July 19 - 21, 2024 TLC Stars and Stripes Run www.tarheelleatherclub.org
July 21, 2024 The Line Presentation Walk_TheLine_NC https://fetlife.com/users/17648668     
August 25, 2024 CASE Jolted But Not Broken
August 29, 2024 - September 2, 2024 Master/slave Conference
October 5, 2024 PRISM Alfred Pennyworth Style of Powerful Service Wilmington NC
October 12 - 13, 2024 Atlanta Pride
November 21 - 24, 2024 Coastal Carolina Fetish Fair Myrtle Beach SC
November 24, 2024 CASE Have You Ever Danced with Your Demons
December 7, 2024 The Chamber Kinston NC
January 12, 2025 MAsT Greenville SC Jolted But Not Broken
February 8, 2025 The Woodshed Orlando FL - Tenative

As we look back and reflect on our contestant journey for SELF 2024 we are reminded of our
growth as Master and slave. Winning the Southeast Master/slave title is a culmination of many
years starting in 2006 when we first met at a coffee shop in Jacksonville NC after chatting online on Bondage.com for several months. Neither of us is from large cities nor areas, we live in a small community where many know very little about leather.

Winning the Southeast Master/slave title was amazing, exhilarating, and very humbling with a sprinkle of “Oh Shit We did it, now what do we do.? We have now spent the last couple of weeks formulating our plan to represent the Southeast as best we can.

One thing we look forward to doing in our title year is working on shining a light on the smaller rural communities like where we live, they are often not known in the larger community, they lack the same resources as larger communities, and many may not even know that events such
as self is something they can do. How can we help those in smaller communities have the needed access to larger events and how do we help them utilize those larger events to help them on their journey? In doing this we also want to continue to spread the word on SAFEINENC and help communities establish their safe call network. We also want to continue to share our passion for advocating for the needed mental healthcare in our community to include those who are veterans.
We know all of this sounds like a lot but all of this is a huge passion of ours and something we want to share with others.

All that we are and all that we plan to do in our title year would not be possible without the
support of many, and the opportunity that SELF has afforded us. So...First, we would like to
thank Southeast Leather Fest and Lady Catherine Gross, the board, staff, volunteers, and all
the sponsors, you gave your heart and tens of thousands of hours to create an amazing event
and contest year after year. We are so grateful for everything you do for the community.

We also want to say thank you and give a loud shout-out to Ms. Bettie for being our handler
before, during, and after the event! You always have kept a cool, collected composure, and
during SELF 2024 you were a beacon of light which was needed in unexpected ways. Thank
you to the Emcee Dave Hudson who provided all the constants with support and love, plus
some great comic relief which is always needed.

Thank you to the Den Mafia, we have no idea how any of us would have made it through this contest without you! You all were on point, and there for any of our needs, the Den Mafia is such an invaluable part of this experience, and we cannot thank you enough.

With the support and encouragement of the local Jacksonville NC community, we put our best foot forward and ran for the 2024 M/s title. Thank you to our amazing local community for all the support you have given us.

To our family both biological and chosen you are the best family we could ask for. To our adult
biological children, you were supporting and encouraging as we embarked on this journey of
running for the M/s Title. We love you! Our Chosen Family consisting of, Master Roy and ABJ
who took us under your wing many years ago, provided mentorship which has been a huge part of our growth. There are no words that can express how grateful we are. We love you! Poe, Master Chris, and slave dana, you are the best chosen family anyone could ask for.

To the judges Oracle Uncle J Onyx, Mark Athens, Tomo Tomo, Joy Perez, Miss Meesch, and Evie Lupine. We cannot say enough about the wisdom you shared, and we look forward to seeing all of you again soon!

A HUGE Thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this point as well as those who will continue to help us on this next journey.

