When Derek James got into the leather scene in 2018, he quickly found a community that felt more authentic than anything he’d experienced before. A former drag performer and the former Mr. Trans Michigan, James had spent years volunteering and producing events across the state. But leather was different.
“It’s about family,” James told Pride Source. “It’s about helping each other out, raising each other up. It’s not always about hooking up. That’s such a small percentage of the things that actually go on.”
Now James and his boyfriend, Kenny Dollins III, are channeling that passion into something new. The couple — both board advisors for Lansing Pride — are producing the organization’s first-ever leather contest, a two-day event set for April 3-4 at The Studio at 414 in downtown Lansing.
The event comes at a moment when Lansing’s queer scene is thriving. A city that once offered few options for LGBTQ+ nightlife and community programming has become a growing hub — and James and Dollins want leather to be part of that story.
“Any way that you can bring the community closer by having fun is just a great thing,” James said. “Throwing events where people can really embrace who they are as individuals and maybe step outside their comfort zone and express who they are comfortably and publicly is a huge step for a lot of people, and I want to give people the space to be able to do that.”
The pair’s path to Lansing started in Ferndale, where they met and where James had previously co-produced leather contests at Soho. Dollins, who is originally from the Lansing area, said James introduced him to a world he didn’t know existed.
“I had never experienced it before. I didn’t know what it was,” Dollins said. “But after going to a few events, I fell in love with it.” He described the leather community as refreshingly genuine and accepting compared to other queer subcultures, calling the atmosphere a completely different vibe.
When the couple relocated to the Lansing area, the idea came naturally. “If Derek can do that in Ferndale, then let’s do that in Lansing,” Dollins said.
They connected with the Lansing Pride board, began helping with events and eventually earned the go-ahead to create their own.
The gender-neutral competition is open to anyone 21 and older, regardless of gender identity. The winner will earn the title of Lansing Pride Leather and represent the community at future events. James stressed that the judging criteria are designed to be fair across the board, focused on presentation and how contestants carry themselves rather than favoring any particular identity or expression.
While many leather contests require full sets of leather attire, it’s not a requirement for Lansing Leather Pride. “I know that leather is very expensive. I know not everyone has it,” James explained. “So I want it to be known that you are not required to wear full leather for this contest. It’s just expected that the main components of your look are leather and that they be the focus.”
The weekend kicks off Friday, April 3 with a meet and greet beginning at 8 p.m. where attendees can mingle with contestants and judges. Each contestant will assemble a raffle basket reflecting their personality, with proceeds going to Lansing Pride.
Events include free exploration classes covering topics including Kink 101 and flogging and whips, with additional sessions to be announced. The Lansing Area AIDS Network will offer free testing and a gear swap will run alongside the afternoon programming. Boot blacks, professionals skilled in leather care, will be on hand both nights.
Lansing Leather Pride was made possible in part by a $2,000 donation from a local Lansing physician, Dr. Erik Wert. Wert said the BDSM and kink community is a marginalized population whose members often avoid seeking medical and mental health treatment out of fear of being judged, leading to social isolation and negative health outcomes.
“Events like this allow individuals to find a community and decrease this isolation,” Wert told Pride Source. “It also allows for individuals to exchange knowledge, discuss how to help each other, and discuss both physical and mental health” with providers who offer culturally competent, nonjudgmental care.
Wert said self-disclosure to medical and mental health providers is already difficult for many in the LGBTQ+ community and adding an aspect of BDSM or kink makes the ability to get appropriate care even harder.
“Most providers have little experience understanding the unique aspects found within the BDSM/kink community,” he explained.
James said the goal is bigger than one night of competition. He wants to bridge gaps between leather, kink, drag and the broader queer community across the state.
“We’re the capital city, so it’s for everyone.”
Applications are open at lansingpride.org/leatherpride.
