diego, so don't miss it!

June 25-26; San Francisco Pride

July 1-5; Monster Manhood Weekend in Palm Springs.

July 15-17, San Diego Pride, featuring the large, annual and well-attended Leather Realm during the festival.

Friday, July 29, 8:30PM-1AM: MEN-ONLY FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. The Men-Only version is on the FIFTH Friday of each month, such as September 30, and (possibly) December 30th for 2011. There will be hands-on training for folks who want to learn from experts in a very safe environment.

July 28-30; International Leather Sir/boy/Community Boot Black in San Francisco, leading into...

July 31; Dore Alley/Up Your Alley Street Fair

Aug. 5-7; International Olympus Leather & Pantheon Awards- Los Angeles

August looks pretty open, but September includes Vegas Pride and Folsom Street Fair. Then, Palm Springs Pride is followed by Palm Springs Leather Pride in November.

Upcoming Events

This week is quiet, because so many people will be out of town for IML. I have been in contact with men in several states who started heading up to Chicago on Monday or Tuesday, getting ready for the competition. 

If you've never been to IML weekend, there is a sharp dividing-line between two major agendas among attendees.  On one hand, you've got the guys who are there to have as much sex as possible, and that's a wonderful thing. Nothing wrong with animal sensuality… I recommend it to everyone.  On the other hand, you've got the folks who are there to cheer for their hometown heroes. Yes, they get around pretty thoroughly in their spare time, and, they also care passionately about the future of the larger community. When someone comes home from Chicago with a fresh new supply of idealism, everybody benefits.

Here in San Diego, I see a pattern: When we have more community-leaders who are secure, happy and well-rewarded, then the rest of us have better choices available to us. Our local businesses, affinity-groups and charities do better, more people show up for popular events, and successes build upon successes.

I hear folks complain that we have too many fundraisers and don't have enough raunchy, huge play-parties, or men-only spaces, or whatever. These are all valid complaints, and if anyone feels strongly that we need some changes around here, I invite them to start doing something about it. We haven't yet reached our limit when it comes to local leadership.  You don't have to start from zero and shoulder a huge burden on your own. There is a huge support-system in place, ready to make life easier for people with big new ideas. 

In fact, you can start with me.  I know a lot of people reasonably well, and I'm familiar with their talents. I can introduce you to at least ten people who will be happy to help you with your goals. San Diego's community has come very far, very quickly, because we are well-connected with each other. 

Be the change that you want to see.

-=-=-=-=- UPCOMING EVENTS -=-=-=-=-

* Events marked with an asterisk are mixed male/female events, usually hosted by Club X, which is a very large, very reputable and very wonderful pansexual club in San Diego. FMSD is focused on gay-male interests, always and forever, but we also support all other local kinky groups that may attract some of our members. Everybody can use some brotherhood!

Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:30PM: Family Event Fundraiser for the Leather Realm at SD Pride.

Saturday, May 28, 9PM-2AM; I.M.L. IN EXILE party at the Eagle.  It is also the UNDERWEAR PARTY AND CONTEST, hosted by Mr. SD Eagle 2010 David.

Sunday, May 29, 2-6PM: HOT-DOG EATING CONTEST at the Redwing, hosted by Mr. SD Bear 2011 Mark. This is a benefit for The Trevor Project and Special Delivery San Diego.

May 27 - May 30; International Mr. Leather 2011 weekend in Chicago. Sending our best wishes with Anthony, Mr. San Diego Leather 2010!

Wednesday, June 1, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Pup DragZ and San Diego Puppy Play (SDPP). First Wednesday of each month.

Friday, June 3, 7PM: SDLOG monthly educational meeting: CBT

Saturday, June 4, 9PM-2AM; BearNight Dance at Numbers. $5 cover. First Saturday of each month. Lots of leathermen attend this event, and it comes highly recommended… Here are some reviews.

* June 4: Club X Play Party featuring Simon Blaise presenting "Blaise Wrap" -- Cling Play/Polyvinyl Suspensions

Sunday, June 5, 5-8PM: CIGARS & BOOTS at Redwing, hosted by California LeatherSir Miles B. First Sunday of each month, out on the patio at Redwing. I don't even smoke, and I love this event. Everybody is warm, welcoming and relaxed.

