This past weekend, Master Chuck and I ran for Eastern Canada LeatherSIR and Eastern Canada Leatherboy.

What an amazing weekend.

I was first introduced to the Eastern Canada LeatherSIR/Leatherboy weekend 5 years ago when I was first involved with Toronto boys of Leather.  The club was asked to provide Judges boys for the contest, then held at the Eagle.  That was the year that Sir Franco and boy Jason won.

I have watched four couples compete at the local level, helped one couple proceed to the international level, and watched as my predecessor, the first coming of Ian, win the International Leatherboy title in San Francisco in July 2010.

I have loved being Judges boy for Eastern Canada LeatherSIR/Leatherboy for the past four years, and it was about time that I got my boy-ass on stage.

My journey to run for Eastern Canada Leatherboy took three years and it was three years well worth the wait, the work, the thinking and preparation.  I’ve gone from questioning, “What is the value of the various titleholder systems” and thinking in negative terms to seeing the positive.  I have gone from thinking, “I can’t” to seeing how “I can”.

The Pet Shop Boys track, “I wouldn’t normally do this kind of thing” from their album “Very” comes to mind.  I’ve heard that from many Sirs over the years and I’ve said it myself as a boy.

I have grown so much in the past three years in ways that I never thought were possible.  While I was quite comfortable with my sexuality, I was definitely not comfortable in who I am, especially around being an introvert, being in the limelight and definitely playing in public let alone being a player in my fifteen minutes of fame.

As I think about the sheer number of people that have inspired me, admittedly it’s hard to narrow the list down. Master Chuck’s family, the producers of ECLSLb – Brandon and Dan, my predecessors, the various MLT titleholders, friends and extended family from my travels.  You have all inspired me.

I am blessed to have an amazing family and community behind me and many inspirations.  You are much appreciated.

If you are considering running in any local title within the ILSb family, please do feel free to contact me.  I would be more than happy to share my experiences with you.

As I said in my speech – I look forward to making all of Y/you proud as I continue to help build O/our players community as Your Eastern Canada Leatherboy.  I am very humbled.