Gay Porn at International Mr. Leather

Both times I've been to IML Weekend in Chicago, I've missed the actual International Mr. Leather Contest. The first time it was ignorance, this time a misplaced nap. After years of America's Next Top Model and Dog: The Bounty Hunter, I can be lulled into thinking that nothing at IML can shock me. Then it dawns on me that I have missed a contest where 40 percent of your score is based on a category called "Pecs and Personality." That's, um, like me 100 percent. I'm not sure I would score as well in "Leather Image."

The weekend is more than just one contest; there's a separate Bootblack contest, porn-filled parties (TItan, COLT, Falcon, All Worlds, Hot House, Raging Stallion and others who throw celebrations while in town for the Grabby's), nearly a dozen "Leather Recovery" meetings and a legendary Leather Market in the basement of the Palmer House Hilton. This year they threw in Bear Pride on the same weekend, just to be safe. Be forewarned: by Saturday morning, even the elevator buttons have lube on them. I can't say the pics below are any safer.

Pics and tricks after the jump...

The lobby of the Palmer House is the perfect staging ground for finessing one's "Leather Image." Love your hair, hope you win!

Titan Men Diesel Washington, Dean Flynn and Alex Barresi get close at the Titan Media booth.

The unflappable Will Clark strategizes with Michael Brandon outside of his all-day, porn-star-filled Recovery Brunch at the North End.

Dark Alley Media's Owen Hawk was left manning the booth while partner Matt Von Fistenberg (above on monitor) was filming Matt's Twenty Fist Weekend. Owen told me Matt was up to 11 fisters, but they were unsure whether or not to count a double fist as two or one toward the total.

In addition to being able to fist himself, Alex Collack takes a damn fine picture. I tried to make him do a bodybuilder's "crab" pose, but this was as close as he was willing to go.

Sister Roma! tests a sling out at the Leather Market while shooting the Tim and Roma Show

International Mr. Leather 2007 Mikel Gerle of Los Angeles. No bouquet of roses, but surely a rosebud somewhere in there. (from www.imrl.com)

-- Mike