It has been a crazy few months, We have been busy in our local community in helping provide a safe and inclusive space for people to socialize and play. The difference between now and what we did before is we bring not only the title back but loads of information on the amazing learning and experiences one can have at SouthEast LeatherFest so more people can experience SELF. We were able to spend time and be a part of Tarheel Leather Run, which was amazing experience showing us the continued love, support and sense of family that we have come to know in the Southeast Region. We have also had great times attending and teaching for newer organizations such as CASE and PRISM, where we shared elements of our relationship that have helped on our Journey. Being Master Aaron is quite the comic book geek we were even able to show how we have used fictional characters and roles such as that of Alfred Pennyworth to expand how people view service from both the Master and slave perspective. We also have been using our title and the ability it gives us to attend groups, socials, munches and events that we have never attended which in turn allows us to not only share with others the speed bump we have tackled in our M/s dynamic but also the rewards and successes. It has also allowed us the opportunity to talk more about the importance of supporting those living with PTSD with additional emphasis on first responders and veterans.

As we are always spreading the word about the importance of safe calls and utilizing organizations such as SAFEINENC if you need a safe call, we also partnered with SAFEINENC to do a fundraising campaign for those recently affected by Hurricane Helen.

Coming up we are VERY excited to be heading to Atlanta Pride this coming weekend. We are also heading to CAPEX the end of the month, Coastal Carolina Fetish Fair in November where we will also be teaching and hosting a formal dinner. Closer to home we will be presenting online for CASE and heading right up the road to Kinston NC to present for The Chamber.

It always seems to us that time passes faster than we would prefer, and, in a blur, moments tend to shape and steer the course of our journey. When we last shared what has been keeping us busy, we were headed to Atlanta Pride.

We hopped a flight to Atlanta and every step we took from arriving at the airport was seemingly filled with visions of support from the communities of Atlanta. Those walking through, either rushing to a flight elsewhere or arriving, showing their Pride and/or support, whether by the clothes they choose to wear or other manners of icon, stickers on suitcases or luggage bands to help hold in the contents. We were awe struck more than a few times, as coming from a small military town, we have not had the pleasure of witnessing such unwavering advocacy.

Walking around Midtown, passing posters in windows, flags hanging high from the side of buildings. Heading to the park to walk around, seeing the performances on stage, vendors handing out free swag and selling goods. We were very thankful for being allowed to march in the Parade, carrying the banner for SouthEast LeatherFest, even though the route was miles long, it passed much too quickly. I remember going to other parades for various holidays and the only time I saw people smiling was when there was candy being tossed out or various characters in costumes come by to shake hands. This was something totally different, while walking down the many streets, trying to keep in a decent pace with the rest of the floats and groups, people in the crowds were coming up to us, giving hugs and fist bumps, asking to grab a picture with them and the never-ending echo of “Happy Pride” that seemed to follow us all.

We also attended Charlotte Area Power EXchange (CAPEX) for their yearly Halloween Extravaganza. Who we really want to thank for the invitation to an amazing party and demonstration. The laughter and comradery were everything we had heard it was and more. We look forward to the next time we can get away to attend another event!

The week before Thanksgiving, we headed to Mrytle Beach to attend Coast Carolina Fetish Fair. We have been fortunate to be asked to present for them since the very first year and every year, not only do they grow larger in attendance, but in presenters and classes. This year was the 9th year and although November at Myrtle Beach tends to be a little cold for a swim in the ocean, it was a relaxing time.

These were all amazing times for us, which led to the beginning of the holidays. We were even blessed to be called by our son, who let us know that our grandson decided to arrive a few days earlier than anticipated.

We are also grateful to Lady Catherine, the staff of SouthEast LeatherFest, the contest judges, our title family and title parents for such amazing support and advice as we navigate our title run. We were nervous with the idea of trying to balance our duties as title holders for the SouthEast and our responsibilities to our family during the end of the year, holidays and unfortunate drama that tends to appear. It certainly makes having a chosen family much more important, knowing that you can reach out and bounce ideas, ask for help, vent when the weight of things appear to be a little too much. The same feeling of family that we get while attending SELF, carries throughout and we cannot wait to return in June just for the opportunity to see all of our chosen family in one place again.

