Judges
Judges
Daddy Al Santora
Co-Founder MAL
Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida Daddy Al has been in the Leather community for 40 years. In 2015 Daddy Al was the recipient of the 2015 Pantheon of Leather President's Award and in 2005 Pantheon " Couple of the Year" award. Along with several other nominations over the years. Daddy Al was also the first recipient of the Jill Carter " Unsung Hero " award. Holding many leather titles including the honor of being chosen for Mr. D.C. Eagle 1984. During IML that year he was a finalist and then was honored to be a judge for IML in 1990. In 1985 he was the Co-founder of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest in Washington D.C. which later went on to become part of Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend hosted by Centaur M.C..
Daddy Al continues to support the leather community and is a Mentor for all who seek him out. He has judged over 300 contests from local, regional, national and international arena, including Ms. International Leather and Mr. & Ms. World. He was the first Leatherman invited to judge Miss Gay America in 1999, in Washington D.C.. He shares his knowledge and experience by mentoring many aspiring titleholders and has even mentored a few who have captured international tiltles.
Honored to be able to return to a great contest and an amazing leather club.
Tom Matt
Mr. Ct. Leather 2016
David Gonzalez
Mr. Ct.Bear 2015
Born in Puerto Rico May 10,1971
Grew up in PR until the age of 17 years and left PR at the age of 18 to come to Connecticut to visit a friend, fell in Love with CT so much that decided to stay meet my Soul Mate now husband at the age of 21 been together ever since. I love helping others always looking to make people happy. I BELIEVE in " paying it forward" Microsoft Certify Technician always donating computers and teaching people on learning how to use computers , love singing also working out, entertaining at home as well.
Tom Matt is the current Mr Connecticut Leather 2016 and was First-runner- up at the 2016 Mr Mid-Atlantic Leather contest. Tom came out during the Stonewall riots in 1969 and has been part of the leather community for over 40 years. His upbringing in the leather community has been very traditional and considered “Old Guard” despite the fact he considers himself an “Old School Progressive” who is very open to new ideas and concepts. Tom recently retired from his position as a Behavioral Research Scientist specializing in HIV issues after heading a nationwide study on “bug-chasing” for the Center for Disease Control. In the past year Tom has attended 56 events across the nation and has judged at several. He currently sits on the fundraising boards of two charities and since his year started in September, Tom has appeared in two national leather fundraising calendars and is an active and vocal champion in two HIV stigma projects. Clean & Sober for the past 13 years, Tom has launched a broad range of awareness campaigns ranging from addiction to domestic violence. In his “spare time” Tom has raised over $40,000 for his chosen causes and is currently exploring the possibility of developing an AA/NA meeting in Connecticut targeted specifically for those in the leather community.
Eric Alden, a native of Cape Cod, is Mr. New England Leather 2016. He has been active in the leather and kink communities of New England and Chicago for over 10 years, including managing the opening of Full Kit Chicago in 2015. He is also active in the drag community as his alter ego, Minnie Stoole. In both of his roles, he promotes positive images for kinky and gender-queer individuals across the spectrum, with a specific focus of supporting queer youth.
With an extremely active itinerary, Eric has hosted events throughout New England including BLUF at the Providence Eagle, Fascination at Jacques in Boston, educational demos at Snowbound Weekend in Provincetown, and Burly Bear in Burlington, VT. His efforts have raised funds for BAGLY (Boston Area Gay and Lesbian Youth) and AIDS Care Ocean State. Stay tuned for additional events at Northeast Drummer, Mr. New England Rubber, Bear Week (P-town), and others.
Eric is a submissive boy living in the historic South End neighborhood of Boston. His kink interests range the spectrum with a special affection for d/s and impact play.
