Category Archives: Events

Events that people have asked me to promote or that I am involved with.

The Introvert

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When I used to think of titleholders, I used to think of gregarious and extroverted individuals who can spin up an event and really make it happen.

Prior to running for Eastern Canada Leatherboy I did a whole bunch of soul searching about being in the public eye and specifically about being an introvert.  I observed other titleholders as they went through their year.  I spoke with former judges about their observations of the titleholder they judged to win, and their concerns.

I spoke with the producers about it before running.  Looking at the history of both the Sirs and boys that have represented Eastern Canada – truth be known quite a few have actually been introverts.  So, at one level, I’m in the company of men similar to myself and proof that introverts can be successful titleholders.

“You’re an intovert?” – Yes, quite.  I look at introversion in terms of what it takes to rebuild my energy.  Being in crowds, being the life of the party does not always revitalize me – despite the fact that I do like being able to spin up a good party if I have the energy.  What really centres me is spending time on my own, or around a few friends, and doing what I really like to do.

Us titleholders know that taking that downtime to revitalize is important – everyone needs it extrovert or introvert.  Observing previous titleholders, their mentors and talking with these individuals shows me just how important that is.

So before taking on a title – figure out what you need to do to centre yourself and build that downtime in.  Definitely have an idea, going into the contest, of when you need your downtime as much as possible and if you can, stick to that plan.  Obviously, there will always be last minute events and such and there will always be the unexpected.

From the period of June through to the end of August, Sir and I had a significant number of events to attend in the order of Pride, our ILSb send off, ILSb weekend itself and ending with Toronto Leather Pride.  I was exhausted and ended up taking the better part of a month to almost a month and a half to come down from that experience, along with doing even more soul searching about what my journey forward is.  I actually did not anticipate this need, so it was quite a surprise to me.

This really got me to take stock of how to rebuild my reserves and what I truly needed.

The IainCave

When growing up I spent a lot of time on my own and did not spend a lot of time over at friend’s homes or having friend over – when I did, it was a real treat and I savoured every minute.  In high school I was also one of those individuals who floated from group to group and didn’t feel I really fit in anywhere other than in the computer lab.  That said, I am very surprised I’m not as socially awkward as I could have grown to be – that is beside the point.

I also had my own personal refuge –  I had what I referred to as my office, a small room in the basement where I spent hours on my 8-bit and 16-bit computers programming and BBSing back in the days of 300 baud dialup modems.  I loved this space.

Moving forward in time, my partner and I live in a two bedroom plus den condo that we bought 5 years ago.  I claimed the Den as my ‘office’ with a large desk, book cases, etc…  While it was nice, I wasn’t spending any time in it – I wasn’t using the space to an advantage.  For a year, since ILSb in 2010, I had been looking at transforming this space.  I finally had the impetus to actually make that change.

I got rid of the desk, moved the book cases, put in a comfortable chair that rocks, a matching ottoman, a TV stand and TV, soundbar, installed my game consoles and I now have what I affectionately call the IainCave ™ . Porn served off my Mac Mini on the TV looks great, especially Shot Gun CBT videos. *DROOL* I also believe, the seat is at the right height and angle for sucking someone off and working their nipples over – yes, very much looking forward to Master Chuck being a test subject. *GRIN*

This space centers me, it’s where I now go to do my writing, reading, listening to music, gaming, some work, cam, and watching porn when the main television is being used.  I almost wonder if I have now spent more time in this room than I did during the previous 5 years.

What else?

Here’s a point form list of things that also help me:

  • Spending time chilling in a hot tub centers me whether it’s in the bath, in the hot tub downstairs or a bath house.  Even the steam room at the gym helps.  It’s something I started when I was studying in Ottawa and continued big time when I got back from studying in the UK.  And even more fun if there’s someone in there with you. *GRIN*
  • Sticking to a regular sleep pattern also helps.  I am very much a night hawk, so being disciplined about going to bed between 10:30pm and 11:30pm during the week is vital for not being overtired on the weekend, and being off.  Especially if I’m going up to Sudbury for a weekend of service to Master Chuck.
  • Music always works for me to lift my mood – there’s very little I do without music playing
  • My annual camping trip either to the Rams Run, Spearhead Run or the Crude Run, is an important summer event for me.  A chance to get mostly naked outdoors, get in some good play, and deeper camaraderie/brotherhood, and spending time with like-minded brothers.
  • Getting to the gym – I have to admit, despite at one point having 17in arms and a 50in chest, I got really fed up with lifting at the gym.  I’ve started swimming and have been enjoying that, also going for walks in the outdoors really helps during the spring, summer and autumn.
  • Seeing my friends and even Scott’s subs on a one on one basis.
  • Most importantly, spending time with Scott and Master Chuck one on one when i’ve been out on the road.
  • Wearing  Master Chuck’s formal collar – I have been wearing His formal collar for the past 24 hours as I write this.  While I have a tag that I usually wear otherwise, when I feel that I need that reminder of His presence even though He’s 360km away, I wear the more formal collar
  • When with Sir, often being at His feet (sitting or lying), smelling His scent, even being in His house helps me.
  • Having a pair of Sir’s boots handy – the cowboy boots that were worn during ILSb weekend were passed on from Sir.
  • A simple order from Sir can sometimes help
  • In my boy contract, the following is a condition:
    • If the boy’s mood is negative for longer than 4 hours then the boy will contact Sir immediately
  • While going to events with Your dom is spending time together, it’s not the same as getting that one on one time no matter how hard you’ve tried to make it one on one time – especially during the title year.  Make sure you get real one on one time – especially if your primary Daddy/Sir/Master is not also your TitleSIR.

