Artist note
A sourced detail
International Mr. Leather (IML) is one of the world’s oldest international leather and fetish events, founded in 1979 in Chicago. Over the decades, IML has grown from a local contest to a global cultural touchstone that celebrates leather, kink, and LGBTQ+ community. The annual event traditionally takes place over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago, IL, drawing attendees from around the world. The IML organization also supports the Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M), reinforcing its commitment to education, preservation, and community impact.