Yes, Christmas hasn’t yet arrived. Nor has Chanukah or New Year’s Eve. But those of you who are into both leather and planning ahead might like knowing that the Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC), has confirmed the dates for the 19th annual Los Angeles Leather (LALP) fundraising and community events.
It will all take place from March 18 to 25, 2018. The theme is “We are all L.A. Leather.”
“The community spoke and we’ve listened, and for our theme we’ve chosen one that truly encompasses our city and the spectrum of unique individuals without whom Los Angeles Leather Pride just simply wouldn’t be” said Gus Norris, the 2018 LALP executive producer.
The goal, according to LALP, is creating “a space where all feel included regardless of race, identity, orientation, gender, status, ability, role or creed. “
Highlights include the kick off celebration on March 18, hosted by Men of ONYX Southwest at Eagle 562 in Long Beach, and the 19th Annual Mr. LA Leather Contest which is scheduled for March 24 at the historic Globe Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The week-long event is capped by the sixth annual Off Sunset Festival, expected to attract thousands onto the streets of Silver Lake. A full schedule of events can be found online.
The Mr. LA Leather Contest in its present form dates back to 2000 as a regional title, representing the Los Angeles Leather/BDSM Community. This year there will be 12 local qualifying contests, each of which will each send a contestant to compete for Mr. LA Leather 2018. Each of these “feeder” contests is produced by local businesses and organizations.
The winner of Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 will go on to represent Los Angeles at the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend 2018. The 1st runner-up has the option to represent Los Angeles at American Brotherhood Weekend, also in Chicago, later in the Fall.
At the November 2017 general meeting of the LALC, its community partners confirmed a panel of nine judges for the Mr. LA Leather Contest. Their names will be released later.