Friday, June 10, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle. This has become the biggest fetishmen event in San Diego every month!  It's the nicest, friendliest crowd you'll see at a leather bar.  Here are a few reviews, if you haven't been to one yet. This month's theme is HARNESSES, so please wear one if you've got it. I'll be taking a group photo at around 11PM.  Here are some pictures from October, February, March and April. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too

June 10-12; Los Angeles Pride

June 16, 8-11PM; Yellow Hanky Night at the Eagle. Third Thursday of each month.

* Friday, June 17, 8:30PM-1AM: FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy 2010, tiger - Ms San Diego Leather 2010, caryl - San Diego's premier Sea Monkey Trainer, and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. Third Friday of each month. This is a GREAT educational event if you want some hands-on training in a safe environment.

June 17-19; California Leather Sir/boy,  Bootblack and Puppy Contest. It'll be a major leather event in San Diego, so don't miss it!

June 25-26; San Francisco Pride

July 1-5; Monster Manhood Weekend in Palm Springs.

July 15-17, San Diego Pride, featuring the large, annual and well-attended Leather Realm during the festival.

Friday, July 29, 8:30PM-1AM: MEN-ONLY FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. The Men-Only version is on the FIFTH Friday of each month, such as September 30, and (possibly) December 30th for 2011. There will be hands-on training for folks who want to learn from experts in a very safe environment.

July 28-30; International Leather Sir/boy/Community Boot Black in San Francisco, leading into...

July 31; Dore Alley/Up Your Alley Street Fair

Aug. 5-7; International Olympus Leather & Pantheon Awards- Los Angeles

August looks pretty open, but September includes Vegas Pride and Folsom Street Fair. Then, Palm Springs Pride is followed by Palm Springs Leather Pride in November.

Family Event Fundraiser for the Leather Realm at SD Pride

From: Spike Tranc <spiket918@yahoo.com>

“The Night You Have Been Waiting For Has Arrived! A FAMILY EVENT Fundraiser for the Leather Realm!”

 General info

date:	Thursday, May 26, 2011
time:	06:30 PM to 09:30 PM
where:	The Fusion Room at John's Incredible Pizza near Macys and Target in the Plaza Bonita Mall
address:	3010 Plaza Bonita Rd., National City, CA 91950  map

Description

Join us Thursday, May 26th, 2011 for a night of games, rides, good food, beer/wine, raffles and TONS of fun! This is a family-friendly fun space, and children and adults of all ages will have a blast!
Food! Rides! Bumper Cars! DJ! Music! Raffles! Games! Contests! Prizes!

Where: The Fusion Room at Johns Incredible Pizza near Macys and Target in the Plaza Bonita Mall
3010 Plaza Bonita Rd., National City, CA 91950
http://www.johnspizza.com/

When: May 26, 2011 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Raffles start at 7pm!
Dress code: Leather, fetish, cow, sister, drag is fine, just keep your tickly parts legal – there are children around!

Cost: You must purchase buffet to enter. 15% of all proceeds including funcard purchases, games, rides, food, beverage will benefit the 2011 Leather Realm at San Diego Pride! (You MUST mention Leather Realm each time you purchase). Includes buffet and unlimited soft drinks. Tax included. Beer/wine not included.

Adults Ages 13 and up – $12.38
Senior 55 and up – $11.38
Child 7 to 12 – $8.54
Child 3 to 6 – $6.59

Funcards:
65 Credits for only $14.99
90 Credits plus one ride for only $19.99
115 credits plus two rides for only $24.99 – This is a 35% savings! The BEST DEAL!

Please contact Christi at theleatherrealmpr@yahoo.com for more information!

I.M.L IN EXILE Party in San Diego this Saturday

Some of us are too broke to travel to Chicago for the International Mr. Leather contest this weekend, so...

Screw it. Let's party, inexpensively:

- No cover charge,
- Drink specials all night, AND...
- you can act like a cheap floozy!

I'm calling on all local San Diego FetishMen to head over to the Eagle from 9pm to 2am. Let's swamp the place...

Dress up if you like, or, if you're feeling adventurous, David Palmer is simultaneously hosting that evening's Underwear Contest and Party at the same bar. David has hosted these events many times as the former Mr. San Diego Eagle. He's standing in this weekend for Kane, the current titleholder, who will be engaging in monkey-business in Chicago, I have no doubt!

