64 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | SEX
Qsaltlake.com |
Issue 280 |
June 2018
Kink up your boots for the inaugural Utah Leather Pride Festival May 20 BY TONY HOBDAY
Michael Sanders, a chief organizer of the Utah Leather Pride Festival, said the idea of a leather pride fest surfaced three years ago following a disruption by some “uptight gay men” over the Utah Pride Committee allowing a smaller leather festival within Utah Pride. Sanders said the “uptight” men emailed Pride Festival donors, calling the inclusion of a leather section would be inappropriate and like a “Folsom Street Fair exhibition.” The idea subsequently was yanked. Though the Pride Committee offered to
try to get it in the next year, Sanders said, “No thank you. I’ll do this myself.” “I believe this segment of LGBTQ population is misunderstood and misrepresented, though a lot of our traditions have intersected with the gay community,” he said, adding, “Our community does have its problems, but the openness of our sexuality is kind of a big deal here in Utah.” Hence, May 20 launches the First Annual Indoor/Outdoor Utah Leather Pride Festival, celebrating the diverse LGBTQ and pansexual leather/kink/BDSM community in Utah. The one-day celebration features
community groups, local and national vendors, a full bar, entertainment, a sandbox, bootblacks, giveaways/prizes, and more.
MR. LEATHER SLUT TITLE AND MS. LEATHER SLUT TITLE COMPETITIONS Following the festival, the annual Mr. and Ms. SL♥UT competitions commence at 8:30 p.m. The mission of the contests is to promote leather culture among the Salt Lake City community. “We are looking for leather men and women who will act as ambassadors to work with various segments of both LGBTQ community and multiple layers of the radical sex communities.” Additionally, titleholders are passionate about activism, charity, and community building. They can articulately express their platform and excite those around them to get involved. To enter the competitions, apply at mrleatherslut.com or msleatherslut.com. Sanders is the current Mr. Leather SL♥UT master, and though stepping down in May, he will participate in the IML event later this year in Chicago. His legacy as Mr. Leather includes being a dynamic HIV/AIDS prevention crusader, including the testimonial of PrEP, which helps prevent HIV infection — he currently manages PrEP Talks, an initiative dedicated to educating on the wonder treatment. Over the last year, he traveled the state speaking about the leather community and HIV/AIDS, including BDSM symposiums to Westminster College students.
Sunday May 20th 12 pm: Festival doors open 8 pm: Festival doors closed www.msleatherslut.com 8 pm: Mr / Ms Leather SL♥UT Competition Doors Open 8:20 pm: Mr / Ms Leather SL♥UT Competition Starts 11:30 pm: Competition Ends More information at utahleatherpride.net