At this point, I’d like to say I am fully recovered from Mid Atlantic Leather 2009… but that’d be a lie. I’m still digesting the weekend. And for once, I’m not talking about the sex I had.
This was the 12th MAL I had been to. I did something this year I had not done in maybe 10 years. I went to the Contest and “Leather Cocktails” to support my friends in the DC Boys of Leather (and others) who were involved in both functions.
Besides the free food and booze (yay!), the Leather Cocktails party was a lot of fun. Very social. Many more people there than I had expected. As you walked down the stairs to the venue, the Centaurs (who organize the MAL weekend) lined up the sides of the stairway, applauding your attendance. A way of showing appreciation for attending their event. I was grabbed and given several hugs and kisses which made me blush bright red. This was very unexpected and really sweet. There was recognition to many groups and individuals who had been involved in the Leather Community with charity work. There were short speeches on The Importance of Tradition and Change within the Leather Community that really had an impact on those in attendance. Including yours truly.
The Contest… well, I’m not one for contests. Typically, they’re long, boring and occasionally the contestants are on stage for the wrong reasons (to be seen/get laid… not to work for the community). The MAL contest was different. It was fun. Fast paced. Lots of laughs and even had breaks to socialize and to enjoy the entertainment (Kathy Najimy this year). Tradition was also discussed. I had a blast!! The judges also made a great pick in Kip Hollar, Mr MAL 2009.
I feel enlightened. Renewed. The Centaurs did an outstanding job organizing the entire weekend. Seeing everyone so supportive and proud of each other really moved me. The Centaurs’ traditions were also an eye opening experience reminding people that even though we are a bunch of kinky fuckers… we’re family. As corny as it may sound to someone who does not attend the 100’s of Kink Related Events in the USA alone, I truly do believe we are one.
These experiences reminded me of why I will never miss MAL. Many thanks to the Centaurs for an incredible weekend.
Below are a few videos I took from the Contest.
UPDATE: MAL asked me to remove the videos as “Kathy’s People wouldn’t approve”.
*Eye Roll*
Hey, your turn to do the write up this time! Good job! Sounds like it was a lot of fun and you got to retrench to do some things you haven’t done in awhile. Always good to reinvigorate! Did you take all of the videos or did someone else?