BIO: I am a 40 year old single gay male, living with HIV. I have been active in the gay lifestyle since 1980 and into Leather for 10 years. I was born and grew up in Broken Arrow, graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1994. While at OU, I was active in campus politics, wrote an editorial column for The Oklahoma Daily and co-Chaired the Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual student organization. I have been HIV+ since 1986.

Q.  What motivated you to compete in Mr. Sooner State Leather?

A.  I have had an affair with Leather for several years but never really was that interested in the "contest thing" other than attending them as a social event. Last year, a dear friend and mentor of mine, Ron Greenwood, asked me to be a judge in the Mr. Tulsa Leather 2001 contest. I had a great time and for the first time realized that I knew more about the Leather lifestyle than I previously thought. This year, during the drive to South Plains Leatherfest, I mentioned to a couple of people that I would like to look into entering a contest, perhaps Sooner State 2002. Less than a month later those same people approached me and urged me to enter Sooner State this year. After some convincing and overcoming my own doubts, I decided to enter. No one could have been more surprised than me when I won.

Q.  What is your platform for your title year and how do you intend on carrying it out?

A.  There are a couple of things I would like to get done this year. First I would like to try to better unite the Tulsa and Oklahoma City Leather Communities and second I would like to help develop a fund that would assist people living with AIDS and HIV infection maintain their COBRA insurance should they find themselves unemployed. Medications for HIV can cost upwards of $1100 a month without insurance and COBRA payments can be as little as $200. COBRA, if you are unaware, is the Federal law that allows you maintain your company's health plan for up to 18 months should you leave your job. If you maintain your insurance coverage, your next health plan must accept all pre-existing medical conditions, including HIV infection and AIDS without undergoing a waiting period. Should you have no insurance coverage or have allowed your previous healthcare plan to lapse you could be required to wait up to 6 months without treatment before your new insurance will begin to cover a pre-existing condition. For a person with HIV infection or AIDS, 6 months without treatment could mean the difference between life and death. To me it seems to make more sense to help them maintain a $200 monthly COBRA payment than have a person pay the $1100 for meds that will keep them alive or even worse do without because they cannot afford them.
I have been in contact with a few of the AIDS support organizations here in Oklahoma City and they all think the idea is a good one, now its a matter of setting up the guidelines and securing the funding. The State of Oklahoma is also working on a similar fund, but the last I heard, it is not yet ready to begin distributing funds.

Q.  Have you had any significant experiences so far as Mr. Sooner State Leather?

A.   I think the most significant experience I have had as Mr. Sooner State Leather 2001 was my trip to Chicago this year for IML. After arriving in Chicago, I signed up to do some volunteer work for the contest, and fell into the choicest and most sought after job a volunteer could have. By nothing but pure luck, when I arrived in the volunteer office for my first assignment a minor emergency came up and someone could not do the job they had been assigned. As it turned out, Joey McDonald, the Volunteer Coordinator needed someone to guard the dressing room door during the physique portion of the contest. I got to meet the Judges and all the Contestants, not to mention watch 62 of the hottest leathermen in the world get dressed! I had a great time and really enjoyed my interaction with the Contestants and other Contestant Hosts. The next day, I was thanking Walter Klingler, the Den Daddy, for the wonderful opportunity I had to serve him and the Contestants and he informed me that a couple members of his crew were not going to be able to make it to the main contest and that because of the good job I had done the night before and the rapport I had with the Contestants he asked if I would be interested in helping out in the dressing rooms backstage. Would I? You could have knocked me over with a feather. I jumped at the chance. Thirty minutes later, I was on the bus with the Contestants and other Contestant Hosts headed for the Congress Theatre. What an experience! I got to meet and assist the greatest group of men one could ever want to know and I was allowed to witness and be a small part of the camaraderie that was the IML class of 2001. After the contest I even got to spend a couple of hours with one of our tribes most respected members, but that's a story I cannot go into. I would like to take this opportunity thank him again for the invaluable lessons he shared with me that evening.

Q.  What attracted you to the leather lifestyle and how has that attraction grown or changed for you as the years pass?

A.   I think the first thing that attracted me to Leather and the Leather Lifestyle was, of course, the hot men! But as I have grown older my attraction has grown and changed and the thing that attracts me now to the lifestyle is the honesty and openness about ones needs and desires, both emotionally and physically. There seem to be, at least for me, less head games and more honesty than you find in the vanilla world. Here in the world of kink you can state your desires and interests without fear of reprisal and complete rejection. You have the opportunity to try things and explore parts of your own psyche that the vanilla world might wonder about but never explore. I have learned more about myself and my desires and through hours of introspection have learned the source of those desires.

Q.  Where do you see the Oklahoma leather community going in the next few years? Why?

A.   I see the Oklahoma Leather Community becoming more diverse and compartmentalized. I foresee a more diverse set of groups both pan-sexual and single-sexual as our numbers increase, each addressing its own set of specialization and kink. I think this is the logical progression of our community as we grow in number. You see this in larger communities such as Dallas and Houston, and I foresee it occurring here in Oklahoma as well, although not to the extent that you might find in larger cities.

Q.  What do you like to do outside of the leather community?

A.   My interests include motorcycles, leathercraft and woodworking. I make my own paddles and have done some custom work for others. I've been making them for about four years. I got started after I saw a paddle a friend had purchased online from one of the major dealers. I really liked it but thought I could make a better one for less money. I have since made about 40 different paddles. Most I have given away to people who I've played with, I've sold a few and donated several to different fundraising baskets. Over the years I have experimented with different woods, shapes, lengths and have come up with several different sizes and shapes that each provide a different sensation and varying degrees of thunk vs. sting. The more I make the more I realize that this is as much a science as making floggers, something I think you would appreciate, knowing your reputation for flogging. What is your favorite kind of paddle? That depends, favorite to make or have used on me? My favorite to make are decorative or presentation paddles, I usually use Cherry or Black Walnut, they are both beautiful woods and it is a real pleasure to work with the wood and create something that highlights it's natural beauty. As to being used on me, there is nothing better that the old fashioned Oak or Maple paddle. They are both hard woods that can deliver a good balance of sting and thunk without being overly cumbersome. My personal paddle is a 23" Maple with a natural finish. It is one I'll never sell or give away, not only because I like its effect but because it also carries a brand from Peter Fiske who was kind enough to mark it for me after we completed a branding demo this year in Oklahoma City. After he marked me, he marked my paddle.

Q.  Who would be the person that influenced your life the most as a leather person?Why?

A.   That would have to be Ron Greenwood, We have known each other since the early '80's. I consider him not only a dear friend but a mentor as well. The best piece of advice he has ever given me concerning my life and my leather was when I consulted him before entering Mr. Sooner State Leather 2001. He told me "Leather is not what you wear, it's what's in your Mind and in your Heart". Those words have sustained me and remind me daily what its all about.

