12 November 2008 22:42
Seattle, WA –- As a bisexual, polyamorous, kinky queer, I probably don’t fit the expected description of someone in the fight for marriage or adoption rights for gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals. Truth be told, I have no intention of getting married or adopting children. Not my scene, you might say.
I am however a staunch advocate for the principle of equality under the law. While I may never choose any of these things, I do not believe the State should be empowered to differentiate the application of any of these rights based upon classifications of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. On the contrary, the State’s primary function, in my opinion, is to secure and defend these civil rights. The passage, last week, of bans on gay marriage in Arizona, California and Florida, as well as the banning of gay couples from adopting children in Arkansas are antithesis to the American principle of equality under the law.
Those that disagree are either intellectually challenged, ignorant of these principles or blinded by prejudice. Yes, I’m angry. I’ve experienced my share of discrimination as a self identified queer. I’ve live through the hypocrisy of serving my nation in the defense of our Constitution while being denied the very rights it guarantees. I’ve watched friends die from a plague that our government ignored for years because the ‘fags’ it was infecting weren’t worthy of mention in civil conversation. Now, just as our Courts are recognizing a fuller and more inclusive understanding of civil rights, religious extremists (not unlike others around the world that seek to persecute entire classes of people) manipulate our democracy to limit those rights. It’s enough to drive a less disciplined man to violent action.
Luckily, my anger is tempered by patience and a heart held belief that ‘we shall overcome.’ But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to just sit on my ass and wait for other people to help make it happen. Yesterday, I received word of a call to action. The press release reads, in part, as follows:
Over the last several days, tens of thousands of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and their Supporters have taken to the streets of California to show their outrage with the passage of CA Proposition 8. Prop 8 provides for a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage rights. Similar amendments and propositions have been passed in AZ and FL.
The passage of these propositions has angered the gay community and their supporters. Many feel as if they are now second-class citizens in a country that has seen that change can happen with this historical election. They do not feel that a majority should be able to vote on minorities’ rights or vote to take anyone’s rights away.
On Saturday, November 15, 2008 this community will again take to the streets in what could be the largest organized Protest / Movement since the Civil Rights Movement. To date, more than 250,000 individuals have pledged to take part in the nationwide event, in which they will descend upon the City Halls, State Capitols and the Nation’s Capitol to make their voice heard. Signs, posters and numerous websites have already been created and the word is spreading quickly throughout the nation. Jointheimpact.com lists protest locations in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.
…
The Protest / Movement is scheduled to take place across the nation at the same time: 1:30 PM Eastern, 12:30 PM Central, 11:30 AM Mountain and 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday, November 15th, 2008. Those interested in attending this historical event may find their local protest location by visiting: .
Since I will be in Chicago this weekend, I’ll be protesting in Federal Plaza at W Adams St & S Dearborn St from 12:30 to 15:30. I’m hoping my friends in Seattle and in other cities around the country will join me in this massive action.
Tags: Activism, Boys, Equal Rights, Politics, Service
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22 October 2008 18:42
Seattle, WA –- Since I’ll be in San Francisco on November 4th, I cast my absentee ballot in the mail today. We all know this is a historic election, but I truly believe this was the most important ballot I’ve cast thus far in my voting history.
The United States is in a state of crisis. The economy is a wreck with many hard working Americans struggling just to get by. Our health care, which is among the best in the world, is becoming increasingly inaccessible for many of us. Our education system is broken. The war in Iraq has been so horribly mismanaged that it threatens our efforts in the war on terror. The war on terror has been used by the current administration as an excuse to erode our civil rights and conduct acts that lessen our moral standing in the world.
Luckily, our system of government allows for the opportunity to change our leadership and thereby the direction of the country. As I examined the candidates for the highest office in the land, it is clear to me that one offers more of the same and the other actually holds the promise of change. There is no doubt in my mind that one candidate’s administration will do more to erode my civil rights and the other is more likely to champion and defend them. As a libertarian I often side with old school conservative principals of government but the modern Republican Party reflects little of those principals today. While I may not agree with all of the policies Barack Obama has laid out, he has instilled a sense of hope that the major issues facing our nation can be addressed.
