Happening Digital Volume 1 | Issue 16 | Mar 2023

PHOTO: randyaddison_artist

IMAGE BY: @Matthewkctan

LEATHER IS NOT ONLY HAPPENING IT’S HERE TO STAY Perhaps like most of you, my exposure to the leather community started while watching THE VILLAGE PEOPLE perform their DISCO hits on TV in the late 70 and 80s. My eyes went directly to the uber masculine Glenn Michael Hughes all decked out in full TOP regalia. I had no idea why I was so attracted to his ICONIC archetypal look in the super group, but I knew one thing – I LIKED IT! Later on, when I became more involved in the world of art and fashion as a teenager, I stumbled upon Bettie Page modeling her fetish gear while she worked with the Irving Klaw Studios and noticed I was captivated by that particular style of dress again. That road would later lead me to the “legend of leather” himself, the artist known as TOM OF FINLAND. That is when I finally started to understand the relationship between leather and the gay community. I loved seeing how empowered all those individuals looked in their constricting garments and realized then there was also a sexual component to it. All my worlds finally collided. I found myself more and more becoming drawn to the strength and raw power these specific garments imbued on the people wearing them. It would be years before I actually wore (or own) any gear myself.

Cut to my 2016. I was recently single and was treating myself on a much needed “mental health” vacation to the (now gone) FLAMINGO RESORT in St. Petersburg, Florida. I arrived at the beginning of a long weekend and not many guests had checked in yet. After unpacking, I wandered around the resort to see all the amazing amenities the location had to offer. Suddenly, tucked away behind one of the back staircases, I found a door emblazoned with a neon blue sign which read “CODE BAR”. It was dark, but the door was open, so I tentatively stuck my head in to see a few men sitting at the bar and a friendly leather clad bartender motioned for me to come in. I felt immediately welcomed by these guys.

While enjoying this new world, I struck up a conversation with a very handsome man looking down into his beer seeming a bit sad. He told me he was a leather artisan who had been preparing for a competition which was going to be taking place that weekend at the FLAMINGO. I told him I had no idea the resort was hosting an event when I booked the room and wondered what was the theme of the contest. He responded,”It’s for the national DRUMMER BOY title.”

I nodded as if I knew what he was referring to, not wanting to seem uneducated (although I totally did not have a clue) and asked him if that was the reason he had planned his weekend at the resort. He responded yes, but unfortunately his now “ex-boyfriend” refused to enter the contest for which he had made all a whole array of custom pieces and now he feared all his work was just going to go to waste. I let him know I was sorry and wished I could help. He took a few looks up and down my body and said,”Actually, you are about his same size and build.

Maybe YOU could enter wearing my pieces and people can then at least see my craftsmanship.” Honestly, I was scared. I’m not really one for being front and center in competitions of any sort, but I was a few beers in and agreed to go back to his room and try a few things on for him to see. Well, apparently the Leather Gods were on our side because everything fit me like a proverbial glove. There were just a few accessories needed to complete some of the ensembles and to my surprise most of the other contestants offered to help by allowing me to borrow pieces for the competition. I quickly realized this was more like of a fraternity of men celebrating their community, willing to help each other and less a “leather pageant” as I originally thought. I must admit, I never in my wildest dreams expected what happened next.

The competition started the next day in the early afternoon. It involved sitting across from the judges for one-on-one interviews in which every contestant answered questions as to what their platforms and reason for entering the competition was. I admitted, I did not know much about the leather community, but had always been intrigued and attracted to it. I also explained I was very open to learning and had so far enjoyed the camaraderie I was experiencing between all the men. It was then time for the actual on stage competition to begin. I will admit I was extremely nervous, but something happened once I started putting on all the amazing gear this incredible craftsman had put so much love and hard work into.

I started to feel this inner persona rise out of me and start bubbling it’s way to the surface. I began to walk differently, I was more confident and therefore more MYSELF. Also, a few shots of Jack Daniels didn’t hurt.

