Mufasa’s Leather Fellowship Weekend, celebrating 21 years in 2026, kicked off at Cellblock, 3702 N. Halsted St., with a meet-and-greet on Feb. 20.
The Leatherman & Leather Bear of Color Contest took place at the Leather Archives and Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave., on Feb. 21.
The judges’ panel included Head Judge Goddess Lakshimi, Empress Jessica Akanke, Vince Jay, Joat Onyx, Khalid El Bey and Leatherman of Color 2025 Legendary Onyx.
The event was MC’d by Jace the Caveat.
Last year’s winner, Legendary Onyx, passed his title onto this year’s Leather Bear of Color 2026, Cheshire Capriccio Onyx. The winner will be given the choice of competing in International Mister Leather in May 2026 or North American Bear in February 2027. The after-party was held at Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark St., following the contest. To wrap up the weekend, a leather fellowship brunch was hosted by the Leather Archives and Museum on Feb. 22.
Photos by Joseph Stevens
