The History Of The Mr. NJ Leather Contest

OUR HISTORY

First held in September of 2000, the first Mr. NJ Leather Contest took place during New Jersey's first Leather Pride Weekend, which was produced by the Promethean Guard. The event, which took place at Paradise in Asbury Park, NJ, and was hosted by the acclaimed Queen Cougar, was a smashing success! The numerous attendees consisted of both leatherfolk and curious onlookers alike, from New Jersey, and from the Northern and Mid-Atlantic regions. As well, the contest attracted more than a dozen visiting titleholders!

After a close competition the first Mr. NJ Leather was chosen: J.R. Ramos! J.R. took the Mr. NJ Leather 2001 sash and went on to carry his positive leather message throughout our state and beyond, appearing and volunteering at many events, including competing for the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather in January 2001!

On the heels of the previous year's triumphant event, it was decided that the contest would be held again. In September 2001, the second Mr. NJ Leather, Rob Carabelli, was selected from an eager group of candidates by an esteemed group of judges. The event, again held at Paradise, with the return appearance of Queen Cougar as hostess extraordinaire, exceeded the previous year in popularity. This year drew many return visitors as well a great number of new faces.

Rob went above and beyond all expectations in his representation of his title, traveling all over America, working to support the community through his unending charitable efforts, and making NJ proud by vying in 2002 for the coveted title of International Mr. Leather, held in Chicago, IL!

Sashed in October of 2002, Mr. NJ Leather 2003 Ross DeRose continued the work set in motion by the previous winners with no less than the same level of quality and dedication. Yet another NJ Leather title holder raised the bar and showed the greater leather community what integrity, love, determination, and a little kink thrown in for spice can do when put to good use!

DRAGONSLAIR Productions and New Jersey next marched forward into all new territory with the addition of a women's leather contest. The women's leather community in New Jersey stepped up to the plate and was ready to be counted. One very special woman, Storm, attained the honor of becoming the FIRST Ms New Jersey Leather, as well as going on to win the title of American Leatherwoman 2004, and stood in victory beside her brother J. Cooper, Mr. New Jersey Leather 2004.

2005 was another amazing year for the Mr. & Ms NJ Leather titles. Our Mr. NJ Leather 2005, Tom Mead, placed 2nd Runner Up at the Mid Atlantic Leather Contest. Even more amazing, New Jersey captured a national title for the second year running, as Ms NJ Leather 2005, Amanda "Pup" Farrell, became 2005's American Leatherwoman!

In 2006 we were very fortunate to have two very special individuals representing the leather community in our state. Both Tom Savage & heather "peanut" rovinsky worked throughout their title year to increase the visibility of NJ on the leather radar. Both grew tremendously as individuals during their year as well, something that often happens but is seldom acknowledged.

2007 brought us Chuck and boy robi, as our NJ Leather "ambassadors" for the year. Both worked hard here at home and abroad spreading their positive leather message. Now that their year is over, we know their efforts will continue to build and further our community, and we are proud of them!

For 2008, although a woman was not chosen as Ms NJ Leather, our Mr. NJ Leather, Spanky, more than made up for it! His popularity and seemingly endless energy did double-duty all year long. He continued to work hard both during his title year and beyond, going on to found the Jersey boys of Leather, and involving himself with the Imperial Court of New York and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Sadly in 2011 the community suffered a great loss as he succumbed to illness, but in his passing he left behind a legacy that spanned multiple communities, and touched many lives in ways both great and small.

In the fall of 2008, John Nowak and Caren Cunningham were chosen as the newest members of the NJ Leather title family. Sadly, Caren was lost before she had a chance to truly begin her year of work. She will be remembered always for her kindness and enthusiasm for life and all that it has to offer. In her stead, it was decided that our first runner up for the women's title, Sweet P, would assume the mantle and represent both Caren's spirit and her own hopes and aspirations in representing leather women in New Jersey for 2009.

In the tenth year of Mr. NJ Leather, Damian was chosen to hold the title. His youthful energy and enthusiasm was refreshing and was just what was needed as we moved into our second decade. Ms NJ Leather 2010, Morgaine, was a strong and motivated woman who touched and grew the women's community in a very meaningful way. Both have remained active in the community beyond their title years.

Robert Vitale and Lisa Clark are your titleholders for 2011. Robert is a founding member of the Jersey boys of Leather and as such brings a fresh "leatherboy'" perspective to Mr. NJ Leather as he represents the state this year. Lisa is a long time member of the leather community who through tremendous personal growth and achievement was able to realize her dream of becoming Ms NJ Leather, which has allowed her the opportunity to give back to the community that she feels has always been so supportive.

PAST TITLEHOLDERS

Mr. NJ Leather