HELL-BENT FOR LEATHER

A chance at the International Mr. Leather title takes Ken Fiegel to Chicago

by Thomas Blanton

Photo by John Conroy

For many, the word leather carries undeniable connotations. Say it, and some immediately think of whips and chains, certain things rumored to take place in certain bars on certain nights, or that furry guy from the Village People.

Ken “Daddy Ken” Fiegel, the reigning Mr. Texas Leather, who will travel to Chicago this month for the International Mr. Leather competition, begs to differ. Fiegel’s soft-spoken demeanor, obvious intelligence, passion for charity, and upstanding personal philosophy may seem, to the uninitiated, exfoliated gay masses, unusual qualities in a leather man. But these attributes offer an entirely more accurate, if unfamiliar, image of the leather community.

Of course, the bulging biceps with the tribal armband tattoos don’t hurt, either.

Born in Tampa, Florida, Fiegel moved to Houston in December 1993 and studied occupational therapy at Houston Community College. While he was interested in getting more actively involved in the leather scene, he didn’t compete until this year. In February, he entered the Mr. Texas Leather competition at the Dallas Eagle club and won the title.

Fiegel partially credits his victory to his attitude. “I thought I had a good chance,” he says, “but I decided ahead of time that I wouldn’t be disappointed, no matter what happened.”

Winning Mr. Texas Leather qualified Fiegel to vie for the International Mr. Leather title (another Houstonian, Buz Lawson, will compete as well). Much of Fiegel’s free time is now devoted to preparing for the competition. He works out. He lines up the outfits and gear he will wear during the May 22–26 competition (problem solved there: Leather by Boots in Dallas sponsors Fiegel). And he studies, specifically leather history, leather man handbooks, current events, and how-to manuals. The training can get intense, Fiegel reports, especially trying to balance it with his work schedule and personal life, but he says, “I’ve juggled it all well. So far.”

In his role as Mr. Texas Leather, Fiegel must be available to judge at local competitions and makes personal appearances at leather events across the state. He also must actively participate in fundraising and community awareness activities.

“My plan is to try to raise more awareness about health issues,” Fiegel says. “My favorite nonprofit is the Houston Buyer’s Club [which provides nutritional supplements for people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses]. Their existence makes such a difference.”

People on the outside looking in might wonder at the amount of effort that goes into leather competitions and the responsibilities of the titleholders. After all, they might ask between sips of their Cape Cods, isn’t leather just a fetish? Isn’t a leather competition just a hairier version of a beauty pageant? While Fiegel understands where the myths come from, he refutes them with insight into the leather mindset.

“A lot of people view leather as a form of drag,” he says. “But to me, it’s a whole lot more than that. It’s a community. There’s a lot of respect among the members that’s given and earned. Honor and integrity are highly valued.”

According to Fiegel, individuals involved with the leather community tend to be extremely open-minded and accepting of the gay community as a whole, especially women, people of color, and transgender individuals. Partially because of the misconceptions that surround the leather and drag communities, he also asserts that strong ties exist between the subcultures.

“In a lot of ways, they parallel each other,” he says. “They’re out there. You can’t help but see them. They’re not always accepted, but certainly those two groups are very accepting of everyone else. My experience has been that everyone’s very welcome, and both groups are quick to lend a helping hand.”

Fiegel notes the same encouragement and acceptance at the national level of leather competition. “There’s no backstabbing or sabotage,” he says, once again shooting down comparison to mainstream pageants, where half the fun seems to be trying to annihilate the other contestants. “It’s a really supportive group.”

Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the International Mr. Leather event (www.imrl.com) is divided into categories: leather image, public speaking, personal interviews, and the physique competition (like a swimsuit competition but with . . . well, jockstraps—one wonders if anything gets taped). Additionally, the day before the competition starts, contestants attend the Pecs and Personality “meet-and-greet.” While the event itself is not judged, it offers a good opportunity for contestants to make favorable impressions and to size up the competition.

In keeping with the camaraderie of the International Mr. Leather weekend, Fiegel will host the annual Friday-night Don’t Mess With Texas party, traditionally organized by Mr. Texas Leather and his contingent, and open to everyone attending the IML festivities. The event raises money for a travel fund for the reigning International Mr. Leather.

“It’s a way to say ‘Welcome to IML’ with Texas hospitality,” Fiegel says.

His Texan-by-choice status helps motivate Fiegel to compete at this year’s IML, held at the Congress Theater in Chicago. Last year’s winner, Stephen Weber of Dallas, was also first Mr. Texas Leather. Weber is a judge this year. A win by Fiegel will be the first time for the title to be taken by the same state at two consecutive competitions. The winner will receive a prize package and a black Harley Davidson motorcycle.

“Any time you compete, you have to realize that you may not win,” Fiegel says. “But it would be awesome to follow in [Stephen’s] footsteps.”

As he prepares for the chance to represent the international leather world, Fiegel offers encouragement to people who may be interested in the life. “The leather community is full of people who are supportive and eager to help,” he says. “It’s full of people with talent and wisdom, begging for someone to tap into. You just have to ask.”

Thomas Blanton contributed the essay “Old Green-Eyes Is Back” in the February issue.

SASH SEARCH

Ken Fiegel writes: “A good friend of mine, Stephen Weber, International Mr. Leather 2002, was here [in late March] to help with the fundraiser Night In Black Leather and lost his IML sash at Rich’s. I would like to think that in all the confusion of cleaning up after the event someone inadvertently packed it away. Stephen will be needing this sash for his appearance and stepping down in May. It is one of a kind and holds significant value as well as personal meaning.”

Feigel is offering a $100 reward. Persons with knowledge of the sash can contact him at MrTxLthr03@aol.com or contact OutSmart.

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.