What could work for you?  Is it as simple as being at your Daddy’s, Sir’s or Master’s feet or do you need a space of your own?

If I am judging a contest and I perceive you to be an introvert, expect me to ask questions about this.  I want to know you know how to look after yourself.

Crude Weekend + Catching Up

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slave Scott, Sir Alan, Pup Nitro, boy iain

I’ve not had a chance to write much in my blog recently taking some much needed downtime for myself after ILSb, as well traveling for work to Bend OR, Portland OR and Atlanta GA.  The highlight of the trip to Atlanta was a chance to see Sir Alan (International LeatherSIR 2011), Pup Nitro (International Leatherboy 2011) and slave Scott (International Leather Handler 2011 – yes the men behind the International Titleholders should have their own title!).

Now on to Crude.

Master Chuck has a great blog entry on Crude with more pictures on His site.

The Golden Retrievers - Bear and Stomper

Crude is an event I hosted September 9th through 11th in co-operation with The Point Tent & Trailer Resort.  This is something the General Manager, Mike, and I had talked about for years.  And particularly appropriate as one of the late owners of the park was not only one of my former Mr. Bear Toronto Titleholders when I was involved in the Great Canadian Bearhunt, but Phil was also the first Bear I had met at The Toolbox and the first man I had ever met who was into rubber.  Hence my association and interest in being a gummi-bear.

I digress – the weekend was nothing short of amazing.

The weekend started Friday with a short opening ceremonies announcing the weekend as having started and a Bingo night in the rain.  As all of us had arrived later at the park than anticipated, we then put our tents up in the dark and rain.  After we hung out at the rec hall with local micro brew beer on pour courtesy of The Point, and some hot men.

Saturday started with our demos

  • Master Aaron from Maryland presented on fisting using Master Scott’s boy craig.  Master Aaron has been fisting ever since he came out and has the perfect sized hands for anyone interested in fisting for the first time.  His touch is also quite gentle which helps anyone hesitant to open up quickly.  When I first met Him 8 years ago, I challenged Master Aaron to make me cum without touching myself.  Unfortunately that didn’t happen, but He did play with my as for a good two hours.  So from experience, Master Aaron comes highly recommended.
  • Master R from Toronto added His flavour to the weekend by presenting outdoor bondage and play, as well as demonstrating the use of a zipper (several clothes pegs added to string).  Congratulations to boy aaron on his first weekend of service and for being Master R’s demo bottom.  Master R also did a flogging demo at the Slick Dance Party Saturday night.  Much thanks to Master R for participating.  Also, Master R makes some amazing play equipment.  For us big boys who can get rambunctious, Master R makes heavy, sturdy pieces.

  • Pegged and waxed.

    Master Chuck demonstrated to us the outdoor and brown-leather version of pegging.  Not to be confused with using a strap on, Master Chuck tied slave Eric down to the ground using pegs including tying up slave Eric’s nuts and proceeded to do a wax play and piss scene inviting the crowd to participate.

At each of the demos we had between twenty and thirty men!  This completely blew me away as I was figuring we would have between five to ten men watching.  So much thanks to everyone who did come out and participated.

The new fangled way to read a book at camp

The weekend had lots of time for relaxation too – spending time in the pool, reading, chilling and play – whatever you wanted to.

The Mexican Fiesta Party + Potluck held in honour of the original founders of The Point brought everyone in the park together for dinner.  A fitting end to the afternoon and much thanks to the organizers!

The evening came to a close with the Slick Dance Party in the Rec Hall and Master R’s flogging demo – among the screams of Master Scott’s boy nico going though his first piercing scene.  *GRIN*

Master Scott with boys craig, nico, slave kalen and boy iain

On a family note, congratulations to Master Scott on the collaring of his newest boy, boy nico – collared the Saturday afternoon of Crude.