The holidays came so quickly, and we were gifted with the chance to finally meet the youngest born into the family. Gifts exchanged and the nights passing, the new year upon us and gone before one could realize it.
We took time after the holidays to recollect our energy from all the running around the previous months. Some of which was forced upon us and although necessary, was tough to accept. We look forward to being able to resume our travels and presentations.

We feel as though we cannot thank everyone enough for the amazing amount of support and guidance, we have received from all over the world. The experiences shared with us, the lessons learned by those who unfortunately had the same situation forced upon them and how they were able to come out on the other side, wiser and stronger because they did not give up.

The one common thread, extending from one to another as if forged in the fires of heartache and the softest of silk, you cannot solve the world’s problems, and you certainly cannot save them all.

Be available for yourself to rejuvenate your soul and know that there is a community that has been there and will help you through it.

As they say, March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. For us our work/family life has definitely been the lion, and we have been able to find the calm within our community. We have been working hard to share the wonders of Southeast Leatherfest with many who have no clue the big wide world of leather even existed. We have found some amazing groups and organizations that had not been on our radar and have worked with their leaders to bring education on M/s and kink. In doing so we have met many who we feel may be SELF virgins this year.

We are frequently asked by others that are considering running for a title, “Would you do it all over again?” and every answer we have given is a resounding YES. Always be true to yourself, even in the face of adversity. Run for the title of your choosing. Hold yourself and others accountable for the actions that affect others. We have also Learned through our title year experience, that there will be others, some you have never met, standing by you, raising you up with their voices in support of the work you do, which is amazing to witness.

As we head into the home stretch of our title year, we have quite a busy schedule coming up and are looking forward to SELF 2025!

August 3, 2024 PALS Bastinado in Pensacola, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1555321
August 10, 2024 Rack Room Bootblacking 101 in Milton, FL
August 17, 2024 LBT Mummification in Mobile, AL https://fetlife.com/events/1560023
August 31, 2024 The Vulgarians Bootblacking 101 in Tallahasse, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1541237
September 21, 2024 Vendor Faire in Tallahasse, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1482912
October 4 - 5, 2024 PALS Ample Samples in Milton, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1464216
October 19, 2024 Second Annual Fire Day Bootblacking in Robertsdale, AL https://fetlife.com/events/1594348
October 22nd CASE Munch Panhandle Chapter in Robertsdale, AL https://fetlife.com/events/1604149 
November 2, 2024 PALS Monthly Demo in Pensacola, FL
November 9, 2024 Levi and Leather Bootblacking at The Roundup in Pensacola, FL
November 16, 2024 LBT Presenting Gas Masks in Mobile, AL
November 19, 2024 CASE Munch Panhandle Chapter in Pensacola, FL
December 5 -8, 2024 Florida Power Exchange Bootblacking in Tampa Bay, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1495185

What a journey the last year and some change has been. The decision to run started at South
Plains LeatherFest 2023 after sitting in on a class. Shortly after the class I had taken the time to
speak with a few different individuals at the event to include title holders, bootblacks, and
producers. After speaking with each I sat with my Ma'am and asked for her permission to run.
She glowed and simply responded, “You got this and I got you.” Those simple words gave me a
bit of reassurance. I wasn’t confident about it but felt that with Ma'am supporting me I could do
this.

Once back home I started letting friends, family and community know that I had decided that I
was going to be running for SouthEast Bootblack the following year. The amount of support,
love, and reassuring words swept over me like a tidal wave. I was shocked by it all. Each and
every person gave a very similar statement, “How can I help?” I was once again shocked as my
people gave money, items, or physical aid for the coming year.

With a renewed confidence boost I started to get ready. Then SELF 2024 finally arrived. Then it
was over. The weekend was a blur. It started and ended so fast that I am not sure what
happened at some points. At the end of SELF I was given the opportunity to represent SELF as
the SE Bootblack.