Ms. World Leather 2001 Itinerary

Annie Romano, who has recently been sashed as the 1st MsWL on September 1st looks like she will be very busy this fall. Here is here initial itinerary.

9/28 - 9/30 - Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco, CA 10/4 - 10/8 - International Drummer, St. Petersburg, FL 10/20 - Women's High Tea for Lupus Foundation - San Diego, CA 10/25 - 10/30 - WALP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 11/2 - 11/4 - Ms. San Diego Leather Contest, San Diego, CA 11/9 - 11/11 - Creating Change, Milwaukee, WI

"Blame"
By Lynette Hadlock and llamb

I received an email the other day that was sent to over 100 people and CC'ed to another 100. The first thing I thought of was junk mail or "spam". I normally blow these out immediately, but for some reason I took the time to open this one up and read it. It dealt with events surrounding the World Trade Center attacks. The email was titled Hate Monger. I did not want to believe what I read assuming it was made up, as most "spam" usually is. I spent the next few hours tracking sources down to find out it was true. The first thought that came to me was this is no different than the tactics of Hitler.

After WWI, the Treaty of Versailles required that Germany be split up into smaller countries and to pay for the costs of the war. The costs were great and they had little funds to pay while the rest of the world, especially America, had a lot of money to loan them. The cycle started. Germany got loans to pay the reparations. When the loans came due, they easily got loans to pay the loans. You can quickly relate to the pitfall today of using credit cards to pay previous credit card bills. It is an endless spiral ending in bankruptcy. Sitting in the middle of all these loans were the Jews. The banking industry of pre-WWII Germany had a high number of Jewish running and controlling the banks. It is not much different than when we think of the diamond trade of today. The Jews do not own the diamond industry, nor are all Jews diamond traders. It is just a mindset we tend to think of when we think of Jews. It is a stereotype or mindset.

The spiral of getting loans to pay for other loans created "super-inflation." We have gone through inflation, but at its highest during recent times, it has only been 12% or so. Super-inflation is measured in 100's, sometimes 1000's of percent! Cost of goods literally doubled within hours. Germans who had saved their entire lifetime to build up a nest egg to retire suddenly found their entire fortunes could not buy a loaf of bread. This super-inflation affected other countries, since it was their loans that were defaulted. The world slipped into a depression.

Germans had lost entire life savings within a day. They were looking for answers. An answer was offered up in the form of Adolph Hitler. He brought up the fact that Germany was broken up into little countries so they would not be as powerful as they were before WWI. He brought up lost life savings. And he even brought up someone to easily blame it on…the Jews. Most of Germany's blight was financial and the Jews ran the financial industry. They were obviously the guilty ones. This is the rhetoric Hitler used. When you are down, it seems easier to accept this type of leadership, especially when you have someone else to blame it on.

What a lot of people have a tendency to forget is that the concentration camps were not only filled with Jews. They were the first and largest population, but they were not the only ones. Negroes were eventually targeted. Gays were targeted. Even church leaders and Masons eventually ended up in the camps. Basically anybody or group who was felt as a threat and could organize a group.

I once read an article that started out with, "they came for the Jews, but I did not stand up and say anything, because I was not Jewish." It ends with, "and then they came for me, and there was no one left to stand up for me." A Protestant Minister wrote it after the war. While I do not have the article, I am certain most people have read it and know it.

So what's the point in this little history lesson? A man (Hitler), who had great oratory skills took a bad situation (super inflation), came up with an answer (retake the land Germany lost), found someone to blame (Jews), and lead a nation (Germany) into WWII with all the atrocities that came out of those concentration camps.

On September 11th, America was attacked by terrorist. As of today, the death toll is over 5,500 people. The biggest single terrorist attack on American soil. America is hurting over a bad situation. We want answers. We want someone to blame. We are looking to leadership to give us direction.

There are a few disturbing things that are coming out right now. Middle Eastern people in America are being attacked. We want answers and someone to blame. Some of these Middle Eastern people were born in America. The only homeland they know is America. They are innocent victims some people want to blame. Luckily, most of us realize this is wrong.

Another disturbing thought is a poll was taken shortly after the terrorist attacks. "Would we as Americans be willing to sacrifice a few freedoms to ensure safety?" It is amazing but a majority of those polled said yes. The attacks were terrible and we would be willing to give up some of our freedoms to get security. We are hurting. We are seeking answers. We want someone to blame. And we are willing to give up freedoms to get it.

On September 13, during a interview on the 700 Club, Dr. Jerry Falwell said the following to Pat Roberts, "And, I know that I'll hear from them for this. But, throwing God out successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools. The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen'."

Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson (he eventually agrees with this during the interview) now blame the ACLU, PFAW, pagans, abortionist, feminists, gays and lesbians for the bombing of the World Trade Center and all possible future attacks. Jerry Falwell has been spewing bigoted remarks about gays and lesbians for the last 15 or so years. Now gays and lesbians are blamed for terrorist attacks as punishment from God? I am not advocating that Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell will be the next Adolph Hitler, but their rhetoric is every bit as dangerous. Germans needed someone to blame and Hitler gave them the Jews, we need someone to blame and Robertson and Falwell offer up feminists, gays, and lesbians.

There are 2 things I am advocating. One, do not give up freedoms so easily. The Attorney General has asked for easing of wiretap requirements and other restrictions. We are not only saying yes, we are screaming YES. We want answers; we want someone to blame, and are willing to give up freedoms to get it. Freedom needs to be cherished. It was fought for by Americans before we were even born. The freedoms we enjoy were inherited from our forefathers. Do not blindly give them up in hopes of getting an illusion of security. There is a risk in a society that allows its people to move freely around without government oversight. But that risk should not overshadow the basic freedom that spawns it. We need to address that risk, but not by throwing away freedoms.

The second issue is rights of a group. To blatantly blame a certain sector of society for a terrorist attack is wrong. Hitler took super inflation and blamed it on the Jews. Falwell and Robertson are taking the terrorist attacks and blaming gays and lesbians. They have taken a bad situation and are using it to promote their own agenda. What is equally disturbing is that they felt comfortable enough to even voice this as a possibility. Have we gone so far as to even think this would be an acceptable proposal? The rights of me, you, and any group needs to safeguarded. While you may not be a part of a particular group or even completely believe in their cause, the right of that group or any group must be protected. Just as that Protestant Minister stated, "they came for the Jews…" we must be careful we do not end up writing something similar in a few years ourselves. Do not walk away from the next demonstration or gay pride parade because you are not gay and their rights do not matter. As the Protestant Minister found out, their rights eventually did matter. We are hurting now. We are looking for answers and someone to blame. Unfortunately, there are some willing to take advantage of a terrible situation for their own gain. Do not remain quiet. Do not think it does not matter. Speak out for they are willing to.

