Thursday, August 5, 2010

My competition speech... (or my proudest 86 seconds with a microphone)

The speech component of the competition specified that contestant speeches not exceed two minutes in duration.  Not being one to lack for things to say, here is the speech I gave on Friday, July 23, 2010.  (Note... this speech was edited down from the original sixteen page oratory I had originally penned.)

"Honoured judges... Ladies and gentlemen... SIRS and fellow boys...
I won the title of Eastern Canada Leather boy 2010 back in February.  Since that time, I've been publicly stripped naked, tied-up, beaten, flogged, kicked, punched, electrocuted and set on fire.  It's been a great freakin' year!  Now I'm in San Francisco (my first time in your beautiful city), and I'm surrounded by a sea of hot Leather Men.  It's like I've won the grand prize in the "Gay Man's Make-A-Wish Foundation".
I was telling a friend of mine at work that I was really nervous about this competition.  She said, "Why?  Is that because there's actually going to be other people competing this time?"
(yeah... she's a bitch)
I told her I was nervous, because I remember a time--not so long ago--when the thought of being in front of a room full of Leather Men would have scared the shit out of me.  Since then, I've come to know that ours is a community based on loyalty, respect, and dignity.  
I am honoured to be here with you today.  I am proud to say that my name is Ian; and I am a Leather boy.



A new beginning.

It has been a couple of weeks since I had the very great honour of becoming "International Leather boy 2010".  The contest took place in San Francisco.  Special thanks to everyone that made the experience so amazing.  The producers, staff, and volunteers did a great job of making sure the whole program ran like clockwork.  I also want to thank so many others who helped me in my journey so far.  (This is gonna sound like one of those run-on Academy Award speeches... I hope I get to finish before they start the music and drag my sobbing, grateful ass off stage...)  Thanks to my Eastern Canada Title SIR, Sir Marc.  You are an amazing man and a great friend.  We still have much to accomplish together.  To his partner, Master Noel for your support as well.  Thank you to the producers of the Eastern Canada Leather SIR/ Leather boy competition, Daddy Brandon, Dan, and Matt, and all the leather community it Toronto.  (Please forgive me for not mentioning all the names, because I know I'd end up forgetting one or two.  And this Oscar speech is going to be a bit long-winded any way...)  Know that I love you all, and appreciate all you've done for me.  I can't express my gratitude in anyway that would demonstrate how proud I am of all the SIRS, Bootblacks, and boys I had the honour to share the stage.  You are beautiful.... strong... dynamic and kinky as hell!  I promise you that I will work hard to make you proud. And lastly, to Sir Tony, boy Brad, and to Syr Evan--for showing by example how a life in Leather should be lead, not only during your title year, but throughout your life.
I also want to say that I am really looking forward to this year of service with Sir Hugh, International Leather SIR 2010, and redwarrior, International Community Bootblack 2010.