Kip Hollar - Head Judge

Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2009

Ushering in the new generation of Leatherfolk, Kip is a resident of Baltimore, MD, but spends most of his time in Washington, DC. It was only a little over a year ago that he was introduced to the leather community at Baltimore Pride 2008. Since then, he has gone on to compete in Mr. Maryland Leather 2009, placing first runner-up, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2009, winning the coveted title, and most recently International Mr. Leather 2009, placing 10th among the Top 20 Finalists of 54 dynamic contestants. Kip has had the honor and privilege of being asked to serve as judge for several contests, including American Brotherhood Weekend’s 2009 American Leatherman, Leatherwoman, and Leatherboy; Mr. Connecticut Leather 2010; Mr. Old Dominion Leather 2010; Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle 2010; and Mr. Leather Ottawa 2010.

Kip is an operations manager for UPS – "What can Big Brown do for you?" Additionally, he owns an event marketing, promotional modeling, and talent management company – Blue Crab Productions. Kip’s education and background includes business administration and hotel/restaurant management, focusing on banquets, catering, and event planning. He also served 16 months contracted to the Department of Defense with the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command conducting special airlift missions and troop movement, which afforded him the opportunity to travel the world, visiting 15 foreign countries and nearly every State in the Union. Most of that time was spent in Germany and Kuwait, where he was often mistaken as a local citizen. Kip aspires to design and own a hotel/spa/convention center, and is also considering reenlisting in the Maryland Air National Guard.

Relative to 2009's 40th Anniversary of Stonewall, Kip is an avid supporter and member of the Academy of Washington, Inc. – the nation's capital's drag organization. He is proud to have been able to mesh the drag and leather communities (or "leather and lace," as he calls it), creating a larger bond of brother/sisterhood among the often-outcast subcultures of the gay community. Kip was appointed Conjoint Fellow of Club Ziegfeld's/Secrets, serving as Honorary Escort for all their functions. Other organizations that Kip is passionate about include SLDN – Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, NCSF – National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, the CLAW Nation Tour, and LA&M – Leather Archives and Museum.

In closing, Kip would like to share with you two of his favorite quotes. "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats." ~ Bertie C. Forbes

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Jeffrey Payne

International Mr. Leather 2009

Originally from Maine, Jeffrey Payne relocated to Louisiana at the young age of 3 following the death of his mother, Sharon St. Cyr. He grew up in a Louisiana orphanage going on to attend Louisiana Tech University, and settled down in New Orleans. While in New Orleans, Jeffrey Payne headed the compliance program for various agencies but was forced to relocate to Dallas, Texas when Hurricane Katrina shook the city.

Jeffrey now has a BA from Texas A&M University, and works as a Human Resource Manager for a Fortune 500 company and oversees the corporate and sales divisions, as well as four manufacturing facilities located around the U.S., while living his dream as an active member of the Leather Lifestyle. Jeffrey works diligently through the SSCFund to create awareness and raise money for the many charitable organizations that his SSCFund supports.

Jeffrey was recently honored with the title of International Mr. Leather 2009. He is an active member of the Leather Knights, Dallas Area Male Naturalists, National Leather Association – International, Dallas Independent Volleyball Association, Shirts and Skins, and Couples Metro Dallas, as well as a voting member of the Leather Archives and Museum. He enjoys volleyball, water volleyball, being a pastry chef, and practicing some spare time massage therapy.

Jeffrey is married to David Roy and together they share their home in Dallas with their four children, Isabella & Lucy (miniature Dachshunds) and Korbin & Konner (miniature Poodles).

Lamalani

International Ms. Leather 2009
Washington State Ms Leather 2008

Lamalani hails from the Pacific Northwest and held the title of Washington State Ms Leather 2008 before winning International Ms Leather 2009. She has been active in the leather community since 1999 when she started teaching workshops through the women-owned sex toy store Babeland (formerly Toys in Babeland). Professionally, Lamalani makes hemp bondage rope with Twisted Monk. Lamalani has presented at Desire Leatherwomen’s conference, Michigan Womyn’s Festival, Portland Bad Girls and offers private classes around the Puget Sound area. She is an enthusiastic practitioner of rope bondage, fire play and roughhousing. Lamalani volunteers as a self-defense instructor with Home Alive and relaxes by playing percussion and riding her motorcycles.