Monday vs. Tuesday Author Unknown

On Monday there were people fighting against praying in schools On Tuesday you would have been hard pressed to find a school where someone was not praying

On Monday there were people who were trying to separate each other by race, sex, color and creed On Tuesday they were all holding hands

On Monday we thought that we were secure On Tuesday we learned better

On Monday we were talking about heroes as being athletes On Tuesday we relearned what hero meant

On Monday people went to work at the world trade centers as usual On Tuesday they died

On Monday people were fighting the 10 commandments on government property On Tuesday the same people all said 'God help us all' while thinking 'Thou shall not kill'

On Monday people argued with their kids about picking up their room On Tuesday the same people could not get home fast enough to hug their kids

On Monday people picked up McDonalds for dinner On Tuesday they stayed home

On Monday people were upset that their dry cleaning was not ready on time On Tuesday they were lining up to give blood for the dying

On Monday politicians argued about budget surpluses On Tuesday grief stricken they sang 'God Bless America'

On Monday we worried about the traffic and getting to work late On Tuesday we worried about a plane crashing into your house or place of business

On Monday we were irritated that our rebate checks had not arrived On Tuesday we saw people celebrating people dying in the USA

On Monday some children had solid families On Tuesday they were orphans

On Monday the president was going to Florida to read to children On Tuesday he returned to Washington to protect our children

On Monday we emailed jokes On Tuesday we did not

It is sadly ironic how it takes horrific events to place things into perspective, but it has. The lessons learned this week, the things we have taken for granted, the things that have been forgotten or overlooked, hopefully will never be forgotten again.

On Monday - pray and be thankful On Tuesday - pray and be thankful On Wednesday - pray and be thankful On Thursday - pray and be thankful On Friday - pray and be thankful On Saturday - pray and be thankful On Sunday - pray and be thankful

BIO: I am a 40 year old single gay male, living with HIV. I have been active in the gay lifestyle since 1980 and into Leather for 10 years. I was born and grew up in Broken Arrow, graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1994. While at OU, I was active in campus politics, wrote an editorial column for The Oklahoma Daily and co-Chaired the Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual student organization. I have been HIV+ since 1986.

Q.  What motivated you to compete in Mr. Sooner State Leather?

A.  I have had an affair with Leather for several years but never really was that interested in the "contest thing" other than attending them as a social event. Last year, a dear friend and mentor of mine, Ron Greenwood, asked me to be a judge in the Mr. Tulsa Leather 2001 contest. I had a great time and for the first time realized that I knew more about the Leather lifestyle than I previously thought. This year, during the drive to South Plains Leatherfest, I mentioned to a couple of people that I would like to look into entering a contest, perhaps Sooner State 2002. Less than a month later those same people approached me and urged me to enter Sooner State this year. After some convincing and overcoming my own doubts, I decided to enter. No one could have been more surprised than me when I won.

Q.  What is your platform for your title year and how do you intend on carrying it out?

A.  There are a couple of things I would like to get done this year. First I would like to try to better unite the Tulsa and Oklahoma City Leather Communities and second I would like to help develop a fund that would assist people living with AIDS and HIV infection maintain their COBRA insurance should they find themselves unemployed. Medications for HIV can cost upwards of $1100 a month without insurance and COBRA payments can be as little as $200. COBRA, if you are unaware, is the Federal law that allows you maintain your company's health plan for up to 18 months should you leave your job. If you maintain your insurance coverage, your next health plan must accept all pre-existing medical conditions, including HIV infection and AIDS without undergoing a waiting period. Should you have no insurance coverage or have allowed your previous healthcare plan to lapse you could be required to wait up to 6 months without treatment before your new insurance will begin to cover a pre-existing condition. For a person with HIV infection or AIDS, 6 months without treatment could mean the difference between life and death. To me it seems to make more sense to help them maintain a $200 monthly COBRA payment than have a person pay the $1100 for meds that will keep them alive or even worse do without because they cannot afford them.
I have been in contact with a few of the AIDS support organizations here in Oklahoma City and they all think the idea is a good one, now its a matter of setting up the guidelines and securing the funding. The State of Oklahoma is also working on a similar fund, but the last I heard, it is not yet ready to begin distributing funds.

Q.  Have you had any significant experiences so far as Mr. Sooner State Leather?

A.   I think the most significant experience I have had as Mr. Sooner State Leather 2001 was my trip to Chicago this year for IML. After arriving in Chicago, I signed up to do some volunteer work for the contest, and fell into the choicest and most sought after job a volunteer could have. By nothing but pure luck, when I arrived in the volunteer office for my first assignment a minor emergency came up and someone could not do the job they had been assigned. As it turned out, Joey McDonald, the Volunteer Coordinator needed someone to guard the dressing room door during the physique portion of the contest. I got to meet the Judges and all the Contestants, not to mention watch 62 of the hottest leathermen in the world get dressed! I had a great time and really enjoyed my interaction with the Contestants and other Contestant Hosts. The next day, I was thanking Walter Klingler, the Den Daddy, for the wonderful opportunity I had to serve him and the Contestants and he informed me that a couple members of his crew were not going to be able to make it to the main contest and that because of the good job I had done the night before and the rapport I had with the Contestants he asked if I would be interested in helping out in the dressing rooms backstage. Would I? You could have knocked me over with a feather. I jumped at the chance. Thirty minutes later, I was on the bus with the Contestants and other Contestant Hosts headed for the Congress Theatre. What an experience! I got to meet and assist the greatest group of men one could ever want to know and I was allowed to witness and be a small part of the camaraderie that was the IML class of 2001. After the contest I even got to spend a couple of hours with one of our tribes most respected members, but that's a story I cannot go into. I would like to take this opportunity thank him again for the invaluable lessons he shared with me that evening.

Q.  What attracted you to the leather lifestyle and how has that attraction grown or changed for you as the years pass?

A.   I think the first thing that attracted me to Leather and the Leather Lifestyle was, of course, the hot men! But as I have grown older my attraction has grown and changed and the thing that attracts me now to the lifestyle is the honesty and openness about ones needs and desires, both emotionally and physically. There seem to be, at least for me, less head games and more honesty than you find in the vanilla world. Here in the world of kink you can state your desires and interests without fear of reprisal and complete rejection. You have the opportunity to try things and explore parts of your own psyche that the vanilla world might wonder about but never explore. I have learned more about myself and my desires and through hours of introspection have learned the source of those desires.

Q.  Where do you see the Oklahoma leather community going in the next few years? Why?

A.   I see the Oklahoma Leather Community becoming more diverse and compartmentalized. I foresee a more diverse set of groups both pan-sexual and single-sexual as our numbers increase, each addressing its own set of specialization and kink. I think this is the logical progression of our community as we grow in number. You see this in larger communities such as Dallas and Houston, and I foresee it occurring here in Oklahoma as well, although not to the extent that you might find in larger cities.

