The fifth annual Philadelphia Leather Pride Night (PLPN), brainchild of Pantheon of Leather Woman of the Year 2013 and Mid-Atlantic Leatherwoman 2009 Cowboi Jen, assisted by tireless team of producers Tina, Passion, boy chris, and Aquiel, took place on November 9 at Voyeur nightclub, in the Gayborhood, and raised more than $10,000 for worthy organizations Leather Leadership Conference (LLC); the Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M), “protecting our heritage and unlocking our history,” represented by Executive Director Rick Storer; the nearby William Way LGBT Community Center; By the Grace of George, Jo Arnone’s charity assisting the disabled in caring for their pets; and, receiving funds raised by the silent auction, the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group’s Prevention Resource Network’s LGBTQ Youth Drop In Center, in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
The theme of PLPN 2013, which Cowboi Jen called “by far our best attended event,” was “Family” and it attracted some 300 Leathermen and women from as far away as Capetown, South Africa—Sir James AKA Leather Bat, a handsome, articulate transman, who ran for Mr. South Africa Leather 2012 and came away with the Mr. Congeniality title, and was guest speaker at the pre-PLPN volunteers dinner at iCandy nightclub—and Alaska—colorful International Ms. Leather 2013 Sahra Schaubach—as well as current titleholders from closer by, including Mr. and Ms. New Jersey Leather 2014 Keith and Nikki and Mr. Maryland Leather 2014 David Pfau. A parade of colors of clubs present and introduction of current titleholders were part of the evening
Bucks Motorcycle Club’s John Rivera-Ramos, Mr. NJ Leather 2001—the first—served as Master of Ceremonies for the proceedings. The centerpiece of the evening was a live auction of donated artwork; leather and fetish clothing, equipment, and accessories; jewelry; event tickets and hotel stays; books and videos; and gift baskets and the barker extraordinaire was ‘million dollar auctioneer’ Arnone, who presented the Jo Arnone Community Service Award to Jo Ann, from the Pennsmen Motorcycle Club. International Mr. Bootblack 2010 Tim Starkey, who passed away that day, was remembered here.
Entertainment was provided by this writer and baritone, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2001—the first—kicking off the evening singing “Over the Rainbow;” zaftig Lady Desire, who seduced us with “Teach Me Tonight” and coordinated performances by the Liberty City Kings burlesque troupe; Rasta Boy Punany; Dino Fontaine (“Masochism Tango”); Rough Rider (“Give it to me, baby” and “I’m in love with Mary Jane;” Ophelia Quigley, singing “I Want Some Sugar in My Bowl;” and standup comic Rodney Burger, from ShipMates, Baltimore. Debbie and Meredith signed the entire evening for the hearing impaired. The official after party took place at the Bike Stop and was hosted by the Keystone Boys of Leather.
LLC 2014, with a theme of “Faces of Freedom,” will take place in Philadelphia from April 11 to 13 and PLPN 2014 is set for November 8.