International LeatherSIR / Leatherboy
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Thoughts on MAL 2006 Weekend
Bound in Brotherhood
International Leatherboy 2005 stallion (photo: BullmanX) I could talk about the sea of hot men wearing everything from Leather to Rubber or almost nothing at all, to the variety of lickable boots that stomped across the hotel lobby. I could talk about the DC boys of Leather party bus to the Eagle and how the "wheels on the bus go round and round". I could talk about the hot sweaty smell of the Leather market with all types of vendors and the honor of Shannon Short presenting me with the International Leatherboy vest or finding the perfect pair of German Motorcycle pants. I could talk about the fun and honor my SIR and I had bartending for the CLAW social and then being announced as judges for International Mr. Leather 2006. I could talk about the grand staircase entrance into the contest during the parade of titleholders and not falling on my ass. But the one thing that is more than just talk, is the "Bound In Brotherhood" that I witnessed though out the MAL weekend. The weekend was the epitome of what the Leather community truly represents, a community "abounding in brotherhood". This began with a call by IML, Mr. Egdes and IMsL, Ms. Holman-Ahart to step outside our comfort zone and experience all that our community has to offer. To be active, to be involved. These words resonated in the actions of Steve Ranger, whose stage fright and fear of public speaking had not kept him from pursuing a leather title, a title that would bring him great joy and success in being more than he could be. To see Jerry Garmany, take the stage and show us the heart and compassion of a man with more to give then words could ever speak. To honor, SIR Robert Davis’ unselfish gift of life to our beloved Tug Taylor and know that men of valor and true honor are not just the ones on the battlefield, but men that battle everyday to do the "right thing". To see heroes like Cody Haugland, IML class 2005, holding and comforting Michelle Jackson who was in tears after losing her billfold and all of it contents and patiently making calls to her bank canceling everything for her. To see Caro cheering on the community, even though she should have nothing to cheer about since the death of her boy, Michael. To see Rik Newton-Treadway supporting his ILSb family; even though his Mother past away the day before. To reminisce about New Orleans with Dr. Alan Bowers, MD and know the hell he has been put though. To have a group like the Men of Onyx track me down to return my missing phone. These are the lives that shape and forever change our community. They bring us together and define true brotherhood. We together are the past, present and future.
In Honor and Service, |
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