Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2013 Mr. MAL 2013 Contest Judges

Matthew Bronson, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2013

Matthew first discovered his love for leather when he started going to leather bars such as the NYC and DC Eagle. Every time he would go there, it just felt right to him and he felt that he belonged. In September of 2012 he was asked to participate in Mr. LL Contest in Rehoboth, Delaware. Though he came in second, it was a life changing experience for him and he had the time of his life. Not long after that he found out about Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish, which took place in November of 2012. He decided to enter and much to his surprise, he won. The following January he became Mr. MAL 2012.

It’s been quite a ride for Matthew. He is a proud member of The Three Rivers Leather Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has assisted in various fundraisers for places such as The Shepherd Wellness Center and Children’s Youth Center of Allegheny County. One of his proudest moments of being Mr. MAL was when he raised over $1500 for Scarlet’s Bake Sale by donating some leather gear and a certain leather accessory.

Matthew’s heart is of a leather man and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He believes the true leather man is the person that goes to the bars, attends the charity function and supports the clubs. Because of that, he wants to bring as much as he can back to the leather bars and clubs. He is truly thankful for all the support that they have given him.

Woody Woodruff, International Mr. Leather 2012

Woody Woodruff was born on a small farm in northern Michigan. He now resides in Farmington Hills, Michigan where he lives with his partner of over four years, SIR Papa Bear, and their chocolate lab Olive. He has been a member of the leather community ever since that faithful night where he went astray from the farm, and happened upon an establishment known as the Ramrod, Ft Lauderdale; life has never been quite the same since.

He started his title run in 2011 after winning the inaugural Mr. Liberty Leather contest in Pontiac, MI. He then followed by becoming the 16th Mr. Michigan Leather in 2012, and then in May 2012 became the first Michigan representative ever to win International Mr. Leather; the title which he currently holds. He is also a proud member of Mama’s Family “Mama’s Singin’ LilCub” and a member of BLUF “163”.

Woody is an accomplished vocalist and has used his talents to benefit the community by organizing and performing charity cabaret events at venues around the state and country. Proceeds from his efforts have benefitted the Mr. Friendly Campaign, AmFar, Ruth Ellis, HRC and many other local and national organizations. He is very active in his local community through “Beautiful”, an organization encouraging individuals to simply be themselves and to be accepting; and is a founding member of the Michigan Band of Brothers. Where as he personally chooses these organizations as his benefactors, his main focus is to simply encourage people to find their own passion or “sound” as he calls it, and then to do something about it. Page 1 of 4

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2013 Mr. MAL 2013 Contest Judges

Trinity, American Leatherwoman 2011

Trinity describes herself as an evolving femme switch with service top attitude. A single parent and hard-working leather woman, Trinity's interests include service, education, artistic needle play, D/s, leather history, rope and Florentine flogging. She is described by some as kind, trustworthy and ambitious; a busy woman with a knack for filling her dance card way beyond capacity. Trinity believes that staying busy, building bridges and fundraising have their rewards.

Trinity's community service includes emceeing, fundraising, volunteering and tallymaster in training. She produced events in support of charities such as the East Bay Children's Book Club and COLAGE. Whether she's working behind the scenes or putting the fun into fundraising, Trinity continues to lend her time and energy to projects that effectively serve the LGBTQ community.

Trinity is proud of her titles, Ms. ACL2010 and American Leatherwoman 2011. Her current title responsibilities have gained her national recognition and she is enjoying her travel and meeting new people. Even though she has much to learn, Trinity has no doubt she will find her niche while staying spiritually grounded and forming lasting relationships. She is intrigued by how much the leather community has to offer and looks forward to continuing to serve in the community.

Kevin Jordan, M. DC Eagle 2012

Originally hailing from North Carolina, Kevin now resides in the DC Metro Area with his husband Bernard and their girls, two Jack Russell Terriers.