Long story short, by the end of the evening I was awarded 1st Runner Up! I could not believe I had even placed in the final three, but there I was in the end (practically hyperventilating) when the name of the final winner was called. I was quietly relieved. I knew the winner was more prepared to take on the responsibilities of the title came with and I definitely was not. But, that experience taught me many things that I still carry through with me until today. ONE: Never judge a book by it’s leather bound cover. TWO: Always keep your heart and mind open to new experiences. You never know what wonderful new avenues will reveal themselves if you are willing to open yourself up to them.

Light, Love and Peace, Francisco Garcia Publisher of HAPPENING DIGITAL MAGAZINE

International fashion and celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz, who has been featured on America’s and Canada’s Next Top Model, RuPaul’s Drag Race and several other reality television shows, has turned his lens towards a community that has contributed so much to LGBTQA+ history.

This new portrait series entitled “The Leathermen Mike Ruiz Project,” focuses on the beauty and diversity of the leather community, while also showing that it’s not just about kink and sex. Mike posted an open call in October to leathermen of all ages, races, sizes, and backgrounds to appear in these stunning images, and many men volunteered, seeing the importance of sharing their love of leather and what it means to them.

During his travels and sessions, Mike bonded with these burly men and saw how free and empowered they are, which granted him the power to let go of his own person hang-ups about sex and relationships. As the series grows and evolves, so will the discussion and understanding of what it means to wear leather as a form of self-identification instead of just a sexual practice.

Mike took some time to talk more about “The Leatherman Mike Ruiz Project” with HDM. It will eventually culminate into a book and multiple gallery showings, but above all, Mike hopes the project will become a time capsule that will keep the leather community’s rich history and traditions alive for future generations.

PHOTOS: MIKE RUIZ

HDM: What inspired you to begin this project specifically on leathermen?

MR: What inspired me to start was my desire to embark on a little self-exploration journey. I was celibate for the entire pandemic, and I was going a little stir crazy (lol). I’m introspective about a lot of stuff, but I was focusing on my life, how I wanted to move forward, and how I wanted to come out of the pandemic. I’m all about the experience, and I want to have as many heightened experiences as possible. That includes a little fetish and BDSM. I met somebody and he kind of introduced me to that world, and then he started to tell me about the history of the leather community. There was a lot of stuff that I didn’t know about. I started to do some research, and I was just fascinated by it. I’ve always been fascinated and drawn to the aesthetic, but I didn’t know about the history and the contributions the leather communities made to the overall LGBTQA+ community. From that, I was thinking,”I’d love to hear stories and actual accounts of what these guys went through and what their journey was like through the 80s and 90s.”

What better way to do that than reach out, talk to them, and photograph them? That’s what I did. I made a post on Instagram calling for anyone active in the leather community and saying I’m starting this series of portraits. Reach out to me if you’re interested. I thought I’d get maybe three people, but the floodgates opened, and I received a lot of responses from legit leathermen who have been active in the community for years. This was very educational for me, and I had great conversations with them before I even started photographing.

So, that’s what prompted this. It started out as a little self-indulgent self-exploration, but it ended up morphing into me documenting the journey of these men, who have such intense and amazing stories.

HDM: Some people believe that the REAL leather community is dying. What are your thoughts on this?

MR: I think it’s changing, but I don’t think it’s dying.

It’s too deep and profound to die. It’s like saying because the gay community has integrated into the mainstream, gay culture is going to die out. It’s absurd to say something like that. It’s the same for the leather community.

HDM: What is it about leathermen and the community that you find so attractive?

MR: Having come of age in the 80s and feeling the brunt of oppression on the gay community back then, I perceived it necessary to overcompensate by being hyper masculine. A lot of that was Tom of Finland influenced, and that was my point of reference of the aesthetic. Not only was that a point of reference for my development, but it was also a point of reference for what I became attracted to. The uniform, the military aspect, the authority type figures – I was always influenced by that, and it’s manifested throughout my career in various ways from other shoots, but it was always at a distance. I feel with this project, I’m really integrating into the mindset and lifestyle of the community. It’s been very stimulating.