It is my distinct hope that a majority of Americans and, more importantly, the Electoral College agree.
Side Bar: For those of you reading this in California I have a special request. Voters in California face another important decision on November 4th, the question of Proposition 8. Defeating this proposition which would codify inequality under the law should be a high priority. There are still many undecided voters in California on this issue and I know the No on Proposition 8 campaign could use your help. Do us all a favor, talk to five people you know personally who might still be undecided and help put a face to question.
Tags: Civil Rights, Politics, Service
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19 October 2008 13:08
San Diego, CA –- This weekend I’ve been in sunny San Diego to host the Bachelor Auction for the Armada Rugby team. The event was last night at the Hole and was a huge success. I had the distinct pleasure of auctioning off ten of the hottest rugby players I’ve ever met. Needless to say the sexual energy was running high which helped the cash flow with ease. Thanks to those sexy studs that volunteered to be auctioned off and the, how shall I say, receptive crowd, we raised over two thousand dollars for the team last night.
This was perhaps the easiest fundraiser I’ve hosted in a long time. The ruggers entertained everyone with drinking songs between auctions. Our bartender, Natalie and the staff at the Hole kept everyone well lubricated. And I had plenty of help from Sister Nora Torious, Sister Iona Dubble-Wyde and Postulant Ida Know from the Asylum of the Tortured Heart.
My boy Vladimir did an awesome job organizing the event and I was happy to lend a little mic time for the team.
Tags: Boys, Events, Service
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12 October 2008 11:26
San Francisco, CA –- Sometimes I question why we do the things we do. In relation to the leather/Sm community I most often question why we do title contests. You’d think I’d question why we engage in the type of play we do, but no. I’m intellectually satisfied by my understanding of those motivations. What I question is the return on the investment we make in titles and title contests.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit my involvement in the title circuit is extensive. That involvement stems back only six years to 2002 when I competed for and won Washington State Mr Leather, but has expanded quickly. I now serve on the board of the Washington State Mr|Ms Leather Organization (WSMLO) and produce that contest in addition to serving on the board of Generic Leather Productions of Washington which produces the Northwest Leather Sir/boy and Community Bootblack contest. I have emceed, auctioneered, presented, performed and judged at a various local, regional and international title contest events around the country.
I know it sounds like I’m pretty committed to these events but I will be the first to admit they can be quite ridiculous… well maybe not the first. I know producing any one of these contests is a tremendous endeavor requiring the efforts of many volunteers. I wonder about the impact these events have on those that attend and compete; not to mention why the results of these contests can at times elevate individuals that make such pathetic title holders. I ask myself if these are a better approach or alternative to every aspect of the process. I can’t help but ask if all this effort provides any value add to the community we are trying to serve.
As I attend the International Leather Sir/boy and International Community Bootblack (ILSb & ICBB) contest in the auspicious position of serving as a judge for the competition I am reminded of all these questions and taken back to the time I stood on the other side of the long table before a similar panel of judges.
After the death of my military/Sm family in southern California, I moved to Seattle. Approaching and breaking into the scene back then was no easy task. I was reluctant to form any close bonds after losing so many and know I wasn’t the only one that felt that way in the early ’90s. The fact I was a skinny, little twink with a cocky attitude, impulsive nature and residual anger management issues didn’t help much either.
Then I went away for a while. By the time I got back out and into the scene again five years later, few viewed me as little more than some circuit boy. It took entering a leather title contest to connect with the people I could trust enough to expand my Sm experience. Running for and serving as Washington State Mr Leather in 2002 was the catalyst that gave me the chance to grow into my current role as an activist in our community. For better or worse, it thrust me into a leadership role, but also exposed me to leaders that set the example to emulate.
