While I’m not deeply involved with the politics of the leather scene such as contests, I do highly respect those who enter a contest for the right reasons and represent the leather community with charity work as well as speaking out for sexual liberation.
It deeply saddens yesterday when I found this for sale on eBay.
PHOTO OF LEATHER TITLE HOLDER’S BAR VEST ON EBAY REMOVED FOR OBVIOUS REASONS.
When I contacted the person asking why he was selling it…and why he doesn’t just donate it to the Leather Archives & Museum, he told me in a very rude and offensive (personally attacking me) response that despite winning the title, he had to pay for the title (and wouldn’t donate it to LA&M due to his unfulfilled expectations of the leather community) and has no plans to donate the $. Generally, that’s how it works. It’s called an entry fee. It’s part of the charity work. You work for the community, it doesn’t necessarily work to please you. It annoys the living shit out of me that people can’t see the bigger picture. You shouldn’t have signed up to represent the community if you weren’t serious about it to begin with.
I still have my ICON Detroit Alumni bar vests. I have no plans to sell them. My years with the ICONs as a full member formed the person I am today. I’d never part with that history.
Secondly, I can’t imagine anybody winning the auction… and actually wearing it out, can you?
Sad — disappointing — disgusting — but, still, most of all, sad. I hope the sponsors of the original title contest saw the auction, and I hope they explain the obligations to him. And then do something to him which he will not enjoy, in any way. Slowly.
~ Andrew
I guess to each his own, but I agree.. it does suck. I hope he gets for it what he’s made it worth.. that is.. very little.
I am just a little confused. I don’t understand the “removed for obvious reasons” about the photo. I searched ebay to see what you were talking about and found a 2003 Int. Leatherboy vest. Was that the item?
cubforbondage