Presenting the contestants selected to compete for Mr. LA Leather 2018. The Mr. L.A. Leather 2018 Contest will take place on Saturday, March 24 at the historic Globe Theater in Downtown LA’s Broadway Theater District. For more info visit losangelesleatherpride.com.
PHOTOS BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
SEAN BUONO
MR. OIL CAN HARRY’S LEATHER 2018
Sean loves to dance, he fell in love with Oil Can Harry’s six years ago after learning his first set of line dances. He likes to lead in partnered dances (West Coast Swing, Waltz, Two-Step), but he will follow “any guy that can cut a rug.” Sean is a microbiologist by trade and has worked in public health since he graduated from UC Irvine in 2008.
DWAYNE CARL
EAGLE LA MR. LEATHER 2018
A 53 year old, retired Air Force veteran, Dwayne is not only passionate about his leather fetishes and kink—he is also a passionate advocate for fighting HIV/AIDS stigma, shame and silence. He has been fortunate to be the opening ceremonies speaker for AIDS Walk LA, closing ceremonies speaker at AIDS Lifecycle and an advocate for ADAP through AIDS Watch. Other affiliations include Campaign To End AIDS, (C2EA), People Living with HIV Caucus, (PLHIV), and Through Positive Eyes Campaign, www.throughpositiveeyes.org.
MARPA FRANZONI
MR. SISTER LEATHER 2018
Marpa has sat on the board of directors for The Los Angeles Boys of Leather and has done a fair amount of work with The Tom of Finland Foundation. He holds an appreciation for informed choices and a fondness for originality while honoring tradition. In his spare time he enjoys bondage, cocksucking, fashion and volunteerism.
BEN KAUFHER
MR. LA LEATHER BEAR 2018
Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Ben Kaufher is a leather bear who has lived in LA for a decade with his husband Ben. He loves listening and flirting, and has a soft spot in his knees for Dads, Sirs, and Coaches. A member of the rebooted LA Boys of Leather, Ben believes that great change comes through service.
TAZ KEEFE
MR. SOCAL LEATHER 2018
Taz graduated from UC Riverside with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. He eventually plans to continue his education and earn a Master’s or a Ph.D. During his undergrad, Taz was heavily involved with the campus LGBT+ community as a peer educator and student activist. He currently works at the non-profit TruEvolution helping to advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS.
JOSE MAGANA
MR. CSW LEATHER 2018
Jose is a full-time student, a soldier for the California Army National Guard, and a father of two beautiful children. Currently attending Cal State University Los Angeles working on his Bachelor’s in sociology and then Master’s in social work. He has been in the Army National Guard for 13 years and has just re-enlisted for another 6 years.
ADAM MONDA
MR. SANCTUARY LEATHER 2018
A current board member of the SoCal Mens Bondage Club, Adam states that he is a service puppy at heart—his pup name is Pup Phoenix. Additionally he enjoys flogging, impact play, single tails, whips, breath play, biting, knifes, rope, leather…and much more. Adam held the title Inland Empire Leather Ambassador 2017.
LUIS RAMOS
MR. FAULTLINE LEATHER 2018
A 33 year old Mexican American, raised in LA. Luis is a proud U.S NAVY Veteran. Who served in our Nation’s Capital and aboard the USS NIMITZ. At 28 Luis was Diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. Today, Luis is a survivor with a mission. He devotes his time to Health Education, especially in the HIV/AIDS fight. Luis does his best to be kind, loving, and compassionate with those around him.
SPIKE
MR. PRECINCT LEATHER 2018
Spike was a twink go-go boy all through college until he became comfortable in his own skin. He began to experiment in S&M and bondage, training under two doms who showed him how to make pain pleasurable for all parties involved. He performed as a sub for 2 years then became his own boss as Master Spike.
GREG YAKOUBIAN
MR. REGIMENT LEATHER 2018
Greg was born and raised in Venezuela, in a conservative family, without exposure to LGBT culture. He moved to California in 2010, as a student, to obtain a degree in Business Management. Along the way he discovered himself as a leatherman, and found his chosen family though participating in leather events. He is proud to represent the Regiment of the Black and Tans, and looks forward to enjoying this journey with each one of you.
PUP YOSHI
MR. EAGLE 562 LEATHER 2018
Pup Yoshi has been active in the Bear and Leather communities for over 15 years. His service has ranged from selling Jell-O shots and raffle tickets at fundraisers to planning and organizing committees for bar and weekend run events. He is a recipient of the Larry Wright Memorial Award from Bears LA in recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Work. Yoshi is a brother of ONYX SoCal-Southwest, serving on its Board of Directors as Road Captain.