Sunday came all too soon with a lovely breakfast spread put out by a number of the seasonals and the closing ceremonies.  In true run fashion we had certificates for the following:

  • Distance – For going that extra mile to be with us – Master Aaron (although it turns out someone showed up Sunday from Puerto Villarta)
  • Crude Pig – In recognition fo your piggish behaviour – boy nico
  • Helping Hands – You did more than fisting to help!! – boy kyle
  • Run Virgin – For allowing us to bust your cherry in the most crude way – boy aaron
  • Cool Whip – Your dollop of participation made our weekend… tasty…
    • Master Aaron + boy craig – Demo
    • Master R + boy aaron – Demo
    • Master Chuck + slave Eric – Demo
    • Sir Marc (Eastern Canada LeatherSIR 2010) and Master Noel – For help prior to the weekend
    • Mike Noel – The Point
    • Colin Mears – The Point
    • The hosts of the Mexican Fiesta Party
    • The hosts of the Sunday Breakfast
    • The Point Tent and Trailer Resort
    • Madame Heather – For loaning a number of supplies

My hope is that this could become an annual weekend that could be linked in with Eastern Canada LeatherSIR/Leatherboy and specifically hosted and co-arranged by whoever the Eastern Canada Leatherboy is for a particular year.  I know this event will happen again next year.

Again much thanks to Colin, Mike and everyone who made this weekend a success!  If you would like to participate, please let me know.

As Master Chuck about His pig

Crude Weekend – Sept 9 – 11, 2011 – Reserve your spot today!

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Over the years, I had been asked to get involved with setting up a mens Leather weekend at The Point Tent & Trailer Resort.  It was something the general manager, a friend of mine, had talked about in passing a few times but we never really made it happen – until now.

The Point has been host to various pansexual BDSM events over the years.  Why not a weekend for men?

The goal for Crude Weekend is really to have a fun play weekend.  It’s about Leather and BDSM fun and play, outside.  It’s mean to be… crude.  Somewhere between what you would find at a run like Spearhead or the Rochester Rams, and Tease.

Make reservations today for your site at get-tothepoint.com.

Here are the planned events – some details are forthcoming:

Friday
2:00 pm – Registration & Setup
10:00 am – Pool Open
8:00pm – Opening Ceremonies
9:00pm – Bingo
10:00pm – Bonfire/Meet & Greet
10:00pm – Play in the backwoods

Saturday
10:00am – Pool Open
Noon – 3:00pm – Demos – Demo schedule forthcoming.  3 demos, scheduled for 45 minutes.
3:00pm – Pool Party
TBD – Wet Party
6:00pm – Mexican Fiesta Party & Potluck Dinner
10:00pm – Slick Dance Party
10:00pm – Play in the backwoods 

Sunday
10:00am – Continental Breakfast
11:00am – Closing Ceremonies

My hope, and I realize that sometimes these events need to grow slowly, I am hoping that this could become an annual weekend that could be linked in with Eastern Canada LeatherSIR/Leatherboy and specifically hosted and co-arranged by whoever the Eastern Canada Leatherboy is for a particular year.

Toronto Leather Pride

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Leather Pride Parade in Toronto

A few weeks ago, just after Pride, I wrote what Pride was for me – or at least, one part of it.

Sunday culminated with the combination of the “Church St. Fair”, formerly the “Church St. Fetish Fair”, and Toronto Leather Pride.

The Church St. Fetish Fair was a weekend designed for a number of reasons:

  • for sexual minorities to show their pride.
  • for people to recognize that “it’s okay” to be kinky – after all, everyone has their kink.
  • it was designed to bring more people to the Church St. Business Improvement Area.  As long as we acknowledge that at some level, it was for capitalistic reasons, and I am fine with that.  After all, Church St has a number of independent businesses that I would prefer to support over larger commercial enterprises.

I believe the event in the past did create a safe space where people could wear their fetish clothing during the day and display their sexuality, rather than having to ‘hide it’ away in a club or bar, and people could explore things in a non-threatening environment.  After all, that is one aspect of what Church St. is about – sexuality.  Why would we want that sanitized in the days of conservatism in Toronto and in Canada?

So this year, the BIA decided to drop the Fetish aspect based on many reasons as described in this podcast episode for a kinky internet radio show, sanitizing the event.  The one reason I am most offended at was that, to paraphrase, businesses didn’t like kinky folk standing in front of their stores doing things like standing in diapers or flogging out of fear that people wouldn’t return to those businesses?

Kinky folk are not allowed in the Gay Village?

