July 18-20 2025 Tarheel Leather Club Stars and Stripes Run https://www.tarheelleatherclub.org
July 31-Aug 3 2025 Keystone Leather Contest https://www.keystoneleathercontest.com

Hey family,
Here we are again. I’m so excited to be writing my first column of my second title year. Normally this is where you would hear about all the excitement that was running for the title, but for me, this is where I want to talk about what SELF was like for me this year. In a word, BUSY! Really, there is never a year for me that isn’t busy, but this year was jam packed. Between outgoing titleholder business, incoming titleholder fundraising, and my new position on the Workshop Caretaker Coordinator team, I was definitely on the move. And I couldn’t have been happier, I love what I get to do for this title and for this event. SELF is my home and there is nothing like getting to spend 96 hours giving everything you have to your home and your family. So I want to say thank you to everyone who made sure I was okay, made sure I had food and water, bought raffle tickets from me and the other contestants, bid on our auction baskets, and in general did everything they could to support me. I would be nowhere without each and every one of you.

Personally, I want to thank the amazing Producer, board, staff, and all the volunteers of SELF for making this event what it is year after year after year. I’m pleased to have joined the staff and that I am getting a chance to give back to all those who have given so much to me. Thank you to the Presenters, Hosts, and vendors for everything you gave to the weekend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Echo, Doc Latto, Chris, and Myla for being such an amazing team and being willing to step in and cover me when I needed to step away to do titleholder things. Thank you to my boy, my UC family, and my partners at home for being the rocks I can stand firm upon. I hope every attendee had an amazing experience this weekend.

To my amazing 2024 siblings who stepped down: Keriis and Master Sabrina Hypnotica, I love you both and I cannot wait to see where you go from here. I was honored to walk beside you both for our title year. Thank you. To the phenomenal 2025 contestant class, win or not, you all left every bit of yourselves on that stage and were an inspiration to watch. And to my 2025 title family, Dakota, Terrell, girl Bettie, babyglaze, and Master Aaron and slave Jennie, I cannot wait to see where we go this year. I hope to be the man that you can all rely on and look to as a sash daddy, husband, and friend. Let’s keep this fire burning!

Whew, that’s a lot of thank you’s but I am overflowing with gratitude for the multitude of blessings heaped on me because one day 18 years ago, I had the guts to walk in the door of this amazing event and family. SELF and Lady Catherine have truly changed my life and helped me become the man I am today and the man I will be going forward. If you haven’t been before, if you’re scared to walk through the doors, if you’re just unsure, come find me, I will gladly walk through that door with you and usher you into the most amazing event in the world!

Coming up for me is the Tarheel Leather Club Stars and Stripes run in July and then Keystone Leather Contest at the end of July/beginning of August. And during the next few months I will be looking at adding to my calendar so if you are looking for someone to come teach at your event/or for your local group, please reach out. I can’t wait to meet more of you. On a personal note, I am going to be working on some essays this year describing my life, my journey, and my experiences running for and holding titles through this changing world. If you want to be among the first to read these essays, please reach out to me at 2024mrself@gmail.com. I am looking for people to give me feedback and critiques. This is my passion project and it’s time to make it happen.

I am looking forward to seeing where this year takes me and can’t wait to see old friends and meet new ones. Until next time, love each other hard.

In Leather,
Sir Andrew
Mr. SELF 2024 & 2025

Greetings friends and family,

Man, what a summer and early fall it has been! I started out the year with some serious car troubles that kept me from traveling much in the first part of my title year. But life keeps on lifeing, and we must roll with it.

With my car back on the road, the first stop for me was the Tarheel Leather Club Stars and Stripes Run. This was our first year back to a full hotel run, and holy cow did we have a wonderful time. SELF Titleholders held our own cocktail party, and it went fantastically. We even won best cocktail party of the run. We also had almost the whole family together for the weekend. It was so much fun.

Then, I was on the road to MsC for the first time. I was blessed to be there in time to see two dear friends get their covers. I was able to spend Saturday seeing friends I had not seen in ages and promoting SELF every chance I got. I spent a good bit of time exploring the Carter Johnson Library and it was really nice to get my hands on some history. I look forward to going back to MsC again in the future.

