Happy IML everyone! Whether you’re going to be in Chicago, or just there in spirit, International Mr. Leather is the annual gathering of the fetish tribe.
What’s IML?
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 vendor 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.
Come and meet our boys!
Squirt.org will be hosting one of the booths in the Vendor Market, and we’re bringing along some boys to help celebrate our love of leather.
Here’s who you’ll be able to meet at the Squirt.org booth at IML this year:
A 22-year-old Latino escort from Chicago.
You’ll have seen Lawrence Portland in productions from Hot House, Breed It Raw, Icon Male, Lucas, and Men.com. This is your chance to meet him in person.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends…” said Larence, as we talked about his expectations for his first experience of IML. “Fetish scenarios can help make our fantasies come true by being in the moment. Although I’m vegan, I can still appreciate that a man looks good in leather.”
Scott DeMarco has been fuelling our fantasies in productions from Men.com, SkynMen, plus his JustFor.Fans game is strong.
“This is my first time coming to IML, but I’ve been to similar events before such as MAL and Folsom Street Fair…” explained Scott. “I love coming to these conventions because it allows me to connect and make new friends in this community. Honestly, who doesn’t feel sexy in leather? It’s dark, masculine, empowering and it has built an interesting and impactful community of people of all genders who share the same enthusiasm for it. It’s also been a great gateway to explore other fetishes and kinks I might have otherwise been too hesitant or uninformed to try. I still consider myself pretty mild, but I’ve had a few opportunities to try out other things – like pup play, latex, and bondage – all thanks to leather.”
One of the spokesmen for our #CensorshipSucks, Jack Andy always has our attention.
“Although this will be my first IML, but I’m expecting a similar event to MAL where I really love the uninhibited sexual nature of the crowd as well as gathering together with my friends – and balancing the time out between the two…” explained Jack. “I love the way I look in a good knee-high pair of gothic boots. I have a fetish for them. I don’t have many fetishes – unless you count cum, so that’s two fetishes. I’m more empathetic – I can feel someone getting turned on and it turns me on. That’s what I love about fetishes, because when I know how to work them over it makes it so much better for me.”
One of the stars of JockPussy, come and meet Luke Hudson.
“The best part of IML, without a doubt, is the unity it gives people who might feel outcast because of their fetishes or all the leather they own…” explains Luke. “It gives everyone a chance to explore this part of their sexuality without the fear of judgement. What I love about both leather and fetish is that since it’s defined by each person who employs it, there are countless ways to go about it. Aside from the obvious, there’s no way to go wrong! You just do what’s comfortable – or uncomfortable – and sexy, either by the book or by making it entirely your own.”
Cody Smith
You’ve seen him on Active Duty and Bromo, now come and admire his ink up close.
“This is my first time at IML…” explained Cody, when I asked him about his expectations for the event. “While I’ve followed the event, I’ve never had a chance to participate before, but I’m very excited to be among fellow fetish guys! Leather, whips, chains – it’s all been a part of my sex life for many years, and I’ve shot some BDSM-oriented scenes, so I can honestly say that I’m into all of what IML has to offer.”
Fetish specialist Marq Solez is bringing his love of kink to Chicago. We’re big fans of his feet.
“My favorite thing about IML is getting to see friends and also make new friends with like-minded interests…” confirms Marq. “What I love about fetish is sex. Being free to explore and be sexually open to experiences. I love the look of leather and gear on men. It’s masculine and very sexy, and they both just go hand-in-hand. Kinky men have the most fun.”
Originally from Venezuela, Dart is going to be bringing every inch of his body to Chicago for IML.
“Leather makes us all look sexy – no matter your race, body type, or personality…” explained Dart, when I asked him about what he was looking forward to at IML. “What I love most is to meet guys from all over the world – it’s an awesome feeling.”
Fisting specialist Luka Sage is bringing his big-cock challenge to Chicago.
“My favorite thing about IML is how people are brought together to enjoy themselves for a weekend…” explained Luka, when I asked him about what he was looking forward to at the event. “The thing I love about leather and fetish is the style it carries – it’s more of a masculine, kind of dark tone.”
You’ll be familiar with Max Jay’s work from Broke Straight Boys. Based in Chicago, Max is also a dancer.
“I love how dominant leather makes me feel, when I have it on…” explains Max, when I ask him about the appeal of fetish gear. “IML is great because there’s never any judgement – everyone is just free and open.”
Not my scene but, some cute guys here.
Heard the event is great. As far as this selection goes? Jack Andy & Luke Hudson. Pass on the rest.
Kind of funny how this set is a presentation for International Mr Leather and most of the guys in the individual photo sets aren’t sporting any leather. I understand that the models don’t really need to be “in” leather for the sets but, especially the guys who speak well of the scene or material, you’d think they’d have some pics that could’ve been pulled for the set.
And, what exactly is “International Mr Bootblack?” I mean, I know what a traditional bootblack is/was but what does it mean in connection to IML?
None for me 🙁
Back in the day one of the Mr Torontos and I had the benefit of having our journeys entwine. BACK in the day is the operative here. I look at this and now can only think….just another drag show.
Interesting how an escort will be at The Squirt Booth at IML, yet escort/massage ads are restricted on the site.
Pass
Variety leather men.
Hot set something for everyone
The leather community is one of the sweetest among the LGBT community