A message from ZodiaQ, Northeast Leatherperson 2022-23 & new Producer of the NORTHEAST LEATHER CONTEST: 

As Northeast Leatherperson 2022-23 I decided to take on ownership of this contest because I wanted to give back to the leather community that liberated me. 

Unbeknownst to me,  almost 10 years ago I met the Producer Emeritus Damien at the Eagle in New York at an Onyx Bar Night. I found this out when I got a photo from Flash Onyx's archives. I tell this story to note that sometimes it's fate or kismet or just divine timing. This  momentary conversation over drinks left me inspired and curious about the powerful positivity that can exist in the leather and kink community. Producer Emeritus Damien inspired me again when we spoke years later when I competed for the Northeast Leatherperson title. He explained what I could do with the title and why someone like me, genderfluid and queer,  was necessary for this moment to represent his brand. Now I see that this legacy is still necessary to give others their chance to enhance our community through pageantry. 

Several Leather people inspired me while changing the community and shaking up the old ideas of the Old Guard, each of these leather folx showed me that taking up space learning kink and yourself is possible. May it was written in the stars, for me to connect with Sir Pup Eros (Northeast Leatherman 2020-21) and Master Liquid Rulz (Northeast Leatherperson 2020-21/ International Ms Leather 2023) These leather folk are diligently creating their own legacy bringing education and transformation to the kink and leather community. Producing the Northeast Leather Contest is my new mission to build a bridge between Old and New Guard and to give space to those who want to build up the community through service. The Northeast Leather Contest is rooted in the tradition of giving a platform to individuals that will educate, lead, and ignite a passion for the leather and kink community through pageantry and competition.