An interview with outgoing Mr. LA Leather 2022 Angel Rincon
BY VICTOR MELAMED | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE
“Looking back at my year as Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2022, what stands out the most is the validation,” Mr. LA Leather 2022 Angel Rincon tells THE FIGHT.
“The validation of being seen and heard, not necessarily by me, but by those that are like me: not ‘masc.’ So many people have come up to me and thanked me for standing out and making space for ‘Butch Queens!’ I have been shocked at how many conversations I have had with people, both young and old, who have been so scared to present as femme or worried they don’t fit in the leather scene. And what I say to that is stand out and be you!”
I first started being active in the community back in 2013,” reveals Rincon. “I was just diagnosed HIV positive and felt like an outcast. Meanwhile I still had these sexual desires and fantasies that I wanted to explore. That’s when I set foot in [the now defunct bar] Faultline. Seeing all sorts of different people free expressing themselves was like my first time in a candy store. I wanted all of it and more!!
Winning the title of Mr. LA Leather 2022 last year “opened the door for me to be even more active and continue to learn about different organizations that do so much not just for LA but for the leather community across the world,” states Rincon.
“I have now taken on the role of Vice President of the Los Angeles Band of Brothers and hope to be able to provide that ‘big sibling’ help and assist those that need or want it.”
When asked if he has any advice for the upcoming Mr. LA Leather 2023—Rincon says: “Have fun! Do what you want to do and do it with pride and honor. Not everyone is going to be happy with your choices and decisions, but you get to do it your way! And I did it purse first with no regrets!”