I knew the Gay Village was going mainstream, but hadn’t realized just how mainstream.

Excuse me, but the Church St. Fetish Fair was meant to be an adult event.  Church St by it’s very existence has always been a more adult place.  While I may not be interested in one person’s fetish, who I am I to censor?  If you’re looking for something much more open and inclusive, that’s what Pride is about.  I will also add that if you want to be inclusive, then you also need to be inclusive of kinky folk when it comes to Church St.  You cannot just say, “We want everyone but you, you’re not welcome” especially on a street that was built on and celebrates sexual minorities.

Needless to say, Church St. witnessed it’s first Leather Pride parade yesterday. Kinky people – players, lifestylers, fetishists, pan, bi, gay, straight, two spirited – you name it – came together walked up and down Church St in a celebration to say, “Hi, we are here, and we’re not going away.”

While some would disagree with the flash mob and parade. I do support this initiative and it made a point.  We are still around, there are a LOT of us and we will not be pushed back into the leather or sex closet.

It’s important for these businesses to know that the same people that purchase from them, are the same people that some have talked about negatively.

And needless to say, the BIA realized their mistake:

  • The Ferris Wheel and Bouncy Castles went largely unused.  The mechanical bull was quite busy.
  • There were still a bunch of independent fetish businesses that sold their products on the street despite the drop in the number of vendors.
  • Overall attendance, I’m sure, was down because most of the kinky leather folk who would have spent their hard earned dollars, gladly supporting Church St. Businesses, supported Zipperz who were the Sunday hosts of Toronto Leather Pride.  Smart move for Zipperz.
Once again, I reiterate, what pride is for me:
  • celebrating who I am,
  • the ability to be who I am in light of all the work that has been done by others that have come before me
  • to tell the world that it’s okay to be who you are regardless of sexuality, gender identity, gender, body type
  • taking a stand as a community, to take our place in community
  • showing that there are different ways to live and to love.

Are you out at work?

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“Are you out at work?”

“As a gay man, yes…”

This was my favourite question asked during the interview portion of ILSb, and I am glad that I was asked this question.  It is something I have struggled with greatly and I have felt some degree of shame on both sides.  I’ll explain a bit more later.

I have watched a number of titleholders in awe with how out they are, as Leathermen, in their offices.  Some of their co-workers attending various contests, etc…

I have been in my current position with a Bay Area company for 5 years and 2 months and I am highly regarded and respected by my peers.  Working in a Bay Area company, there are a number of gay people – men and women, of all shapes and sizes – in the San Francisco office.  Still, as far as I know, I am the only gay man in my office in Toronto.  There are, I believe, two lesbians in the office.

I came out as a gay man within five minutes of walking in the office.  One of my coworkers who implied that she was quite gay positive and had several gay friends, had built up enough trust with me that I decided to take a step further and be more open with her.  I came out as a Leatherman and being in a polyamorous relation.

From that time which was about 4 years ago to December of last year, every time we worked together, it felt like it was being held over my head in some degree.  I felt a deep shame that I had created an HR violation in being too out, and at some degree I take responsibility for that.  At the same time, I don’t need it held over my head.

It got to the point that I was extremely uncomfortable in the work environment and I decided to leave the company.  I landed a new job, with same pay in Downtown Toronto.

I called my Manager and Senior Manager into a meeting and told them I was leaving the company.

The next thing that happened surprised me.  My Senior Manager called bullshit – using those words directly, and asked me for more details and gave me 24 hours to change my mind.  I was clear that I was not making a move for monetary reasons and that it had to do with dynamics on the team.

Those where the longest 24 hours in my life.  I was literally shaking and knew that I pretty much had to come out with how uncomfortable I had been feeling due to the reaction of my co-worker to one of my own actions.  In short, I had to come out as a Leatherman at work again.

I had a one hour meeting with my Senior Manager during which I took in a deep breath and explained to him what had been going on, that I was a Leatherman, that I take responsibility for possibly making one of my coworkers uncomfortable but at the same time she kept on pushing to get to know me.  We had a great talk about minorities – he happens to be from the Caribbean; and we also talked about so-called invisible minorities.  He was completely accepting of me.

Needless to say, I stayed with the company and had to decline the offer from the other company.  I feel I made the right decision.

A few more details I left out during the interview, that I just realized:

  • Since that time I came out to two more co-workers as Eastern Canada Leatherboy
  • They both know that I was in San Francisco for ILSb and were rooting for Sir and me
  • They both know that I am in a polyamourous relationship
  • Two more co-workers know I am in a polyamourous relationship and are cool with it.  They’ve seen ‘some of the interesting photos in my Facebook’, to quote.
  • There was an incident where I had dropped one of the ECLSb business cards that Sir and I have on the floor at work.  One of my co-workers was looking at it.  OOPS!  No issues have come from that.

