Mr. LA Leather 2025 Nick Arroyo Challenges the Status Quo
BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ALEXANDER SCHUELLER
A lifelong Angeleno and the reigning Mr. LA Leather 2025, Nick Arroyo is a 29-year-old body piercer at Pacific Sangha Tattoo and a bartender at The Artesia Bar, the South Bay’s sole queer space.
Initially introduced to the kink scene in 2018 through a dominatrix friend, Arroyo found a community rooted in authenticity and consent.
Despite his initial hesitation to run for Mr. CSW 2025—citing a lack of representation for his 5’0”, 95-pound frame – he used that disconnect as fuel to challenge the “leather mold.”
The Title Year
In an interview with THE FIGHT, Arroyo reveals that his tenure was as transformative as it was challenging.
While the year brought milestones like competing at IML and opening new professional doors, it also exposed a “high school popularity mentality” within the community. He candidly reflects on navigating internal drama and the “mob mentality” that he feels cost him certain opportunities.
“I stayed away from the mob mentality… if you’re not ‘in’ with a specific group, then you’re not relevant. It’s grown-ups with a popularity contest mindset.”
Legacy and Impact
While his early goals focused on notoriety, a collaboration with the TransLatin@ Coalition shifted his focus to tangible impact. Working alongside activists like Bamby Salcedo and Maria Roman reinforced his belief that “titles fade, but the work does not.”
Prioritize Representation
As he prepares to pass the sash, Arroyo offers clear advice for his successor: stay grounded, ignore the “lame-ass” critics, and prioritize representation.
“Representation matters more than we sometimes realize. If someone who doesn’t ‘fit the mold’ sees themselves reflected in me, then I’ve done something right,” states Arroyo.
“Leather isn’t one body type, one aesthetic, or one personality. If a punk rock princess like me can do it anyone can! I hope when all is said and done I can continue to ensure that, no one should demand a seat at the table if there is one available.”