Steven Dwyer

Mr. Hoist Leather 2009

Current title holder of Mr Hoist (London) 2009, Steven is a born and bred Londoner. Currently residing in London, Steven spent many years living in Los Angeles and New York, and also travels extensively – providing him with a great appreciation and understanding of different cultures and communities. This, of course, includes the global leather community, of which he is proud to be a part. Recently having competed in International Mr Leather 2009 in Chicago, Steven’s incredible smile, and infectious enthusiasm made him a firm favourite with the crowd, and fellow competitors alike.

Now 34 years old, Steven discovered his love of leathermen early on, and has dedicated a lot of his time to exploring and contributing to the community. Since his first visit to a leather bar (The Coleherne in London) at the age of 15, Steven has been both fascinated and excited by the fetish scene, and is experienced and adventurous, in every sense.

Steven is an active BLUF member, and attends events throughout Europe. As Mr Hoist 2009, he is host to numerous leather and fetish nights at the world famous Hoist Leather Club in London. A public relations consultant by profession, Steven still travels extensively, but is based in London most of the time, to enable him to spend time with his 3-year-old son.

Roger Alford

Mr. Gulf Coast Leather 2005

Roger spent his early years in the Detroit, Michigan suburbs and then as a teenager, moved with his family to a rural part of central Florida.

Roger has held many different positions along the way but finally settled into Human Resources Management, a career that he has been enjoying for the last 16 years.

While in Tampa, he was a member of MCC Tampa, Tampa Leather Club, and BALLS Club. Having always been active in community involvement, he began understanding more about his leather interests and got more involved in the leather community over the past ten years.

His leather titles include Mr. TLW Leather 2004 and Mr. Gulf Coast Florida Leather 2005. He was also granted the brotherhood award at the Mr. Florida Leather 2006 contest. During his title years, Roger made a commitment to fundraising efforts and promoting a healthy leather image across the state of Florida . He’s also been very actively involved in AIDS walks, various fundraising activities, and speaking out on social issues, such as Crystal Meth addictions and Safe Sex.

Roger recently relocated to Washington DC for a job offer with a government defense contractor and resides with his partner Jeff. The two were married in Mendocino County, California last year right before Proposition 8. Roger’s enjoying the city life and all that the DC area has to offer.

Keith Hunt

Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2004
Mr. Drummer 1994

Long on community service in his hometown of Oklahoma City, Keith Hunt was International Mr Drummer 1994 and Oklahoma Mr Leather 2004.

He has a partner of twelve years and has also decided to go back to school to become a Registered Nurse. On completion he has aspirations of working with Pediatric AIDS Patients, in which he has been an advocate and fundraiser through the years.

Keith has also judged over 30 Leather Contest as well as a political activist and chairman of a committee for equal rights in his home state of Oklahoma.

Keith is an active member of O.L.G. (Oklahoma Leather Guard) and T.U.L.S.A. (Tulsa Uniform Leather Seekers Association).

boy Ky

boy ky has been an active member of the leather community since 2001 when he first pledged the DC boys of leather. He served two terms as president of the first and oldest club for leatherboys and served another 4 years in various leadership positions within his club. He was honored with two of the most prestigious awards his club can bestow, the Founder’s award and the Brian “pup” mulliken Leatherboy of the Year award. He has also served as the host and MC for the Mr DC Eagle contest.

His active involvement in community is not limited to the leatherworld having made a career in non-profit management, teaching and organizational development. He holds a Ph.D. and is completing a J.D. He serves as the Executive Director of a HIV services program in DC and on the board of directors for a large performance arts organization as well as an elder in his temple. He previously served as Executive Director of the Red Cross for DC and later as the Sr Regional Director of emergency services for the national capital region. A consultant, licensed counselor, musician, director and performer, boy ky brings a well rounded wealth of experience, enthusiasm, knowledge and excitement to his work in both the leather community and the community at large.

He is very proud to serve as a judge for MAL and to represent his leather family, his club and leatherboys throughout the Mid Atlantic Region.