INTERNATIONAL DEAF LEATHER 2008

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Sir Robert Davis. A great friend to the Deaf Leather Community. Sir Robert was 2004 classmate to International Mr. Deaf Leather 2004 & IDL2008 Producer Teddy O’Rourke. I would like to share a brief story behind the picture above. Sir Robert was a living kidney donor to Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2004 Tug Taylor. The transplant was facilitated by Ms. World Leather 2004 Pandora. Just one example of the good soul of Sir Robert’s…The reflection of the Love, Brotherhood, & family bond of the Leather Community. May this spirit live on in each of us.

Information courtesy of Rik Newton Treadway & Master Mike Zuhl:
“It saddens us deeply to inform you of the passing of Sir Robert Davis, International LeatherSir 2004. The cause of death has not been determined, but it may have been due to heart attack, stroke or asthma attack. His body was found in his home this afternoon, September 10, 2008. As of this posting, his family has requested a private service for immediate family only. If this information changes, we will provide an update. A memorial service will be arranged by close friends, and information will be posted when arrangements are made. Robert was a pillar of the leather community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Robert was the 2006 recipient of the Pantheon Man of the Year and Community Choice Man of the Year Awards for his community work and personal efforts. Donations may be made in Robert’s name to C.O.M.M.A.N.D. MC, the Greene-Baker Fund, PO Box 22415 , Baltimore , MD 21203.

SIR Y & BOY TAZ ARE THE NEW INTERNATIONAL DEAF LEATHER TITLEHOLDERS!

idl08_weekend-press-release

Congratulations to our new titleholders!… Thanks to all for a successful IDL2008!

*********FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*********
SIR Y & BOY TAZ ARE THE NEW INTERNATIONAL DEAF LEATHER 2008 TITLEHOLDERS
July 20, 2008
Alex Lewis - IDL2008 Public Relations

At the 18th International Deaf Leather competition, hosted July 17th - 19th in Philadelphia PA, Marc “Sir Y” Burton & Alan “boy taz” Arble won the respective titles of International Mr. Deaf Leather, & International Deaf leatherboy 2008. This years IDL contest, produced by International Mr. Deaf Leather 2004 “Teddy” O’Rourke, marked a number of accomplishments for IDL. In addition to being the first international Leather event hosted in Philadelphia since Ms. & Mr. World Leather 2006, IDL2008 marks the first time a current International Mr. Leather has served as an IDL judge. IML 2008 Gary Iriza returned to Philadelphia after attending Mid-Atlantic Leather SIR / leatherboy hosted in the City of Brotherly Love 4th of July weekend. Joining Gary Iriza on the judging panel were International Mr. Deaf Leather 2007 & Head Judge Jerry Garmany; Ms.Baltimore Deaf Leather Karen Taylor; International Mr. Deaf Leather 1994 Jose Granda and Mike Canfield, Mr. Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf 2003.

Hosted at The William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center,
International Deaf Leather 2008 offered weekend workshops for the first time in IDL history. Basic bondage & bootblacking workshops were presented by Veronica Bound of Philadelphia’s Passional & International Deaf leatherboy 2005 boy alex. Eric B. Siglin, U.S. Daddy 2007 honored IDL2008 with 2 special workshops on Daddy/boy relationships & the larger Leather journey faced by each Leather person. The always entertaining Patrick Richardson, International Mr. Deaf Leather 1997, was the MC for Saturday evening’s contest. Jose Granda was the recipient of this years Michael Felts Lifetime Achievement Award.

Two Philadelphia based charities were chosen as beneficiaries by the IDL2008 committee;
Calcutta House & Philadelphia Aids Thrift (PAT). Calcutta House assists those who are homeless and diagnosed with full-blown AIDS in living their lives to the fullest, by providing housing and highly supportive care to adult men and women in Philadelphia. This is the only organization of it’s kind in the USA. Philadelphia Aids Thrift’s mission is to sell the lovely, useful and interesting stuff generous people donate to their thrift store and then distribute the proceeds to local organizations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from IDL2008 will be split between the two beneficiaries.

For a photographic recap of the weekend’s events & more information on IDL2008, including links to contribute to our beneficiaries & find out details on IDL2009 coming to Chicago June 30th - July 4th, please visit www.idl2008.org.