European Titleholders at IML

This weekend Leather folk from around the world will descend on Chicago for the 47th International Mr Leather (IML). Rooted in the Mr Gold Coast Leather competition which began in 1970 and was organised by Chuck Renslow and Dom Orejudos; IML is now an annual celebration of the leather community with market stalls, workshops and parties. A chance for global leather folk to reconnect with old friends and to form new bonds which will last decades to come. At the core of this weekend is the election of the next International Mr Leather. With 68 title holders competing, this is the most internationally diverse class ever, with candidates for North and South America, Australia, Asia and 7 contestants from Europe.

Europe has produced 6 IMLs over the years. Hailing from Hamburg, Thomas Karasch (Mr Leather Europe 1986) was the first European IML, with Gael Leung Chong Mr Leather Belgium being the most recent in 2022. Regardless of the final position of this year’s European contestants, I’m sure that we enter this weekend with a sense of friendship and with open hearts and minds willing to forge new bonds and to discover new things about ourselves. Representing our communities proudly, authentically and with passion.

The current political situation in the USA is a hot topic this year, especially concerning travelling into the country and our safety (especially for Trans folk) once there. For this reason there has been discussion on the appropriateness of Europeans attending. However with ILGA scores dropping across Europe we must also remember the issues closer to home; the Transphobic court ruling in the UK, the banning of Pride in Hungary and the rise of right wing politics across the continent. This is a time when standing up, being visible and speaking out is so important.

My goal for IML is to have fun, spread joy and to just enjoy the whole experience. I will represent Europe in the best way I can, with leather on my back and a smile on my face. If I am lucky enough to give my Top 20 speech then I hope to galvanise positive action across the globe to improve our LGBTQ+ lives.

We have members of our community travelling to Chicago with us, but for those unable to attend in person you’re able to watch live or follow us all across social media. I know we all appreciate the support you have given to us both during our title years and going forward into the future.

David – Mr. Leather Europe 2025

The Europeans competing at IML are;

David Mr Leather Europe 2025 @davidweeble@ecmc
Rufus Italian Fetishman Of The Year 2024 @pup.fus @leatherfetishmilano
Andreas Mr Leather Berlin 2024 @bikerdevil_bln@easterberlin
Fionn Mr Dublin Leather 2024 @knkeireann@leathermen_of_ireland
Stephan Bavarian Mr Leather 2024 @stephan_bmrl24@mlc_underground
Stephane Mr Leather London 2024 @htsymusic@londonleathermen
Victor Mr Fetish Spain 2024 @vic_xiii@spanishlfc