David has a superb talent for getting the crowd involved and whipped into an excited frenzy, and you never know what will happen next. He looks forward to a jammed Eagle Bar on Saturday!

Hot-Dog Eating Contest This Sunday

Join Mr. Bear San Diego 2011 - Mark Flores and Bears San Diego this Sunday afternoon,  May 29th from 2 to 6 PM at the Redwing Bar and Grill located at 4012 30th Street in North Park.

At 2:30 we will have a hot dog eating contest to see who can really pack in the most hot dogs.

There will be a Beer Bust and we will be selling jello shots and raffles to raise money for this year's Bears San Diego charities, The Trevor Project and Special Delivery San Diego.

So come on out for an afternoon of fun and support our good cause!!

Upcoming Events

We're up to 1,004 members in just under eleven months. Lucky member #1,000 is Braulio D, a handsome young man I met at the Eagle. Let's all be extra-welcoming with him!

If you feel like FMSD is a bit "tame" for your tastes, then come up and talk to me at the CIGARS & BOOTS event on June 5th, or the DRESS IT UP event on the 10th. I might just have a private invitation for you that will pry away any virginity you have left!

Yeah, I know that I tend to be super-enthusiastic, but I can't fake this feeling. I'm honestly jazzed that our community is growing ever-closer. I've hungered for this new era for several decades, and now it's all coming true.  We're just at the very beginning, too. Based on what I'm observing and discussing and following, I can see much, much bigger and better changes coming up in the next few years.

-=-=-=-=- UPCOMING EVENTS -=-=-=-=-

* Events marked with an asterisk are mixed male/female events, usually hosted by Club X, which is a very large, very reputable and very wonderful pansexual club in San Diego. FMSD is focused on gay-male interests, always and forever, but we also support all other local kinky groups that may attract some of our members. Everybody can use some brotherhood!

May 19, 8-11PM; Yellow Hanky Night at the Eagle. Third Thursday of each month.

* Friday, May 20, 8:30PM-1AM: FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy 2010, tiger - Ms San Diego Leather 2010, caryl - San Diego's premier Sea Monkey Trainer, and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. Third Friday of each month. This is a GREAT educational event if you want some hands-on training in a safe environment.

May 21-22; Long Beach Pride

May 27 - May 30; International Mr. Leather 2011 weekend in Chicago. Sending our best wishes with Anthony, Mr. San Diego Leather 2010!

Wednesday, June 1, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Pup DragZ and San Diego Puppy Play (SDPP). First Wednesday of each month.

Friday, June 3, 7PM: SDLOG monthly educational meeting: Tit Torture and Pinchy Things

Saturday, June 4, 9PM-2AM; BearNight Dance at Numbers. $5 cover. First Saturday of each month. Lots of leathermen attend this event, and it comes highly recommended… Here are some reviews.

* June 4: Club X Play Party featuring Simon Blaise presenting "Blaise Wrap" -- Cling Play/Polyvinyl Suspensions

Sunday, June 5, 5-8PM: CIGARS & BOOTS at Redwing, hosted by California LeatherSir Miles B. First Sunday of each month, out on the patio at Redwing. I don't even smoke, and I love this event. Everybody is warm, welcoming and relaxed.

Friday, June 10, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle. This has become the biggest fetishmen event in San Diego every month!  It's the nicest, friendliest crowd you'll see at a leather bar.  Here are a few reviews, if you haven't been to one yet. This month's theme is HARNESSES, so please wear one if you've got it. I'll be taking a group photo at around 11PM.  Here are some pictures from October, February, March and April. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too

June 10-12; Los Angeles Pride

June 17-19; California Leather Sir/boy,  Bootblack and Puppy Contest. It'll be a major leather event in San Diego, so don't miss it!

June 25-26; San Francisco Pride

July 1-5; Monster Manhood Weekend in Palm Springs.

July 15-17, San Diego Pride, featuring the large, annual and well-attended Leather Realm during the festival.

Friday, July 29, 8:30PM-1AM: MEN-ONLY FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. The Men-Only version is on the FIFTH Friday of each month, such as September 30, and (possibly) December 30th for 2011. There will be hands-on training for folks who want to learn from experts in a very safe environment.

July 28-30; International Leather Sir/boy/Community Boot Black in San Francisco, leading into...