HDM: How has the project personally impacted you and what are you taking away from the experience?

MR: I’ve embraced a lot of stuff about myself, and I feel very empowered because I understand it. The reason I resisted so long to do this self-exploration is because I was kind of afraid of it. I didn’t understand it. I thought it was dark, sinister and self-destructive, and I know that’s absurd. It’s just what I was fed from society, religion and all the usual culprits, but I realized that this is a very empowered group of men, and I aspire to be more like them. Doing this project and being around them, I see that they’re sweet, vulnerable, caring, supportive human beings. It’s helped me come to terms with my sexuality and my sexual issues that I’ve carried around for most of my life.

HDM: Is there anything surprising that you learned about the leather community?

MR: Not so much surprisingly, but I didn’t know how much they’ve contributed to the LGBTQA+ community through community service and through the AIDS crisis. They have done so much. If you Google leatherman or the community, there’s imagery that comes up, right? If you don’t have any insight, your perception of it is going to be off. The imagery is very over sexualized, fetishized and porn hasn’t done any favors for the leather community. That’s the visible part. What’s not visible is all the beautiful support, camaraderie and the brotherhood.

HDM: Out of all the stories you collected, is there one that stood out to you the most?

MR: They vary wildly in specifics, but there’s an underlying thread to all of it. I spent hours on the phone with a couple of the guys, and they just describe the mindset, what it means and the emotional psychological journey that accompanies being a leatherman, and they articulate it in such a powerful and beautiful way. What I’m finding is that everyone that’s participated in this project is super sensitive and intelligent.

I don’t know if that need for heightened stimulation is the byproduct of having heightened intelligence, but they’re all smart, articulate and I’ve learned so much by talking with these guys.

As far as a specific story that stands out, I’m sure if I went through them I can think of something, but I feel there was a commonality to them all. It’s all indicative of my takeaway of all the positive stuff about the leather community. All the stories that I’ve heard support the really positive stuff that I now know about the community.

HDM: Can you talk more about what was happening while your subjects got dressed and how impactful this part of the process is?

MR: There’s definitely ceremony to dressing and there’s a method to it, and it’s often part of the process and fetish experience. It’s transformative and they become empowered somehow from putting on leather.

Whether it’s the ritual of putting it on or actually having it on, it gives them a sense of power, which it also did for me. Three quarters through the project, I realized I didn’t have any images of me in leather, and I wanted to be part of it. All the guys banded together to dress me, and there’s something that happens.

There’s something that happens when you see yourself because you imagine what it means. The uniform, the authority, you can’t help but adopt that feeling when you’re dressed like that. It empowers them, but it doesn’t define them. That’s another important thing to state. Leather doesn’t define anybody. These men are all empowered on their own, but this is just another layer. It’s fantasy sexually, but it’s also the fact that you feel like an actual authority figure.

HDM: We know that the series culminates into a book and multiple gallery showings, but what are some other long-term goals?

MR: I’m going to just continue doing it. I’m very proud of this series and I’ve met some amazing people, and I’m amazed that it has snowballed into this thing. I’m getting a lot of interest from the Tom of Finland Foundation. I’ll also be doing one at the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago, and another in San Francisco, so there’s a lot of moving and shaking with this project, which I’m very excited about.

I also want to shoot in Europe because the leather community is very active in cities like Berlin, Antwerp, London and Paris, so I want to shoot around Europe and continue it. It’s like documenting, and I’ve been receiving so many emails from leathermen around the world wanting to participate, or they’re feeling excited that somebody is doing a project like this. They feel like they’re being seen because it’s a very diverse thing. I’m not sexualizing or objectifying these men, I’m celebrating them. It’s about them, not about fantasy.

I do find these men super attractive, but I’m respectful and not crossing any line.

PHOTO: randyaddison_artist

I first met GILBERT GUARDIOLA through a mutual friend at the EAGLE in Wilton Manors post-pandemic. The first thing I noticed about him was his amazing smile starting in his eyes and later working it’s way down to his smoldering, sexy lips. He has a swagger to him that exudes confidence and a personality you can’t help but fall in love with.

