Each Memorial Day weekend a wide range of gay men, pups, bears and a handful of lesbians from all over the world converge on Chicago for cocktails and camaraderie at International Mr. Leather. May 2013 marked the 35th Anniversary of the competition, and an estimated 18,000 patrons attended the event. Some folks followed the contest and contestants over three nights, while others just came to shop at the famous vendor market, dance and party.
The outgoing International Mr. Leather is the fantastic Woody Woodruff, who after a busy year spent traveling all over the world representing the leather community, served as a judge on this year’s panel. Fifty-one men from all over the United States, and a few from abroad, competed for the opportunity to fill his boots and become be the next International Mr. Leather.
On Sunday the judges selected Andy Cross, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2013, as this year’s winner. As part of his prize package, Cross received a $5,000 travel package from Orbitz to help him attend leather events worldwide. In addition, Sammy was named International Mr. Bootblack 2013. Congratulations and best of luck to both guys as they begin their title year.
Photo: IML
