International Mr. Leather 2008, first photos

The local annual event known as International Mr. Leather (IML) celebrated its 30th anniversary May 21-26, with the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker, serving as the host hotel. Among the competitions’ winners were Gary Iriza, Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2008 (sponsored by Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, The Barracks bar, Gear, Palm Springs, Calif.), who was crowned Mr. IML 2008; and Bootdog, the 2008 International Bootblack winner from Alameda County Leather Corps, Castro Valley, Calif. (Iriza is second from the right in Israel Wright’s picture above.) And, of course, there were plenty of various gatherings—including theme parties and the leather market—to keep attendees busy.

Photos by Ross Forman, Isreal Wright and Jerry Nunn.