Q.  What do you like to do outside of the leather community?

A.   My interests include motorcycles, leathercraft and woodworking. I make my own paddles and have done some custom work for others. I've been making them for about four years. I got started after I saw a paddle a friend had purchased online from one of the major dealers. I really liked it but thought I could make a better one for less money. I have since made about 40 different paddles. Most I have given away to people who I've played with, I've sold a few and donated several to different fundraising baskets. Over the years I have experimented with different woods, shapes, lengths and have come up with several different sizes and shapes that each provide a different sensation and varying degrees of thunk vs. sting. The more I make the more I realize that this is as much a science as making floggers, something I think you would appreciate, knowing your reputation for flogging. What is your favorite kind of paddle? That depends, favorite to make or have used on me? My favorite to make are decorative or presentation paddles, I usually use Cherry or Black Walnut, they are both beautiful woods and it is a real pleasure to work with the wood and create something that highlights it's natural beauty. As to being used on me, there is nothing better that the old fashioned Oak or Maple paddle. They are both hard woods that can deliver a good balance of sting and thunk without being overly cumbersome. My personal paddle is a 23" Maple with a natural finish. It is one I'll never sell or give away, not only because I like its effect but because it also carries a brand from Peter Fiske who was kind enough to mark it for me after we completed a branding demo this year in Oklahoma City. After he marked me, he marked my paddle.

Q.  Who would be the person that influenced your life the most as a leather person?Why?

A.   That would have to be Ron Greenwood, We have known each other since the early '80's. I consider him not only a dear friend but a mentor as well. The best piece of advice he has ever given me concerning my life and my leather was when I consulted him before entering Mr. Sooner State Leather 2001. He told me "Leather is not what you wear, it's what's in your Mind and in your Heart". Those words have sustained me and remind me daily what its all about.

Ms. World Leather 2001 Itinerary

Annie Romano, who has recently been sashed as the 1st MsWL on September 1st looks like she will be very busy this fall. Here is here initial itinerary.

9/28 - 9/30 - Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco, CA 10/4 - 10/8 - International Drummer, St. Petersburg, FL 10/20 - Women's High Tea for Lupus Foundation - San Diego, CA 10/25 - 10/30 - WALP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 11/2 - 11/4 - Ms. San Diego Leather Contest, San Diego, CA 11/9 - 11/11 - Creating Change, Milwaukee, WI

"Blame"
By Lynette Hadlock and llamb

I received an email the other day that was sent to over 100 people and CC'ed to another 100. The first thing I thought of was junk mail or "spam". I normally blow these out immediately, but for some reason I took the time to open this one up and read it. It dealt with events surrounding the World Trade Center attacks. The email was titled Hate Monger. I did not want to believe what I read assuming it was made up, as most "spam" usually is. I spent the next few hours tracking sources down to find out it was true. The first thought that came to me was this is no different than the tactics of Hitler.

After WWI, the Treaty of Versailles required that Germany be split up into smaller countries and to pay for the costs of the war. The costs were great and they had little funds to pay while the rest of the world, especially America, had a lot of money to loan them. The cycle started. Germany got loans to pay the reparations. When the loans came due, they easily got loans to pay the loans. You can quickly relate to the pitfall today of using credit cards to pay previous credit card bills. It is an endless spiral ending in bankruptcy. Sitting in the middle of all these loans were the Jews. The banking industry of pre-WWII Germany had a high number of Jewish running and controlling the banks. It is not much different than when we think of the diamond trade of today. The Jews do not own the diamond industry, nor are all Jews diamond traders. It is just a mindset we tend to think of when we think of Jews. It is a stereotype or mindset.

The spiral of getting loans to pay for other loans created "super-inflation." We have gone through inflation, but at its highest during recent times, it has only been 12% or so. Super-inflation is measured in 100's, sometimes 1000's of percent! Cost of goods literally doubled within hours. Germans who had saved their entire lifetime to build up a nest egg to retire suddenly found their entire fortunes could not buy a loaf of bread. This super-inflation affected other countries, since it was their loans that were defaulted. The world slipped into a depression.

Germans had lost entire life savings within a day. They were looking for answers. An answer was offered up in the form of Adolph Hitler. He brought up the fact that Germany was broken up into little countries so they would not be as powerful as they were before WWI. He brought up lost life savings. And he even brought up someone to easily blame it on…the Jews. Most of Germany's blight was financial and the Jews ran the financial industry. They were obviously the guilty ones. This is the rhetoric Hitler used. When you are down, it seems easier to accept this type of leadership, especially when you have someone else to blame it on.

What a lot of people have a tendency to forget is that the concentration camps were not only filled with Jews. They were the first and largest population, but they were not the only ones. Negroes were eventually targeted. Gays were targeted. Even church leaders and Masons eventually ended up in the camps. Basically anybody or group who was felt as a threat and could organize a group.

I once read an article that started out with, "they came for the Jews, but I did not stand up and say anything, because I was not Jewish." It ends with, "and then they came for me, and there was no one left to stand up for me." A Protestant Minister wrote it after the war. While I do not have the article, I am certain most people have read it and know it.

So what's the point in this little history lesson? A man (Hitler), who had great oratory skills took a bad situation (super inflation), came up with an answer (retake the land Germany lost), found someone to blame (Jews), and lead a nation (Germany) into WWII with all the atrocities that came out of those concentration camps.

On September 11th, America was attacked by terrorist. As of today, the death toll is over 5,500 people. The biggest single terrorist attack on American soil. America is hurting over a bad situation. We want answers. We want someone to blame. We are looking to leadership to give us direction.

There are a few disturbing things that are coming out right now. Middle Eastern people in America are being attacked. We want answers and someone to blame. Some of these Middle Eastern people were born in America. The only homeland they know is America. They are innocent victims some people want to blame. Luckily, most of us realize this is wrong.

Another disturbing thought is a poll was taken shortly after the terrorist attacks. "Would we as Americans be willing to sacrifice a few freedoms to ensure safety?" It is amazing but a majority of those polled said yes. The attacks were terrible and we would be willing to give up some of our freedoms to get security. We are hurting. We are seeking answers. We want someone to blame. And we are willing to give up freedoms to get it.

On September 13, during a interview on the 700 Club, Dr. Jerry Falwell said the following to Pat Roberts, "And, I know that I'll hear from them for this. But, throwing God out successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools. The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen'."

Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson (he eventually agrees with this during the interview) now blame the ACLU, PFAW, pagans, abortionist, feminists, gays and lesbians for the bombing of the World Trade Center and all possible future attacks. Jerry Falwell has been spewing bigoted remarks about gays and lesbians for the last 15 or so years. Now gays and lesbians are blamed for terrorist attacks as punishment from God? I am not advocating that Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell will be the next Adolph Hitler, but their rhetoric is every bit as dangerous. Germans needed someone to blame and Hitler gave them the Jews, we need someone to blame and Robertson and Falwell offer up feminists, gays, and lesbians.

There are 2 things I am advocating. One, do not give up freedoms so easily. The Attorney General has asked for easing of wiretap requirements and other restrictions. We are not only saying yes, we are screaming YES. We want answers; we want someone to blame, and are willing to give up freedoms to get it. Freedom needs to be cherished. It was fought for by Americans before we were even born. The freedoms we enjoy were inherited from our forefathers. Do not blindly give them up in hopes of getting an illusion of security. There is a risk in a society that allows its people to move freely around without government oversight. But that risk should not overshadow the basic freedom that spawns it. We need to address that risk, but not by throwing away freedoms.

The second issue is rights of a group. To blatantly blame a certain sector of society for a terrorist attack is wrong. Hitler took super inflation and blamed it on the Jews. Falwell and Robertson are taking the terrorist attacks and blaming gays and lesbians. They have taken a bad situation and are using it to promote their own agenda. What is equally disturbing is that they felt comfortable enough to even voice this as a possibility. Have we gone so far as to even think this would be an acceptable proposal? The rights of me, you, and any group needs to safeguarded. While you may not be a part of a particular group or even completely believe in their cause, the right of that group or any group must be protected. Just as that Protestant Minister stated, "they came for the Jews…" we must be careful we do not end up writing something similar in a few years ourselves. Do not walk away from the next demonstration or gay pride parade because you are not gay and their rights do not matter. As the Protestant Minister found out, their rights eventually did matter. We are hurting now. We are looking for answers and someone to blame. Unfortunately, there are some willing to take advantage of a terrible situation for their own gain. Do not remain quiet. Do not think it does not matter. Speak out for they are willing to.

Monday vs. Tuesday Author Unknown

On Monday there were people fighting against praying in schools On Tuesday you would have been hard pressed to find a school where someone was not praying

On Monday there were people who were trying to separate each other by race, sex, color and creed On Tuesday they were all holding hands

On Monday we thought that we were secure On Tuesday we learned better

On Monday we were talking about heroes as being athletes On Tuesday we relearned what hero meant

On Monday people went to work at the world trade centers as usual On Tuesday they died

On Monday people were fighting the 10 commandments on government property On Tuesday the same people all said 'God help us all' while thinking 'Thou shall not kill'

On Monday people argued with their kids about picking up their room On Tuesday the same people could not get home fast enough to hug their kids

On Monday people picked up McDonalds for dinner On Tuesday they stayed home

On Monday people were upset that their dry cleaning was not ready on time On Tuesday they were lining up to give blood for the dying

On Monday politicians argued about budget surpluses On Tuesday grief stricken they sang 'God Bless America'

On Monday we worried about the traffic and getting to work late On Tuesday we worried about a plane crashing into your house or place of business

On Monday we were irritated that our rebate checks had not arrived On Tuesday we saw people celebrating people dying in the USA

On Monday some children had solid families On Tuesday they were orphans

On Monday the president was going to Florida to read to children On Tuesday he returned to Washington to protect our children

On Monday we emailed jokes On Tuesday we did not

It is sadly ironic how it takes horrific events to place things into perspective, but it has. The lessons learned this week, the things we have taken for granted, the things that have been forgotten or overlooked, hopefully will never be forgotten again.

On Monday - pray and be thankful On Tuesday - pray and be thankful On Wednesday - pray and be thankful On Thursday - pray and be thankful On Friday - pray and be thankful On Saturday - pray and be thankful On Sunday - pray and be thankful

Nine amazing women from around the country competed at the inaugural Ms. World Leather contest this past Labor Day weekend. The contestants were: Lady D Harrison of Tucker, Ga.; Marilyn Zerquera of Miami, Fl.; Ms. Zoë of San Francisco, Ca., Ann Brown of Dallas, TX; Melinda Chateauvert of Washington D.C., Lynette Hadlock of Bixby, OK; Tiffany Penn of Houston, TX.; Mistress Kay of Panama City Beach, Fl.; and Ann Romano-Blas of San Diego, Ca. Jill Carter and Mark Frazier produced the contest. It was assisted by the Ms World Leather board of directors that included: Judy Tallwing-McCarthy, Lynda Blakeslee, Marcus Hernandez, Schelli Dittman, Gloria McIsaac, Frank Nowicki and Randal Kinnear. This year’s Judges were: Fetish Diva Midori, Lynda Blakeslee, Christine Baker, Sandy Mama Reinheart, Viola Johnson, David Hawks and John Wirenious.

Billed as “A Different Kind of Contest for a Different Kind of Women”, it definitely lived up to that title, as Ms. World introduced three new formats to its contest; open interviews, poster presentations and “meet the press”. These categories offered several things such as a better idea of what happens behind closed doors during an interview, more access to the contestant and a clear focus on the contestants’ platform. According to Viola Johnson she only expected the judges, press and about ten of the contestant’s fans to sit in on the interviews, but to her surprise when she looked around during an interview, she saw that the auditorium was virtually full of people on a few occasions. In between interviews, it was evident that some of the judges needed a bit of nourishment. Midori had Herve Bernard alamode. She ate her ice cream from Herve’s head and licked “her plate” clean. The poster presentations gave each contestant ten minutes to communicate to the judges what their platforms were. Presentations varied from speeches, to power point presentations. Meet the press also called “eat the press or eat the contestants”, consisted of ten press members who, for five minutes, had to compete for the contestant’s attention and ask questions about their platform, community involvement and much more. Meet the press added an original spin to the contest format as it gave the judges, press and audience a more detailed view of what each contestant is made of. Meet the press also allowed everyone to see the horror and brutality that each contestant has to endure and overcome if they ever have to do a press release. In addition to the horror and brutality many of the contestants transcended those emotional states to make the attendees laugh, cry and on some occasions put the press in its place.

Later in the evening, the basket auction was held and over $7,800 was raised. The contestant who netted the most monies won a trophy. The woman’s basket that raised the most monies was Lady D’s, which brought in $3,000 alone. Melinda Chateauvert’s basket came in second raising $2,000.

