My Leather
Fantasy
Photo by Jim Lawson/Background graphics by SKC Graphics
Steve Tompa's
Journey to Chicago
IML
He has a face that you would notice in any crowd, and his tireless efforts in the LGBT community; and in particular, the Leather and Bear subcultures, has established him as a personable force of magnitude and steel with a heart to match.
On the weekend of May 22-26, Tompa will trade his suit, tie and laptop in for a pair of leather chaps, boots and a harness as he transforms into and releases the "leatherman within"; he heads to Chicago, to represent The Mountain State Knights, and the entire LGBT community at the International Mr Leather Contest held annually in the windy city.
Join me, Jim Lawson/Speak Out reporter for WVQN, now as I narrate the journey of Steve Tompa from his humble beginnings in Montgomery; West Virginia, 1969, to a very promising and hopeful contender of the 2008 Mr. International Leather title. Today I raise my glass in a toast to the success of a very special man and dear friend.
Born on May 20, 1969, Steve is a bull-headed Taurus and leaves on his birthday for Chicago to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather. West Virginia's Queer News proudly joins the Mountain State Knights as a sponsor for Mr. Mountain Leather as he proudly represents the region in this year's event in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend. Other sponsors include: Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Inc and the Taproom.
"I believe that education gives us the opportunity to explore new horizons.", Steve tells WVQN.
Steve has degrees in computer management, business, and banking. He is a staff writer for West Virginia’s Queer News and dedicates some of his weekly time to write the column LeatherBear that focuses upon diversity in the leather and bear communities. At the recent Terry Awards at Woodstarr in Parkersburg, he was awarded WV Leather Writer of the Year 2007, WV Bear of the Year 2007, WV Leatherman of the Year 2007, and WV Man of the Year 2007.
Pictured above: WVAS QUEER NEWS Man and Woman of the Year 2007, Steve Tompa and Lisa Westfall during the Terry Awards ceremony at Woodstarr, Parkersburg, WV in March.
Steve successfully helped raise money for both local and national charities during his bear titleholder reigns as Mr. Mountain Bear 2004, Mr. Kentucky Bear 2005, and Mr. Ohio Bear 2007. He also raised a lot of money for Rainbow Pride of West Virginia when he was Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2006. Over the last several years, Steve has attended many leather and bear events. He is looking forward to attending CLAW in Cleveland this weekend April 24-27. CLAW is one of the last leather events before IML. Pictured below are snapshots of Steve with some of his IML 2008 classmates from Motown Sash Bash in Detroit, Michigan and Mid Atlantic Leather in Washington DC.
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As Mr. Mountain Leather, he recently became involved with the CLAW Nation tours, increasing leather awareness and raising $3,700 from his "Mountain Leather Bear" events in the Mountain State of West Virginia this past February and March.
He is proudly involved in the community and is on the Board of Directors for the Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Inc., a member of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, Inc, a current member and has served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Mountain State Bears, Mountain State Knights, board member for Fund for the Arts, and a staff writer for West Virginia’s Queer News. Steve recently accepted a position as CLAW Nation coordinator and looks forward to coordinating more parties for the CLAW Nation Summer Tour.
Steven will celebrate his upcoming birthday with many members of his leather family while he is in Chicago. Many of whom traveled to lend their talents and energy to assist him in his recent CLAW fundraising events here in West Virginia.
All Steve had to do was ask and his leather family were there to support him; showing their loyalty and unity and traveling from Akron, Atlanta, Canton, Charleston, Cleveland, Columbus, Huntington, Ironton, Kentucky, Michigan, Parkersburg, Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Toledo, Wheeling and other places.
Participating Leather family included: Nick Daemous, Dr. Slade Andrews, Lady Justice, Lady Justice's Michael, Brian "Captain" McCoy, Captain's Boy Warren, Daddy MAXX, MAXX's Boy Davey, Boy Billy Bradshaw, Tigger, Chip, Artist-Roi Stevens, Artist-Chad Bryon, Steve Lawless, Scott White, Bryon Hayes, and Randall Davis.
Happy Birthday Steve Tompa and best of luck on your continued journey through life, love and leather!
Above: Steve Tompa during a training workout at the gym in preparation for IML.
To send Steve a personal birthday wish and show your support for him at IML, contact him at: steventompa@yahoo.com
For more information on the IML events and to purchase tickets, visit the following site:
Written by Jim Lawson
SpeakOut Reporter for WVAS QUEER NEWS
bravenet.com