I finished this portion of the year with a trip to Knoxville, Tenn. My boy and I taught some erotic bootblacking on Saturday night to a large crowd that was very engaged. There were some great discussions, and we were able to share some of our favorite stories about bootblacking over the last 20 years. On Sunday, I led a discussion on Poly relationships and the highs and lows that come with them. It was a smaller, more intimate group and everyone seemed to get a lot out of it. As an educator, my favorite moments are looking out at a class and seeing the “ah-ha” moments. We finished the weekend by spending an afternoon in Pigeon Forge and just enjoying each other’s company.

I am looking forward to the rest of the fall and beginning of winter. I have some exciting events coming up and some really fun road trips with great friends. Until then, I am just going to try to keep my car running well and keep being the same masterpiece I have always been. I love you all and I am wishing the absolute best for every one of you.

In Leather and love,
Sir Andrew
Mr. SELF 2024-25

As the year winds down, I want to wish everyone a warm and heartfelt happy holidays. This season always feels like a collective pause—a chance to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or enjoying some well-earned quiet time, I hope the days ahead bring you comfort, laughter, and a sense of gratitude for all that this year has held.

I'm heading into the holidays with fresh energy after a memorable teaching trip to Mississippi. Between lively classes, thoughtful conversations, and the amazing hospitality I was shown by both LBT and MasT l: Biloxi as well as my host Domina Alluria, the experience was both inspiring and a lot of fun. It's always rewarding to step into a new place, learn from the people there, and be reminded of why teaching and learning remain such powerful shared experiences.

Looking ahead, I'm already excited for what spring has in store. The CLAWS run, South Plains, and SELF are just around the corner, and the momentum is building. For now, though, I hope you enjoy the holidays, recharge over the winter months, and step into the new year ready for an exciting season ahead.

Dealing with illness and bad weather can truly be a challenge, especially when both seem to strike at the same time. It’s frustrating when plans, trips, and commitments that you’ve looked forward to for weeks suddenly have to be rearranged or canceled. Being under the weather while the literal weather outside is just as uncooperative is never ideal, and it’s a reminder that even when we try our best to stay strong and prepared, sometimes nature — whether it’s our own bodies or the skies above — has other ideas.

I want to sincerely apologize to everyone who was looking forward to seeing me at recent events that had to be canceled or postponed due to illness and weather complications. I never take these cancellations lightly; I value every chance to connect with our amazing community in person. Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and continued support as I take the time to get back to full strength. Your messages and kindness have meant the world to me, and I’m eager to make it up to you.

That said, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be seeing everyone soon at South Plains Leatherfest in Dallas! I can’t wait to be there in person to support my incredible title siblings who are running for international contests and to cheer on every person taking the stage. The energy, passion, and heart of our community always shine so bright at South Plains, and I’m honored to stand alongside all of you as we celebrate excellence, authenticity, and leather family. Best of luck to every contestant—your courage inspires us all.

As I enter my last two months as Mr. SELF, I’m feeling all the emotions that come with approaching the end of such a meaningful journey. It’s truly bittersweet to see this title year winding down, but I’m filled with pride for what we’ve accomplished together. The memories, connections, and growth have been incredible, and there’s still more to come! I hope you’ll join us for SELF, April 9-12, 2026, in Atlanta, GA. Let’s make it a celebration worthy of everything our community stands for — unity, love, and leather.

Mr SELF Final Column

For the past two years, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as a titleholder for SELF. What began as an exciting opportunity quickly became a deeply meaningful journey—one filled with growth, service, laughter, and connection. Representing this community has never felt like an obligation; it has felt like a privilege every single day. The experiences, conversations, and moments I have shared while holding this title will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the staff, producers, and volunteers who make SELF possible. Events like this don’t simply happen—they are built through countless hours of planning, organizing, problem-solving, and dedication behind the scenes. The passion and commitment that each of you brings to this community is inspiring. Thank you for trusting me to represent the work you all put so much heart into.

I also want to thank this incredible community. The love, encouragement, and support I have received throughout my time as a titleholder has meant more than I can fully express. This community is vibrant, welcoming, and deeply passionate about lifting each other up. Being able to represent people who care so deeply about one another has been both humbling and empowering.