I feel fortunate for being able to be out a bit more at work and I can be more of myself and not worry about what others think.  At the same time, I don’t think everyone needs to know what I am into.

When I got back to the office on Wendesday, I was told my the co-worker that I had issues with, that she is leaving and that her last day is August 12th, 2011.  I wish her much luck and happiness in her new position.

Much thanks to the judge who asked this question.  I now have the courage to tell this story publicly.

ILSb/ICBB 2011: One week in San Francisco

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What an amazing week!

Firstly, much thanks to:

  • the ILSb/ICBB board for putting together an amazing weekend
  • all of the volunteers  behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to ensure the event went off without a hitch
  • to all of the new Sirs, boys and bootblacks in my life

Master Scott, slave pup Kalen and I started off  spending two days in San Francisco prior to the event seeing Fishermans Wharf, Market St, and Mr. S. Then it was jumping in feet first into the various meetings, the kick off at Mr. S, the roast, and then preparing for the interviews.

What I found was that with each step completed – preparing for the fantasy, and then the interview – it was another weight lifted off my chest.  All in all, I was stressing the most about the interview, then the speech (missed a few lines but it still flowed), and for the jock I hammed it up as much as I could and was comfortable in my own skin.

Ready for the interview

The hardest part of the weekend was waiting until the end to do the fantasy.  The waiting, the making sure it went off well.  After watching the video that was captured, I believe it did go of very well and based on the pictures at RichTrove.com, I’d say it looked hot!  Unfortunately Leatherati had camera problems so there are no photos there.

Demo
The two demos Sir and I did were different and were VERY representative of how Sir plays with His boy.  The first was obviously demonstrating our interaction – and from what I could tell, the audience ate up the body play, the kicking, the body surfing and my vocalizations. *GRIN*

After the demo

The boy demo was more about Sir aftercare which, I believe, is a vital part of any kind of play.  It’s not just a one-way street.  Not only do boys need their aftercare, but so do Sirs- and believe me, Sir and I were both flying after the Sir demo.  In addition, Sir loves CBT hence using the cock press.  boys topping their Sirs?  Why not?  As demonstrated, I was still submissive to Him.  Maybe not what everyone was expecting, but I believe it makes an important point.

Props to the other boys who also topped during their boy demos!

Fantasy
The fantasy could be taken two ways:

  • Brokeback Mountain – How the movie should have been
  • Any standard country/western themed movie where the farmhand (me) comes home with the owner of the ranch.

As a sub to the ranch owner, I was tied down in saddle bondage, bit in the mouth, got paddled, cattle prodded, pissed on, cattle prodded again, and then branded with Sir’s mark and sent home to my wife (a la Brokeback) – all to a soundscape that complemented the theme.

While some might say it’s bad form to mix black and brown leather, the hat in black, and the boots in brown, to me, represented Sir’s Leather-DNA combining with my own.  After all, Sir allows me to form my own opinions and develop myself all in line with His will – Thank You Sir!  The scene is also representative that despite the fact there was very little leather on me, the way we play has no bearing on the amount of Leather being worn.

One aspect of this Sir and boy couple.

If you look at Drummer Magazines from the early to mid-eighties, in the early eighties, you don’t see men decked out in full leather playing.  You see jeans, a shirt, maybe chaps, maybe a vest, maybe a cover, and not as often a harness or a jock.  Mr. S has issues 34, 68 and 88 in stock – have a look through them – you might get an eye opener.

Don’t get me wrong – playing with Sir in His full black leathers is fucking hot.  Playing with Him in His brown leathers is just as hot.  Playing in gear outside of leathers be it rubber, flannel, union suits, etc… it’s all hot and part of what many of us do in Leather.

I was also reminded recently, listening to various BDSM podcasts and reading books recently that brown leathermen are not that common these days.  Especially those that play like Master Chuck.

About some of my Leathers
Britches – In my formal wear, I was wearing a pair of Britches from Northbound Leather.  These are a pair I had custom made back in December.  One might expect the colours on either side to match, but they don’t – and it’s done this way for a specific reason.

They flag the things I am into and match what was written on my profile – again, also in line with Sir’s will:

  • Red on the left as a fisting top.
  • Yellow on the right as a piss bottom.
  • Teal on both sides in a thick bar to represent CBT top and bottom.

Chaps – The chaps were also from Northbound and are a variation of their “Leather Pride” Chaps.  In this case, “boy Pride” Chaps with a stripe of green rather than blue.  By the way, with my weight loss prior to the competition, I had to get both my britches and chaps resized.

