International LeatherSIR / Leatherboy

and Community Bootblack

Honoring the past, Playing in the present, Building the future

Miles believed that he was a Leatherman long before he realized what a Leatherman truly was. It was inherent from the first gay magazine he bought - Drummer - to the first gay bar he ventured in - which happened to be a leather bar.

However, it wasn't until his time in Chicago that he started to connect the dots. There he began to form one of his biggest personal beliefs. He discovered that sexuality, sexual preference and sex are not necessarily the same things, and should not be used to define who you are. That belief bred his motto, "Always face your demons," which has allowed him to continue to develop his leather and fetish interest, explore new boundaries, and embrace his sexuality.

Miles finds it erotic and intriguing that who he is sexually today will constantly change over time. He has a strong military fetish, particularly the USMC. He enjoys the look and feel of the gear, but it’s the structure, dominance, and obedience that really intrigue him.

His diverse interests and cultures are tools he will use to reach out and network. He wants to connect with newcomers in the leather community and help those who are unsure of how to go about things. Miles believes this will strengthen the community and create more opportunities for the leather and fetish community to grow.

Shawn has been attracted to leather for as long as he can remember - which isn't that long - given he is only 22. Leather - and especially men in leather - has always appealed to him. Shawn's "love" for leather started early - he wore leather pants to his 8th grade graduation!

Shawn moved to San Francisco at age 17 from a small town, and living on his own allowed him to explore more of his interest. He quickly - but not soon enough -found his way to his first Folsom Street Fair. Shawn says that seeing all the leather, rubber and uniforms everywhere was definitely "a sensory overload!" Needless to say he began collecting leather gear and continues to do so today.

His love for leather has transformed from a boyhood attraction to a serious manly desire. The wear, the smell, and the scene exhilarate his senses. The excitement that he feels inspires him think of all the amazing explorations and the directions he can go.

Look at me now - "I'm California Leatherboy!"