I was filled with a mix of emotions. Some emotions I expected such as joy, validation, success,
and excitement. The emotions I didn't expect were fear, nervousness, and unease. It took me a
few days after the event to finally realize why I was feeling these emotions. I was worried that I
wasn't going to be enough and that I would not honor the title that had been given to me. My
Ma'am once again reassured me and reminded me that I was picked to represent the title by not
a few but by the community at SELF. They believed that I could honor the title. With this
reassuring thought the fear, nervousness, and unease backed away, still there but controlled
and held back.

So a big thanks to SELF, Lady Catherine Gross, and her staff for everything they have done and
continue to do. This event would not feel like home without all the things you each do. SELF
feels like a warm embrace each time I go and I know it has to do with those who work it.
Thank you to all of judges. You all had a hard task and I thank you all so much for choosing me
to serve as the SE Bootblack this next year. I promise to do my best and earn the honor you
have given to me.

Thank you to the Den Mafia, slave abby and Bea Uty. Y'all where so amazing with making sure
we started each event on time and supported us when we needed it. In addition those fans
where fantastic and really helped battle that Atlanta heat.

A huge thanks to boy Dave for all of the insight you gave over this weekend. Your words of
wisdom, insight, and keen eye helped so much over the weekend. I will not forget all the help.
A big thank you to my leather family, community, and friends. Your support through this last year
and during the event where instrumental in my success. I promise to do you proud and to
represent the Emerald Coast with the best of my abilities.

The biggest of thanks to my Ma'am. You are amazing and this weekend went so smooth. You
did everything with a broken foot. I am so thankful that you where at the event. Your words
helped me through the weekend and your lap was a safe place for my tears when my anxiety
peaked.

So what is next for this bootblack? Well I will be going to The Red Chair for Leather weekend
this month. I plan to attend most of my local area events for the next few months. I have been
asked to present in Tallahassee in August which really excites me to teach about Bootblacking. I
am looking forward to more teaching opportunities to come up as well.

If you are interested in having me come out your way please feel free to contact me. I would
love to get the chance to present all over the south east and further.
Email SE.bootblack2024@gmail.com
Facebook Keriis
FetLife Keriis

It is already October and how the time has flown by so far. Over the last few months I have had quite a few opportunities to get out and show people my passion for bootblacking and leather care. I love the look I see when I explain how easy basic leather care can be.

So where and what have I done these last few months. Well over the course of the last three months I have taught my Leather Care 101 class three different times to quite a few people. I taught at my local Dungeon, The Rack Room to get some of the cobwebs knocked out from teaching, then onto Tallahassee where I taught to a group called The Vulgarians, and finished the teaching of the class with an online class with CASE. Each time I taught the class I was able to find a few things to tweak the class and make it better. All three groups want me to come back and teach the next stage. I am very excited to be able to do that for them in the next couple of months.

Besides teaching I have done quite a bit more bootblacking for the local and nearby communities. I was at Levi and Leather night at The Round Up in Pensacola and have been asked to return again in November to do it again. In addition I have been out to Tallahassee for a vendor faire where I was given a few take home projects along with working the stand.

In addition to this, I have had a few bootblack labs at my home with a few individuals who I am mentoring. Working with these individuals and seeing them grow and gain the skills brings great joy to my heart. One of my mentees came with me to one of my bootblack events and did drop of leather for me while I worked the stand. It was amazing to see them grow and gain some confidence in what they are doing.

Overall I am very excited for what I have done and am more so excited for all the things to come. Hopefully I will get some more opportunities to teach in the future. Anyone interested in me coming out to teach or doing online classes please let me know. I would absolutely love to share my skills, knowledge, and my passion with more people.

Over the last two and a half months I have had many different opportunities to teach, talk about who I am, and make great new friends. I have traveled both physically and virtually reaching out to new areas of the southeast in ways I didn’t expect. I feel like I am helping to open doors to future bootblacks. All of this makes me so very happy and proud.