July 31; Dore Alley/Up Your Alley Street Fair

Aug. 5-7; International Olympus Leather & Pantheon Awards- Los Angeles

August looks pretty open, but September includes Vegas Pride and Folsom Street Fair. Then, Palm Springs Pride is followed by Palm Springs Leather Pride in November.

Reviews of BearDance Night at Numbers

The thing that excites me most in the upcoming events list is Chris' BearNight Dance at Numbers this Saturday night.  It has been too long since I had a rompin' good dance night, and I could use it.  I invite everybody to join me, because it's a huge success, and an extraordinarily crowded, fun and hot time.  Watching Chris in action is like looking in a mirror for me, because he hustles around continuously to make sure that every detail is right. That way, everybody can have a wonderful time. Let's dance!


-=-=-=-=-


I'm boggled at how powerfully successful Big Chris' BearNight dance party was at Numbers this last Saturday.  By the time I left around midnight, the entire bar was jammed.  Like, almost fire-marshal-scary-crowded.  It was the first time that the second half of the bar had been opened to the bears and leathermen, and there was NO trouble filling the whole area.  I haven't seen a gay bar filled with that many dancing manly men in San Diego (on a non-holiday night) since I ran the Rampart dance party at Shooterz.  I'm deeply impressed.  


Events like that are no accident - It takes real leadership to get momentum going, and dedication to detail that keeps the ball rolling. Chris is a champion for spearheading this thing, and our local Tribe has needed it badly. The smell of testosterone was fierce, men were old-school cruising, and there is nothing that Facebook can provide that can compete with rubbing up against sweaty, hairy man-flesh when you're endorphinated out of your mind. What did you think?


-=-=-=-=-


From David C:


A pleasant surprise. I think the front room gets filled more tightly because the music is better there and the interaction around the bars is more enabled by the layout of the club. Nevertheless, there is a lot of circulation and the men seem to enjoy themselves, even the ones that don't dance much. It's a good crowd.

Lodging for Visiting Dignitaries in a Month?

(Note from Tony: the folks coming into town in a month are the sort of people who keep their word, work hard in the community, and care about making the world a better place. When we do kindnesses for representatives from other cities, it puts good karma in the bank for San Diego so that we can get help from THEM when we need it. Please help out!  I'll gladly be hosting at least six folks myself, because I'm quite used to the circumstances, and I welcome the opportunity to meet new friends.)

-=-=-=-

From Mike, International LeatherSir 2003:

Hello San Diego,

In this challenging economy we all are faced with financial challenges, but the show must go on!  So on that note, we are going back to the old school hospitality ways of hosting our leather brothers and sisters.

We have a host of contestants coming to our fair city to compete for the California titles of California Leather Sir, boy, Community Bootblack and Puppy on June 17 - 19, 2011.

We need your help.  We need housing, a futon, a sofa, or even a warm bed for our contestants to rest for a night or two!

They will be busy with a meet and greet on Friday night; contestant interviews on Saturday morning; and the contest on Saturday night.

If you can help a brotha - or perhaps a sista - out, email me at info@caleathersir.com.  It would be greatly appreciated.  Who knows, you might make a great friend or have the winner right under your roof.

Mike

This is what the New Normal looks like...

First, check out the pictures:

Many attendees had left by this point, so this shows about 2/3 of the turnout.

I'll have good things to say about the event itself in a few paragraphs, but I want to make this point first:

THE TRIBE IS BACK.

Brotherhood, acceptance, intimacy, mentoring, leadership, and a lot more are the new normal, after a few bad decades.  It's all back again.  I can't think of a single thing that could be healthier for gay leathermen, and the trend is accelerating constantly.

Twelve to fifteen years ago, if somebody wanted to invite others to show support for a man who was going to represent us at the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago, there would have been very few takers, and the warring factions would have broken the project down. Too many of us were still struggling with rage and grief after having been through the horror of so many of us dying.  We weren't ready to unify, because we were so wounded.  That's why there are so very few former Mr. San Diego Leather titleholders available as mentors nowadays… They had their hearts broken, and they dropped away. It was a bad time, but we all did the best that we could.

In 2011, my generation appears to have made peace with the past, and is ready to be visible, supportive, mellow and sweet. Yesterday's fundraiser for Anthony was a perfect example.  The pictures are nice, but they don't tell the whole story. If you had stood amidst yesterday's crowd, closed your eyes and just listened, you would have heard the same sound you hear at every single event these days - The happy roar of satisfied, comfortable and unified people.  That was NOT the case, for decades lost to us.

