Recap of Our Inaugural Event

The inaugural Orlando Leather Pride took place from November 3 – 6, 2023 at the beautiful Four Points by Sheraton on International Drive. Attendees from all around the state and even a few travelers from out of state joined us for the festivities. Huge thank you to our generous sponsors: Onyx Deep South, Florida Power Exchange and Harmony Healthcare.

The event started months before with the Virtual Contest where three (3) contestants showcased everything leather pride. They did the traditional contest categories but with a twist as it was all done through photos, videos and Zoom. The distinguished panel of judges included: Head Judge – Taylor, Mr Gay Days Leather 2023; Chris Gonzalez, 1st Runner Up to IML 45 and Mr GNI Leather 2022; Daddy Sparkie – Wisconsin Person of Leather 2020-2023; Girlfriend, Florida Community Bootblack 2020-2023; and Victor, Mr Sister Leather 2023. The Tally Master was Jason Ranschau, Mr Iowa Leather 2019 and the Contestant Coordinator was Stitch, Mr Chicago Leather 2018. In the end, Martin Phoenix, from Tallahassee, FL won the title of Mr Orlando Leather Pride 2023. Princexx Para Dice, from Jacksonville, FL was chosen to represent us as Mx Orlando Leather Pride 2023. All the contestants were amazing and it was a joy to watch them grow and bring something unique to the experience and process.

Furthermore, we had a fun Welcome Party hosted by the talented Kamden T Rage. The Orlando Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence blessed the event and provided words of encouragement as we rebuild the leather community in Orlando. Leather Incursion came back after its hiatus due to Covid. We invaded a different Disney park each day. It was a simple gesture of the Orlando leather community saying to the Mouse and friends, thank you for your support of the LGBTQ+ community. We also had some really good workshops that covered a variety of topics throughout the weekend. That Saturday, we invaded Orlando’s newest leather bar, Stiffy’s. It is definitely a good bar to check out if you are in Orlando. On Sunday, Jade Foxx, Miss Gay Days 2023, hosted our Gala. A special keynote was given by Master J Tebias Perry, author of the recently released book, “Leather Mentorship”. He delivered a heartfelt message of Leading with Love. There was not a dry eye in the audience because of how special his words were for a leather community that is in its rebuilding movement after having lost Parliament House Resort Orlando, one of the main places we all gathered for many years. The Gala also included our Heart of Our Community Awards which celebrated individuals, organizations, businesses, events and groups that over the years have been doing the work and not been recognized. The Heart of Our Community Awards was a great way to let them know that we see them.

As you can see, our inaugural event was a lot of fun. Join us next year in Orlando, the city beautiful, November 1-5, 2024. Registration is free. All you pay for is hotel and park passes. Like Mickey Mouse always says, “See you real soon!”