Holding a title also requires time and commitment, and I would not have been able to do this without the unwavering support of my partners. Thank you for standing beside me through the long hours, the travel, the events, and the many moments when my responsibilities pulled me away from home. Your patience, encouragement, and belief in me made it possible for me to show up and serve this community fully.

Over the past two years, I have learned more than I ever expected—from leadership and communication to humility and listening. I have learned how powerful service can be when it comes from a genuine place of care. I have learned that community grows stronger when people step forward and give their time and energy to something larger than themselves. Most importantly, I have learned how much impact one person can have simply by showing up with sincerity and heart.

To anyone who has ever considered applying to hold a title at SELF, I encourage you to take that step. It is an experience that will challenge you, inspire you, and reward you in ways you may not anticipate. Serving as a titleholder allows you to give back to a community that gives so much to all of us. It has been an incredible journey, and I hope many others will choose to experience it as well. Thank you and good night.

July 12 - 14, 2024 Leather Weekend at The Red Chair
July 19 - 21,  2024 TLC Stars and Stripes Run www.tarheelleatherclub.org
Oct 5 - 6, 2024 PALS 2024 Annual Ample Samples
Nov 8-9 2024 Leather History Preservation Weekend
Nov 16 2024 Citadel of Kink Social Stafford Virginia
Dec 5-6 2024 Florida Power Exchange www.floridapowerexchange.com
Dec 7, 2024 Casa de la Unicorn Social Event
Feb 14-16 2025 Western Canada Bootblack Contest Calgary Alberta CA
March 8 2025 SMART Educational Presentation Biloxi MS
March 9 2025 MasT: Biloxi Educational Presentation Biloxi MS
March 20-23 2025 South Plains LeatherFest www.southplainsleatherfest.com
April 5-6, 2025 Knoxville Tenn
May 15-18 2025 Frolicon www.frolicon.com

Wow what a couple of weeks it has been?! I am so excited to be writing my first column! This is my favorite part of being a SELF Titleholder. I relish the opportunity to share this journey with all of you.

Making the decision to run for Mr. SELF 2024 was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. To do this, I knew I would have to give up something I love more than anything, being part of the SELF Den Mafia. I talked with my family, my friends, and my SELF family, and the decision was that I had something I needed to say, and it was important to get it out there. From the moment I made the decision to run, it was never about winning, it was that there was someone out there who needed to hear what I had to say. I wanted to speak to that person, whoever they were. To do that, I knew I was going to need to open myself up and leave every vulnerable piece of me on that stage. I feel like I did that. I spoke to that person who needed to hear me.

Hearing my name called Saturday night was a moment that will live with me forever. I felt heard and seen in ways I could never express. I learned that it’s okay to be exactly who I am in exactly the space I need to be in. I struggled in the weeks leading up to the contest with the fact that I knew I was going to change my name. There was a lot of worry over how my family and friends were going to react. See, this was my fourth name change during this journey of self-discovery. I expected there to be some kind of negative reaction, instead what you gave me was acceptance and love poured out to me as I made my way offstage with tears in my eyes. I can never adequately express what that meant to me. I love you all will have to suffice for now.

There are so many people I need to thank. First, I want to thank the SELF Board, Staff, Volunteers, and Sponsors. Without each and every one of you, there is no way we would have the home we have. Thank you to the whole contestant class of 2024, the way we bonded was beautiful. Thank you to the Den Mafia, you did a fantastic job in a very demanding role. Thank you to this years judging panel, you gave of your time and energy in such amazing ways. Thank you to everyone who donated to my auction baskets, bought raffle tickets, and in varied other ways supported our titleholder travel fund. You all really came through for all of us in huge ways.

Thank you to my leather siblings, Tarheel Leather Club, and my Unsupervised Chaos family. Without your full-throated and enthusiastic support this would never have happened. To my polycule, thank you for being willing to walk through this with me, for listening to my speech a thousand times until you knew it as well or better than I did. Finally, thank you to my friends and family from every part of this country who helped in so many ways, from countless rewrites to the most intense interview prep imaginable. Without every single person listed above I wouldn’t be writing this today.