When it was announced the WM Eagle was going to be hosting a competition, I went to the “meet and greet” on the Friday before the event to get to know the contestants. Low and behold, I knew many of the men who entered. All of them were winners in my book and could have represented the title with PRIDE. As part of the prize package, I offered a cover story for the winner with HAPPENING DIGITAL MAGAZINE. I wasn’t surprised when GILBERT was pronounced the winner! The man has EVERY SINGLE quality one would be looking to represent the local leather community.

Enjoy this insightful interview with him and get to know why he is the right man for this prestigious title.

HDM: How and when did you gain interest in the leather community?

GG: When I was in my teens, I’ve admired the look and style of leather on men and women. It wasn’t until later, I realized leather wasn’t just about “looks”. It was about how it made people feel and was a lifestyle. I started my journey in my mid 20’s when I wore my first leather vest and borrowed my friends leather pants to complete a look. Never have I ever felt more liberated and sexy! I guess you can say, I felt a little more complete. Like, I was missing this in my life. I then started to slowly educate myself about the leather community, which for me was an emotional, mental and exciting roller coaster. I sit here now thinking how much it has evolved and changed throughout the years. I can’t wait to see what more comes my way and how I tend to evolve in my own journey.

HDM: What motivated you to want to compete for Mr. Eagle 2023?

GG: This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. I had contemplated competing for some time but my move from Dallas to Florida took a bit of adjustment mentally, emotionally and financially.

It wasn’t until I returned to Dallas and was asked to judge THE HIDDEN DOOR CONTEST (of which I was a former winner), when I met one of the contestants - Euphonious Onyx. He represented exactly what I wanted to reflect again in my new home of Florida. My fire was reignited.

I realized it was all about “The Community”. Needless to say, he won that evenings event and inspired me to enter Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2023. Several weeks later, I competed with my head held high and an open heart to show the LGBTQA+ and the local leather community who I am and what I am about.

HDM: What was the most difficult part of the competition?

GG: I would say, EVERYTHING! It really takes a lot to compete for a leather title. With this particular contest, I had many obstacles starting with time to prepare. Luckily things had a way of working out and I’m extremely grateful to many friends and my local leather family in helping me in a myriad of ways. I can never thank those people enough for helping me during the entire competition and will continue to be there during my title reign.

HDM: What part of your competition package are you most proud of?

GG: The entire package is incredibly amazing, but I’m most proud of is “The Eagle Wilton Manor Stole”. I have a passion about sharing my heart and words with my community, but with the stole, I feel as if my voice has more power and more meaning.

HDM: What did it feel like winning when your name was called out?

GG: I couldn’t believe it! I honestly didn’t think I was going to win. Everyone on that stage brought such amazing platforms and great reasons to compete. I was in a state of total shock and I kept on asking everyone around me,“Is this real?” I had all these mixed emotions and they were all showing on my face simultaneously.

Eventually, tears began to flow down my cheeks and I remember thinking to myself,“Just smile and don’t forget to breathe!” In retrospect, I need to remember to control my tears, because I’m an “ugly crier” (lol).

HDM: How do you see yourself representing this title in terms of community service, platforms, etc?

GG: My platform has been the same for many years now. My message is simple. It is to help others by sharing my experiences, in the hopes I can help or even change even one person’s life. “Always show love, kindness, compassion and respect. You never know who’s life you can affect by sharing those blessings”. These are the words and credo by which I live. I hope your readers, can understand that it doesn’t cost ANYTHING to be nice or to PRESENT for one another.

I hope by sharing this idea, we can create the change we need, not just in our own communities, but that we so desperately need in the world today.

HDM: What has been the best part of winning Mr. Eagle 2023 that you did not anticipate?

GG: I never anticipated becoming part of such an enormous leather family! I now have amazing new leather brothers and sisters! They have welcomed me with open arms and that has been a humbling experience that I will be eternally grateful for. I hope I can continue to make OUR community proud, grow in gaining knowledge and become wiser throughout this incredible journey that lies ahead.

