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Published in the February 2026 Edition
By Rodney Burger
Mr. MAL 2026, Gage Ryder
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2026 Gage Ryder was sashed Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 during the annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend hosted by the Centaur MC at the Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill on January 16th -19th. First runner-up went to Dante from Raleigh, North Carolina and Mr. Connecticut Leather 2026 Ricky Mestre took home the 2nd runner-up medallion. Also competing in front of a packed ballroom were Mr. Virginia Leather 2025 Sir Don, Mr. Rehoboth Leather 2025 Adam Gold, Morbius Nkosi (ONYX SE) from Atlanta, and Mr. North Carolina Triangle Leather 2025 Boy Diesel (Sean).
Tasked with judging what had to be a very close contest were Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2025 Jason Elliott, International Mr. Leather 2025 Rene Hebert, popular Baltimore entertainer Miss Leon’s 2025 Sapphire Brilliance Dupree, President of Steel City Pups Asami the Fox, Mr. Eagle LA Leather 2025 Matias Gomez Constenla, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2019 Jawn Marques, and leather man performer and founder of a performing arts studio Omar Ziese.
Tally Masters were Mr. GNI Leather 2022 Christopher Gonzalez and Mr. Rubber Ireland 2015 Collie (Pup Link). Tasked with keeping the judges happy was Judges’ Boy Mr. Mayhem Leather 2023 Keron. The contest was co-emceed by Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 1993 Frank Nowicki and Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2020 David Spivey. After being the amazing MAL emcee since 1995, Frank is passing the torch. It is always nice to see new faces, some on the old faces.
The theme for the weekend was “Centaur Noir” which fit very well with a hotel that had recently been completely redecorated in a sort of steampunk style in shades of black and white. As with all changes, it was not without controversy. The hotel issued at statement that: “Due to recently completed renovations, large gatherings will not be allowed in suites and guest rooms.” The leather community is all about adapting to change, so the fun did not end. Most clubs just scaled down their gatherings limiting them to club members and a few guests. If 2020 taught us anything, it is about adapting and making it work. Mr. MAL 2009 Kip Hollar had a much smaller party this year, but I still had a wonderful time and met some interesting people. Things change. I can remember when someone could just walk into the lobby at MAL for free. Now, not only are tickets required, there were warnings about scammers selling bogus tickets.
One thing that didn’t change was Saturday night’s Leather Cocktails. This year the Centaur MC toasted fifty years of the leather community’s best party. Not only were there amazing film noir decorations, (Where does one find black roses and black calla lilies?), but a film was even made that played in the lobby and above the escalators leading to the ballroom.
Also unchanged was the popular MIR rubber social, puppy mosh, super hero meet up, MAUL cocktail party, and the always packed ONYX fashion show.
The very look of leather has changed over the years. I remember a time when there were two types of leather: black and wrong. Boy have times change! I saw even more colors this year and so many new designs. The large leather vendor mart had a wonderful mix of old favorites like Anubis Gear, WolfStryker, and Mr. S and fun new offerings from Vilain Garcon and Sir Rat Leather & Gear.
Kinetic sponsored amazing dance parties all weekend with MAL ending on Sunday night with the fabulous Kinetic Closing Dance at the AI Warehouse.
In a world that keeps changing in scary ways, I am thankful to the Centaur MC for a positive weekend of joy and tradition.