I began my appearances the Saturday after SELF with a trip to Pride Winston Salem. Up next is Leather Weekend with The Red Chair and then the Tarheel Leather Club Stars and Stripes run this month. It’s gonna be a fun hot July!
Accept yourself, wherever you are is where you’re meant to be! Can’t wait to see you all on the road!
In Leather and Love,
Sir Andrew
Mr. SELF 2024

Oct 2024

It has absolutely been and eye-opening and amazing three months since my last column. There have been surprises that rendered me speechless, there have been disappointments that left me in tears, and there has been joy that has left me breathless with laughter. Every day of this year so far has brought me closer and closer to who and what I am becoming. I taught classes where my audience taught me every bit as much as I taught them. I met so many new people hanging out on the smoking decks. I have made plans for events I’m super excited for, please look at my Calendar of Events and see where I’m going to be this year!

July started with a Leather Weekend for The Red Chair in Birmingham, Alabama. Together with my boy, I taught Erotic Bootblacking and Spanking 101, 2 of my very favorite classes. We were also asked to sit on a panel about Leather history, journeys, and myths. There was so much laughter and fun had as we showed that it’s okay to be silly sometimes. I am extremely grateful to have been hosted by TRC and my Alabama family.

From there I moved directly into the chaos that comes with being the Run Master for my Leather Club, The Tarheels. It was a great weekend and it led to my favorite picture of my title year so far. Imagine your oh so serious, scary Mr. SELF standing there in his cover and title sash while wearing a Yoda onesie, holding an inflatable lightsaber. Seeing that image in your head? Yes, it was that funny. Representing SELF and the title in my home bar was so meaningful.

I took some time off in August to enjoy my birthday month and spend time with some family. There is nothing more important during a title year than knowing when to take a break. If I could give one piece of advice to current and future titleholders, that would be it. Recognize when you need to take a little time off to recharge. There were moments where I was really struggling with imposter syndrome. I was asked to do an important thing next year and it took me a while to understand that I was worthy of it. No matter where you are on your journey, we all wonder from time to time if we belong or if we’re on the right path. I still struggle, but I’m feeling more confident.

I spent the first weekend of October in Pensacola, Florida for PALS Ample Samples. I had such a fun time! Everyone welcomed me with open arms. This was my first event in Florida in years, and the hospitality was flawless. So many new friends, so many laughs, and a scene that was so much fun I giggled through the whole thing. Then before flying out, the SELF bootblack and his Ma’am took me to stick my feet in the Gulf of Mexico and I got to play in the water! Plus, I saw jellyfish on the beach that were so neat, LOL.

Coming up the rest of this year, I will be in Atlanta for Leather History Preservation Weekend in November. In December I will be headed back to Florida for two events: Florida Power Exchange and Casa De La Unicorns Decadent December Social. I am so looking forward to the things I have coming, and I have no doubt that they will be as amazing as the times past. Talk to y’all again in a couple of months! Love yourself where you are. Accept the changes you see in yourself and in others! And don’t forget to take a look at the contestant application and consider running next year, we want to see you on our stage!

Whew! What a fall! I had so much fun getting out there and getting to know so many new people. I spent a few weekends in Florida teaching some of my absolute favorite subjects, spanking and bootblacking. I got to know the wonderful people from PALS in Pensacola and I cannot thank them enough for how well they treated me in October! I made some new friends in Virginia with Citadel of Kink and cannot wait to go back in the spring and teach a full weekend of classes with them. Then it was back to Florida to spend a weekend with Casa de la Unicorn and also with my very first sash sibling, Miss Bettie. We did a two night session on leather and bootblacking. They were so amazing and Captain and the Daddy Unicorn took such amazing care of us. Plus, I found a Whataburger in Jacksonville and spent afternoon eating lunch in my happy place! I finished up 2024 with a last minute trip to 12 Days in Baltimore. This was a first time event for me and I have to say Hooker and the Boys sure put on a heck of a show! I loved getting to talk to new people and see old friends.

I got to share information about SELF everywhere I went and hopefully convince a whole new crop of friends to come check us out. Is anyone else getting as absolutely excited for SELF 2025 like I am? I cannot wait to go home again and see my family and friends! The classes, the new contestants, the parties, and of course the amazing dungeons, theres something for everyone around every corner of the Courtland Grand!