The contest began at 5 P.M. Each contestant gave excellent speeches. Following that category, Evelyn Champagne King entertained the audience. Singing hits such as “Shame” and “I’m in love”. Just to let you know, Ms. King flogged Gulf Coast Mr. Drummer 2000 Randal Kinnear (or should I say Ms. Kink). After intermission, Jill Carter (the president of Ms. World Leather) gave a speech and recognized many people that were an integral part of the event. She also explained that instead of using a contest sash, a shawl would be used for the titleholder. Each titleholder will have their name embroidered on the shawl and when they step aside, another would receive that shawl and have their name embroidered on it as well. After Jill finished her speech, awards were given to many of the people who sponsored the contest some the sponsors were, The Chow Chow Foundation, NCSF, Leather By Boots and Stephen Scott. Speeches were also given by woodie barnes and Linda Cox (IMsL 2001 first runner up). In Linda’s short but sweet speech she assured the community that there was no competition between the two events. Once the scores were tallied and the dust settled, Melinda Chateauvert was chosen as first runner-up and Annie Romano-Blas was named the first Ms. World Leather. The top five contestants placed as follows: 5. Lynette Hadlock, Ms. South Plains Leather; 4. Tiffany Penn, Ms. Lone Star Leather; and 3. Ann Brown; 2. Melinda Chateauvert and 1. Annie Romano-Blas, Ms. San Diego Leather 1997.

Annie was awarded a $7,000 endowment from Ms. World Leather and she also received a check for the monies raised from the basket auction to be donated to the charity of her choice in her name (over $7,800.00). Annie’s charity and platform is the Lupus Foundation. After the contest, many of the women went to the Dallas Eagle for a victory party and others took a tour to the strip clubs of Dallas, “investigating the local night life”.

In summary, the Ms. World Leather event was a different kind of contest for a different kind of woman. It’s contestants were people with a proven track record in their respective leather communities, by competing in the contest; they assisted in raising funds and also provided a brief glimpse of their respective communities. Ms. World Leather 2002 will take place August 23-25, 2002 in Dallas, TX. According to the feedback, everyone had a great time and many plan on returning to the event. For all of those in attendance, please check the back of your program, there is a 15% discount coupon for people who purchase their packages during early registration

Endearing themselves with a hybrid sound that melds industrial dance grooves with high-energy rock Bozo Porno Circus are leather-vinyl clad warriors whose show sports elaborate staging, props, fire breathing, grinding and BDS&M role-play.
Not for the faint of heart BPC leads a mind numbing assault on the senses. Also performing will be M-87 (Houston) and Puritan Death Squad (Columbus, OH).
About WIPSanctuary & Fetish Parlor... Discipline is always a lesson in life and with discipline comes trust and freedom to submit to your fantasy and experience erotic pain and pleasures of the mind and flesh in the WIPSanctuary & Fetish Parlor, a special guest feature of Flesh Fest 2 You are invited to experience the performance art of fetish worship and bdsm fantasy in the WIPSanctuary & Fetish Parlor, a well-monitored safe, sane and consensual space and a special guest feature of Flesh Fest 2.
Your safety is our concern and the WIPSanctuary & Fetish Parlor is well staffed with several experienced members of Houston's finest bdsm, levi leather fetish community to ensure the integrity of this safe haven and to give you an opportunity to see pre-negotiated performance art scenes for your visual feasting and voyeurism. A Dungeon Master/Mistress/Monitor (DM) will arrange a "sampling" of what you see with an experienced dominant at your request. It is my belief that like-minded people with strong desires for inclusion and knowledge for our alternative lifestyles will find each other. It is with this desire that a society is formed and reality is changed. We sincerely hope you enjoy the WIP Sanctuary & Fetish Parlor,
your hostesses, Ms. Elizabeth & Ms. Eva WIPSociety© / WIPS Playground© / WIPS Productions© Ms. Elizabeth Ann; Founder & Producer of WIPSociety© / WIPS Playground© / WIPS Productions©

It's That Time of Year Again!! (Pantheon 2002)

For those of you in the Oklahoma and other Southwester/Midwestern communities who aren't aware of the Pantheon of Leather Community Service awards here's some information about it. It is an annual awards ceremony that recognizes people who have done outstanding work in the local and national leather/fetish communities.
There have been quite of few Oklahomans who have won a Pantheon award for various categories. In 1999 the Tulsa Dungeon society was nominated for best small organization in 2000, Mark Frazier of Dallas won the South Central Regional award and in 2001, Randal Kinnear of Oklahoma was nominated for the South Central regional award. Please take the time and read the following press release, and if you know of anyone who has contributed significantly in the Oklahoma or the South Central region, (the areas included are: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas), please take the time to send in your nomination to nomination to Kay Hallanger.
The email and snail mail addresses are listed below.

Pantheon Press Release

The Pantheon of Leather Community Service Awards will be presented in an Academy Awards-style format at the Le Petite Theatre in New Orleans, LA on Friday night February 16, 2001. The entire Leather community is invited to participate in the first round of the awards process by submitting nominations.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
Any member of the Leather community is eligible to win awards with the exceptions of those listed below. The selection panel will determine winners based on community service in the last year. Club officers, organizers, business owners, titleholders, behind-the-scenes workers, philanthropists, writers, columnists, authors, artists, producers, Leather/latex artisans and the like are sought as nominees. We are looking for nominees who have made contributions that have directly affected the Leather community in a positive way.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE:
Members of the Pantheon of Leather  XII (2002 Selection Panel) are not eligible for any of the nominated awards except for Community Choice (Man) and Community Choice (Woman). The selection panelists are: Woodie Barnes, Jill Carter, Guy Baldwin, Judy Tallwing McCarthy, Paula Smith, Scott Parker, Christina Parker, Howard Hao, Ted Lassen, George Hester, Richard "Patti" Brown, Cain Berlinger, Bob Guenther, Werner Tillinger, Ian Turner, Kent Arnold, Barbara Nitke and Daddy Nick Golden.
2001 award winners who are not on the selection panel are eligible in other categories than in the one they won in 2001 and 2000 award winners are eligible in other categories than in the one they won in 2000 (no repeat winners for two years).

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS:
We must receive your nomination forms by U.S. Mail or by E-mail no later than October 30, 2001. Nominations received after that date, or nominations that do not include the required information, will not be considered.

MAN OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Joseph Bean and 2001 winners Dave Rhodes and Woodie Barnes are ineligible
Your nominee:
(Please tell us your nominee's name and the award for which you want to nominate him/her.
Please add a few sentences or paragraphs about the nominee's qualifications for the award.
You must include a method of contact for the nominee such as a current snail mail or E-mail address.
Please remember that last year's winner and all selection panel members are ineligible for this award.
Mail or E-mail your nominations to us at the address listed below).