Eric Alden
Mr. New England Leather 2016
Bob Neuman
Connecticut Gay/Lesbian Community Activist/Fundraiser
Bob is a long-term active member of the Connecticut Gay/Lesbian Community. He was very politically active in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He was involved in the CT Coalition for Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights, Legislative Chair – Hartford Chapter. Participated/volunteered in supporting local, gay-friendly politicians and lobbied at the Capitol in support of gay/lesbian issues. During this time he also was the spokesperson from the Coalition to the local gay/lesbian community, speaking regularly in the gay bars and at other community events; updating people as to the current events and at times soliciting volunteers and other support from them for the activities of the Coalition and our political allies.In 1986 and 1987 he was a member of the CT Steering Committee and the New England Steering Committee organizing “The Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights” (October 1987). Again served as the local spokesperson for “March”. Worked with colleagues in recruiting organizations and participants for the “March”. Coordinated the necessary state transportation to/from and accommodations in Washington DC. Subsequently disseminated relevant logistical and social information for attendees. Bob volunteered at the first public display of “The Quilt” during the “March” weekend.In 1988 was he “outed” on local news stations during a protest in support of “Dignity Hartford” versus the Hartford Catholic Archdiocese. Since that time Bob has lived as an openly gay man. Also in the late 80’s/early 90’s he served as a “parade marshal” at the NYC Gay Pride Parade. Additionally, during the same time period, he volunteered as a HIV testing counsellor with the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective. Currently, although somewhat less active but Bob remains an supporter of the Gay & Lesbian Community including, but not limited to; “The OutFilm Festival”, “The Gay & Lesbian Health Collective”, and “Real Art Ways” in Hartford; “The New Haven Gay Men’s Chorus” in New Haven; and “The Names Project” and “The Rainbow World Fund” in California.
Christy Lee
Ms. NJ. Leather 2016
Christy Lee, Honored to represent the NJ LEATHER FAMILY as Ms.NJ Leather 2016, identifies as a Sadist, Proud Femme Leatherwoman, although, she is said to have many sides, depending on the day; from a naughty little minx who will drive you insane, to sweet babygirl, to a firm handed Ma'am. She has been known to be flirty, perhaps a bit bitchy, generally a balanced combo of the two. She works as a Musician/performer, multi-instrumentalist with numerous musical projects and is a caregiver for her Disabled Veteran wife, sandy. She has found true happiness in the world of Kink, and more specifically, Leather.It's all about Honor, Integrity and Respect; and Family.
Serving the community, lending a hand where needed, and being a part of family who comes together in times of tragedy, fundraising for those who are struggling, brings her an unbelievable amount of pride. Most recently, the entire community joined forces to raise over $22,000 for the families of the victims in Orlando. She has volunteered for numerous events, including Leather Leadership Conference, Philadelphia Leather Pride Night, TesFest, R.O.A.R., and GAMMC. She has donated time and performances to SIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, Turning 180, Humane Society, Muscular Distrophy, and our Veterans, even traveling to VA Hospitals to perform for our Veterans. She is always proud and honoured to sing our National Anthem. Christy Lee loves Leather, and whips, floggers, crops, and bondage. She has such admiration for Shibari and rope play (although no patience for it) and has recently discovered a passion for electro-play. Although she dabbled with "the dark side" throughout her life, she came out in the community about 4 years ago, and has never looked back. She continues to learn and grow within the NJ Leather Family, and growing up an only child, is so excited to have Big Brothers and Sisters to show her the ropes (pun intended). Do More. Give More. Love More. Hugs and Leather Love to All!
Tom resides on the Jersey Shore living near Asbury Park. On the Jersey Shore, Tom found his place in the Leather Community. He joined the Argonauts, a men’s leather club in Asbury Park, and later became President, and won the title of Mr. New Jersey Leather 2006. Among the fundraisers Tom produced during his title year, he is best known for his Chili Cook-off, benefiting “the Center in Asbury Park” which is now entering its eleventh year. He has participated as a vaccine volunteer in a five year HIV vaccine trial program for Project Achieve, and has ridden in two 250 mile bike rides, Braking the Cycle AIDS Ride and the New Jersey Ride Against AIDS. He was also co-founder and logistics coordinator of “Foreplay”, a leather, bear, and kink block party benefiting New Jersey Pride held in Asbury Park, New Jersey kicking off that state’s LGBT Pride activities for a number of years. Tom went on to win the title of American Leatherman 2011, touring the country as a spokesperson for the importance of Leather Family.
These days, Tom continues to be a leader in his community, a mentor to those who have just found their way in, and is always happy when called upon to assist in any way he can. Holding the belief that leather is a journey, Tom wants you to know that he is happiest learning new skills and dabbling in new kinks.
Tom works in the aviation consulting industry, and enjoys spending time with his daughter and leather family.