Pin Vest – For years I had the dream of building up my own pin vest.  For those who went to The Barracks, there was a pin vest of a former Spearhead member – I’m not sure who it was.  As seen above I have my club patch (Rochester Rams Associate), various pins from clubs, and various runs and educational events where I have taught.  It will be the same vest that features the ILSb/ICBB 2011, Mid-Atlantic Leather Family, WOOLF, and Hellfire pins given to me this past weekend.

The vest also features a big Bear flag on the back.  I cannot ignore my past history and involvement in the Bear community.  And hey, Leather Bears are a different breed of Leatherman.

Boots
The high-polish boots I wore during the weekend were Corcorans, of which I am very proud.  They were polished with Kiwi by me, touched up by my former boy, Bootblack Matt from Detroit with a coat of Lincoln, with a final coat of  of Lincoln added by me.

The other pair were Wesco Bosses, I picked up in San Francisco last year.  I was granted permission by Sir to get a “play” pair of boots, which I picked up at Mr. S.  These boots were subsequently marked with Sir’s piss during the Rochester Rams Run last year.

The cowboy boots I wore on stage were passed down from Sir to me a few years ago.  While they may not be the most highly polished or cared for boot, they are representative of the play Sir gets into with his boys, and the play I get into with Sir and others.

During Dore, I was allowed to pick up a pair of Carolina Poleclimber boots, which I have admired for years.  Thank You Sir!

I also have a pair of custom Wesco Jobmasters coming as well.  I’m hoping to pick those up in September.

Special Thanks
Overall, a weekend like this can be gruelling.  My recommendation to anyone entering ILSb/ICBB and even IML – make sure you have handlers who are looking after you for food, and for any supplies you may need. Rely on your producers as well.
I am VERY thankful for:

  • My partner – Master Scott – Happy Birthday!
  • Master Chuck’s partner – Boss Rocco – Thank you!
  • boy joe and slave-pup Kalen – saviours during the weekend!
  • ILb 2010 Ian, Master Peter and cub – For the encouragement!
  • Dan Falkenham, Marco, Brandon Matheson (You were missed!!) and the Mohawkasons!!
  • Rich Stadtmiller for the fantasy scene pictures.
  • The may hugs and encouragement from all of the Sirs and boys who went along for the ride

Sir and I are very proud to have represented Eastern Canada very well during ILSb/ICBB 2011, and we congratulate Sir Alan, pup nitro and Luna on winning the title of International LeatherSIR, International Leatherboy and International Community Bootblack respectively! It’s very well deserved and we are more than happy to support them during their year!

Saddle bondage anyone?

Leather in Canada is different from that found in the United States, just as Leather is different in Europe and around the world.  I encourage all of you to take that trip across borders to experience something different from what you’re used to locally.

And on that note, a musical diversion courtesy of Soul II Soul:

San Francisco in 8 days…

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boy iain (ECLb 2011), Master Chuck (ECLS 2011), slave-boy jake (BBT 2011)

boy iain (ECLb 2011), Master Chuck (ECLS 2011), slave-boy jake (BBT 2011)

In 8 days, we will be headed off to San Francisco for the International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy and International Community Bootblack competitions.

It’s been quite the ride so far, 5 months into our title year.  I am humbled by the support that we’ve all had from so many different places and people from the Leather communities in Toronto, Sudbury, North Bay, and Ottawa.

This past weekend was the last chance for us to get prepared for ILSb including interview preparations, one last run through the fantasy, and finalizing our various demos.  Much thanks to Dan, Marco and Ian for helping Sir and me.

The send off  was held at the Eagle, Saturday night. – Thanks to Toronto Leather Pride and Master Jack for hosting; Boot Black Matt (North American Boot Black 2008) for blacking that night; and to everyone who was able to come out and those there with us in spirit.

This weekend culminated with the monthly Leather Brunch and then the So You Want To Be Kinky – Now That You’re Kinkier seminar – D/s Roundtable Discussion

The next week, for me, is going to be about ensuring my leathers are polished, boots are ready, that I can say my speech without the usual nerves, packing and centering myself.

There are so many people I want to thank for this moment.  So many people who have impacted me locally and internationally.  You know who you are and I appreciate everything you’ve done for all of us.

Who knew this relatively shy, introverted boy that accepted Master Chuck’s collar 7 years ago would be on stage at an international-level Leather contest.

Who knows what will come in San Francisco.  What will be, will be.  I hope to represent Master Chuck, Master Chuck’s family, and my community proudly.

ILSb/ICBB Send Off – Black Eagle – Saturday 10pm

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We’re having a send off party, Master Chuck and i will be doing something shocking.  