Since October I have been a part of two different online classes and one in person class where I was able to teach about basic leather care, not bootblacking. In neither class did I ever show a boot or get into the details on boot blacking, stand work, or anything of the sort. Instead the class focuses on how to identify leather, the different ways to finish leather, and how to treat it. It focuses on everyone being able to take care of their own personal objects. It is a class about showing everyone that leather care does not require tons of practice, hundreds of dollars in products, and hours upon hours of work. It is something that anyone can pick up and do. Taking care of your own leather is not only self care but also preserving a piece of your history. The class generally touches on this and as I have now taught it four times I find myself realizing that it is a very important message.

We each must take our own strides to protect and preserve our own history for those of the future. We must clean it, so that it looks attractive to those who are younger than us. We must condition it, so that it lasts for another generation. We must protect it, so that it isn’t lost and forgotten. I have had the luck of being present for a few booting ceremonies during my title run. One of the things I tell each new recipient of boots is that they need to find a bootblack to take care of their boots and then tell them your story, your history, because it MATTERS.

Anyway I have had the wonderful opportunity these last few months to work with CASE, House of Kane, The Vulgarians, and Florida Power Exchange. I have been allowed the opportunity to come to each of these groups and learn about who they are and share a bit of myself with them. I am thankful to each of them for allowing me to be a part of their communities and share my gifts with them.

From these events new classes have come to my mind and I start to prepare for them. I have finished writing my Gas Mask 101 class which I am really excited to share with folx another part of who I am. I have three demos of it already lined up and hopefully will have a few more setup before the end of the year. During Florida Power Exchange I was asked to help lead the submissive roundtable. During the roundtable the topic of alpha submissives came up and multiple individuals started asking questions and wanting to know more. So from it I have decided to work on a new class about the alpha submissive. I am not going to get into the details of what the class is about but I will say I am very excited to start writing it.

My schedule is about to get real busy and I have a lot of exciting opportunities coming up including one that is very near and dear to my heart, The Leather Quilt Project. I am going to get the chance to work on it next month and the amount of excitement and joy that I have for getting this chance is bursting from me. I am so excited and can’t wait to share the experience with everyone.

I still do have some openings in my schedule if you want to reach out and have me come teach. My class list is slowly getting longer. Till next time. Be safe and remember your history matters.

So in my last column I let everyone know that I was going to the Leather Quilt Project to participate in the care and preservation of it. Oh boy was it so much more than that. The weekend started by getting to see the quilt fully up. Getting a chance to be up close and personal with the entire thing while not at a busy con was amazing. Being able to take the time to look at each square, get giddy about seeing your local area squares, and marvel over some of the unique squares made my heart happy. Once everyone arrived we quickly pulled the entire quilt down, separated each square, and stacked them. Then the real work began. Each square was cleaned, brushed, conditioned, excess threads removed, and analyzed. Squares that were in need of repair were collected in one area while the rest were slowly laid out to allow time to dry. Over 15 bootblacks and friends working in tandem to slowly take care of this amazing piece of history. As squares where worked you could hear conversations about them. You could see the energy of each person pass into the leather they worked. The most amazing part though was seeing when someone worked a memorial patch.

For those who do not know, the Leather Quilt is a collection of many leather squares from different clubs, organizations, events, houses, and people. The smallest number of squares are the memorial ones. These special squares are a reminder of those who came before us.Watching someone who truly knew a person start working their memorial patch a wave of energy could be felt in the entire room. Silence for a moment as the energy of that person was poured into this individual square of leather. Seeing the love, energy, joy, and pain poured into the square was something that put me in awe. Then to be asked to put my own energy into it was an honor that I will never forget. For any bootblacks out there who have the chance to go work the quilt I urge you to do so. This is an event I plan to attend every year for as long as my hands, body, and mind will allow me to. Below is a writing from the Leather Quilt about the event that encourage everyone to read.