I’ve got a busy winter planned so far, starting in January with Mid Atlantic Leather weekend. Then in February I take my very first international trip to Calgary, Alberta, Canada to teach and judge the Western Canada Bootblack Contest. I am so excited for this one. In the beginning of March I will be going to Biloxi Mississippi for a double feature of Poly Primer and Spanking 101. In 3 title years I have never been able to get to Mississippi for anything so I am really looking forward to it! Then to wrap up the spring I will be at South Plains LeatherFest where I am doing several things. I am teaching on Erotic Bootblacking with my boy, Tidbit, and then I am teaching a class on Erotic Humiliation and Edge play. Then to complete the weekend I will be giving the Keynote Speech on Sunday morning. I am both extremely excited and absolutely terrified. Just being real! SPLF is always an amazing weekend and I’m very happy I get to go back this year.

Now that I have told you where I’ve been and where I’m going, I’d like to talk to you for a minute. Friends, I know so many of us are terrified right now and with very good reason. We are facing something incredibly scary, particularly to our marginalized siblings. Remember this, we have fought before, we have held tight to each other and we have persevered. We will fight and we will resist again. No one is forcing us into the closet or the graves again. Be scared, be worried, be terrified if you need to, then hold onto each other and fight. Fight with everything in you. And when you need to look to your left or right, that’s where you will find me, right there beside you. Mr. SELF will not go quietly into that good night. I love you all and I’m more grateful than I can say that I get to represent you this year. Keep loving and living fam.

In leather and love,
Sir Andrew, Mr SELF 2024

Hi there friends,

Winter is upon us. Darkness reigns in these days. But there are always moments of light when you look for them. For me, the place I most often find light is in the times I get to gather with my community. In January I had the pleasure of attending MAL with my boy. It was an amazing event filled with so much fun and connection. I got to see a friend from the west coast that I hadn’t seen in almost 6 years. I got to spend time with my ONYX brothers and enjoy their gear show. I even got on stage after buying a jock in the auction. That was so much fun. We finished off the weekend attending the Mr MAL contest, it was unlike anything I had seen before. Thank you to the Centaurs MC for putting on one hell of a weekend.

I have several events coming up in the next couple of months. I will be in Biloxi, MS in the beginning of March. I’ll be teaching Poly Primer and Spanking 101. I’m so excited as I have never taught in Mississippi before. Then, two weeks later is my scariest event of the year. South Plains LeatherFest and my keynote address. Imposter Syndrome is kicking my butt, but I keep reminding myself that I can do this and that I am not a fraud. This is going to be so worth it. I am truly looking forward to it. Then I start off the spring with a trip up to Knoxville to enjoy some cigars with Lady D and some friends up there.

There is lots of upcoming excitement and things I’m really looking forward to. But, like many of you I am also steeped in fear about what is happening in our world. I am working through this in the ways I can and I know you all are as well. I want to leave you with a bit of advice I received recently. Radical joy is rebellion. The nebulous “they” want us to be scared and to cower, so when we stand up and celebrate who we are and what we do, we are rebelling. Come out to kink events, participate in Pride events, share who you are loud and proud, if you are able. Be smart, be safe, but be rebellious. One event on my calendar for the end of spring that you may want to consider is World Pride in DC, there will be a leather gathering and a leather presence in the parade. If you want more information please reach out to me at 2024mrself@gmail.com and I will share the events with you. I hope to see as many of you there as possible. Lets show Washington and the world who we are! Until nest time, I am wishing joy, health, and safety.

Sir Andrew
Mr. SELF 2024

Hi there friends,

Wow what a wonderful couple of months I have had. As every month passes this title year is just more and more amazing. I get to do the most amazing things and meet the most amazing people. I get to travel all over the country and make new friends. I get to teach classes that mean the world to me. I get to have my journey impacted time and time again. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is nothing better than being a SELF titleholder!

So, what have I been up to since February? Well, at the beginning of March I got to go down to Pensacola and teach for HALE (Hurricane Alley Leather Enthusiasts) as they held their Day of Leather event. I was on the schedule with several amazing presenters and was thrilled to be able to lead a discussion on the evolution of the Leather Community from its roots in WW2 to now. There were great questions and great conversations throughout the day, and I was able to talk to many people about SELF and hopefully get to see them this June. The next day, I led my Poly Primer discussion for MasT: Biloxi. This is the expanded version of the presentation I did when I ran for Mr. SELF last year. This discussion was very personal for me, and I was able to share some amazing things with the attendees and they opened themselves up right back. The community in Pensacola and all along Hurricane Alley is just amazing and I can’t wait to go back and teach for them again soon.

