I'm standing here today overlooking Dublin's fair city, with Europe beyond the Irish sea, and it's this little island on the edge of the EU that has really punched above its weight over the years. We owe much of that success to the support and generosity of the ECMC and our many friends in Europe.
When I started off, I didn't really know where I fit in the leather world. It was the Irish leather community that took me under their wing and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I also met Arnaud, the then Mr Leather Europe who showed to me what a role model can look like in a greater global community.
These people showed to me that leather and fetish is more than just having the right gear or being the sexiest in the room – As leatherfolk, we get a second passport. No matter where you go in the world, you have someone to call a friend and a place to call home. No matter how different we all seem or how wild our interests are, we're bound by a deep sense of shared belonging and history, our history. That's the power of leather, and nobody can take that away from us.
Growing confidence over the years and being entrusted with Mr Dublin Leather been an honour, and a way to be that role model for others. I've had a year full of connection, public visibility, and community work. I've gotten to speak on national radio about our leather scene, be able to judge contests across Europe. I've been able to take our club our to galleries, queer history walks, hosted our club BBQ, and even host a rope jam in my own back garden!
Soon, I'll be in Amsterdam, home to one of the earliest member clubs of the ECMC. The ECMC was founded to unify clubs, and I want to continue that tradition as Mister Leather Europe, bringing us together and spotlighting the very best of our member clubs.
I always say that when we cover ourselves in leather, we actually open our hearts to each other. That’s why our flag carries a big red heart. If you entrust me with Mister Leather Europe, I plan to champion what makes our scene special, across Europe and internationally over the next year.
I’m Jamie, representing Leathermen of Ireland as your Mr Dublin Leather, and I’d be honoured to serve you as Mr Leather Europe.