Southwest Leather Pride to feature LeatherSIR, Leatherboy contest

Regional LeatherSIR and Leatherboy winners will be named as part of the Southwest Leather Pride weekend to be held March 4-7 in Phoenix.

The weekend is a “celebration of our lifestyle and our sexuality,” according to Stephen Palaschak, who is helping to promote the event. He was Southwest Leatherboy 2008 and first runner-up in the International Leatherboy 2008.

Palaschak will be master of ceremonies at the contest where the regional LeatherSIR, Leatherboy and Ms. Leather will be named.

Contestants are judged in four categories, Palaschak said.

• In the speech/leather image category, contestants deliver a two-minute speech, during which they are also judged on what they’re wearing.
• The physique category is judged not necessarily on the best body, but on “who is most comfortable in their skin,” Palaschak said.
• Contestants stage a five-minute fantasy scene set to music.
• Judges conduct an interview with each participant before the contest.

Seven judges will determine the winner. Special guests include Sir Tony, International LeatherSir 2009; Brad Hill, international Leatherboy 2009; and Daddy Alan Penrod, Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2009.

Winners of regional LeatherSIR and Leatherboy competitions go on to international competition in July in San Francisco.

Proceeds from the regional event will used for travel fund for contestants, Palaschak said.

Winners are asked to organize one fundraiser for Southwest Leather Pride and one fundraiser for a charity of their choice.

“The leather community has a big heart,” raising thousands for charity, Palaschak said.

Weekend highlights:

March 4
• Button Fly and Cigar Pre-Leather Weekend Party, 7 p.m. at Apollo’s Lounge.

March 5
• Dirty, Secret Black Party, 9 p.m. at Velocity.

March 6
• Dinner 6:30 p.m. at My Mothers Restaurant.
• Southwest LeatherSIR, Southwest Leatherboy and Southwest Ms. Leather contests, 9 p.m. at Bunkhouse.

March 7
• Victory brunch, 10 a.m. at Bunkhouse.

This is the 11th year for the annual Phoenix competition. International contest have been conducted for about 20 years.

The Southwest region includes Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. It’s one of 13 regions.

The host hotel for the event is Days Inn, 502 W. Camelback, Phoenix.

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