Entertainment*
The Queerty Interview

IML 2010 Winner Tyler McCormick Talks Trans Acceptance in the Leather World

By Oscar Raymundo May 24, 2011 at 8:03pm · Updated on May 25, 2011
Tyler McCormick arrived from Albuquerque at last year’s IML contest in Chicago and rolled offstage with the 2010 title. And we do mean rolled. McCormick is not only the first trans IML winner but the first in a wheelchair. We spoke to him right before the start this year’s IML contest as he returns as one of the judges.
When we think of queer subcultures we often think of separation: gender, identity, bars, types, etc. But you are a member of the trans community and the leather community.
I think we make artificial separations in our subcultures and this can be healthy if it strengthens the people involved. However, if the separation is petty then we should look closely as to why we perceive something as separate and eliminate unnecessary divisions. To steal a line from Jeff Tucker IML 16, “we are better together.”
The leather crowd has embraced you. How has the trans community? Is there a need to strike a balance between these two “scenes”? I don’t identify as part of the trans community. It is true that I am trans and I have been well received by other trans people but the core of my identity  is as a gay leather man. I don’t feel a need to strike a balance I spend as much time as I can with my larger leather family. Being able to meet more leathermen and leatherwomen has been one of the best parts of my year.
We post photos of guys in leather but get push back if they’re not manly enough or somehow too pretty. Is there such thing as a real leather dude? Is the leather community learning to embrace individuals who don’t necessarily look like Tom of Finland? I do think that there are many “real” leathermen. However, I don’t believe that looking like a Tom of Finland model is key to being a leather person. Leather is about heart and spirit and hot kinky sex. It is also about how you carry yourself in the world and the values you believe in. Do you walk with honor, integrity, trust and respect? These are the things that the leather community looks for in its leathermen.
Right-wingers often use leather events like Folsom St. Fair and IML to point out the “depravity” of gay culture. What would you say to them?
Folsom and IML are like family reunions for our tribe. There is a lot that goes on that is not sensational and many things that some people find depraved. I tend to find most of it hot. I would not say anything to the right-wingers. If one of them came to me out of genuine curiosity with a willingness to learn, I would talk about family and how we build our own because so many people have been hurt by their families of origin. I would talk about integrity, honesty and learning to communicate on a deeper level because when we play really hard we open our souls to each other. I would also talk about my belief that we are trying to get to the same place of oneness with a higher power. Where I go with rope is the same place a priest is trying to go with hours of prayer. We all get to search for enlightenment in our own way.
As a judge this year, what are you looking for in the next International Mr. Leather?
I am always looking for heart and authenticity. I don’t want to hear the “right” answer so much as I want to hear your truth. Given that I then look for someone that can represent and relate to the whole diverse community of kinky perverts and leather folk.

If someone wants to get into the leather scene but perhaps feels intimidated, what would be your advice?
Follow your gut. If it does not feel right, don’t do it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I also strongly recommend checking references. Beyond that, we don’t usually bite unless you ask really nicely so just try to relax and enjoy yourself.

What has been the biggest perk of winning IML?
I feel truly embraced by the leather tribe. I am still blown away by the fact that I have brothers all over the world, and I have had the chance to see how many of them live and how their communities live leather.
See GayCities complete guide to Chicago for the IML

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

7 Comments*

  • Fitz

    Blech. Haven’t been to an IML event since they sold out to the PC police.
    I like my IML to be M

  • Joel Wang

    Wow! I guess there’s leather and then there’s LEATHER!

    What a wonderful progressive and unifying statement from the IML. Kudos!!!

    And CONGRATULATIONS to Tyler McCormick!

  • Joel Wang

    @Fitz:

    Yeah Fitz, everybody knows, proper conduct of sexuality is all about EXCLUSION.

  • Ryan M

    I go to a lot of leather events around the country and the world. This year, I have been surprised that Tyler McC has been largely absent. He is simply not present. If he is actually involved in leather play, he keeps it very safely hidden away. IML seems to have pretty much lost its teeth during its transition to an socially acceptable, politically correct organization. These people are not the leaders of our community.

  • tony

    just a note – Tyler is from Albuquerque, not Phoenix.

  • American Again

    Who gives a flying rat’s ass. You can sew up all your holes, but that does not make you a man. You live in “narratives”. I will live in reality.

  • Leather John

    To all the fags that are bitching that a transsexual won IML FUCK YOU!
    maybe the christian right wingers are right and fags like you hatefull queens should be put to death behind an electric fence or a death camp. You are no better then the transsexuals.

    Incase you forgot you do “unnatural ” sex acts will an organ designed to expeal food waste. So unless you want your one man one woman arguement thrown in your face and your rights taken away DO NOT bash others like the mainstream bigots bash you. Or at least get off my planet and stop breathing my air.

Comments are closed.

More in Entertainment*

Latest*