Come join Master Chuck, slave-boy jake, and myself  as we party as we prepare for International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy and International Community Boot Black competitions  in San Francisco.

Saturday – 10pm
Black Eagle Toronto
457 Church St

CLAW: ECLSb Road Trip #3

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You know, I’m not sure where to start with regards to CLAW.   What a great concept and such a fun weekend!

Thursday

Sir arrived Thursday evening as did His boy, back from a business trip to Portland.Sir was in bed by the time I got home and after finishing some work after arriving home at midnight, I headed off to bed to wake up at 11am.

Friday

Sir and i were on the road by 1:00pm and got to Cleveland by 5:30pm.  We met up with slave David, who many of you will recognize from the hot furry guy in the cage from CLAW IX, got settled, had dinner and Sir sent me for a nap while He picked up the supplies for O/our bar night (Thank You Sir!).

Bears out of Hibernation Party

What an amazing night starting out with meeting the bar staff (Dave, Josh, Angelo, DJ Doug, Will), David German (Mr. Michigan Leather 2011), The Grand Rapids Rivermen, Dave Watt, Donnie on security, and Leatherwolfe.  It was GREAT seeing the Missionary Sisters of Cleveland out.  The music was great, the BBQ was enticing and much thanks to everyone who participated in our fundraisers that involved:

Let's play balls!

Bear Base Balls – Sir duct taped me to the ministage area with me dressed in a Union Suit, jock and my title vest with a big grin, ready for people to bat a ball aimed at my nuts.  Only two people were successful at hitting my nuts, and sad to say no bruises elsewhere.  That is until someone lost the ball… and out came the stuffed teddy bear diving for Sir’s boy nuts!  Special thanks to Dave Watt for arranging the birthday singing and the Oreos! *GRIN*

Bear Pick Me Up Raffle – Highly popular and much thanks to Sir for saving His boy’s knees getting down while getting a good workout in.  My left knee has actually been pretty sore recently – something being worked on.

The men who made it happen

All in all, we raised over $500 between the fundraisers and the door donations.  Much thanks to everyone who attended the bar night, the volunteers and to slave David for the photos.

It was a real surprise to see one of Sir’s boys show up with His own boy during the event.  A real surprise.

Once all was said and done, we crashed at 2:30am and got up at 8:00am.

Much thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!

Saturday

Saturday involved brunch with Richard Hubley (MLO 2008) who I have known for years and then heading to the seminars.

What a great set of seminars!

Bareback Porn Roundtable

If there’s one man who can bring together people and spin up a great conversation on sex and risk mitigation, it’s Dave Watt.  The conversation was an eye opener for me as an outreach worker, especially listening to men who do bareback and their take on the judgements that they perceive and receive from others.  It challenged me just as we all challenged each other.  We had a great conversation about how the messaging around safe sex, unsafe sex and condom use has to change for better empowerment rather than talking down to us like kids and take a risk mitigation approach – Some that I know the Ontario AIDS Network and the AIDS Committee of Toronto has been working on.

Much thanks to everyone who participated, you’ve made an impact on me, how I approach outreach and I hope that Dave Watt will consider bringing the discussion to Toronto sometime in the near future.

Boys in the Leather Community

Coffee Service!

Again, another great discussion and much thanks to Jim Raymond – honourary Daddy of the DC boys of Leather; and Mary Elizabeth Boyd – the First Lady of Leather, honourary Mother of the DC boys of Leather and amazing woman – who I had heard of and she was sitting next to me!

The conversation was about boys supporting each other and the boys Bill of Rights.  This is something I support – I’m fortunate that I have a very good Sir in my life, but other boys are not so lucky and are also not as strong – face it, boys are just as diverse as the greater world outside Leather.  Boys need to learn how to protect themselves and that they can.

Sirs were also welcome and one Sir did raise the issue of receiving flack from peers in the community around how He chooses to honour His Boys (using His protocol).   Who are others to put down how He chooses to honour His Boys, and what His protocols are?  Sir wishes me to walk in front of Him – does that make His protocol wrong? There is no one way of doing what we do in D/s relationships – ask some of the men who have been part of Leather and have been practicing D/s for a long time.

I had a chance to connect, during and after the seminar, with American Leather Boy 2010, Bryan, who I had noticed last year at International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy.  A great boy and someone who, in the future, will (and I hear does) make an amazing Daddy.  Someone I’m happy to call a brother.

Boots!

Master Chuck allowed me to pick up two pairs of boots from Stompers – a pair of Corcorans and a custom pair of Wesco Jobmasters, I have been drooling over for years.

Corcorans

Gabriel on my boots. 🙂

I requested the Corcorans as kind of an adult version of the parade boots I grew up with as an Air and Army Cadet when I was a kid.  They’re comfortable, they’re gorgeous and I can’t wait to shine them.

