2006 Gay Leather Contest Switches Locations
Out In America
CHICAGO – The world’s leathermen will come together in Chicago to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather, May 25-29.
IML has announced a new location for the 28th annual contest at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street. The new contest venue is located just blocks from this year’s host hotel, The Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. Comedian and entertainer Bruce Vilanch is confirmed as the headline entertainment at this year’s contest.
About 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. The event has grown to be an annual tradition for the leather community drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for only “hardcore” leathermen, IML has expanded to include a more diverse crowd from the experienced to the curious. Last year’s event drew more than 15,000 leatherfolk from around the globe.
International Mr. Leather contestants are judged on a variety of criteria including community involvement, speech, presentation and overall presence. The winner of the IML 2006 Contest will receive a prize package consisting of donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather community. Complete contestant information, including contestant applications, can be found at www.imrl.com.
Michael Egdes, Mr. Ramrod 2004, was named International Mr. Leather 2005, winning over a field of 52 contestants from six countries, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. Dodger Allen, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2005, was named first runner up. Alan J. Bowers, M.D., Mr. Louisiana Leather 2005, was named second runner up.
Weekend event packages and hotel packages for International Mr. Leather 2006 are currently on sale.
For more information on International Mr. Leather 2006, visit www.imrl.com.
