A-LISTS community spotlight by david vera
“My year has been a lot of work as well as fun. I’ve met some wonderful people and made
new friends whom I now consider family. My reward is the recognition from my peers and the great feeling I get when I know I’ve done something good for my community.
Say the words “harness” or “chaps” to a crowd of your
friends and see what conversations pop up! Chances are, a violent or demeaning scenario straight out of Police Academy will come of your comrades’ assumption-fueled imaginations, but to Mr. and Ms. San Diego Leather, these words more likely go, “let’s gather a few chaps and chicks to harness awareness and respect!” Respect—that seems to be the key word for current
”
title-holders Anthony Rollar (Mr. S.D. Leather) and Tiger (Ms. S.D. Leather and Club X Treasurer/Membership Coordinator), who have lived here for three and 22 years respectively. It’s time to clear the air about leather culture and reemphasize that it is indeed a culture, with numer- ous organizations benefitting from Leather Pride. Anthony explained, “Each year a Mr. and Ms. San Diego Leather are chosen to represent San Diego’s leather community. Both titles require us to produce two social events and two fundraisers to benefit a charity we select. I’ve already booked the The Center this November for the 2nd Annual Meatball Turkey Day Dinner. Last year’s event proceeds went to Mama’s Kitchen. The plan is to make each year bigger and better than the last.” “Other beneficiaries are Storefront, The Leather History Project, Being Alive
and The Tom of Finland Foundation,” said the Minnesota native, Tiger, who was first introduced to leather in Cleveland, Ohio back in the early 1980s. “Yes I was of age…and stop doing the math! As a titleholder, you are a representative of the leather community, and people often look to you for guidance and direc- tion. It is important to represent well visually—and with words and actions. As far as tasks go, other than hosting the required events throughout your title year, each titleholder’s focus is different. Each person brings unique talents, energy and contributions to the title. Community need creates the tasks. You don’t really pick the tasks, the tasks pick you.” “Conduct, appearance and public decorum are very important,” added An-
thony. “I don’t think people realize how much time and energy goes into being a titleholder. My year has been a lot of work as well as fun. I’ve met some wonder- ful people and made new friends whom I now consider family. My reward is the recognition from my peers and the great feeling I get when I know I’ve done something good for my community.” Still, there remains much mystery about the darker colors in the hanky code.
For those who have never attended Leather Pride, but have always been curi- ous or eager (you know you are), Anthony suggests going solo, “so you can be yourself without your friends watching. Introduce yourself to anyone, even though they look intimidating, you’ll be surprised, they’re probably the nicest people there. Don’t be afraid to ask a silly question and don’t be surprised to get an honest, serious answer. Remember, it’s impossible to meet new people if you’re sitting in the corner texting.” Sound advice for any new experience. Tiger agrees, it’s that easy and “It’s lots of fun! Our official kick-off for
SAN DIEGO LEATHER
2011 San Diego Leather Pride is our All Clubs Night on Thursday, March 10. This amazing event brings together all participating clubs and organizations, including the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Bears, the Rodeo and many others! We also hold our very own Leather Olympics competition that night— and that alone is worth the $5 at the door! It’s hilarious! The other events are perfect for the new and eager as well, including the Ms. and Mr. Meet and Greets, the contests, the after-parties…and of course Titleholder Apprecia- tion Night which is sort of like a Leather Roast of the 2010 titleholders, Anthony and me. Anyone curious and eager will walk away with more knowledge of the leather community…and most likely a big smile!” Appropriately, this power- couple hopes for fewer lines of division within our community, and of course equal rights across the board, but equality without being completely assimi- lated is Tiger’s line in the sand. “Diversity keeps things from becoming boring, in my humble opinion,” she said. Of all the memories that holding the title has brought them, Anthony fondly
remembers walking in the San Diego Pride Parade side by side with Mr. Los Angeles 2010 and Mr. San Francisco 2010. For Tiger, the waves of energy she felt on the titleholder stage at the Folsom Street Fair were “pretty intense, but that’s petty compared to the way I feel when I see someone discovering their inner animal and then allowing it to emerge.” Outside of being the exemplars of all things leather, Anthony enjoys quality time with his partner of seven years, Jesse. And for Tiger…“Chalk up the cue stick and rack ‘em, baby!” San Diego Leather Pride 2011 Runs from Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 20. For more information, visit
mrsandiegoleather.org and
mssandiegoleather.org
DOING GOOD MR. AND MS.
A DUO FOR
16
RAGE monthly | MARCH 2011
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