I like highly polished boots.  Always have and it’s something I grew up with as a kid being the ‘shoe shiner’ of my house.  Being involved in Air and Army Cadets as a kid, I took pride in polishing my boots to the best of my ability.

Much thanks to Gabriel Majors for being the first black to touch my Corcorans.  *GRIN*  Looking forward to seeing you black at GLLA and ICBB 2012!!!

Wesco Jobmasters

The Wesco Jobmasters are pure lust for me.  I like them on the men that I have seen wear them and I think they’re going to look and feel amazing.  I get to pick these up during the ILSb/Dore Alley weekend.  I can’t wait!!

Seriously, I am bouncing over these.  *GRIN*

Thank You Sir for allowing Your boy to purchase these boots.

Saturday Night

The reminder of Saturday involved the formal dinner where Sir and His boy were table captains along with Mr. Gay Naturist Leather at the table.

After dinner Sir had a duty that never comes easily to any Sir – that of releasing his boy/MiT in a family-only private ceremony – with my brother’s own boy behind Him; and slave David and I behind Sir.  I don’t believe there was a dry eye among any of us, but Sir’s boy has served well, learned well and I am fortunate to call Him brother.

Sir was quite tired Saturday night and went to bed early.  He allowed slave David and I to have some down time, so I let my hair down and spent some time with Ms. Olympus Leather Christiana, her Sir, Jeffrey Payne and Gabriel (Majors) as he worked his blacking magic for all of us.  Thank Y/you all for the chat!

I was exhausted from the trip to Sudbury and Portland, work has been pretty draining and so the responsible thing for me was to go to bed at 12:15am Sunday morning.  Next year, I hope to get out to the play parties, for sure.

Sunday

Sir's handy work and birthday gift

Sunday involved being woken up with Sir working my ass over with His hands, a paddle and counting off the riding crop strikes (YUM!), the Coffee Boys, packing the cars and then having brunch.

Much thanks to the fellow boys who brought coffee in the morning!  That was definitely a highlight of the weekend and you really got Sir up! *GRIN*

And thank you Bryan for the massage!  I needed that and it helped for the five hour drive back home.

From left to right - with American Leatherboy 2010 Bryan;
Mama Sandy; and no, i'm not topping Richard, i'm riding Him. :)

Wrap Up

I am very glad Sir had a chance to meet some of the people that have inspired me in my journey over the years, and that He’s been able to inspire others through this weekend.  That’s what weekends like CLAW are for us.

CLAW as an event brings together a broad spectrum of the Leather community which is wonderful to see.  You have:

  • Newbies
  • Players
  • long standing members of the Leather community
  • part of the ILSb title class (Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, North West and Eastern Canada, represented),
  • part of the IML title class
  • other titles not necessarily associated with either circuit

A lot of hard work goes into this weekend and much thanks to the organizers for pulling this weekend off.

Much thanks to slave David for his help on the weekend – taking photos, lugging supplies with me, looking after Sir and me for not only CLAW but also for his help during Eastern Canada LeatherSIR/Leatherboy weekend back in February.

Please be sure to read Sir’s blog entry on CLAW.

Packed and heading home

 

CLAW: Bears Out of Hibernation Party – April 29, 2011

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Bears out of hibernation - April 29th - The Leather Stallion Saloon, Cleveland, OH

Master Chuck, Eastern Canada LeatherSIR 2011 and boy iain, Eastern Canada Leatherboy 2011 will be invading CLAW‘s Bears Out of Hibernation Leather/Bear Party:

April 29, 2011 – 10 pm

The Leather Stallion Saloon
2205 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland OH

This year’s party will include an evening of Leather Bear related anctics:

  • Leather Bear Base Balls – Hit the bound Bear in the balls using a Nerf Ball and Bat to win a prize  – $3 for 3 balls.
  • Tame the Caged Bear – An aggressive Bear in a cage will try to attack who ever comes near – $3 to shock using a electric shock collar on his nuts or feed the Bear into submission so he can be tamed enough to be petted/felt up and have clothes pins placed on him.  The fun begins at midnight with the removal of the clothes pins.
  • Bear Pick Me Up Raffle – Get picked up in a restrictive bear hug off the ground by Master Chuck, Eastern Canada LeatherSIR 2011 as boy iain, Eastern Canada Leatherboy 2011 measures your inseam from balls to boots. Prizes include a all inclusive week long pass to the SNOBears Northern Exposure 2011, a week long BDSM and Bear friendly camping event held North of Sudbury a $290 value and much more, among other prizes.

This is an official CLAW Bar Night – hope to see you there!