A Return from Leather Heaven

Somewhere in Piscataway, New Jersey, amongst the cummy scent of blooms from bradford pear trees, exists a utopia I can only describe as Leather Heaven, otherwise known as International Ms. Leather/Bootblack (IMsLBB). Here, perverts of all ages (18+), races, ability, and gender gather together to celebrate queer leather culture, taking over the entire hotel. The convention centers around a competition for the title of International Ms. Leather and International Ms. Bootblack but includes classes, demonstrations, and So. Much. Play (think: a dungeon downstairs every day for 4 days)

This year, I was offered the honor of judging the competition for International Ms. Leather. And this year, the two titlewinners ended up being two Leatherwomen of Asian descent, the first time this has ever occurred. This was such a significant year for me, and a historic moment for Asian leatherfolk everywhere. I wept upon the announcement of their win; it was incredibly meaningful to see them both rightfully mantled.

Other highlights from leather utopia include:

live from the dungeon, it’s saturday night!

facilitating my best friend’s first fisting experience in a 6 person fisting train
watching another friend win the masochist v masochist fight club on saturday night, and cheering her on the whole way through with Amalia Valentine,
peeing inside of someone’s cunt
endless whipping
organizing the aftercare suite with Kink Out Events (your bodies were so tired and needed so much hydration and massage!)

This weekend heavily strengthened my own appreciation for my friends and my community. I found myself returning to the same question over and over again, “what do we owe to each other,” as well as the same answers—joy, pleasure, the whole world. I will live in this leather forever.