Upcoming Events

Wednesday,  June 29th, 6-9PM: Anthony's Thank-You Party.

Friday, July 1, 7PM: SDLOG monthly educational meeting: "San Diego's Leather History"

Saturday, July 2, 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.

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

Sunday, July 3, CIGARS & BOOTS at Redwing, hosted by California LeatherSir Miles B. First Sunday of each month, out on the patio at Redwing. If you like a low-pressure, comfortable event with men that you can relate to, this one is for you.

Wednesday, July 6, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Pup DragZ and San Diego Puppy Play (SDPP). First Wednesday of each month.

Friday, July 8, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle; 2nd Friday of each month. This has become the biggest fetishmen's 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 "SKIN TIGHT", with a special invitation for men wearing Lycra/Spandex.  Here are some pictures from October, February, March, April and June. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too.

July 8-10: Wet 'n Hot Weekend in Palm Springs

Friday, Jul7 15, 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.

July 15-17, San Diego Pride, featuring the large, annual and well-attended Leather Realm during the festival. Be sure to come march in the parade with the Leather Contingent. Wear sunscreen!

Thursday, July 21, 8-11PM; Yellow Hanky Night at the Eagle. Third Thursday of each month.

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

Many folks will be out of town for SF Pride, but we have several fun events on Sunday here in San Diego:

June 25-26; San Francisco Pride

Sunday,  June 26th, 3PM: The "STRUT YOUR STUFF BOOTS CONTEST" fundraiser for the Leather Realm at the Hole - I'm requesting that folks stop by the Hole before 6PM to show support for a very worthy cause. 

Sunday,  June 26th 3-7pm: STRUT YOUR STUFF BOOTS CONTEST at the Hole.

Wednesday,  June 29th, 6-9PM: Anthony's Thank-You Party.

Friday, July 1, 7PM: SDLOG monthly educational meeting: "San Diego's Leather History"

Saturday, July 2, 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.

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

Sunday, July 3, CIGARS & BOOTS at Redwing, hosted by California LeatherSir Miles B. First Sunday of each month, out on the patio at Redwing. If you like a low-pressure, comfortable event with men that you can relate to, this one is for you.

Wednesday, July 6, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Pup DragZ and San Diego Puppy Play (SDPP). First Wednesday of each month.

Friday, July 8, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle; 2nd Friday of each month. This has become the biggest fetishmen's 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 "SKIN TIGHT", with a special invitation for men wearing Lycra/Spandex.  Here are some pictures from October, February, March, April and June. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too.

July 8-10: Wet 'n Hot Weekend in Palm Springs

Friday, Jul7 15, 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.

July 15-17, San Diego Pride, featuring the large, annual and well-attended Leather Realm during the festival. Be sure to come march in the parade with the Leather Contingent. Wear sunscreen!

Thursday, July 21, 8-11PM; Yellow Hanky Night at the Eagle. Third Thursday of each month.

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.

Social Column 2011-06-22

-=-=-=-=-=- REVIEW OF THIS WEEKEND'S AFTER-CONTEST PARTY

This last weekend featured the California Leather Sir/boy,  Bootblack and Puppy Contest.  I'll talk about the contest itself shortly, but first, I want to talk about the after-party at the Eagle:

I don't think I have ever experienced such intensity at a leather bar in my entire life, and I have been in quite a few of them since 1977 (my first was the One Way in West Hollywood, long gone but greatly missed). I arrived at the Eagle directly after the contest, and there were a few men hanging out, early on a Saturday night. They had NO IDEA what was about to land on them.

More and more people kept packing into the joint, and the newcomers were FIZZING with the endorphins of communal joy. I had a total of four people cry on my shoulder from sheer emotional overload. I probably got hugged by at least fifty others, and everybody kept reaching out and touching each other. I couldn't move two feet without somebody grabbing me and wanting to share their excitement.

