Megan De Jarlais of Philadelphia, PA triumphed over 17 other leather women in Atlanta, GA Saturday night, July 18th to become International Ms Leather 1998. The lst runner-up was Mona Cleveland of Albuquerque, NM and the 2nd runner up was Lynn Pierce of Portland, Oregon.

A record crowd attended the event, probably the best turnout ever for IMsL. Some $8,000 was raised at the basket auction for the contestants' travel fund. 

Tom Stice, Shan Carr and a drag person emcee'd the event and nothing but high praise for Mr. Stice in his first major emcee job.

In a slide show presentation, outgoing IMsL Genelle Moore received a standing ovation at her stepping down speech where she acknowledged several people who helped her during her title year. She also re-donated back some $2000 of her travel fund for various charities and some for her successor dividing it four ways at $500 each. 

Intl Mr Leather, Tony Mills, was afforded time to make a very heart-warming speech which was well received.  Later, he was inundated at a Colt Calendar signing party which has his photo in it.  Atlanta was thrilled and very receptive to Mr. Mills. Every woman in attendance was mesmerized by Mr Mills.  In his brief speech, he recognized three women heroes who he thought were instrumental in his understanding of women, women in leather and women's issues: Judy Tallwing McCarthy, the first ever IMsL, a woman who as a Playboy Bunny was raising money for women's causes and another woman (straight) who was kind to him in a membership event at a gym. 

According to informed sources, this year's IMsL event was one of the best ever. Accolades to Bare Images Productions, (i.e., Amy Marie Meek) for a job well done and many thanks to the leather people of Atlanta for helping make it a success with their warm hospitality and help throughout the weekend.

Sorry I missed it! Aren't you sorry you missed it too?

Mister Marcus
Leather Editor,
Bay Area Reporter
San Francisco

 

For more information, check out  the International Ms Leather Web Site!