Now I’m not suggesting that my experience is common. Of all those who enter a title contest only one emerges with that title and the impact of the experience will be as unique as each individual’s efforts. Regardless of the outcome, every contestant that steps up can find personal growth through the experience and a sense of accomplishment by taking the challenge. For those with a social agenda, the time on stage and the possibility of a title year can provide an excellent platform. For those with leadership potential, it can open up resources to help mentor and groom that potential.
I’ll add that many of these benefits are not limited to contestants and title holders. Contests and the activities associated with these events provide ample opportunities for the members of our community to come together. Whether a spectator or volunteer the bonds that can be created at these events can last a lifetime.
Are title contests the only means to theses ends? No, there are regional events like CLAW and leather/Sm runs like Inferno and Boot Camp that draw players from around the world in a spirit of camaraderie. In many ways I find these non-contest events preferable to those involving sashes, but there is still something of value to titles. We have a long tradition of leadership and community activism associated with leather titles. From local and regional contests through international titles, the organizations and individuals involved have worked to elevate social consciousness on issues affecting our communities like AIDS and drug addiction. They have sponsored and presented opportunities to expand our BDSM skills and knowledge. They’ve raised funds for non-profits serving those of us most in need. They have helped us morn our dead and cultivate new generations of leaders. They are a source of history and cohesion.
I am confident that these traditions will continue with the current International Leather Sir/boy and Community Bootblack title holders (pictured right). Please join me in congratulating and welcoming International Leatherboy 2008, Bill Hoeppner from Florida; International LeatherSIR 2008, Raul Mendez from Florida; and International Community Bootblack 2008, Black-Jack Pearce of Toronto, Canada. When I was asked to judge the ILSb & ICBB competition I came to the panel with one goal, to witness real players emerge with the titles. I didn’t care if they were novice or experienced players so long as they were honest and responsible players. There is no doubt in my mind that these three men meet that criterion. Mark Frazier, Randal Kinnear and their crew did an amazing job producing this year’s competition and I am very pleased by both the move to San Francisco and the renewed focus on making these, the players’ titles. I also want to thank Titan Media for stepping up as a sponsor for the contest. I’m proud to be associated with a studio that actually invests back into the community.
Tags: Art Films, BDSM, Boys, ILSb, Service, Titan Media
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23 September 2008 3:03
Seattle, WA – With all the travel and events I’ve engaged in lately, I’m enjoying a little down time here at home in Seattle. I’ve been catching up on work, taking care of some much needed house-keeping, spending some time with my family and missing the two boys I’m most connected to.
The training business is picking up a bit. I’ve been slamming a full month of sessions into two weeks because of my little Inferno vacation, revamping client programs for fall and networking to bring new clients into the pipeline. Work with the two non-profit boards I serve on continues. I’ve pulled out of helping to prepare our Northwest titleholders for the International competition because I’ll be judging the contest in San Francisco next month, but Generic Leather Productions of Washington has several other projects I’m involved with and our annual meeting for the Washington State Mr|Ms Leather Organization is coming up in a few weeks. And, last Friday I taught a class on single tails for Tribal Instincts, Seattle Men in Leather’s educational series.
Side Bar: The class wasn’t very well attended. It might be that I’m just getting used to presenting to audiences of 50 (the needle demo Derek and I did at Inferno this year) to 100 (the class with Midori in Chicago), but I’m afraid it is more a reflection of SML’s floundering as an organization. I know a couple of months ago, the Dragon Clan (my leather family) were informed that our play at the leather socials, with all the whip cracks and noise from flogging scenes, was disruptive to peoples’ conversations. Give me a fucking break. SML has always been welcoming to both the leather/Sm and the leather/S&M crowds (go ahead, ask me about the distinction), but I’m getting the impression that the organization is losing its soul. This tears me apart because Dave Lewis, my Daddy in Seattle until he died, invested so much into SML and I don’t want to just walk away from the organization. We’re having another social at the Cuff this Wednesday. The Dragons will be there. Hopefully, other players will be too.