By the time the bar had reached maximum capacity, I was emotionally exhausted. I wasn't the only one. The folks who have been most active in local leadership activities were walking four feet off the ground, and barely making coherent sense.  One of the out-of-town visiting dignitaries told me that she had visited nearly every Eagle Bar on earth, and she had only seen this joyful of a turnout at one other Eagle bar in Canada.  None of the others could begin to compare. The joyful roar of the crowd was deafening.

Worldwide, leather bars are disappearing, and they aren't being replaced. Online cruising-sites are largely to blame. Why hang out in a bar on a typical evening when everybody is online, and you can connect with a horny stranger through a well-designed profile page? That seems logical, until you see the bad side of it - We became vaporized as a community, and we lost that sense of interpersonal connectedness that defines us as a Tribe. Many men have never experienced that feeling of belonging and brotherhood, and they don't know what they never had.

Here in San Diego, we have swung back HARD to the other extreme.  We're so damned unified and joyful that we are now the standard for every other city to emulate. Once again, Dave Rhodes (the publisher of The Leather Journal) remarked upon our local community's progress in a conversation with me that night, and it's all good news. Other cities are taking notice, and I can't even begin to imagine where we will be in just one year from now, much less ten years in the future. Things are changing too fast for me to make predictions, but what a ride!

-=-=-=-=-=- THIS WEEKEND'S PHOTOS

Here is a slide-show of some of my images from the Meet and Greet and the contest

-=-=-=-=-=- REVIEW OF THIS WEEKEND'S CONTEST

I'm not going to follow the usual "Titleholder Contest Review" formula.  I am much more interested in talking about what it was like to be there.

- Queen Bee's was a nice, big venue, but they are going to have to hold next year's contest in a MUCH bigger place - Maybe 4th and B in downtown San Diego (capacity 350), which has hosted kinky events in years gone by. Folks were turned away at the door this weekend because there simply wasn't any more room.  This is a nice problem to have!

- Lots and lots of out-of-town visitors were in the crowd, and they got to witness San Diego's renaissance firsthand.

- There were massive numbers of volunteers. Working like maniacs, and swarming like ants. Nothing could distract them from the job at hand.

- Lots of very young people in the mix, onstage and off. For decades, the connection between the generations was lost in the leather community. Looks like those days are over, thank goodness. For instance, the guys who won the California LeatherSir and LeatherBoy titles are both 24 years old, and all three of the Puppy contestants are under thirty. Lots of very young volunteers were on duty, and they sure seemed happy. It appears that our community's future is in good hands!

- The contest was run very, very tightly. It finished in excellent time, unlike so many events that I've attended over the decades. Mike and Chris put their whole hearts and souls into preparing for this event, and then everything snapped into place in a very effective way. 

Bottom line: the goal of this sort of event is to warmly invite the leaders of tomorrow to declare their willingness to work on behalf of the community. The weekend's events accomplished that in a way that brought honor to everyone involved, and to San Diego. Watch for this to happen again in San Diego a year from now!

-=-=-=-=-=- JUDGES AND CONTESTANTS

Judges:
Anthony Rollar  - 2nd Runner-up International Mr. Leather 2011, Mr. San Diego Leather 2010
Lance Holman   - 1st Runner-up International Mr. Leather 2010, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2010
Red Warrior      - International Community Bootblack 2010
Rick Russell        - Mr. Sacramento Leather 2009, Mr. Bolt Leather 2009
boy TC                - So. California Leatherboy 2007
Karen Yew          - Ms. San Diego Leather 2004
Tom Dickerson  - Judge Emeritus California LeatherSIR/boy, Mr. San Diego Leather 2002

Contestants:
Sam Fenix          - California LeatherSIR 2012 from Lancaster, CA
Dino Garcia        - 1st Runner-up California LeatherSIR 2012, Mr. Bullet Leather 2008 & Long Beach Emperor 38

Zachery               - California Leatherboy 2012 from Long Beach, CA

slut bottom Chris  -  California Puppy 2012 from San Diego, CA
Britt                     -  1st Runner-up California Puppy 2012 from San Diego, CA
Zigzag                  -  American Rubber Puppy 2010 from Los Angeles, CA

