The annual gathering of the leather tribe takes place in Chicago at the International Mr Leather event.
Founded by Chuck Renslow over 40 years ago, this year’s IML will be taking place from 23-27 May.
Held in downtown Chicago, the centrepiece of the event is the contest to be crowned International Mr Leather, and International Mr Bootblack.
Other highlights will include the vendors market which showcases specialist retailers from around the world, and the parties where the leather boys can all get a bit loose. Some of the parties that you’re going to want to be at include the Victory Party, Flashback, and the Black and Blue Ball.
A new event that’s been added to the schedule for this year is the Leather Bear Stampede – a dance-party held within the host hotel. You had us at Leather Bear.
IML is renowned for its relaxed and social atmosphere. Hang out in the hotel lobby and you’ll quickly be making new friends, or put Squirt.org to work and see who’s around for a hook-up.
Not sure if a leather convention is for you?
If you’ve never been to an event like IML, you might be a bit apprehensive or unsure if it’s the kind of thing where you’ll feel comfortable or if you’ll fit in. It’s normal to have a few nerves before trying something new, but an event like IML is a great introduction to the world of fetish. You’ll quickly realise that guys who are into leather are a surprisingly friendly bunch – despite the tough-guy image that they sometimes project. Plus, the structure of IML means that you can dip in and out of proceedings – go at your own pace, it doesn’t have to be total immersion.
What should I wear to IML?
One of the great things about IML is that it demonstrates that when it comes to leather or fetish, there’s not really any rules – it all comes down to what works for you. You can go full-on old-school leather, but there’s a huge range of variations of gear and fetish-wear. The main thing is to wear something that reflects who you are and what you want to present to the world. You want to feel sexy, to feel empowered. If you’re looking to add to your fetish-wear collection, then IML’s vendors market is a great chance to try on some new gear from specialist retailers and get inspired.
Are you going to IML?
Have you got your ticket for IML? Let us know which parties you’re going to, or share some photos of what you’ll be wearing. Feel free to slide into our DMs, or pound the comments below to let us know your plans. Are you an IML virgin, or are you an old-hand at the leather life? Is Chicago going to be a hook-up frenzy, or have you got a few regular fuck-buddies that you’re planning to reconnect with?
Come and see us!
Come and see us at the Squirt.org booth at IML! We’d love to admire your leather and talk fetish with you. You’ll find us in the Vendors Market.
Immerse yourself in the world of IML
Once upon a time IML meant something. I know as I was partnered with one of the Mr Toronto’s once. I see what It has become in the last 20 years and all I can say is that it is nothing more than another show. It has become just another form of “drag” sadly.
If you believe RuPaul’s philosophy, EVERYTHING is “just another form of drag.” (As the line goes, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.”)
Not my scene but I respect them and hope they have a lot of fun.
I love men in leather woof woof woof!!!!!
Come and see us at the Squirt.org booth at IML!
Just one many we ways our community celebrates our sexuality.
Hot
The leather guys are the sweetest! Seriously! I’ll be working the show again this year