For twenty years I have dismissed title contests. "Not for this Leatherman!" I often said. As a professional performer who traveled extensively in the nineties, I had no time. In subsequent years, I reasoned that I was too old. "What is the big deal anyway?" I asked myself. Also vying for the Northwest LeatherSir title, my Clan brother John, one of the newest members of the Dragons. A person that I did not know very well until this past weekend.
A title contest pushes contestants to the edge. After days and often weeks of preparation, contestants are asked to move quickly from one arena to another, from the very social Meet and Greet to the intensity of an interview facing a panel of judges. And then on stage in the spotlight, challenging even the seasoned performer. With limited time to eat and sleep, the weekend becomes a whirlwind of activities that continue almost non-stop until the Victory brunch on Sunday.
As energy wanes, contestants face challenges that are not apparent to those who have never participated in title contests. Questions arise within. Self doubt surfaces. Physical and emotional limitations come to the fore. And contestants find they must overcome the subsequent demons often while facing the unforgiving gaze of a bar crowd.
This pressure cooker brings contestants together for support. Exactly what happened this past weekend with John. As we walked back to The Cuff following our interviews on Saturday, I listened respectfully as he shared with me his personal feelings about Leather. And I answered his questions regarding my days as a rebellious and hard-playing boy. This was the beginning of a number of discussions that day that culminated in a greater understanding between us. A new bond between brothers.
While some may argue that titles no longer serve a purpose in the Leather community, I argue that they are worth it if only to bring contestants closer together. The bonds created are real. They are formed in the refiner's fire of public competition.
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