(4) Writing by TheLeatherQuilt | FetLife
So besides getting the opportunity to work the quilt, the last two months have been filled with one event after another. I have given multiple online classes on Leather Care and bootblacking. All of which were well received. In addition to this I finally got to debut my Gas Mask class to a local group for the first time. I am so happy with the response I have gotten from it and am already lined up to present it a few more times over the next few months.

Lastly at the beginning of February we had a large local event where I normally spend an entire day bootblacking for my local community. This time however I was able to sit down and work the table while my two bootblack babies got their chances to work the event. I am so very proud of both of them for the hard work, love, and energy they put into the weekend. They both rotated in and out of the chair, which never stayed empty for more than 15 minutes at a time. They worked some very dirty boots and got the chance to do some amazing work and have great conversations with people in the chair. My heart grew a bit watching this and it amazes me to see them grow in their journey.

So what is next? SPLF is around the corner and I am excited to go back to this event and hang out with lots of people. I am not on the schedule to bootblack at the event but I will definitely be hanging around that area throughout the weekend. After that I will be attending IML for the first time and then of course I have SELF shortly after that. So busy times. Till next time. Be safe and remember everyone’s history matters.

In the last 10 months I have had the opportunity to serve the southeast region as your bootblack. I am still honored by this. It took me 15 years before I thought I had the skills, charisma, knowledge, and ability to run for a title. Even with all that I still wasn’t ready. It took my Ma’am, my family, my friends, and my community standing behind me for me to finally take the steps forward to do it. I had so much support that I was a bit overwhelmed with thoughts of failing them. My family and Ma’am would not allow those thoughts to dwell in me though. They reassured me and helped banish those thoughts of failure away from me. They gave me the support only they could give.

That support not only got me through the contest, but continues to this day. I have chosen them as my family. They are the people that have my back always. They support my ideas and help them come to life. They travel with me across states, make sure I drink and eat, and provide a safe place. I am very lucky to have them and wanted to tell them once again thank you for everything.

On the note of family I had a wonderful opportunity to see my title family at SPLF this year. Not only did I get to see them, I got to watch one of them deliver a powerful Keynote at the event. Sir_Andrew, your words have touched me. Thank you so much for sharing them with everyone and being an amazing friend to me. I am excited that you are holding on to the title for another year and want you to know I got you.

SPLF was amazing this year. I was lucky enough to get a chance to work the stands as a fill in. I met some amazing people during that time. The classes at the event were wonderful, as were all of the shows, the presentations, and of course the parties. I was able to see the Leather Quilt during the weekend. Each time I passed by it I smiled knowing I helped preserve that wonderful piece of our history. I had the opportunity to go to one of the Carter Johnson Leather Library Annexes and just soak in the history there.

Besides SPLF I have had a few teaching engagements and bar nights but mostly things have been a bit quiet. That all changes though here soon as I get ready for a large local event, IML, and of course SELF. It is going to be a busy next few months and I am excited for it. As always, be safe and remember everyones history matters.

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

June 29, 2024 - CAPEX June Event Fundraiser  https://fetlife.com/events/1527931
August 29 - September 2, 2024 - Master/slave Conference - College Park, MD  https://masterslaveconference.org
October 10 - 13, 2024 - DomCon New Orleans, LA
October 27th 2024 - Atlanta Learning and Development Munch Atlanta Ga https://fetlife.com/users/19443517/posts/11330640
November 2nd, 2024 QTBIPOC Discussion Panel Atlanta Ga
November 8-10 2024, Kinky Harvest Virtual Killeen, Tx https://www.ctxdarkside.com/about
December 5 - 8, 2024 - Florida Power Exchange  https://www.floridapowerexchange.com/
January 2025 Carter/Johnson Library Evansville, In https://m.facebook.com/CarterJohnsonLibrary/
March, 2025 South Plains Leatherfest Dallas, Tx
May 2025 - Frolicon Atlanta, GA?
June, 2025 SELF
August, 2025 MsC

I remember a time in my life when my goals were tiny. I could see to the next hour, maybe to the next day. Setting a future goal was beyond me. I prepared for my title run for six months ahead of the competition. I am in awe of the growth I’ve experienced. I have come so far.

