Irish kinkster Jamie Ryan, Mr Dublin Leather, made history last weekend as he became the very first Irish person to take home the title of Mr Leather Europe at the competition in Amsterdam.
At the competition organised by the European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ECMC), delegates from 10 clubs came together in a celebration of the European leather and fetish community.
Ryan, who took home the top prize, said it was “monumental” to be the first Irish person crowned Mr Leather Europe in the competition’s 40-year history.
He told GCN: “Representing Leathermen of Ireland as Mister Dublin Leather gave me a platform to showcase and support the very best of the Irish community, and winning Europe has an effect of both demonstrating just how far the Irish scene has come, as well as giving me a chance to shine on a continental level.”
Ryan continued: “My goal this year will be to take that platform that I’ve been entrusted with and use it to show the very best of our European scene to the world. The ECMC represents over 30 clubs around Europe and is starting to grow again as people are realising the importance of being together in person during the digital age.”
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The newly crowned Mr Leather Europe said he was particularly keen to showcase smaller clubs and individuals who are “finding their voice” within the wider community.
Ryan said: “I can really appreciate what it has been starting off with a small and uncertain voice, finding my local club, and blossoming from the support of my clubmates and European friends.”
Ryan said outsiders to the scene may assume the leather community is “vacuous or sex-fixated”, but he has found “lifelong friendships” within the scene.
He added, “One thing that the European scene exemplifies is strength through unity. We may have different cultures and backgrounds, but when we’re together, we’re not bound by borders, blood or gender – we’re bound by leather… and hopefully a lot of rope!”
The Leathermen of Ireland will host a leather gear sale on Saturday, October 25, in aid of Focus Ireland at Pennylane at 3pm, followed by a homecoming celebration for Ryan at 8pm.
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