Customer Reviews

International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions

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For those unfamiliar with International Mr. Leather, it as an annual event where literally thousands of Leatherfolk gather every May in Chicago. The centerpiece of the weekend is the International Mister Leather contest, in which men from around the world compete for the chance to promote the Leather Lifestyle (among other activities).

But it wasn't always like this. In a book that is destined to take a place next to Mark Thompson's "LeatherFolk" and Geoff Mains' "Urban Aboriginals," "25 Years Of Champions" chronicles the humble beginnings of IML in 1979 (12 contestants from 6 states) to the extravagant pageant that it is today. In 2003, over a dozen men from countries other than the United States flew to Chicago for the chance to represent their nations. So as you would expect, this is the kind of book that is laden with imagery of Homomasculinity at its hottest, with pictures documenting every year of International Mr. Leather.

But once again, I have to repeat. "25 Years Of Champions" is much more than a tableaux of hot men in leather. Each year is given a historical -- and gay slanted -- perspective, with everything from Jack Fritscher's coining the term "Homomasculine" for an article in Drummer Magazine while reporting on the 1979 IML contest, to the rise of AIDS and its effect on the gay community, to world and American politics. Prominent gay figures give their reflections of IML's they attended, competed in or contributed to, with everyone from International Mr. Leather founder Chuck Renslow commenting on how the contests evolved -- to Bootblack Marc Peurye's prideful reminiscence on getting the Mr. Bootblack Competition to arise from a "service to IML package holders" to a recognized and organized part of the weekend experience.

There are also a few surprises to be found. The Village People once performed (unannounced) as the contest's featured act. Comedian Judy Tenuta has been a frequent MC (once having to cancel to appear on David Lettermen!) The Reverend Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Churches has frequently been an IML judge (and contributes one of the book's memorable segments).

Compiler Joseph Bean and a host of contributors have created a grand history of this culture of leather in this magnificent, 200 plus page book. But if the thought of all those words intimidates you, fear not. There are pictures, and did I fail to mention that the pictures are hot? If you missed that earlier on, forgive me. I reiterate; the pictures are HOT. Get "25 Years Of Champions" now. It's going to look great on your coffee table.

Not only does this book explore the history of International Mr. Leather (IML), but also it represents the history of the gay movement and history in general, in ways related to all of us. Most notably, you can find hundreds of historical facts in Joseph Bean's commentary "Giving IML Some Historical Perspective". Joseph takes us back to the presidency of Jimmy Carter in 1980. The death of artist Andy Warhol in 1987. The onslaught of AIDS in the 1980's and how it changed the world. The dawn of the Internet and how it changed the way we live. The Spanner case in England in 1996. The Monica Lewinski scandal of the Clinton White House. And how can we forget 2000 when M&M released the song "The Real Slim Shady". He touches on literature, television, movies, art, music and so much more. This book is a must have for any history buff and anyone who wants to relive the 70's, 80's and 90's.

The International Mr. Leather (or IML) contest in Chicago has become one of the biggest and most important leathermen events worldwide. 2003 was the 25th competition. If you don't know what IML is, or if you have attended regularly, perhaps Joseph W. Bean's book International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions will entice you to purchase it.

I am notoriously difficult on history books in these reviews, a product of my training as a historian. Primarily I judge books by what the author claims they are doing. Both Chuck Renslow and Joseph W. Bean explain their goals and their methods at the beginning of the book. This is an endeavor of love and was spurred by people asking questions. They ran into common problems, lost sources, conflicting memories, and incomplete records. Their directness about the problems practically eliminate any complaints I might have.

At $20, with the money going toward the Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M), this book is an excellent way to entertain and educate yourself while you support a non-profit organization geared toward preserving the history of the leather subculture. If you know someone who likes to look at leathermen, loves IML or just wants to learn more, this is an excellent gift.