Winning the title felt like an expression of my gratitude towards the village I created. There were so many folks who talked to me, explained to me, even chastised me. They poured into me because they believed in me. I was able to show that their belief was warranted. As a titleholder, I look forward to being useful in kink spaces and sharing my love for SELF as a place where I feel at home.

There were several lessons that I took away with me. One is that I can be vulnerable. I can let folks hear my stories and know My path. Another is that the pace is EXACTLY as hectic as E/everyone says. Food and rest are life!

I am thankful for so many things. My handler team was so fluid and responsive. Also, the SELF planning team, the administrators and the volunteers really cared for all of U/us. A special thank you to Master Varii of House of Valor. Thank you, Ma’am, You saw me, first, last, and always.

This year is going to be great and I look forward to seeing you all in your cities and back in Atlanta in 2025!

During the Atlanta Leather Pride weekend, at the beginning of this month, I mistepped off the platform at the Atlanta Eagle. As I stumbled, I was able to grab a tall, handsome stranger and hold onto him. While I gathered my composure, the person patted my arm and spoke soothingly, saying, you’re fine, it’s ok. I then received a rush of comfort and assistance from friends and acquaintances that I made over the weekend.

That reaction is typical of the comraderie and good vibes I have encountered during my time as a titleholder, thus far. It’s always such fun for me to forge connections between strangers with commonalities. Creating a NEXUS, if you will. Lol. I consider myself to be an introducer-in-chief. I keep in mind that social interacting is unattractive for some, and try to use my skill on behalf of folks who want to people, but struggle.

I find that one aspect of being a titleholder that is particularly enjoyable, is the chances I get to have wonderful conversations. Whether at virtual munches and classes, or at in person gatherings, I have been able to share myself. I talk about why I enjoy SELF, when the presenter applications are due, (October 15th!) what leather is in my life, and what my travel plans are. I'm very grateful that I can let people get to know me. Also, the titleholder community is so wide-dpread and interesting. Being part of such an encouraging and supportive sash family is a surprising bonus I didn’t expect to get.

Whew! It’s been 6 months since I became Ms. SouthEast LeatherFest, 2024. During this time, I have traveled to states in my region, such as North Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee. I’ve also roamed farther afield, to DC, Maryland, and San Francisco. You could also find me spinning and twirling in my own backyard, in spaces like the Atlanta Eagle and with Black Atlanta Munch, as well as in private residences and virtual spaces. I have felt very much like a Leather ambassador during all this. Sharing about Leather and what it means to me, has been very fulfilling. I have felt very much like an Introducer-In-Chief because of my love for connecting strangers with commonalities. To me, that tracks with the theme for SELF 2025, “Nexus”, the recognition of how our oddities and differences link us together. I think those intersections are so dope, and fascinating to explore. Yes, the traveling and the interacting and the peopling were things I expected to come with the title. Unsurprisingly, I wanted to do as much as I could. I wanted to have my face in all the places. However, I was surprised at the need to listen to myself in a different way. I had to protect myself from overload. Turns out, I got tired from doing those things I love to do. Who knew?! To be a more impactful titleholder, I had to say good night and go home. I had to say I can't. I had to say no, after saying yes. I learned to disregard the fact that I wanted to, and accept that I shouldn't. Damn! Perhaps I'm not Superwoman, after all. My time so far has underscored how human I am. I have been compelled to examine myself and admit when I don’t have the capacity. When I am afraid. What if I screw up? What if I'm not liked, or accepted? I have been able to show myself kindness for being tired or fearful. That has allowed me to cut myself a break. Of course, my support system, my village, has been essential as I do all this work. I have safe havens to speak out my thoughts and think them all the way through. (Thank you, Master Nwachi) I am very grateful for those who believe in my ability to shine. They have no idea how they refuel me. My girlfriend, Jenny Shalimar, is a perfect example. Thank you, Jenny. Thank you, also, to Lexus Lester, Mr Taqtics, and Mark Kandansky. Your contributions have kept me going. Speaking of going, thank you to Daddi Cole, for his excellence as a traveling companion. I felt safe, Sir. Thank you. 2024 is drawing to a close, folks. I wish everyone a vibrant, dynamic 2025. Please look for me in the sunrise. I will be heading your way soon.

