On May 19, at the Ice Palace, during Excelsior Motorcycle Club’s Lust for Life “Erector” weekend, a panel of seven judges—Messrs. Fire Island Leather 2001 this writer, 2007 Diego Vargas, 2012 Mark Nayden, 2013 Candido Soares and, stepping down that night, 2017 Sir Joseph; as well as Miss Fire Island 2017 Champagne Bubbles; and custom leatherwear designer David Samuel Menkes, creator of our sashes and vests; plus, as tally judge, Wendy Pinkhouse—selected CB Kirby, Excelsior MC member and Mr. Eagle NYC Leather 2011, as Mr. Fire Island Leather 2018, winner of $250 cash and a beautiful sash, in Leather Pride flag colors red, black, blue, and white, by David. Runner-up “Determinator,” AKA Volker, from Berlin, the only other contestant, was awarded a weekend in Cherry Grove. Past Miss Fire Island and Cherry Grove Homecoming Queen Ariel Sinclair, veteran of 16 of the 18 contests, and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2015 Edd Clark were the contest co-hosts. DJ Chuck McTague was responsible for music, lights, and sound.
Contestants were judged on appearance in dress leather and raunchwear, preparedness for interview by the contest hosts and questions from the judges, and a fantasy, to be acted out or narrated. For his winning fantasy, CB worked over little Mike to the tune of “(Let’s play) Master and Servant.” Determinator gave us a narrative about a sex scene in an airplane toilet, during a flight from San Francisco to Frankfort. During the Q & A, CB declared, about Leather, “It’s more than what you wear. It’s what you are, in your heart and soul.” Having worked at Pulse nightclub, in Orlando, Florida, when it first opened, CB wore the tank top and shorts that he wore then, and remembered those killed and wounded in the massacre there two years ago. Asked to describe the leather he was wearing, Determinator, quickly relieved of his shirt by Diego, discussed his custom-made leather pants, boots bought 20 years ago, jewelry from his boyfriend, and Captain’s hat, which he called a strong symbol of dominance.
The hosts contributed a raunchy song apiece, with Edd singing “¿Como te gusta mi pinga?” and Ariel countering with “Shave ’Em Dry.” Sporting a black leather bustier, Champagne Bubbles gave us “Greedy,” and Diego, dapper in top hat with glitz, leather corset, and chaps, performed song-and-dance number “Love to Hate You.” Singer Porsche made a guest appearance, singing “The Showgirl Must Go On.”
Sir Joseph, ending his reign and about to depart for Chicago for International Mr. Leather (IML)—the first Mr. Fire Island Leather to enter that competition—offered, “Thank you for such an amazing year” and “I’m proud of everyone here on Fire Island.” He thanked his IML sponsors Excelsior MC, Males au Naturel, and the Saint at Large, and expressed gratitude to David, too. In his final act as Mr. FI Leather, Sir Joseph created an award, named for this writer, to whom he gave the first medallion, “In honor of your dedication to Mr. Fire Island Leather,” and gave the second one, to CB. My song, “Memory,” from “Cats,” followed.
The previous night’s Excelsior event, at the Palace, was the annual benefit, tongue-in-cheek Master-and-slave auction, hosted by Porsche and Mark. Chuck was in the DJ booth. After Porsche’s song, “Get this Party Started,” bidding began in earnest, using “Daddy Dollars,” with one American dollar buying 10 Daddy Dollars. Slaves auctioned were puppy Woofer; boy Jonathan, for $1,000, from Candido; Aggie; John Boy; Boy Jack, for $1,500, from Harbor Masters’ Rich; Blue, from Belvedere, from Florida and New Orleans, for $950, from yours truly; and Brian Hall, from Island Breeze restaurant. Masters auctioned off were Master Mitch; Messrs FI Leather 2001 this writer, 2004 Jeff Goodman, 2007 Diego, 2012 Mark, 2013 Candido, and 2015 Edd, bringing in $2,300 for what Mark called a “boxed set;” and Sir Joseph, who did a striptease to “On the Catwalk,” and went for $1,600. Fund raised will go to a Cherry Grove charitable organization to be determined.
Porsche closed the auction, singing “The Trolley Song,” “I Want to Be Evil,” and “This Is Me.”
The more than 60 Leathermen who attended “Erector” enjoyed accommodations at clothing optional Belvedere Guesthouse for Men or at Dune Point, and patronized restaurants Island Breeze, Floyd’s, and Cherry Grove Pizza.