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!

Here we are. The last formal writing of my title year. I have been busier than a one-legged
man in an asskicking contest, and I have connected with and talked to so many different,
wonderful people. As I reflect over the year, one huge takeaway for me, is how useful a list
can be. In fact, here is My list of five things I learned during my title year.

1. I learned that walking into a room as a title holder is different than just walking into a
room period there are expectations, and eyes on you. There is also a sense of
camaraderie when you see other title holders. I think it’s a good thing to be held to a
high standard and to set higher expectations.
2. I learned that saying no felt like self-care. I was asked to do lots of things. I was
asked to be lots of places. I love being and doing and I thought saying yes showed
My commitment. My body was quick to correct me. “Say no”, it said. “I’m tired, I’ve
had enough”. I listened, and learned to sit down and stay home.
3. I learned that there were big pockets of the community that had somethingto teach
me. I am grateful to the trans women, BIPOC pups, and boot blacks who were willing
to have dialogue with me and share our experiences.
4. I learned that even when I’m tested, targeted, and enraged, I can still maintain my
dignity, diplomacy, and decorum. It’s a terrible feeling, sometimes, being the bigger
person. I’m grateful that I was able to get the support I needed to navigate my way
through.
5. I learned that gratitude is worth spreading. I filled My spirit with gratitude and I
reminded Myself of all that I’m grateful for. I also asked those close to me to share
their gratitude with Me. It’s beautiful and inspiring to hear their stories. Any hour of
the day could be gratitude o’clock.

Without a doubt, I have lots of people I am grateful for in this past year. Lady Catherine,
your advice and encouragement have been invaluable. I thank you. Thank you to the SELF
production team as well. Randi Kemmler and everyone who cracked a gentle whip to get
what they needed, is appreciated. Joy Perez, thank you for encouraging me to be vulnerable
enough to let people know Me. Also, thank you for expecting my best and giving Me space
to give it. Thumper, I am so very happy that You and Your House believe in me and show it.
Lastly, thank you to each and every member of My village. You know who you are, and you
know what you do. Please stay with Me, always. I have been Ms SouthEast LeatherFest for
almost a year, and it has been the honor of My life to serve Yyou in this way. Stay tuned for
what’s next, because My work is not nearly done. See you all in the sunset.