How is it the middle of February already?? I am hurtling towards the end of my year, and it has been such a wild ride. I have traveled, and hugged, and laughed, and worried, and bit my tongue, and played the diplomat. I have looked at myself from the outside and I've been so proud of myself, I could hardly stand it. I swear, I've felt so HUMAN. Full of sluggishness, and impatience, and scattered thoughts. Time and again, I've relied on the pressure of deadlines to jumpstart my actions. All of my wins, all of my feelings of inadequacy, (hey, I'm a mom, when don’t we feel that?) make me the titleholder I am. What I offer is me, as sincere as I know how to be. I have had the pleasure of talking, with potential contestants, about my perspectives and reasons as a titleholder. We talked about what a good sash wearer does, how they behave, and what the expectations should be. They also worried about the contest, the fast pace and high pressure. I was very happy to reassure them that perfection was not required. Being honest and open and brave was. I shared that they could be the kind of titleholder they wanted to see more of. Allowing a title year to help you stretch and grow means you're doing it right.

ESPECIALLY if you’re scared and you do it anyway.

For me, this year has helped me know myself better. Certainly, there’s the part that loves to smile and be seen. I am also honoring my compassionate self, the part that notices and listens deeply and actively when there is need. I will hold space, I will advocate, I will elevate the energy, I will be so UNBOTHERED by drama. In fact, with the help of the movie “Wicked”, I have vowed to be more loyal, more fair. The way that movie makes me so happy and so angry at the same time! Whew! Each time I watch it I promise myself I will never, “grovel in submission, to feed my own ambition”! Yes, musicals are helping me be a better person. Trust me, that’s a win!

This experience has been everything I’d hoped for, so far. I am looking forward to what the next months bring. Please excuse me while I go find my SELF Nexus outfits. See you all in June!

When I volunteered for the San Francisco Leather Contest, I was tasked with making sure all of the Volunteers signed in. While doing that, I introduced myself to a stranger. As we exchanged names, something guided me to ask how they were doing in the moment. With surprise, they gave me the honor of a real, vulnerable, deeply honest answer. This took place in February, and it is but one example of the way 2025 has unfolded for me. I have been all over the map, and I’ve met leather folk from Alaska and Canada to Houston and Fort Lauderdale. A lot of, “wow you’re so busy!” It’s true, and the energy, friendship, and surprise interactions have been so meaningful! I almost spun into orbit, I was so happy at SP LF. (Thank you, Tomo). I felt useful and productive at SF Leather. (Thank you DA Atua). Mama Vi and the magical Carter/Johnson Library, brought me to tears and joy. To top it all off, the Virginia Leather contest showed me what a vibrant leather community exists near my college hometown. (Special thanks to Thumper for his assistance and continued support). My title year has been full of chances to learn. The Black pups and dogs I met, were kind enough to let me hang with their pack and ask all types of questions. I’ve watched as stellar speakers and Emcees engaged, laughed with, and moved the crowd. I learned that even the most charismatic and smiling of us can be challenged and struggling. I was honored to make space and hold their emotions with them when I could.

My year turned out differently than I expected. I did much more volunteering than teaching for some reason, the idea of working and helping execute was more compelling. I could see and feel the general impact of an event run well. I could contribute to specific areas where my particular skills were valid and necessary.
SELF is another place where I feel valid. As I return for another year, I’ll be eager to support the incoming contestants. I will also be hosting the littles pageant as well as participating with My Co-Founders as we launch Littles of Color. It’s a fun and safe space for all BIPOC littles in the whole wide world.

Join me again this June, here in Atlanta, for SELF:Nexus. I can’t wait to see you all again!