Wed. May 26, 2010
Chicago, IL -
International Mr. Leather welcomes the leather and fetish world to Chicago this Memorial Day Weekend as more than 50 contestants from across the U.S. and around the world will compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2010.
IML 2010, "A Leather Odyssey," will be held Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31, 2010 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago. The Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, is the official host hotel for the weekend.
IML began in 1979 when about 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for the leather community drawing contestants and thousands of attendees to the Windy City over Memorial Day Weekend. Once an event for "hardcore" leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd from the experience to the curious.
Last year's event drew more than 15,000 leatherfolk from around the globe.
International Mr. Leather contestants are judged on a variety of criteria including community involvement, speech, presentation and overall presence. The winner of the IML 2010 Contest will receive a prize package consisting of donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather community. A complete listing of current and past IML contestants can be found at www.imrl.com.
The judges for the 32nd International Mr. Leather competition are International Mr. Leather 2009 Jeffrey Payne (Dallas, TX), Laura Antoniou (Queens, NY), Shawn Carroll (Ottawa, Canada), Demetri Moshoyannis (San Francisco, CA), Chad Neal (Kansas City, MO), Gene Romaine (Seattle, WA), Daniel Ruester (Berlin, Germany), William "Rubberwilli" Schendel (Chicago), and Robert Valin (New York).
Jeffrey Payne, Mr. Texas Leather 2009, was named International Mr. Leather 2009.
International Mr. Leather 2010 include the following events:
32nd Annual International Mr. Leather Competition
Sunday, May 30 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Congress Theatre, 2135 N Milwaukee Ave
(Event Details)
The Leather Market – the world's best collection of leather and fetish vendors.
Friday, May 28 from 12 – 7 p.m., Saturday, May 29 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, May 30 from
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Monday, May 31 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$5 suggested donation with all proceeds going to the Leather Archives and Museum.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
IML Opening Ceremonies
Introduction of contestants and judges, drawing for contestant numbers and unveiling of the IML 2010 Flag.
Friday, May 28 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.)
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom
(Event Details)
Pecs & Personality (Physique Competition)
IML Contestants are judged on their appearance and stage presence.
Saturday, May 29 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.)
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ball Room
(Event Details)
IML Victory Celebration Party
Featuring DJ/Producer Matthew Harvat
Sunday, May 30 after the IML Contest until 4 a.m.
House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago
(Event Details)
Black and Blue Ball
The traditional IML final blowout celebration, DJ Phil DaBeatz and DJ/Producer Sin Morera
Monday, May 31 from 8 p.m. – 4 a.m.
Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
(Event Details)
For weekend information, ticketing, hotel reservations and frequent updates, visit www.imrl.com.
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