Anthony's Thank-You Party

From: Mr. San Diego Leather 2010 & Second-Runner-Up IML 2011 Anthony:

With the little funds left over from my IML travel fund, I'm having a Thank you party for everyone who donated, volunteered, or just gave me words of encouragement to help me compete with confidence at IML. Please Do NOT bring anything. This is just one way i would like to show my appreciation for all your Love & Support. If you have attended one of my IML fundraisers; you are invited and I would love to see you there. BIG HUGS & LEATHER LOVE! :)


Wednesday, June 29th.  6:00pm - 9:00pm

SDLOG Workshop Open to Everyone - San Diego's Leather History

Friday July 1 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Joyce Beers Center
1230 Cleveland St
San Diego, Ca

You can find the Joyce Beers Center between the Terra and Aladdin's restaurants on Vermont Street, just north of University.

Please note:  This meeting is open to everyone.

SDLOG is proud to bring you a presentation by the San Diego's Leather History Project

This panel presentation will cover San Diego's Leather History from the view point of those who were there.  The panel will be moderated by Caryl,  the leader of the  San Diego Leather History Project.  Confirmed panelists include  Mark Holmes - Mr San Diego Leather 1984,  Luke Owens - First Leather Columnist for Update and founder of the International Master / slave contest, and Wayne Dietz, who's community involvement has spanned decades.

In addition to the panel discussion there will also be history exhibits that may be reviewed, including binders of articles, posters and historical documentation of major events that have happened in San Diego.

Mark your calendars now to join us as we delve in to San Diego's history!

Multigroup Gay Men's Summer Evening Gatherings in Mission Beach

Note from Tony: This seems like a fun gathering of men who are all about acceptance and brotherhood, and FetishMen are specifically invited to come along!

-=-=-=-=-

Join GO-SD along with members of the San Diego Boys, Soyboys, Gentlemen’s Martini Night, 4X4 Pride, San Diego POZabilities, California Men’s Gathering, Perfect Pace, and Naked San Diego.

This event repeats every month on the third Wednesday until Wednesday September 28, 2011

PLEASE BRING SOME FIREWOOD

Remember to dress warmly and bring a friend or cuddle buddy. Please bring an entree, side dish, and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is banned in Mission Bay Park). You may also want to bring a folding chair. Feel free to bring a drum, guitar, flute or musical instrument for a drum circle. You can also help support this event by bringing a portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or firewood.

Directions: Take the 8 freeway west toward Mission Bay, exit onto Mission Bay Drive and make a right, then merge into the far left hand lane onto Ingraham Street, heading North, then make a left onto Vacation Rd, then an immediate Right (1st right hand turn) to the parking lot. We’ll be on the left (West) side of parking lot by the rest rooms.

Upcoming Events

I'm starting a new system: One weekly "Social Column" email, and one "Upcoming Events" email, with the overall goal of cutting down on the number of messages going out on the list. 

The next big event that will be attracting a lot of out-of-towners to San Diego will be a week and a half from now. The deadline for contestants for the California Leather Sir/boy,  Bootblack and Puppy Contest has been moved to June 12th. I'm expecting to host as many as seven visitors from other cities in my home that weekend. It's a big deal - we don't get statewide events like this very often, so don't miss it.  The actual contest itself is at Queen Bee's, which is within walking-distance of the Eagle.. Right between the Old Mill Cafe and where Bacchus House used to be.

-=-=-=-=- 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!

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's 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

Sunday,  June 26th 3-7pm: STRUT YOUR STUFF BOOTS CONTEST at the Hole.

Friday, July 1, 7PM: SDLOG monthly educational meeting: San Diego Leather History Panel

Saturday, July 2, 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.

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

Sunday, July 3, 5-8PM: CIGARS & BOOTS at Redwing, hosted by California LeatherSir Miles B. First Sunday of each month, out on the patio at Redwing. If you like a low-pressure, comfortable event with men that you can relate to, this one is for you.

Wednesday, July 6, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Pup DragZ and San Diego Puppy Play (SDPP). First Wednesday of each month.

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.