International Deaf Leather
Every year, IDL hosts a convention that brings our community together from across the country and around the world. These events are the highlight of our calendar - a time to compete, connect, celebrate, and create memories that last a lifetime.
From the early days in Seattle to the celebrations in Dallas and beyond, each convention has its own story. Here are some of our most memorable events.
The 11th International Mr./Ms. Deaf Leather Contest was held in Seattle, Washington. This was a historic event - it marked the first time IDL participated in the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) National Conference. Close to 500 deaf and hearing leather folks attended, making it the largest IDL contest ever.
The week-long festival was packed with men and women who were hearing, deaf, or hard of hearing. The first Deaf Bear Festival was also a huge success. The contest featured seven contestants - five men and two women - with Alan SPO Schwartz named International Mr. Deaf Leather and Black X chosen as International Ms. Deaf Leather.
Titleholders: Alan SPO Schwartz (IMrDL) & Black X (IMsDL)
Runners Up: Dennis Hart (1st Mr), Gigi Doran (1st Ms), Alex James (2nd Mr)
Special Award: Steve Kennedy - Michael Felts Lifetime Achievement Award
"I saw a good positive response from the vanilla audience coming from the RAD conference to attend the IDL 2001 contest. They came to see who would win, but ended up with exposure about deaf leather, SM, fetish, and my flogger and big nipples, of course." - Alan SPO Schwartz, IMrDL 2001
IDL came to Washington DC in 2002 as part of the Deaf Way Two Conference. The contest had three contestants, and William "BAM" Coleman won the title of International Mr. Deaf Leather. Doug Dickson from California was first runner up, and Dennis Hart of Pennsylvania was second runner up. There were no female contestants that year.
Titleholder: William "BAM" Coleman (IMrDL)
1st Runner Up: Doug Dickson
2nd Runner Up: Dennis Hart
IDL visited Orlando, Florida in 2003. The contest crowned Juan Zazueta as International Mr. Deaf Leather and Renata Millet as International Ms. Deaf Leather. Jerry Garmany was first runner up and Jerome Sebolt was second runner up.
Titleholders: Juan Zazueta (IMrDL) & Renata Millet (IMsDL)
1st Mr Runner Up: Jerry Garmany
2nd Mr Runner Up: Jerome Sebolt
IDL booted up in Dallas, Texas for its 14th annual event. The contest was produced by Philip Rubin, IMrDL 1991. Paul O'Rourke of Philadelphia was crowned International Mr. Deaf Leather with Jeff Barrett as first runner up. Steff Juge of Anaheim, California was named International Ms. Deaf Leather.
Titleholders: Paul O'Rourke (IMrDL) & Steff Juge (IMsDL)
1st Mr Runner Up: Jeff Barrett
The tradition continues. Here is where IDL has been in recent years:
IDL conventions are about more than just who wins a title. They are about community. They are about seeing friends you only get to see once a year. They are about making new connections, sharing stories, and celebrating who we are.
Each convention has its own theme, its own flavor, its own memories. The 2011 convention in Denver celebrated our 20th anniversary with the theme "IDL Family Continues to Grow." The 2012 convention in Baltimore showed off Charm City with "Leather More...We Show You Our Charm." The 2013 convention in Montreal returned to Canada for the first time since 1995 with "Deaf Leather Village."
No matter where we gather, one thing remains the same - the spirit of IDL. The pride. The leather. The family.
"Every convention is a reunion. Every contest is a celebration. Every year, our family grows."
See You at the Next Convention.
International Deaf Leather - Conventions That Bring Us Together