Monday, May 21, 2012

International Mr. Leather competition to include two gay weddings in 34th year


via redeyechicago.com - By Tony Peregrin,

Strap yourself in, leather and kink enthusiasts--the 2012 International Mr. Leather competition, which draws thousands of attendees and contestants to Chicago from around the globe, is introducing a first at this year's event.

What could the event, now in its 34th year--with its legions of leather daddies, scores of rubber-suited men, and even a few furries in their cute-creepy, anthropomorphic animal costumes--possibly introduce to this diverse and exuberant community? That would be a gay wedding--two, in fact.

"We definitely have a huge first this year," said Jon, IML Coordinator, also noting that both events are private affairs. "Throughout the years, we've had commitment ceremonies, but this is the first year that we will have civil unions. We get a kick out of it. We're slightly amused, actually, because we never thought that wedding planning would be a part of coordinating this big leather event."

In other IML civil union news, this year also marks the first time two of the contestants duking it out for the coveted title of International Mr. Leather are legally married.

"Among the contestants in previous years, we've had boyfriends competing against each other, and partners as well," he said. "But this year, to our knowledge, is the first time that two contestants are legally married. Both are from Maryland, I believe, but were married in the state of New York."

Reportedly the oldest international and leather and fetish event on record, IML takes place Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Chicago.

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NOTE:
On-line ticket sales for weekend packages and single event tickets have closed. Please visit our Ticket/Registration Desk beginning Friday, May 25th after 10am to purchase your tickets. The Ticket/Registration Desk is located on the Gold Level of the host hotel, directly across from the Grand Ballroom. 

Rooms are disappearing FAST. On-line reservations accepted thru Wednesday 5/23. Get yours now before we run out! 
For more info visit www.imrl.com 

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