Mr. Leather Ottawa @ Technokink Nov. 12
More: BDSM, Fetish, Mike Tattersall, MLO, Mr. Leather Ottawa, Ottawa Gay, Technokink
Mr. Leather Ottawa 2010, Mike Tattersall, will be head judge at the 2012 competition, taking place this Nov 11-13. After participating in the International Mr. Leather competition in 2010, he has judged competitions in Boston and San Francisco. But what does it take to become Mr. Leather Ottawa? “Honesty and charisma” Mike Tattersall replies.
Related posts
- RENT star Derek Eyamie says it’s about the music
- Manila Luzon @ Flamingo – Nuit Blanche – Gloreebox takes the Drugstore!
- He wouldn’t have it any other way: James Huctwith at LPM, Nov. 4-27
2B: You were Mr. Leather Ottawa in 2010. Two years later, you are head judge of the competition. Is this a tradition?
Mike Tattersall. In fact, the tradition dictates that the winner of the competition becomes the head judge two years later. It can’t be for the following year because at each competition, last year’s winner becomes an integral part of the ceremony. He has to be present at different stages of the competition, including the coronation of the successor. He is too busy to be part of the jury.
2B: What are the criteria for judging the competition?
MT: The participants are judged on several factors throughout the three stages of the competition. They are of course judged on their skills in terms of fetishism, but also for their personality. Generally, they will have to show an important degree of integrity and honesty in everything they do. We are looking for an ambassador, the new representative for the leather community. Evidently, we want someone who knows what he is talking about and is comfortable with the public. The new Mr. Leather Ottawa has to be completely devoted to the title. In the end, he has to stand out through his originality and his ability to impress onstage during the competition.
2B: What are the different stages of the competition?
MT: The first segment will happen at the Friday night dinner for the Meet the meat. The judges will evaluate the participants’ interaction with strangers, whether they feel comfortable and the energy they give off. This round of the competition is worth 10% of the final score. On Saturday morning, each of the contestants will be alone in front of the five judges for a 30 minute interview. The judges will ask them several questions to get an idea of the contestant’s personality. The questions can range from, “What concrete actions have you made to help the community?” to “What is your favourite piece of leather and why?” This segment is worth 30% of the final score. And finally, the third and most important part of the competition will happen on stage. In Ottawa, the competition is different from many others Mr. Leather competitions because we have incorporated a presentation of a BDSM role-play. Each participant has to create a scenario that represents him on stage like a play. During this presentation, we will analyse the contestant’s level of comfort on stage, his way of expressing himself and dealing with nervousness.
2B: What responsibilities come with being Mr. Leather Ottawa?
M.T. Mr. Leather Ottawa’s responsibilities are simple. Firstly, the winner must commit to being part of the Ottawa Pride parade, as well as Montréal’s and Toronto’s if possible. He has to act as a representative of the leather community in different events and contribute to creating a positive image of the competition and the community. Finally, he must embody the principles of healthy and safe sexuality upheld by the community.
Mr. Leather Ottawa 2012— Technokink takes place Nov 11-13, with the main event Sat. Nov. 12 at St. Brigid’s Centre For the Arts (310 St. Patrick (at Cumberland)
More info: www.technokink.com
In collaboration with 2BMag