So, if you have formed a rock-solid, long-held opinion about San Diego's leather community, I urge you to let it go. We don't have to be cynical and self-protective any more.  Open up your heart and rejoice in being part of a powerful, joyful and supportive community.  

THE TRIBE IS BACK.

-=-=-=-=-

The BBQ Fundraiser

Anthony has been preparing for months to be our city's ambassador at the International Mr. Leather Contest in two weeks, but like most of us, he isn't made out of money. The airfare, hotel expenses and food alone cost the moon, and it's not fair for him to pay for it out of his own pocket when he's doing it all on our behalf. Contests like this are NOT "pretty-boy pageants". They are a conscious, powerful way to enroll new leaders among us.

On May 3, Kurt (the current Mr. SD Leather) decided to throw an informal BBQ fundraiser on May 15th to help his predecessor (Anthony) afford the trip to Chicago.  Kurt threw the BBQ invitation out on every mailing-list, on Facebook and heaven knows wherever else.  As nice as that was, it's not enough to convince large numbers of people to come out and contribute.  There has to be a basis for trust.  Credibility counts.  There was plenty of that, since Kurt and Anthony are both men of integrity, who are well-loved.  They have BIG fan-clubs, that they've earned the hard way. So, a lot of people took the time off on a very pretty Sunday afternoon to attend.

Dutch was kind enough to loan the use of his beautiful canyonside home, but the yard needed a lot of work.  So, a bunch of volunteers helped for days, clearing brush, weeds and branches, and sweeping up to make the place a joy to admire. It was a perfect setting.

The volunteers at the event provided food, drink, dessert and various items for sale, and then worked vigorously to make sure that everything ran perfectly. You could have powered a major factory with the energy that these folks were putting out!

There were many different ages represented in the crowd, but I was thrilled to notice so many of the men of my generation who showed up.  This has not been common in past years, and it's nice to see so many men with extra miles on their odometers being visible again.  It gives the younger guys hope for a better future if they see us oldsters thriving and participating.

I am afraid that I got a little pushy when it came time to take the group photo - My heart's in the right place, but I sure can be a Border Collie when I get excited about this sort of thing.  I wanted to give Kurt and Anthony a tangible keepsake that proved how well-loved and effective they are.

Anthony is a superb candidate, and he has everything that he needs to win, now that we've all been helping out with the finances. There hasn't been an International Mr. Leather from San Diego since 1988. Anthony has everything that Mike Pereyra had, and more - Mike wasn't as articulate and heartfelt onstage.

Great job, everybody, and good luck to Anthony!

Leather Realm at the San Diego Pride Festival 2011

The Leather Realm will once again be held during the San Diego Pride festival.

Save your dates for Saturday July 16th 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday July 17th,  11am to 8pm 2011!!

Here's a sneak peak at the 2011 venue weekend.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS FORUM
SATURDAY JULY 16TH
1.1PM TO 215PM; TBA
2. 230PM TO 345PM; "The Internet is Making Us Socially Retarded": Bringing the community together in new ways that work really well. - Tony Lindsey of FetishMenSanDiego
3. 4PM TO 530PM SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE BLESSING AND SAFE SEX SISTER STYLE WORKSHOP
4.545PM TO 7PM LEATHER AND SOBER LIVING – LEADS BEANSTALK AND SISTER HECATE
5. 730PM TO 9PM; FRIENDS OF BILL -LEADS BEANSTALK AND SISTER HECATE

SUNDAY JULY 17TH
1.      12PM TO 115PM; tba
2.130PM TO 245PM; LEATHER AND SPIRITUALITY WITH MASTERONYXE
3.      3PM TO 430PM; SAN DIEGO LEATHER HISTORY
  4. 445PM TO 615PM SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE BLESSING AND SAFE SEX SISTER STYLE WORKSHOP
       5.  630PM TO 8PM; FRIENDS OF BILL- LEADS BEANSTALK AND SISTER HECATE


WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
A. SCHEDULE MAIN STAGE
SATURDAY, JULY 16TH
1:30PM - 2:30PM MILES - EMBRACING THE EROTIC SIDE OF YOUR LEATHER JOURNEY.
2:45PM - 3:45PM EDDY AND JOSH  - JOSH TO MISHA BEND YOUR GENDER
4:00PM - 5:00PM OFFICER WES THINGS THAT PINCH
5:15PM - 6:15PM BO & DEBBIE - BEING OPEN TO THE RELATIONSHIP THAT FINDS YOU.
6:30PM -7:30PM MISTRESS MELISSA CANING: THE ENGLISH VICE

SUNDAY, JULY 17
12:00PM - 1:00PM CODI SEX, GENDER AND PLAY
1:15PM - 2:15PM SERENE - ART OF SENSATION PLAY
2:30PM - 3:30PM DAN- NEXT GEN KINK TERMINOLOGY: A CRASH COURSE IN FETISH TERMS
3:45PM - 4:45PM SHELLY SINS - SEX, MAGIC AND PRIMAL FLORENTINE FLOGGING
5:00PM - 6:00PM DADDY MIKE FUN WITH ELECTRICITY


Special Venues within the Leather Realm;
A. Community Awareness Forum – Men’s, Women’s and Transgender information and outreach pertaining to gender relations.  This will include health issues, information on safer sex practices and other medically needed info, as well as other resource information for the community as a whole.  The Community Awareness Forum is the host for the Community Forum presentations.

B. Eco Friendly Green Zone – A recycling center to collect all of the recyclable items in the Realm.

C. Erotic Art Zone – A host of artists from all over the area will display their wares for your perusal and purchase.  The variety is incredible – from stained glass to oil paintings to statuary, jewelry and photography.  Come see what leather culture has to offer!

D. The Niche Market for Experienced Players – Calling all experienced players!  Bring your toys and have some fun!  We have a new space specifically designed with you in mind.  The Leather Realm has heard your requests for something a “bit more”.  We have located a few more volunteers and equipment to assist with this new arena. The Niche Market at this years Leather Realm will be open Saturday, July 16th from 1pm to 8:30pm and Sunday, July 17th from 12pm to 7:30pm.  Please be sure to read over and be mindful of the guidelines of the Leather Realm venue before you come on in and enjoy the Niche Market.  Come find a little of your niche with us!!

E. Never Alone – Friends of Bill W. – Saturday, July 16th: 5:45pm to 7pm Leather and Sober Living Presentation; 7:30pm to 9pm Never Alone, Friends of Bill Meeting. Sunday, July 17th: 6:30pm to 8pm Never Alone, Friends of Bill Meeting.  All scheduled meetings and presentations will be held in the Community Forum area of the Leather Realm.  The meetings will be private space.  This will be an opportunity for clean and sober leather folk to find each other and for those that want to be clean and sober to find support.

F. Hands On Area Ambassador Details – Stations: flogging, mummification, spanking, bondage, rope bondage, sensory deprivation, AND CUPPING.  You will have the opportunity to “try the toy”!!  Come visit the ambassadors in the hands on area and see what you can learn from them.  All of the ambassadors are experienced players and teachers and are eager to pass on their knowledge.
G. The Maxwell Street Alley Merchants -  Shopping!!!  All kinds of goods will be available.  Leather clothing, play toys, collars and leashes, and any number of kinky goods that you just have to have.  Come see the wonderful vendors at the 2011 Leather Realm – they will definitely not disappoint!

H. MAMA’S FAMILY REUNION – TBA
I. THE BACK ALLEY HOURS OF OPERATION

Saturday July 16th;
2pm to 3pm Social and Appreciation Announcements

3pm to 5pm Mixer with Guest Speaker - TBA

5pm to 830pm Dance and Cruising Zone

Leather Folk Can Dance!!
On Saturday, July 16th, there will be a dance party at the Leather Realm.  Put on your dancing shoes (or boots, as the case may be…), YOU’RE best dancing duds and come on down to the Realm and shake your bootie!  WE PROMISE IT to be hot and fun and an all around good time.

Sunday July 17th;
1pm to 3pm Social and Appreciation Announcements

3pm to 5pm Mixer with Guest Speaker – TBA
Cool Down Tea
On Sunday, July 17th, there will be a cool down tea social at the Leather Realm.  This will be an opportunity for you to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere with hot leather men and women and talk about how your weekend has gone.  Maybe you can even make some new connections!

Save your dates and watch for more exciting announcements to come!!!!