Six years ago, Kevin’s leather journey began when he stepped into the DC Eagle and attended MAL. The experience unleashed a kinky and rough side but more importantly a love for the DC Eagle and the leather community. Kevin’s leather journey has led him to organizations such as Onyx and to be more involved with the leather community by supporting leather activities and projects like the “DC Eagle’s Poster Preservation Project”. He is Mr. DC Eagle 2012, and placed 2nd Runner Up at International Mister Leather 2012. Kevin believes strongly that whether or not you hold a title or a sash, we are ALL ambassadors of the leather community and should respect each other regardless of personal preferences. From greeting, smiling and engaging everyone he meets, Kevin is often described as a “sweetheart” in the leather community.

With a Master’s degree, he began a non-profit career addressing HIV/AIDS and epilepsy and later switched to IT project management with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Kevin has served the local DC community from food delivery service to serving as a board member with local organizations.

Kevin is currently researching the history of the DC Eagle and the culture of the DC leather community.

Page 2 of 4

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2013 Mr. MAL 2013 Contest Judges

Brendan McGovern, Mr. Leather Ottawa 2009

Born and raised in Ottawa, Brendan McGovern became the youngest person to win the title of Mr. Leather Ottawa in 2009 at the age of 23. He went on to receive first runner-up at International Mr. Leather 2009. Since then, he has travelled and judged several contests, including Mr. International Rubber, Mr. Boston Leather, and Mr. Bolt Leather.

For much of 2011 and 2012, Brendan was living in California, followed by Vancouver, but is happy to now be back home in Toronto with the leathermen and women he considers to be his second family. With his free time, he’s enjoying dabbling in making his own leathers and bull-whips.

Brendan is excited and honoured to be judging such a wonderful contest. He wishes the best of luck to all the contestants, and reminds them to have fun be true to who they are. Alex Lindsay, American Leatherman 2009

Alex has been in the leather community for over 20 years from the east coast to the west. He loves rubber, leather, gear in general, hot men in hot uniforms, electro, flogging, mummification, sounding, chest punching...well...basically a bit of just about everything. He has a variety of interests as well, that range from politics to producing events to language to public play. He has served as Vice-chair of the Los Angeles Leather Coalition, Vice-President of the Los Angeles Band of Brothers, Deputy Chief and Chief of the California B&B - LA Division and as President of the Los Angeles Bondage Club. He and his husband Loren have produced West Coast Rubber and the Anvil Club parties, and are co-editors of Leatherati.com. Alex has also recently had the pleasure of collaring his Dawg. He holds the title of American Leatherman 2009. And yes…he bites.

Robert York, Director of Development for Whitman-Walker Health

Robert York is a native Oklahoman and has been involved with the LGBT community of Washington DC for over 18 years and currently serves as the Deputy Director of Development for Whitman-Walker Health.

He served six years as the director of Capital Pride from 1999-2005, the longest serving director in Capital Pride history celebrating the , , bisexual and community of the greater DC metropolitan community. During his service as director, Capital Pride became a weekend event and has been recognized as the largest weekend event in Washington, DC and one of the top 3 events in the United States. He also directed AIDS Walk Washington from 2003-2005 and has served on the Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign, Board of Directors for the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, The Mayor's Advisory

Page 3 of 4

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2013 Mr. MAL 2013 Contest Judges

Council for GLBT Affairs, Team DC and Metro PFLAG-DC. He continues to be involved with Capital Pride Alliance and serves as an Ambassador for the DC Trevor Project chapter.

Robert is the owner and co-promoter for the Miss Gay DC America pageant. In the past four years, Robert has successfully had three national winners in four years who captured the national title - Victoria DePaula in 2009, Coti Collins in 2011 and Kirby Kolby in 2012. Take ownership of Miss Gay DC America in 2006, Miss Gay DC America contestants have placed in the top ten for seven consecutive years with Robert's guidance. He was also instrumental in implementing and directing the Mr. and Ms. Capital Pride Leather contests for the DC leather community with the help of Larry Stansbury, Patrick Grady and Frank Nowicki which is now run by DC Leather Pride.

A little known fact is that he achieved every gay man's dream and worked for Lynda Carter - the original and only "Wonder Woman." Robert remains an active team member of the Federal Triangles Soccer Club and the Secrets Softball Team. Robert is single and shares home with his two "four legged" kids, Madison and Wilson.

Page 4 of 4