HDM: What would people be surprised to find out about you as far as other hobbies?

GG: Well, many people don’t really know this but, I love to sing “mariachi style” music. I am a person that is very in touch with my inner feelings and I like to express myself through folkloric singing.

I also occasionally enjoy creating visual art as well.

As for other “interests”, I’m pretty passionate about my kinks! If you want to know what they are, you will just have to ask me personally when I’m in your area! (lol) HDM: What can we expect next Lil Daddy Gilbert - Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2023?

GG: Expect the UNEXPECTED! (lol) .

Of course one can never say what will happen tomorrow. My hopes are that I can be a part of inspiring great change here in Wilton Manors. I am always going to do my utmost best to have an open heart and lending an helping hand to anyone in need. By sewing the seeds of love, kindness, compassion and respect in our community all our collective hearts will grow a big larger, stronger and together.

After all, the key segment of the word community is UNITY. Who are we if we all don’t continue to grow towards that goal.

ON BEHALF OF

HapDigMag.com

WE HAPPILY CONGRATULATE

GILBERT GUARDIOLA

Tom of Finland is the artist name of Finnish Touko Laaksonen. He signed his erotic work “Tom”, and when his drawings were first published in 1957, the now world-famous “Tom of Finland” was born. Tom’s homeland had been independent for just 3 years when he was born, and outside its few cities the country was still rough and wild. The men who worked in the fields and woods, the farmers and loggers, were true frontiersmen, every bit as rough and wild as the countryside. Tom grew up among those men but was not a part of their world. Both his parents were schoolteachers, and they raised Tom indoors in an atmosphere of art, literature and music. Obviously talented, by the time he was 5 he was playing the piano and drawing comic strips drawing on those men he would watch as inspiration.

When Stalin attacked Finland and Tom was wearing a lieutenant’s uniform, he found nirvana in the blackouts of World War II. At last, in the streets of the pitch-black city, he began to have the sex he had dreamed of with the uniformed men he lusted after, especially once the German soldiers had arrived in their irresistible jackboots. Once peace came, it put an end to blackout sex and uniforms, so Tom returned to his teenage practice of locking himself in his room, stripping naked, and stroking himself with one hand while the other hand created on paper what he could seldom find on the streets. By day, he did freelance artwork – advertising, window displays, fashion design. He avoided the fledgling gay scene, because what were then called “artistic” bars were dominated by the flamboyant effeminacy typical of the time. He traveled frequently, becoming very familiar with the gay cruising areas found in every major city.

The demand for what Tom always called his “dirty drawings” grew quickly, but neither erotic art nor homosexual art paid very well in the 1950s. It would be 1973 before Tom of Finland was making enough money for Touko Laaksonen to be able to quit his daytime job in advertising. Once he could devote his efforts full-time to his erotic drawing, Tom combined photorealistic attention to detail with his wildest sexual fantasies to produce a body of work that, for sheer homoerotism, will probably never be surpassed. 1976 was the year of Tom’s first art exhibition, in Hamburg, Germany, but that experience was so negative (all but one of the drawings were stolen) that it would be 1978 before he would agree to another exhibit, in Los Angeles, for which he made his first trip to America. Over the next couple of years, a series of exhibitions in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, with trips to America for each one, turned the shy Helsinki artist into an international gay celebrity with friends the like Robert Mapplethorpe.

In spite of his own affectionate term, Tom’s work must be considered more than just “dirty drawings”, and given some of the credit for the change in the gay world’s self-image. When Tom’s work was first published, homosexuals thought they had to be imitation women, and spent their lives hiding in the shadows. Thirty-five years later, gays were much more likely to be hard-bodied, sun-lovers in boots and leather –masculinity personified.

Tom’s influence in that direction was no accidental byproduct of his art. When asked about the theme of his art he would say,“I work very hard to make sure that the men I draw having sex are proud men having happy sex!” His legacy is admired by artist of all walks of life today.