Press Release: Tampa Bay Leather n Fetish Pride 2011

From Matt Chief of the Tribe

The Tampa Bay Leather and Fetish Community came out in full force as they participated in the first Tampa Bay Leather n Fetish Pride event hosted by the Tampa Bay Leather Tribe November 11-13, 2011 at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg Florida.  The three - day Pride event also hosted the Tampa Bay LeatherSIR and Tampa Bay Leatherboy contest.

The overall attendance for the entire weekend was well above 1000 participants who took part in many of the activities.  Friday evening’s portion opened at sunset with the National Anthem, sung by Ft. Lauderdale’s Ms. Kitty, as the Pride board of directors raised the American flag a few hours earlier. The LeatherSIR and Leatherboy contest meet and greet followed.  Master of Ceremonies for the event was the one and only Bobby McKenzie, Mama’s Tampa Craftsman, Mr. Florida Leather 1996, and Co-Chair of the Tribe.  Matt Wolf, Mr. Gulf Coast Florida Leather 09, Chief of the Tribe, and Mama’s Muppet was presented the 2011 Florida Pantheon Regional Award by fellow Pantheon winners, Bill Hoeppner, Woodie Barnes, and Dave Watts. The evening continued with poolside demos which included fire play, rope suspension, food play, whips, and electro play. 

Saturday, participants attended three educational workshops as the contestants for the Tampa Bay LeatherSIR and Leatherboy concluded their interviews with the judges. The workshops were Safe, Sane, Consensual and RACK themed beginning with a health presentation on HIV/AIDS and Cancer, followed by a Leather History and Herstory panel lead by Caro, Ms. Olympus 2005 and Mama’s T Regina along with other Elders of the Community.  Lastly, the educational workshops concluded with a Sensation Station RACK - themed class allowing folks to explore new skills and forms of play. Along with various area vendors, demos continued throughout the course of the event as Saturday afternoon’s Living Memorial lead by Ross Scudder, member of Chicago’s Hellfire Club was held poolside at sunset. MCC Reverend Phyllis Hunt and the Tampa Order of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were present to assist.

Saturday evening opened the speech and jock portion of the Tampa Bay LeatherSIR/Leatherboy contest produced by Daddy Jeff, boy woodie and Sir Joseph. Tradition followed with the announcement of Tim Gill of Paragon Leather as winner of the 2011 Tampa Bay Brotherhood Award.  A special performance was given by renowned performer Cyon Flare as DJ Phil DaBeatz (Chicago) spun till the late hours. The Leather Tribe is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Tampa Bay LeatherSIR/Leatherboy contest, Sir Frank and boy rick, who will go on to represent the Tampa Bay Community at the 2012 Florida Regional LeatherSIR/Leatherboy contest in February. (FLLeathersir.com)

The Co-Chief of the Tribe announced and awarded the Bill “Trooper” Boyd “Best in Show” Memorial award to Pup Flip for his outstanding service as a puppy and for continuing the tradition Bill began as “Best in Show” at IML 31.  Over 30 Leather Brothers and Sisters gathered for a Mama’s Family photo before the Sunday’s Family Luncheon/Contest Victory Party and further award announcements. The Community Choice award was presented to Puppy Graphics for outstanding dedication to the community and the Tampa Bay Leather Tribe Chief’s award was given to Tim Gill for his dedication towards increasing communication, helping to educate, and unifying the Community. Checks in excess of $500.00 were presented to the event-designated charities. Sunday’s luncheon was followed by a Military themed T-Dance and an afternoon of entertainment with a concert performed by Cyon Flare along with Tampa’s own Leather Drag Kamden Cass and the Face of the Flamingo Resort, Alexis De Lamar.

The Tribe is pleased to announce the date for next year’s event has been set for November 9-11, 2012 as we continue to help increase communication, awareness, and education throughout the Community locally, regionally, and nationally.  We are also pleased to announce that we will be holding the International Puppy Contest.