Long Beach native David Mosqueda, the outgoing Mr. LA Leather 2024, talks to THE FIGHT about his foray into the world of leather, sex positivity and how Latinos can be engaged in our spaces
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE
When did you become part of the leather/kink scene—and how was that process for you?
I was 18 years old when I stumbled upon the movie “Cruising” starring Al Pacino and I fell in love with all the seedy bar scenes. I’ve also been a fan of a man in full gear after watching Batman as a kid. Michelle Pfeiffer as “Catwoman,” in that beautiful patent leather catsuit, definitely made me feel a certain way. I became a part of the leather scene, because I really loved how I felt in gear, whatever little I had. Even when I had bought my first Muir cap and that was the only thing I wore out, I felt sexy. I decided I wanted to run one day after going to the Eagle 562, in Long Beach, and accidentally being there the same day as their competition. I was able to see Pup Yoshi win their title, and I thought to myself, that looks like fun, I could do that. So began a seven year journey of preparing to be a title holding leather-man. This meant shopping and collecting leather, but more importantly, attending events and learning all the things people wished they got out of leather spaces, that was still lacking.
“The best thing anyone can do is distance themselves from the people in our communities that are willing to let our most marginalized be left behind.”
How would you describe your past year as Mr. LA Leather? How has the experience been for you?
Being Mr. LA Leather is easy. Being Mr. LA Leather when people in charge are posting and saying whatever thing comes to their mind, is hard. I loved being Mr. LA Leather and being invited everywhere possible. I didn’t like having to answer for histories of transphobia in large leather clubs that are associated with the title. I found peace in this by saying “oh, I don’t support that. You’ll have to take it up with them, but know I’ve also felt the way you feel and I do not support their decisions and comments.” The best thing anyone can do is distance themselves from the people in our communities that are willing to let our most marginalized be left behind.
Has being a title holder changed your outlook on the community?
Very much so. Title holders join a special group of recognition, something I never had as a non title holder. Now everyone knows my name, and everyone thinks I’ve been doing all this work after I received my title, but the title just gave them reason to recognize me. The community that has been with me from the beginning has truly been a beacon in my life and in all truth they are what real community is… My chosen family will always have priority and my Latino community will always be the spaces I choose to uplift.
What did you want to accomplish as a title holder—and do you feel you reached the goals you initially set for yourself?
I wanted to make sure that people felt a sense of comfort from being around me. Rather than be in the biggest circles of other titleholders, I liked being in a quiet corner of the bar, and chatting with the folks around me. It was always fun to introduce myself and watch them be surprised that a titleholder took the time to talk to them instead of mingling among the who’s who in the bar. I’m just a chill guy hanging out trying to avoid a big crowd. I also wanted to make sure people acknowledged their biases. Did that happen? Most likely not, because every couple weeks someone has to make a transphobic or even micro aggressive comment online. I’m honestly begging folks to just be quiet when it comes to commenting about other peoples lived experiences. I wanted to uplift Latino culture and Latino clubs and queer spaces, this I think was my big project, and has definitely been what I have been recognized for across the country and internationally. My culture always comes first and I wear it proudly in all my leather.
What advice would you give to the next title holder?
Be kind, be patient. Don’t say yes to everything. There will be a laundry list of places wanting you, skipping one won’t make the world end. Take care of your body. And above all, listen to community before anyone else.
What does the future hold for Mr. LA Leather 2024?
I step down this month, but my work doesn’t stop. I’ll still travel the world in my leather talking about sex positivity and how Latinos can be engaged in our spaces. I’ll still go around the world meeting my Latino siblings. You can still find me attending Cachondo in Long Beach where my journey began. But most importantly, you’ll find me uplifting my community and friends and family, which is why creating a new title for Latino representation Los Angeles—Mr. Cuero—taking place Labor Day weekend—has been so important for me and the other producers involved.