WOMAN OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Viola Johnson and 2001 winner Jill Carter are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

FORBEAR AWARD
Past winners Judy Tallwing McCarthy, Pat Califia, Alan Selby, Len Dworkin, Chuck Renslow, Tony DeBlase,
Marcus Hernandez, Geoff Mains, Dom "Etienne" Orejudos, Gayle Rubin and Tom of Finland are ineligible for this
once-in-a-lifetime award
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

LARGE CLUB OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Black Rose and 2001 winner Chicago Hellfire Club are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

SMALL CLUB OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Black Rose and 2001 winner Chicago Hellfire Club are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
2000 winner Leather Leadership Conference and 2001 winner Leather Archives and Museum are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

LARGE EVENT OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Dungeon 401 and 2001 winner Mid Atlantic Leather are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

SMALL EVENT OF THE YEAR 2000 winner Shave da Bear and 2001 winner Beyond Vanilla are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Sanctuary of A Dark Angel and 2001 winner Cuff Complex are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
2000 winner Sarah Jones and 2001 winner Philip Turner are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

INTERNATIONAL AWARD
2000 winner Herve Bernard and 2001 winner Howard Hao are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

COUPLE OF THE YEAR
2000 winners Scott Reikofski and Ryan Goldner and 2001 winners Scott and Christina Parker are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD
2000 winner David Armstrong and 2001 winner Paula Smith are ineligible
(Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL AWARD
2000 winner Mark Frazier and 2001 winner George Hester are ineligible
(Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL AWARD
2000 winners Leslie Anderson and Rich Dockter and 2001 winner Ted Lassen are ineligible
(Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

NORTHWEST REGIONAL AWARD <
>2000 winner Jeff Henness and 2001 winner Scott Rodriguez are ineligible <
>(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

WESTERN REGIONAL  AWARD
2000 winner Gary Virginia and 2001 winner Werner Tillinger are ineligible
(California and Hawaii)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

MIDWEST REGIONAL AWARD
2000 winner Dean Ogren and 2001 winner Richard "Patti" Brown are ineligible
(Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

NORTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD
2000 winners Laura Goodwin and Lolita Wolf and 2001 winner Cain Berlinger are ineligible
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

MID ATLANTIC REGIONAL AWARD
2000 winners Jonathan Krall and Jack McGeorge and 2001 winner Bob Guenther are ineligible
(Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

CANADIAN AWARD
2000 winner Dean Ross and 2001 winner Ian Turner are ineligible
(All Canadian provinces and territories)
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:

COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARD (MAN)
2000 winner Ryan Goldner and 2001 winner Tony DeBlase are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:
(No explanation for your nominee needed here. This is by popular write-in vote. Everyone is eligible except last year's winner.)

COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARD (WOMAN)
2000 winner Queen Cougar and 2001 winner Paula Smith are ineligible
Your nominee, how to contact and reason:
(No explanation for your nominee needed here. This is by popular write-in vote. Everyone is eligible except last year's winner.)

CHECK LIST
Make sure that you have spelled your nominees' name(s) correctly, that you have not nominated winners from either of the two past years, 2000 and 2001,  in any category in which they won, that you have not nominated any selection panel members (these are wasted  nominations), that you have included qualifications for each nominee and that you have included current contact information for each of your nominees. Failure to include qualifications or current contact information will disqualify said nominee(s).

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS
By regular mail: send your nomination form to Kay Hallanger, PO Box 1141, Madison, WI 53701.
By E-mail: You can E-mail your completed nomination form to khall@baraboo.com

Jay Wiseman to Present in Oklahoma

On Saturday, October 27, 2001, Jay Wiseman will be presenting in Oklahoma City. Jay Wiseman is the author of SM 101 and is a nationally known and respected author and player in the BDSM community. He has recently presented at TES 30 and will be presenting at Black Rose 2001.

If you are interested in attending this event, you must be a member in good standing of the following groups: Tulsa Dungeon Society, People Exchanging Power Oklahoma, Tulsa Uniform Leather Seekers Association, DarkWatch, and the Society of Society of Dark Desires. Members in good standing may bring one guest, but remember that seating will be limited. This event will be sponsored by TDS (Tulsa Dungeon Society).

The proposed topics are: 1. BDSM Social Games.  I have done this one for several groups, with excellent results.  It covers a variety of interactive games that allow people to get to know each other better and build a sense of group and community.  2. Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use. It covers the who, what, where, when, why, and how some very easy-to-use rope bondage techniques that allow people to accomplish most of their restraint-related tasks. 3. "Rough Rope" It covers how to use rope that is normally considered too abrasive to use, such as sisal, manila, and jute.

For further information please contact the following address; celllophane@hotmail.com. Proceeds will cover the cost of bringing Mr. Wiseman to Oklahoma and the remainder will go to the battered women's shelter.

Leather Jeopardy coming to Oklahoma.

On Friday, November 16, 2001 there will be a fundraiser and a leather appreciation night at CW's Bar and it is sponsored by T. U. L. S. A.  (Tulsa Uniform Leather Seekers Association).  The event will be leather jeopardy and the rules are similar to the jeopardy game.  Whoever wins will get to donate the prize monies earned in their name to the charity of their choice.  (e.g., the leather literary project, the leather archives and museum, the winds house, the YWCA battered women's shelter, breast cancer research etc....) during intermission, there will also be an auction and the auction monies will be added to the prize monies to be donated.  I am looking for contestants and sponsors.  As a contestant you will get to request a subject of your choice (e.g., sports or sex). In addition, there will be a section on leather history and study notes will be given for this section. 

I would be grateful if anyone would like to participate in any capacity (contestant, sponsor or donate an item to auction) If you do not want to participate, then please come down and have fun as it is leather appreciation night. 

For more information please contact David at OML2000@aol.com

Official Press Release for Heart of America Leather Woman Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Heart of America Leather woman Contest is taking place February 9, 2002 at 7:30 pm at Tootsie's in Kansas City, MO. A preliminary to the American Brotherhood Weekend of contests held in Washington, DC.  This regional preliminary is open to lesbians over the age of 21, living in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, and who are US Citizens. The contestants will be interviewed in preliminary judging before the show, and then will compete in the additional categories of speech, fantasy, and leather image. The winner receives registration and airfare to the American Brotherhood Weekend to compete for the American Leather woman title. If you are an out and proud leatherdyke, and wish to make a difference in the leather community, we'd like to have you participate! For a contestant's application, contact HrtofAmLthrboy01@aol.com, Jack@tecdogz.com or call Janet @ 816-523-4154.   
Everyone is invited to join us for this one-of-a-kind event on February 9th!

If you have interested in being a sponsor or if you would like posters, flyers, or any other information, please contact us. Heart of America Leather Productions
Janet Ryan
Jack Miller
Scott R.

Ms. World Contestants

Ms. World Annie Roman-Blas

Annie Romano-Blas and Partner, Jo Blas (former ImsL

Fantasy, but who's?

The Queen - Cougar

On Friday, July 20th 2001 Greg Rose, President of PEP-Oklahoma stepped down. Vice-President, Don Shrum will act as interim President until the November elections. Replacing Don as Vice President will be Mikey Lynette Hadlock (Ms South Plains Leather 2001) also announced that she will be stepping down as Secretary of PEP-OK and Greg Rose will be taking over those duties.

