IMLBB leadership addresses backlash over contestant cap
Fri. September 11, 2026 11:56 PM by Gerald Farinas
Leather leadership cites venue limits, four-hour run times and contestant care in move to scale back class size
CHICAGO, ILL. -
Leadership at International Mr. Leather and International Mr. Bootblack (IMLBB) responded to community pushback following a contentious decision to downsize future contestant rosters, issuing an apology while defending the operational need to reduce class sizes.
In a personal statement addressed to the leather and LGBTQ communities, IMLBB Executive Director David Ronneberg, widely known in the community as Tigger, acknowledged that the policy shift announced earlier this year sparked widespread friction.
"I understand this has caused a lot of concern, anxiety, debate, misinformation and general unrest," said Ronneberg, who won the international title in 2016. "For that I want to apologize. That was not our intent. I’m sorry."
The debate stems from a January announcement outlining plans to scale down the annual competition class to around 50 participants. According to organizers, the event had outgrown its infrastructure, putting a strain on logistics and detracting from the overall contestant experience.
Ronneberg outlined three primary factors driving the reduction: the quality of the contestant experience, venue limitations and audience endurance during the main stage contest.
"It’s important that every single contestant has an experience that is personal, meaningful and special," Ronneberg said. "However, there is a point at which that collective size of those experiences devolves into that of an assembly line. We don’t ever want that to be the experience any contestant takes home."
Logistical hurdles have also mounted backstage. Ronneberg noted that locating spaces capable of accommodating the expanding roster has become increasingly difficult, quipping that the event requires room for "a cast larger than Les Mis." Moving the contest to large commercial arenas remains an undesirable alternative because it "kills the celebration and joyful validation of being on stage," he added.
Show length has emerged as another recurring complaint from attendees and participants alike.
"As class size grows so does the length of the contest," Ronneberg said. "I’ve watched and heard people leave the theatre early because they don’t want to sit through a four hour show. Contestants deserve a packed, attentive audience."
To bring the field down to roughly 50 titleholders, organizers relied on measurable data alongside dedicated open slots designed to accommodate emerging feeder contests, regional exceptions and international participants. Ronneberg pushed back against criticism that foreign contenders would be sidelined, asserting that leadership made a "concerted effort to keep the distribution geographically balanced."
While admitting the new framework is not flawless, Ronneberg described it as an "honest start" toward preserving the intimacy and sustainability of the event. Organizers pledged to review ongoing community feedback as the transition moves forward, emphasizing that leadership remains open to adjustments.
"If you are a title holder with a foundation built on courage, authenticity, integrity, empathy, kindness and service," Ronneberg said, "we will always find a place for you at IMLBB. Always."
In a personal statement addressed to the leather and LGBTQ communities, IMLBB Executive Director David Ronneberg, widely known in the community as Tigger, acknowledged that the policy shift announced earlier this year sparked widespread friction.
"I understand this has caused a lot of concern, anxiety, debate, misinformation and general unrest," said Ronneberg, who won the international title in 2016. "For that I want to apologize. That was not our intent. I’m sorry."
The debate stems from a January announcement outlining plans to scale down the annual competition class to around 50 participants. According to organizers, the event had outgrown its infrastructure, putting a strain on logistics and detracting from the overall contestant experience.
Ronneberg outlined three primary factors driving the reduction: the quality of the contestant experience, venue limitations and audience endurance during the main stage contest.
"It’s important that every single contestant has an experience that is personal, meaningful and special," Ronneberg said. "However, there is a point at which that collective size of those experiences devolves into that of an assembly line. We don’t ever want that to be the experience any contestant takes home."
Logistical hurdles have also mounted backstage. Ronneberg noted that locating spaces capable of accommodating the expanding roster has become increasingly difficult, quipping that the event requires room for "a cast larger than Les Mis." Moving the contest to large commercial arenas remains an undesirable alternative because it "kills the celebration and joyful validation of being on stage," he added.
Show length has emerged as another recurring complaint from attendees and participants alike.
"As class size grows so does the length of the contest," Ronneberg said. "I’ve watched and heard people leave the theatre early because they don’t want to sit through a four hour show. Contestants deserve a packed, attentive audience."
To bring the field down to roughly 50 titleholders, organizers relied on measurable data alongside dedicated open slots designed to accommodate emerging feeder contests, regional exceptions and international participants. Ronneberg pushed back against criticism that foreign contenders would be sidelined, asserting that leadership made a "concerted effort to keep the distribution geographically balanced."
While admitting the new framework is not flawless, Ronneberg described it as an "honest start" toward preserving the intimacy and sustainability of the event. Organizers pledged to review ongoing community feedback as the transition moves forward, emphasizing that leadership remains open to adjustments.
"If you are a title holder with a foundation built on courage, authenticity, integrity, empathy, kindness and service," Ronneberg said, "we will always find a place for you at IMLBB. Always."