David – Mr. Leather Europe 2025

With a few weeks past since my election as Mr Leather Europe 2025 it seems right to reflect on the experience and plan for the year ahead.

First of all, the weekend was amazing. So well organised by Leathermen of Switzerland, with great food, socials and parties. The ECMC held their AGM and welcomed back SLM Copenhagen, SLM Stockholm and BLF Berlin, as well as new members PLUG. Growing our European fetish family and restrengthening the ties which have been developed over 50 years.

The election show was a very well put together and unique experience. Once I eventually got that rose open I was genuinely shocked to have been awarded the title. The calibre of the other 7 candidates I stood with was as high as it could be.

The work they have done and their passion for the Leather scene is clear to see. Whether its making safe accessible space for new leather folk, removing the stigma around mental health, or upholding the strong values and traditions which keeps us together, each of these 7 deserve our applause and thanks. 

As does my sash dad, Tom, who has been a great friend for a while now. His title year has been welcoming to all, forward thinking and dynamic, but without losing our sense of history and belonging which runs through the core of our community.

I never dreamed that the sash would land on my shoulders. Having 2 cancelled flights and my luggage lost somewhere in Heathrow terminal 2, my weekend got off to a stressful start. However as I told you all on stage, it is the Leather community which supported me as it always has. Offers to borrow Leathers, boots, caps, accessories etc came from pretty much everyone I bumped into in Zurich. So when I stood on stage in Leathers which weren’t my own I truly understood the power and love that is central to this community. Lifting each other up, selflessly, to strengthen the leather scene as a whole.

Back home it took a good week for it to all sink in. The congratulations came flooding in from around the globe, and I would be lying if i didn’t say it was overwhelming. But as the days went on, the realisation of the responsibility which now rests on my shoulders began to feel so real. Leathermen Cymru welcomed me home, and continue to support me with my new title. Support I know will continue to flow from all corners of this continent.

I start my travels now with London, Madrid and Glasgow as my first stops this year, and many more trips planned for 2025. I hope I can do Europe proud and represent our clubs and ever growing scene in a positive light wherever I go. I plan to work with as many of you as I can, not just by dancing at your weekends and marching at your Prides, but by supporting you in the multitude of endeavours that come your way.