As the decade that I think we should call “The Zeros” comes to a close, let’s take a moment to look back on some of the leather highlights from the past year. In no particular order, here’s my list of the 10 best memories from 2009.
MidAtlantic Leather: MAL coincides with the Presidential Inauguration once every four years like clockwork, making travel and logistics a little more complicated than usual. But there’s never been anything like MAL 2009, which took place the same weekend as the inauguration of Barack Obama. The only thing bigger than the crowds was the excitement, which was like an electric charge in the air. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — which means both “I’m extremely glad I was there” and “I never want to go through anything like that again as long as I live.”
Bears On Liberty Weekend 7: The Bears celebrated lucky number seven with a Seven Deadly Sins theme and a return to basics. Next year, I think every club should take a page from the Bears’ playbook and figure out how to throw such an amazing run while keeping the registration fee so low. Well done, guys.
BootLust: We can’t call them the new kids in town anymore, not when they throw an event this hot! The Keystone boys of Leather made their mark this year by celebrating their first anniversary, but they really put themselves on the map by throwing the hottest gear party this town has ever seen.
WOOF! Philly: Philly’s only weekly bear party has been going strong for a year-and-a-half and shows no signs of slowing down. You know you have a hit on your hands when you survive having your home bar ripped out from under you. Who says there’s no gay nightlife on the other side of Broad Street?
Philadelphia Leather Pride Night: Charity auctions are never easy to produce, especially when everyone is tightening their belts like this past year. But that didn’t stop PLPN from raising a crazy amount of money for local and national charities. I can’t wait to see how they top it next year.
Philadelphia Leather Weekend: There was no leather contest this year, but in retrospect maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing after all. It didn’t put a damper on the fun, and it certainly didn’t put a dent in the crowds.
Philadelphians MC 35th Anniversary Historical Display: When you hear a group is celebrating 35 years, it sounds impressive, but it doesn’t really sink in until you stop to think about how much has changed during that time. Back in 1974, the war in Vietnam still hadn’t come to a close, Watergate forced Nixon to resign the presidency, gay pride as ignited by Stonewall was only five years old and no one had heard of HIV. A lot can change in 35 years. Seeing the pictures of all the men and women who have called that club home over the years is truly inspiring. The display in the William Way LGBT Community Center lobby is free to the public and runs until Jan. 6.
Holiday Décor: The Bike Stop brought the community together for a one-of-a-kind holiday party. With food, drink and a completely messed-up Living Nativity presented by Philadelphians MC, everyone was working and laughing together, and sharing the best the season has to offer. God bless us, every one!
The changing of the guard at The Bike Stop: As The Bike Stop gets closer to celebrating its 28th anniversary, it will likely do so under new ownership. Robert and Carmella Porter are excited to carry original owner Ron Lord’s legacy into the future and their excitement is contagious. Endless thanks to current owner Jim Madden for everything over the years, and best of luck as he moves on to bigger and better things!
Tri-Cen 19: OK, maybe this one is cheating a little because it hasn’t actually happened yet, but 2009 is abso-freakin-lutely guaranteed to go out with a bang as Philadelphians MC hosts Tri-Cen XIX. With registrations still coming in, close to 100 leathermen are expected in town for this epic weekend-long event. Register today, because you know you don’t want to miss a thing!
UPCOMING EVENTS
— Tri-Can XIX and Philadelphians MC 35th anniversary: Dec. 31-Jan. 3 at various venues around town. Registration extended to Dec. 21. See www.philadelphiansmc.org for details.
— Liberty Bears meeting and holiday recovery social: Jan. 9 at The Bike Stop; meeting from 6-7 p.m. and social from 7-10 p.m.
— WOOF! Philly and Laid: Every Sunday at 5 p.m., 1416 Chancellor St. until further notice. See www.woofphilly.com or www.laidsaturdays.com for DJ and dancer schedules.
— Midatlantic Leather Weekend: Jan. 15-18 in Washington, D.C., hosted by Centaur MC. Theme this year is “The Skin UR In.” See www.leatherweekend.org for details.
Questions? Comments? Secret Santa horror stories? Contact Jim at [email protected].