Southwest Leather Conference!

Oh, where do I even begin!? Southwest was so amazing!

I've never been to the southwest area of the US, at all, ever, so the terrain was beautiful and fascinating. During the course of the conference, I didn't get to really rock out outside, as I was judging the bootblack contest and teaching so I was running around indoors a lot!

Southwest was my first opportunity to judge a contest this year (my other was GLLA and I unfortunately missed out because of my Ridiculous-but-Magical Knee), and honestly?, I really loved it. I enjoyed having to be analytical and attentive to the bootblacks in a different way, and I liked being able to hear everyone's stories. (Voyeur, remember?) Also, congratulations are in order for Bear, the new Southwest Bootblack 2012!

I also got to run amok with my IMsBB brother, Jayson, and , uh, take care of the current Ms SF Leather...

(Image courtesy of my sash-husband, IMBB'11 Jim)

Jim and I also decided to rent a convertible and drive up to the Grand Canyon. We were warned a few times about what to expect, but our (misguided) adventurer hearts went anyway and well...

We are awesome.

Thanks for the wonderful and magical time, Southwest!

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend!

It feels like it's been forever since I was at MAL, but it's only been a week or so! Hopefully my recap won't be too wonky... I shall number it for clarity!

1. MAL is ... super sexy. I developed my usual whiplash from being surrounded by so many hotties.

2. I had so many amazing people sit in my chair! Great conversation, and super sexy boots. Good times.

3. I finally got a Wesco shirt (thanks, Henry!), and I'm a little obsessed with it. It makes me feel like some sort of secret Wesco super hero, because of the logo being so crisp and pretty.

4. I also added some days to my trip so I could stay in DC and see wonderful people. I've found that during events themselves making time for people is hard, but seeing people during my downtown pre- or post- events is best.

5. I am always struck by how very short I am when I wander through the hotel lobby of a men's event. But this also places me at perfect, uh, other heights.

6. What also strikes me is that I have finally been around the country enough and met enough people that I am starting to know people at every single event. That started a few months ago, but it's just so wonderful to know so many great people and be able to build community with them.

2012 Travel Schedule!

January 13 - 15
Mid-Atlantic Leather in DC
I'll be bootblacking!

January 20 - 22
Southwest Leather Fest
I'm judging and teaching!

February 9 - 11
Providence Fetish Fair and Fleamarket
I'll be bootblacking!

February 17 - 20
Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire
I'm coordinating the bootblacks!

February 24 - 26
Seattle Boot Weekend

March 23 - 25
KinkFest in Portland, OR

March 29 - April 1
International Ms Leather 2012
Step-down

So far, I've managed to cover everything but the following trips:

Seattle Boot Weekend - $300
Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire - $56
My trip back from IMsL - $170

There are a few ways to help me seal the final financial deal of my title (and keep in mind 20% of donations go to the Women's Leather History Project!):

1. If you want to get a piece of art out of the deal, you can order a print here: Society6: Katie Diamond Any art prints related to leather or boots or sexuality have a note that 20% of those proceeds go to the WLHP. And the rest will go to my travel fund!

2. You can click here to donate directly to me via PayPal:

3. You can sit in my chair when I bootblack at an event! 



Thanks so much!

Volunteer at IMsL 2012!

Applications are now being accepted to

Volunteer at IMsL 2012!

IMsL could not happen without our fantastic volunteers, and we want to reward folks for helping us put on a wonderful event!

Volunteer 8 hours to receive a 40% discount on a Weekend Package.
Volunteer 16 hours to receive a 75% discount on a Weekend Package.

Volunteer shifts will be assigned based on your preferences and what shifts are available, so don’t put it off.
The earlier you sign up, the better chance you have of getting the shifts you want!

Sign up now at www.IMsL.org
click on REGISTER then click on VOLUNTEER

Save money and have fun as part of the IMsL team!


International Ms Leather / International Ms Bootblack
March 29 - April 1, 2012
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Hotel
San Francisco, CA
www.IMsL.org