Chicago’s IML (International Mr. Leather) has removed one of its judges from the May competition event over photos of him wearing Nazi regalia, Out reported.
Durk Dehner, president and co-founder of the Tom of Finland Foundation, caused an uproar on social media after images of him wearing Nazi regalia began circulating online.
“I’ve been trying to write a post that isn’t angry—but I am angry, very angry. New information that came to me this morning regarding one of the IML judges clearly indicates he is not fit to be part of our organization. Hate has no place at IML. Period, full stop,” wrote IML Executive Director David Ronneberg. “Anyone who wears hate-based imagery or symbols, whether Nazi regalia or a fucking MAGA hat… has NO place at the table, NO voice in the conversation, and can fuck right off.”
Ronneberg’s decision happened one day after Pup Diego Onyx, Mr. Bullet Leather 2024, posted several images of Dehner wearing various Nazi symbols on different occasions. “I love that one of the judges this year for International Mr. Leather, Inc. enjoys wearing N*zi regalia. A huge part of the LA leather community has been keeping this under wraps for far too long and so have many others. Why would anyone feel safe running for a contest if he’s a judge?” Onyx wrote.
J.L. Carter, Mr. Sister Leather 2024, has also spoken out against Dehner as well, adding that Dehner allegedly “made racist remarks” toward Black and Latino members of the leather community at a February 2024 event.
Tom of Finland Foundation CEO Edward Cella issued a statement, saying, in part, that the “Foundation unequivocally condemns all racism and hatred, and all symbols that are used to convey such views. … We hear you and understand that addressing the harm caused by recent actions requires more than words—it requires sustained effort and accountability.
“We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and we invite open dialogue to help us better serve our community and society as a whole. This is the beginning of a process, not the end.”
According to his Facebook bio, Dehner has been connected with Tom of Finland since 1979; he has also been a video-porn director, a model for Bruce Weber and an IML competitor who tied for first place.
Windy City Times reached out to the Tom of Finland Foundation and IML, but had not heard back from either before this article was published.
UPDATE: The Advocate reported that Dehner has stepped down as the foundation’s president, submitting his resignation to the board of directors. Also, in a private post on Facebook, Dehner apologized for the “detrimental” impact of the situation on the Tom of Finland Foundation, adding, “I have violated my own code of ethics, and know that more consciousness is required in a world that does not necessarily like who we are as a people.”