Speaking of the family, I met my brothers Gene and Odie out at the Cuff Sunday night. It was a pretty slow night, but a good opportunity to touch base and talk about the stuff coming up. And some of the boys were there too, including Danny (pictured above) a new boy to Seattle who was brought to my attention by my boy Derek. I got to meet Danny a few weeks ago during Northwest Leather Weekend and invited him to join Derek and I at the play party the Saturday night. Since then he seems to have found a comfortable home within the fold of our crew.
All in all, it’s been a good and productive period but I’m missing my boys immensely. Derek is home in Chicago and Jeff is on vacation in Hawaii. Both close to my heart and always on my mind but thousands of miles away. With busy days and close friends here in Seattle to occupy my time I shouldn’t feel so lonely but I do nonetheless. I’m looking forward to seeing Derek in San Francisco this weekend and thrilled that Jeff will be joining us at the street fair on Sunday. I’m going to be one very happy man.
Tags: BDSM, Boys, Dragon Clan, GLPW, Rigging, Service, SML, WSMLO
3 Comments »
31 August 2008 17:28
Seattle, WA — Yesterday was my thirty-eighth birthday. This weekend has also included the events associated with Northwest Leather. And while those of you who read my blog regularly may grow tired of reading it over and over, I must state again how truly blessed I am by the people with whom I share my life.
My boy Derek and his partner of twelve-plus years, Doug, came out from Chicago to be with me for my birthday. You can imagine my joy in having Derek with me; the connection we share is probably the strongest in my life right now. And my relationship with Doug has grown beyond my expectations. Although the relationship Doug and I have is not of the D/s variety, I still consider him one of my boys and the bonds we three share create a kind of family. While it may not seem familiar to many, it is my core.
Of course there is another boy I’ve been trying to court into this strange family of ours for almost a year now. Jeff and I have had some challenge over the past couple months but I am cautiously optimistic of the future. He’s out of town this weekend but we had a chance to reconnect before he left. I’m not sure how things will progress but I do know I am very much in love with him. It’s clear he loves me in return, too. I think this may scare him a little but with time we’ll figure out what to make of our relationship.
Then there is my foundation, the Dragon Clan. My brothers and our whelps form the base of what I consider my community. Gene and Odie (pictured above) in particular are sources of inspiration and support. I can’t count the number of times over the course of the past year the Dragons have offered their encouragement and compassion. These have been my first responders when I have sought counsel and comfort.
Expanding beyond this foundation is my broader community of family and friends. Having the Northwest Leather weekend coincide with my birthday gives me the opportunity to spend the time with them as well. Leather/Sm events in Seattle tend to attract the best players from throughout the Pacific Northwest, many of whom I consider among my closest friends. I got to see some of the women that contribute so much, including Lynnda, Alycyn, Tobin, Alyxx and Matisse. I had a chance to thank Malixe for all the photos he’s taken over the years (including those posted with this entry). I got to visit with guys outside the men’s community like Max and Monk in addition to the many gay and queer men I know from Seattle and Portland. I even got to play a little with my favorite girl from Toronto Gloria (pictured left) who came in to judge the contest.
All in all, it was a glorious weekend that also produced three new titleholders for the Northwest region: Rich Bryan as Northwest Leather Sir 2008, John Trueman as Northwest Leather boy and Shell Bishop as Northwest Community Bootblack 2008. Congratulations to each of them.
Next up on my schedule: Inferno XXXVII. I leave for Chicago on Wednesday then drive out with Derek. This will be my third Inferno and our second anniversary. To say I’m excited would be an understatement.