Greg and Lynette were not only founding members of PEP-OK, which formed in April of 1999, but they also were elected to these positions at the group's inaugural meeting. During that time they weathered many hardships as board members and helped foster the group into being one the most successful groups in Oklahoma. PEP-OK started out with over 100 members and the numbers at one time plummeted to less than 20. PEP-OK is now growing quite significantly in numbers.

During that time, PEP-OK has undergone growing pains and growth spurts, such as organizational disagreements, sponsoring four people in leather contests who had won titles such as Oklahoma Mr. Leather, Oklahoma Mr. Drummer, Gulf Coast Drummer, Gulf Coast Drummerboy and Ms South Plains Leather. Two of these people became 1st runner up and 2nd runner up at the 2000 International Drummer Contest. PEP-OK has also been active in the fetish, leather and gay communities by working booths at previous gay pride parades and giving educational seminars and demonstrations at events such as Oklahoma Mr. Leather and Mr. Sooner State Leather. They have also undergone tragedies such as the death of one of its members Terry (wife to Greg Rose).

I would personally like to say (as one of the founding members and former board member) that I am proud of what this group has accomplished in less than three years and I am looking forward to what the future has in store for PEP-OK.

Out and About in Oklahoma

One Saturday, July 14 TULSA (Tulsa Uniform Leather Seekers Association) and TDS (Tulsa Dungeon Society) held a joint bar night at CW's bar in Tulsa, OK. There were over 30 plus leather people who turned out for the event as well as a great clientele turn out for the bar. (It was packed!!) The most popular activity of the night was the jail, which could hold about 10 or more people. (Talk about group grope!) The jail made over 100 dollars that night and everyone had a great time.

The weekend TULSA held its leather appreciation night on 7/20 at CW's. The event was called "The Screw Ball". Bar patrons were given a nut or a bolt. Each of these nuts or bolts varied in size, however there was only one match. Everyone had to mingle with one another to find the matching nut and bolt in order to win.

On the same night OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) held a fundraiser at Levi's bar in Oklahoma City. There was various entertainment, one of the most memorable one's were given by Carla Rene. The monies were being raised to send Mr. and Ms. OGRA to an event sponsored. One of the people helping with the fundraiser was Mr. Sooner State Leather Co-Producer Ric Poston.

On Saturday August 11 at 2pm there will be a fundraiser for Ms. South Plains Leather 2001, Lynnette Hadlock. The fundraiser will be a concert given by kevin eddings, Gulf Coast Drummerboy 2000. The concert will take place at CW's bar in Tulsa. Tickets are $6.00 each and $10.00 for couples. For further information, please go to the click on or cut and past the following link. http://www.nakedguy.net/advertise.htm

IMsL 2001
(A Colorado Thang)

Lynnette, llamb and I left for Dallas on Saturday afternoon in 102-degree weather. After several stops, we ended up at a Mexican restaurant outside of Dallas, where I had the best taquitos that I have ever tasted, unfortunately the name escapes me but it is next to a defensive driving school and I think a church. The trip to Dallas took four hours. After we arrived we hung out in the lobby and the Leather Market for a few hours. The Vender area was pretty busy at times and there was even a booth where they were doing tattoos. Pony had an "A" tattooed on his right shoulder for his mistress.

I had an opportunity to see many old friends at IMsL (Woodie Barnes, Mike Seimer and David) and I also made a few new ones too (Mike's Saucy little boy and yeah I owe you a flogging). People were chatting comfortably throughout the Sheraton. During that time people were also attending one of the many educational seminars. Darrell Moyers, 1st Runner up at IML represented the IML family at the event. Daniel Clark and Richie Black, International Drummer and Drummerboy respectively, were also in attendance.

The contest began a little after 7pm and the opening number began as an atonement ceremony, with the priest telling the sinners (the IMsL contestants) to do penance through self-flagellation. Eventually the music changed and so did the direction of the floggers. The sinners began flogging one another to the Go-Go's song "We got the beat". There were nine contestants hailing from various parts of North America: Canada, Alaska, Virginia, Las Vegas and Colorado to name a few. All of them shared a part of themselves and gave everyone a glimpse of what their community is like through their speeches and leather image. The fantasies were creative to say the least, yet one stands out for me. The fantasy had a host of angels and a table of votive candles that contained various colors. Joni Perry, made up like an angel with gossamer wings, spread them out while another angel poured wax on them. It was very simple, but the visual was aesthetically pleasing. Because of the way the wax hit the gauze-like materiel, it made her wings look like trickles of light were placed on them. Another angel gave her a rose and she held it close to her heart. Finally, another angel pours blue wax on her. Once it was done the angel's arms wings were covered in wax using the leather pride colors. This particular fantasy did receive a standing ovation.

A best tattoo contest was a newly added event, both male and females vied for this competition. In the end, Wolf won the best tattoo contest.

International Ms. Bootblack, Michael Ann, gave a great stepping aside speech. Starting out facetiously with a thank you list written on a role of toilet paper and ending with a few verses from the Carol Burnett show's closing number, she made a heart warming speech. Michael Ann wore a sequined dress, and in a sense it represented her platform, "We shine in many different ways" which focused on a message of diversity and acceptance in the leather community. In this instance a femme, heterosexual woman, representing the boot blacks in the leather community. She did it with a lot of class and style. After her speech, the IMsBB winner was chosen; this year's winner was Charlie Flake of Colorado. This sets a precedent; both International Bootblack titles are now in the state of Colorado. Both Paksen and Charlie are from the same state, Charlie's predecessor Michael Ann is also from the state of Colorado. It looks like Colorado is the bootblacking Mecca. Or as Michael Ann said, "It's a Colorado thang".

Jo Blas' stepping aside speech was very moving. She came on stage with her face painted as a Native American warrior. She paid her respects to fallen friends, and spoke of how the IMsL class of 2000 and other titleholders were people in the forefront of the community fighting for the leather community. After she finished her speech, she executed three Native American tribal dances. At that point all I could see was Jo's heart overflowing from the stage. On a personal note, I had the opportunity to Judge Ebony Leather with Jo, and she greeted me with a great big hug, and when she was stepping down, as hectic as it was, she took the time and gave me a hug and that's what she was like to everyone; always welcoming anyone with a hug.

Amy Marie Meek-Dejarlais , IMsL93 the current contest producer (recently married to Megan Meek-Dejarlais, IMsL98) gave a speech and announced the winners. Second Runner-Up went to Ms. Barbarafisch of Ontario, Canada; first runner up went to Linda Cox of Colorado, and your International Ms Leather 2001 is Joni Perry of Springfield, VA. The next IMsL will take place in San Jose, California.