Miguel Torres named Mr. Chicago Leather 2014
Sun. January 26, 2014 6:43 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
newly-chosen mr. chicago leather 2014 miguel torres (center)
photo credit // anthony meade
Chicago, IL -
Touche, 6412 N. Clark St., hosted Mr. Chicago Leather (MCL) 2014 weekend. The main contest took place Saturday, when Miguel Torres, 36, was selected Mr. Chicago Leather and will now represent Chicago's leather community during other competitions, including Mr. International Leather 2014.
"I'm humbled and inspired to keep up the great work of my brother and daddy Nick Zuko," Torres told ChicagoPride.com. Zuko preceded Torres as Mr. Chicago Leather in 2013.
Originally from Venezuela, Torres has called Chicago his home since 2000. He remains active in fundraising for local charities and this past summer participated in Ride for AIDS, a two-day, 200-mile bicycling event for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
Torres was chosen from a field of six contestants by five judges, including International Mr. Leather 2013 Andy Cross; Matt Hengle, Mr. Midwest Leather 2012; Jesse Driscoll, Mr. Midwest Rubber 2013; Christina Court, videographer and editor for LA&M's Leather Preservation and Conservation Project and Zuko. Joining Torres at the contest's end was 1st Runner Up Jonathan Saidler and 2nd Runner Up Clint Sabin.
"I look forward to keeping up the great momentum in the leather community," said Torres. "I'm excited to represent my city and learn from other communities around the world."
During the proceedings, Touche bar manager presented the Chuck Windemuth Leather Mentorship Award to Jeff Willoughby, Mr. Chicago Leather 2005, for his years of coaching those new to the leather lifestyle. This award was established in 2013 to commemorate the late Chuck Windemuth, who was Mr. Chicago Leather 1991.
Despite the inclement weather, the weekend events at Touche were well attended. The annual contest was hosted by International Mr. Leather 2003 John Pendal, who flies in from England each year to host this preliminary round.
Torres will continue his quest for the title of Mr. International Leather 2014 over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago.
Photos: Mr. Chicago Leather | Mr. Chicago Leather 2014 contest
"I'm humbled and inspired to keep up the great work of my brother and daddy Nick Zuko," Torres told ChicagoPride.com. Zuko preceded Torres as Mr. Chicago Leather in 2013.
Originally from Venezuela, Torres has called Chicago his home since 2000. He remains active in fundraising for local charities and this past summer participated in Ride for AIDS, a two-day, 200-mile bicycling event for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
Torres was chosen from a field of six contestants by five judges, including International Mr. Leather 2013 Andy Cross; Matt Hengle, Mr. Midwest Leather 2012; Jesse Driscoll, Mr. Midwest Rubber 2013; Christina Court, videographer and editor for LA&M's Leather Preservation and Conservation Project and Zuko. Joining Torres at the contest's end was 1st Runner Up Jonathan Saidler and 2nd Runner Up Clint Sabin.
"I look forward to keeping up the great momentum in the leather community," said Torres. "I'm excited to represent my city and learn from other communities around the world."
During the proceedings, Touche bar manager presented the Chuck Windemuth Leather Mentorship Award to Jeff Willoughby, Mr. Chicago Leather 2005, for his years of coaching those new to the leather lifestyle. This award was established in 2013 to commemorate the late Chuck Windemuth, who was Mr. Chicago Leather 1991.
Despite the inclement weather, the weekend events at Touche were well attended. The annual contest was hosted by International Mr. Leather 2003 John Pendal, who flies in from England each year to host this preliminary round.
Torres will continue his quest for the title of Mr. International Leather 2014 over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago.
Photos: Mr. Chicago Leather | Mr. Chicago Leather 2014 contest