One of the more popular events at IML is the San Francisco Party hosted every year by Folsom Street Events. This year there were: the roast of the outgoing IML and IMBB (held at the Leather Archives and Museum) Chicago Rubbermen Meet and Greet Gear Blast for guys into sports, racing, rubber, leather, lycra and other pervy gear Leather Archives and Museum President's reception a puppy panel erotic hypnosis reception People of Color caucus puppy yoga Chicago Hellfire Club cocktail social Leather Archives and Museum Women's Leather History Program reception pup and Handler party sober recovery party BLUF social MCC church services and more. Indeed, as I talked with people and scanned the various social media feeds from those attending IML, without a doubt this was the sentiment expressed.ĭuring IML a number of clubs and organizations host an assortment of events and parties to give attendees the opportunity to socialize, learn, dance and play.
However, many challenge that notion, since for so many who attend it's primarily about the opportunity to meetup with friends, old and new, in a fun and kink-embracing atmosphere. Bootblack (IMBB) contest than runs concurrently, to be the centerpieces of the weekend. Many consider the IML contest, and the International Mr. Since the Congress Hotel can't possibly hold all of the people attending this huge weekend event, there were official and unofficial satellite hotels in the area overflowing with IML visitors. I defy anyone to walk through the doors of this mart and not immediately feel compelled to start reaching for your credit card.
Located in the hotel alongside the registration desk and many parties and meetings was the world-famous vendor market, likely the largest gathering of leather and kink vendors in the world. The Congress Plaza Hotel served as the headquarters hotel for the weekend. The 38th IML was held May 26-30 over the Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. Leather (IML) ( is still the granddaddy of them all. But for a convention-style weekend event, International Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, Cleveland Leather Annual Weekend (CLAW) and Folsom Street Fair Weekend (which is very mixed, but has many gay men's elements) are but three of them. Each year brings a few opportunities for all segments of the gay men's leather and kink world, and some of their friends and supporters, to convene in one spot.