Tom Savage
Mr. NJ Leather 2006
American Leatherman 2011
Tim’s Leather journey began about 20 years ago while living in Rochester, NY. Through interaction with the Rochester Rams, he became intrigued with the leather lifestyle, met his SIR and was trained in the ways of the Old Guard. In those “early” days, his travels took him to IML and MAL working as a leather vendor. Having since moved back to his home state of Connecticut in 1999. In 2010 Tim cofounded the CT. Cruisers, a play group that encourages safety and responsibility while providing a safe space for those that wish to explore their inner desires and fetishes and offers education to those new to the lifestyle. He is the proud SIR to his boy Robert a.k.a. “scruffy” (Mr. New Jersey Leather 2011). Tim has competed at both MAL and IML and is an Associate member of the Jersey boys of Leather. Tim is an avid sailor, loves the beach and enjoys being a photographer. Tim always stresses the most important attributes to carry with you on your leather journey are honesty, integrity and respect….. respect for others but above all respect for yourself.
Den Daddy
Tim White
Mr. Ct. Leather 2011
Rob Petersen is the newest member and treasurer of LboNE, the Leather boys of New England. Although he is no longer collared to Daddy Cain Berlinger (Mama’s Daddy Cain) is still of service to Him as often as possible and is still considered His boy. Volunteering and helping others has always been important, often in a background or in a technical support role. Rob often volunteers with Mr. CT Leather, Mr. CT Bear, Spooky Bear, and Mid-Fairfield Aids Project. He has been of technical support for several Church Choirs, when not singing; and has been a longtime Member of the Board of Directors of Pro Arte Singers of CT. Rob currently serves on his Condo’s Board of Directors. He has also marched with Mr. Friendly in the New York Pride Parade. Rob can frequently be found with a camera in hand, documenting events. He is now retired from careers in both teaching and IT, and lives in Stamford with his partner, David Messner.
Judges' boy
Rob Petersen
Michael Mayer, aka boy Michael, is a member of Mama’s Family since January 2011 when he was pinned Mama’s Devil Pup. Michael has been an active member of the Bear and Leather communities for many years and is blessed by the brotherhood and friendship these communities provide. Michael is a Client Service Manager for a financial firm in Baltimore Maryland. Additionally, Michael is the chairperson for the firm’s LGBT Employee Resource Group, designed to heighten LGBT awareness in a conservative environment, engage allies towards a more diverse and inclusive work environment and empower LGBT employees in their personal and career goals. Michael has spent much time in corporate networking to empower LGBT professionals, raising awareness and support for the transgender community and seeking community outreach opportunities in the Baltimore area, focusing primarily on health awareness and HIV/AIDS prevention and cure. Michael couldn’t be happier to be back in Connecticut, his second home, as Tally master for the Mr Connecticut Leather Contest! Heart felt congratulations to the Connecticut Leather family. He also gives best wishes to this year’s Mr. Connecticut Leather contestants! Have fun and please stay true to yourselves. Follow the path your heart and soul lead you on! As a supporter of all the local groups and their endeavors I look forward to the fun and excitement of this event.
Tallymaster
Michael Mayer
Manny Son has been part of the leather/kink scene since 2011 when he had a fateful meeting with former Mr. Connecticut Leather 2005 in Provincetown. Being quite literally thrown into the world of leather/kink he embraced this change as it was more-so a natural progression of mental growth. Originally from Philadelphia PA, and now living in the New Haven area with partner George Peet, he spends time in the New Haven community lending support to leather titleholders past-and-present, brothers and sisters alike.
Assistant Tallymaster
Manny Son
Robert Chandler
I am pleased and honored to have been asked to represent
Connecticut Leather once again this year as the Master of Ceremonies. I mostly enjoy getting out and seeing so many wonderful leather men and women in our community. This year like many others has been pretty busy for me, I have a very busy career,
adding to that I have returned to school, and keeping up with our leather family and friends. This year I have been fortunate to have been asked to return and emcee the Mr CT Bear contest as well as another first time emcee at the Mr Woods Leather contest. I have plans in the works for a future engagement which could be a very big bear event which is coming up early next year. Crossing my fingers on that one! To the contestants this year, I wish them all the very best of luck! It takes a tremendous set of @#* to stand up and represent not only yourself, but the community.
M.C.
