Photo by Robert Green, Motorboot Photography
On Sunday, August 25th, “SALUTE! A Celebration of SoCal Representation at International Mister Leather 46!” was held on the rooftop of the LA LGBT Center-Senior Service Division, overlooking the scenic beauty of Hollywood.
It was hosted by the Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC) & Lara Productions, In Partnership with the Senior Division of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
“SALUTE! not only honored our exceptional California titleholders who represented their cities, from San Francisco to Palm Springs, at IML 46, but also gave the opportunity for our vibrant community to come together, share experiences and enjoy a night of camaraderie and celebration. It was a massive undertaking put together by Michael Lara and the Salute Committee and they really pulled it off!” said Gabriel Green, Chair of LALC/LALP, LALC CAReS and President of Bears LA in an interview with THE FIGHT.
The IML 46 titleholders who were honored were:
• IML 2024/SF Eagle Leather Pup-Jamal Herrera-O’Malley
• IML 2024 (2nd Runner-Up)/Mr. LA Leather 2024/Mr Cachondo Leather 2024- David “El Bandido” Mosqueda
• Mr Palm Springs Leather 2024-Oscar Luis Uvillus
• Mr Gay Days Leather 2024/Mr. LA Leather Bear 2024 – Tony Vega
• Mr. SoCal Leather 2024-Moshiel Newman Daphna
• Mr. Barracks Leather 2024-Mark Calkins
• Mr. San Francisco Leather 2023- Bacilio Mendez
• Mr Powerhouse Leather 2018-Spencer Adam
• Mr. Bolt Leather 2024-Aaron Thomas Piccirillo
• Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2024 – Larry Minutella
Among the highlights of the event were: exquisite catering provided by Layne Catering, electrifying Performances by Sir Madame Fatale and Spike, intriguing demos by Avatar Club and an insightful and entertaining panel discussion with the IML 46 title class moderated by MC Gabriel Green.
There was also a special presentation where the LALC presented donations to their charity partners, The Wall Las Memorias, Tom of Finland Foundation and LA LGBT Center-Senior Services Division from LALP2024.
The event received high praise from the current IML 2024/SF Eagle Leather Pup-Jamal Herrera-O’Malley who wrote:
“I am filled with deep gratitude for the Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC) and Lara Productions for their incredible work in organizing the “Salute” event. This gathering was a true celebration of the leather community, providing a platform for us to connect, share experiences, and honor my brothers of IML46 Class.
It was a privilege to be among my California title brothers, celebrating our shared thoughts and supporting one another. This is what community is about!
As titleholders, we understand the challenges and sacrifices that come with this role. Our journeys can be demanding, but it’s essential to remember the importance of love, compassion, and community. We all deserve a seat at the table!
By sharing our stories, we can inspire others, break down barriers, and be the example we want to see in our own communities. Let’s continue to exemplify mindfulness and respect within our community; creating a space where everyone feels valued.
Thank you again to LALC, Lara Productions, and all the sponsors for making ‘Salute’ such a memorable and uplifting event.”
– Pup Savage, IML46.
“There was a real feeling of excitement and joy that day as everyone was celebrating the beauty and diversity that make our community what it is. We need to remember to take that excitement and joy with us everywhere we go and give to those who need it the most to remind them that they belong. When we unite and give each other love, strength and lift each other up, we are truly unstoppable. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the event and a very special thank you to Michael McFadden from the LA LGBT Center-Senior Services Division for giving us the space to make it possible. And to ALL the members of our community, we SALUTE you!”
–Gabriel Green, Chair of LALC/LALP, LALC CAReS and President of Bears LA, LALC, Michael Lara/Lara Productions, the Salute Committee
Sponsors of the event were:
• LALC
• Lara Productions
• LA LGBT Center-Senior Services Division
• Jack Daniels
• Tito’s Vodka
• Budlight
• Bullet Bar
• Rough Trade
• Eagle LA
• BearsLA
• Sanctuary LAX Studios
• Regiment of the Black and Tans
• Tom of Finland At Home
• Avatar Club Los Angeles
• SF Eagle
• LAYNE CATERING
• The LA Leather Journal
• CA B&B Corp