Tags: BDSM, Boys, CHC, Dragon Clan, Events, GLPW, Inferno, Service
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24 August 2008 10:19
Indianapolis, ID – After flying into Chicago on Thursday, Derek and I drove into Indianapolis for Great Lakes Leather Alliance (GLLA) weekend on Friday. We were invited to present a Shibari class as part of the extensive series of educational workshops associated with the event. This was a welcome trip since I had not been able to see the boy for several weeks. It was also a wonderful opportunity to visit with friends from around the country and make new friends in the Great Lakes region.
Ms Kendra, the Executive Director of GLLA, and her crew produce a spectacular event in Indianapolis. By combining several title contests, offering quality BDSM workshops, open events and an excellent dungeon space / play party in a hotel setting the weekend attracts a large crowd of true players from the region. As far as regional contest events go, GLLA is a fine example to emulate.
Congratulations to all the new titleholders from the Great Lakes Region. They are pictured above from left to right, standing: Trooper (Great Lakes Bootblack 2008) Lisandro, (Mr. Mid-States Leather 2008), Sir Merrill, (Great Lakes Leather Sir 2009), Mistress Simone (Great Lakes Ms Leather Pride 2008), and Master Gallad (Great Lakes Master 2008); and kneeling: boy neil (Great Lakes Leather boy 2009) and slave kelly (Great Lakes slave 2008). And, kudos to the many volunteers that helped make the weekend a success.
The Shibari class Derek and I conducted on Friday was on one of the Quick Arm Binders we teach. There were about thirty or so people in the class. It was well received and I was really pleased to see several of the attendees practicing throughout the weekend. As promised, I’ve posted the handouts with step-by-step instructions for both the Speed Coil and the Binder. You can find the PDF file here or by following the linked image on the left.
Unfortunately, it may be some time before I can post this particular entry or update this site at all. Early Friday morning my computer went non-operational. I’m not terribly worried because all the data is safely backed-up. Online correspondence however will be shoddy at best for an indeterminable period. Please bear with me.
On a more personal note, there was one specific addition to the weekend that I truly appreciated. The organizers made an anonymous, rapid HIV testing service available to all the attendees. When I heard this announced, I thought for a moment and realized that it had been over a year since my last test. My travel schedule and the immediate availability of close support had pushed this particular action item down my to-do list. With my boy Derek and Dragon Clan brothers Gene and Mark close at hand, I decided that there was no time like the present and went to get tested.
There is always trepidation and anxiety associated with getting tested… even when the wait is only twenty minutes. Yes, I play safe, but there is always a risk unless you abstain completely, which is something I won’t do. Testing positive is one of the last things anyone familiar with the consequences of HIV wants to learn. Thankfully, my test came back negative and I can now begin my thirty-eighth year with that knowledge.
Tags: AIDS/HIV, BDSM, Boys, Dragon Clan, Events, GLLA, Rigging, Service
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18 August 2008 22:12
40,000 ft –- This morning I woke up in an unfamiliar bed with Steve Cruz in my arms. It had been a long weekend so it felt good to crawl into bed and share the warmth of someone I care about. Steve and I have known each other for years. We met in Seattle long before either of us ventured into ‘art films’. While I will admit working in the adult film industry has added common ground to our relationship, it has also created challenges to staying in touch, so working yesterday’s event together was a welcome opportunity to reconnect. We spent most of the morning together talking like old friends that haven’t seen each other in a while; laughing and commiserating over our varied adventures and shared passions. It was truly wonderful.
After my visit with Steve and our brunch with Faultline owner and PORNATHON organizer, Shawn Farnsworth, I spent most of my afternoon with Thorn, the publisher of Instigator Magazine. We discussed the second installment of the Anatomy of a Scene column my boy da Silva and I are writing for the magazine and I had the honor of providing Thorn with a second pair of eyes on the layout of the upcoming issue. As a bonus I got to model some gear for one of the features and was given the gear as a thank you. Thorn is very generous both emotionally and physically.
