International Mr Leather

How can I express my unabashed love for International Mr. Leather?

It's not only for the hot, sexy Leathermen who walk among us, oh no. It's for Mr. Fetish, Mr. Rubber, Mr. Slatternly Fireman, Mr. Sports Gear, Mr. Cute Twink, Mr. Leather Cop, Mr. Man In Uniform, Mr. Military, Mr. Jock Strap, Mr. Totally Naked, Mr. BootBlack, Mr. Foot Fetish, Mr. Medical Equipment, Mr. Tight Strapped In Rubber Sleeping Bag and Mr. . . uh . . . Diaper. And a few more that my delicate sensibilities prevent me from disclosing. Besides, I signed a thing, ya know, I can't spill all the delicious secrets.

This is an annual INTERNATIONAL event here in Chicago,  that happens every Memorial Day weekend, all weekend. Thousands of men from all over the world descend on Chicago to dance, play, drink, shop, eat, carouse, cruise, hook up, spend TONS of money in our fair city, and just generally create an atmosphere of "all in good fun" mayhem. The entire Hyatt Hotel is closed down for these guys only (and props to the Hyatt for that). Adults ONLY, no kids allowed.

I went to the vendor market yesterday for the first time - but I've attended the competition in other years. What a wild time. It makes me happy and proud that in this country of sometime prudery, repression and intolerance, that there is an event like this where ANYTHING goes, but is also . . . full of love. And I mean love for all who attend - even the few naughty (brave) straight girls like me who find a lot of stuff to ogle even though none of those guys are interested in me, um, "like that". That's okay. They are my brothers!

I attended with Yelp's finest. John B., Krsna, and Matthew S. You can't find more delightful company. And I saw other people I know, which tells me I'm livin' right.

I was amused, I was titillated, I laughed out loud, I was horrified, I was reassured, I was aroused, I was puzzled. So much crazy stuff, and a lot of really cool stuff. Some stuff may have crossed a line, other things were reassuringly predictable (!!!).

The guys that attend this are from every walk of life. A bunch of honest guys who just want to live, wildly or soberly, happily and openly. And with tremendous style and joie de vivre.

Leather guys, don't ever change!!