International LeatherSIR / Leatherboy
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(photo: Steve Thorson)
Black-Jack Pearce As a familiar face in Toronto's Leather scene for the past two decades, this Irish-Italian father of two and human resources specialist enjoys being an active participant within the community at large. Jack has volunteered with, and raised funds for, AIDS service agencies such as Fife House, Toronto PWA Foundation, and Casey House Hospice. This past year, Black-Jack was proud to hold the title of Bootblack Toronto, and to be a part of the team of Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition titleholders whose community work included raising funds for the AIDS Committee of Toronto, stressed the importance of BDSM education, and also actively endeavoured to increase the awareness of bootblacking. Jack also served on the Board of Directors of Spearhead LDSC Toronto, was honoured with the Brotherhood Award at IML, and was awarded the prestigious title of International Community Bootblack 2008 during the International LSLb/ICBB weekend. In addition, he has also served as a Judge for many leather competitions, has produced local contests, and continues to enjoy presenting workshops and demos. Jack also proudly holds memberships with MLTC, The Central Canada Gay Rodeo Association, The Rochester Rams, and Delta International. Parting WordsAs I look back at my year as International Community Bootblack 2008, I do so with great fondness. For even now I can clearly remember each adventure, remarkable event, and most importantly the wonderful people I had the good fortune of meeting along this amazing part of my leather journey. Sadly, all segments of any journey must come to an end, but I am most thankful to have had this great opportunity and for the privilege of representing one of the finest groups of people within our community. It is my earnest hope that I raised the importance of the equality of not just Bootblacks, but of Bootblack Titleholders, possibly challenged some outdated perceptions and most importantly to have inspirited a few individuals to find their "inner Bootblack" along the way. It was truly an honour to serve the International Leather community this year, and I look forward to what comes next. Among a growing list of memories I will warmly recall from this past year is my time spent with the three men I have come to admire, trust and respect. I write of course of my co-titleholders, boy bill hoeppner, SIR Raul Mendez II and his partner George-Felix. Each of these extraordinary leathermen has enriched my life, touched my heart and soul in ways that mere written words could never completely express. I will never forget a single moment spent with each of you. I thank each of you for your impact on my life, your exceptional examples and for the brotherhood we have shared. It is my firm belief that it is vitally important to express heartfelt gratitude to those who made my title year possible. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our generous sponsors, our hard-working volunteers, and to the many wonderful people, who offered me a helping hand, opened their homes, provided transportation and much needed nourishment. To our incredible executive producers Mark Frazier, Randal Kinnear and Oliver Pratt, thank you for treating my co- titleholder's and myself with such great dignity, judicious equality and always like pure gold! Many thanks to those regional producers who graciously invited me to their events, with special mention of Brandon Matheson and Dan Falkenham for their big-hearts and for reminding me that a sense of humour is a titleholder's best tool! In addition, an enormous thank-you to my fellow Bootblacks, my fellow titleholder's, MLTC, Spearhead LDSC, Toronto's leather community and especially to my sponsor bar, The Black Eagle, and its amazing manager Carlos Fileti. I thank each and all of you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity, openness and support. On a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the truly amazing love and support of the wonderful people in my life. First, thank you to my slave-boy jake for your undying loyalty, for the privilege of being served by you, and for reminding me daily that indeed "there is something special between and a SIR and his boy." An extra special thank-you to Nancy Irwin for being my rock these past two years, my leather sister and best damn "Slave Girl" in North America! I must also thank my extremely understanding children, my family, my friends and my co-workers whose never-ending patience did not go unnoticed! Many thanks to my chosen Canadian and American leather families with honourable mentions of Albert Rizzo, Dan Marty, Tom Johnson, Bob Kirsop, Duane Mallaber, Ian Turner, Steve Maxey, Michael Morrell, Chris Edmunds, Ray Tilton, Bob Watkin, boy-alex, Peter Kincheloe and cub, Gloria McIsaac, Matthew Pavelich, Laurence Heath, Kenny Lee and my newest leather brother Greg McDowell, all of who continue to keep me humble with their ongoing support and outstanding examples of quality leather folk. Finally, I dedicate this year of personal achievement to my friend, my fellow Bootblack Toronto titleholder and my leather brother, slaveboy dave galbraith who past away from this life earlier this year, leaving behind a rich legacy of strength, courage, and determination.
In Boots and Leather,
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