Throughout the day the conversations seemed to focus on issues of immediate and relevant importance to our communities. As I fly home to Seattle I am struck with one overwhelming thought: the only way those of us that are passionate about these issues can make a difference is if we coordinate our efforts and work together.
The only other thought in my tired mind is that I deeply miss my boy Derek and I can hardy wait to see him again on Thursday.
Tags: Art Films, BDSM, Boys, Events, Service
1 Comment »
17 August 2008 23:36
Los Angeles, CA –- In May of this year, the California Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban of same sex marriages as a violation of the state Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection guaranty. Duh. The backlash, of course, from those who would deny individuals their rights base on sexual orientation have taken to the political field with an initiative that that will appear on the November ballot. The initiative, Proposition 8, would amend the state’s Constitution to eliminate the rights of same sex couples to marry.
In response to the political and religious extremists’ efforts to deny gay and lesbian couples their equality under the law, a large and diverse coalition of allies, including civil rights organizations, faith leaders and groups, choice organizations, organized labor and community of color organizations in addition to LGBT community organizations and leaders. The leather/Sm and gay adult film industry are no exception to this coalition. This year Shawn Farnsworth and the crew from the Faultline bar in Silver Lake partnered with several studios and performers to present the 15th Annual PORNATHON Lot Party as a benefit for the No on 8, Equality for All Campaign.
Thanks to Titan, I had the honor of joining erotica legend Zak Spears, Dean Phoenix from Colt Studios, Johnny Gunn from Hot House and Steve Cruz from Raging Stallion to headline the event and offer our support. We were there all afternoon and early evening for photos, autographs and a fuck load of swag to hand out. Given the theme of the event, I couldn’t help tying the knot myself, with a little help from Johnny Gunn (photo above) and Steve Cruz (photo left). Special thanks to my buddy TBall for letting me use the photos he snapped.
All in all, the event helped raise $3,000 for the No on 8 Campaign. That’s great, but as I learned from Sabrina, the campaign’s representative at the event, swaying the one hundred thousand undecided voters in the Los Angeles area will be critical to defeating the proposition in November. So I was even happier to learn we helped sign on three times as many volunteers for the campaign than similar events. These volunteers will be vital to persuading the swing votes that will decide this issue.
Call to Action: Help defeat Prop 8! Visit EqualityForAll.com and volunteer or contribute in any way you can.
Tags: Art Films, BDSM, Events, Rigging, Service, Titan Media
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16 August 2008 23:45
San Diego, CA –- A couple years ago, one of the boys I had been mentoring in Seattle moved south to San Diego. I’ve kept in touch with this boy, Vladimir (pictured right). He has continued his activism in the leather/Sm scene (as much as he can in a location like San Diego) and has become quite involved with the rugby team in his new hometown. So, when Vlad asked if I would come down to San Diego to ‘check it out’ and assist with a fundraising event ha was organizing for the rugby team, I had to answer in the affirmative.
I flew in yesterday to meet some of the people involved, talk about ideas, scout locations and work through some of the details. Although the details are not totally solidified yet, it looks like I might be helping out with a bachelor auction later this fall. It should be a blast and I’ll keep you up to date as I learn more.
Of course the trip to San Diego wasn’t all community service work; we got to fit some personal time in, too. Today Vlad and I went to the San Diego Zoo (which I hadn’t been to since I was a kid, about thirty years ago). The trip to the zoo brought back some of my only pleasant memories of childhood, reminded me just how scared of heights I can be (the sky tram) and had me wondering which set of primates were more interesting to watch, the monkeys or the humans.
We also got a chance to cruise some of the local bars over the course of the last two evening. And, you know what that means. Yep you guessed it, boys got tied up. I’ve started to collect a picture montage of boys (and girls) in quick arm binders from around the country. The photo to the left is the latest addition, a beautiful Latino named Manuel who I met at Pecs bar. He took some convincing, but once he agreed to give it a try, he seemed to enjoy himself.
Tags: BDSM, Boys, Events, Rigging, Service
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