Mid-March I headed to Dallas for South Plains LeatherFest. I am still struggling to process my feelings from that weekend. I have never felt the way I did that weekend before. But, what I can say is that I feel really good about my classes, my interview, and my Keynote Address. There was one hiccup though. I got there and realized I had forgotten to bring my leather shirt for my formals. Luckily, I am blessed with amazing friends, and Barking Leather stepped up and let me borrow a shirt and bow tie. I wouldn’t have felt remotely as confident on that stage if it wasn’t for you guys! Thank you so much. And if any of my followers are looking for leather clothing or gear, these are the guys to go to! Okay, back to that keynote. I have never been more scared in my life as I was that weekend. While thinking about it though, I realized my fear wasn’t about giving a speech. I feared not giving a speech that was important enough. I worried that in the face of everything going on in the world right now, my words would be nonsense. I spent weeks and weeks trying to write something I thought was meaningful enough. I’ll be honest with you, two weeks before SPLF I had nothing written. Then after a conversation with Lady Catherine and Master Sabrina Hypnotica, I was inspired and knocked the first draft out in two days. From there it went to the most amazing editor I know, Echo. And they were able to help me get my thoughts in order and smoothed everything out for me. Once I put that speech up on the podium, that was all she wrote. All I could do was eat my brunch and chew my fingernails. But once I got up there, the words started to flow, and I couldn’t have felt better. If you are curious about the speech and weren’t there it is posted on my Facebook page. I feel proud of the work I have done thus far.

Next up for me is Northwest Leather Celebration, Frolicon, World Pride in DC, and then SELF to wrap up the title year. I can’t believe how close to the end we are. But what an amazing adventure I have had. As I wrap up, I want to say something to some very special people. As titleholders, we don’t do this on our own. There is a team behind us all the time. The family we leave at home. For me, that is my Husband, Wayne, my pet, Ashley, my boy, Tidbit, and my Daddy, Steve. They have given up so much to allow me to chase my dream of being your Mr. SELF this year. Thank you all for loving me enough to support me doing this. I love you all. And I love all of you reading this. Thank you for supporting me this year. I can’t wait to see you along my travels.

In Leather and Love,
Sir Andrew
Mr. SELF 2024

Hey Friends,

Wow, its really my final column for this year. I can't believe we are here already. It seems like I was just sashed yesterday. But, when I sit back and look at the last year, I am amazed. I can safely say, this has been a year that has changed my life in ways I was not expecting. I feel like I have grown by leaps and bounds towards becoming the man I want to be. Every single thing I did this year, from classes to keynotes to hanging out in smoking areas, has impacted my journey.

I met some of the most amazing people along the way. New friends and old, you all touched me. Well, I mean...no really you touched me. LOL. Thank you to each and every person I had the opportunity to speak to, to teach, to help. I hope you got as much from me as I got from you.

To my title family, Master Aaron and slave jennie, Master Sabrina Hypnotica, and Keriis, thank you for making this year one of family, fun, and feeling. You have been amazing siblings and I will never forget any of you. We will always be the SELF Class of 2024. I can't wait to see where each of you go as you step aside into the next parts of your journey.

To SELF, the board, the staff, the volunteers, as titleholders we are a cog in the giant gear that is SELF, each of you are the ones who make those gears turn. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the work, time, energy and heart you put into making this the greatest event in the world. We would be nowhere without all of you. Lady Catherine, my heart is full and there are no words. I hope I have made You proud this year. I love you and am grateful for everything You have done for me.

Even though I am not stepping aside this year, this is still a bittersweet moment, There will never be another year like this one. But, thats okay, because the next one will be amazing to in its own way. I am absolutely looking forward to continuing on as your Mr SELF. And as always, I can't stress enough, if you are thinking about running for a title, you absolutely should. It is life changing and amazing in ways I can't even describe.

Take care of each other. Love will always win.

Your 2024 Mr. SELF,
Sir Andrew