Held on Thursday evening, the Mr. Leather CMEN 2011 contest highlighted a day celebrating the bond between naturist men who also participate in the leather community.

Eric O, from Los Angeles, was chosen Mr. Leather CMEN 2011. His sash was presented by Danny B, Mr. Leather CMEN 2009. Runners up were John C from North Hollywood and Bruce P from Deleware. Rob S, Mr. Leather CMEN 2003 and Rick B, Mr. Leather CMEN 2002 runner up again served as Co-Master of Ceremonies.

Contestants were interviewed by a panel of judges prior to the onstage portion of the contest. Questions were asked to determine their participation in and knowledge about both the gay naturist and leather communities, speaking ability and personality. Contestants were asked to describe what leather means to them. Mark L, Scott S and Tony K, all past Mr. Leather CMEN winners, served as judges.

Contestants were also asked to explain or interpret fundamental leather community concepts, such as safe, sane and consensual activity; trust; honor and respect. They were also asked how they would promote a stronger relationship between CMEN and the leather community.

The Mr. Leather CMEN Contest is an International Mr. Leather Pre-IML Title Event. Held each year in Chicago, the International Mr. Leather Contest has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the leather community - drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe.

Danny B, from Austin, Texas, won the Mr. Leather CMEN 2009 title. Rob M. from Lawndale, Califorina was the runner up.

The Mr. Leather CMEN 2008 Title was won by Jon G, from San Diego, California. Runner up was Daniel B. from Austin, Texas.

The Mr. Leather CMEN 2007 Title was won by Tony K. from Sydney, Australia. Tony also represented CMEN at the 2008 International Mr. Leather Contest, on Memorial Day Weekend. Runners up were Daniel B. from Austin, Texas, and Jack L. from Los Angeles.

The Mr. Leather CMEN 2006 Title was won by Cam H. from Oakland, California. Cam represented CMEN at the 2007 International Mr. Leather Contest, on Memorial Day Weekend. Runners up were Daniel B. from Austin, Texas, and Daniel G.from Santa Clara, California.

The 2005 Mr. Leather CMEN Title was won by Scott from Los Angeles. Scott represened CMEN at the 2006 International Mr. Leather Contest. Runners up were Tom D. from Kalaheo, Hawaii, and Tom C from Boston.

In 2004 Mark from Ventura won the Mr. Leather CMEN Title, and represented CMEN at the 2005 International Mr. Leather Contest. Runners up were Tom and Scott.

Rob S. from Phoenix won the Mr. Leather CMEN contest at the Fall West Coast Gathering in 2003 and was CMEM's first representative at the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago in May 2004.

Ro from London, England, won Mr. Leather CMEN 2002. Scott from Los Angeles won the title in 2001. J.D. from Michigan won in 2000.

All registered gathering participants are eligible to compete in the Mr. Leather CMEN contest, except for past Mr. Leather CMEN contest winners since 2003.

As in past years, Leather Day Thursday also featured social activities, demonstrations and workshops for all those men attending the gathering who are interested or curious about the gay leather community.

The social hour embraced leather with the theme "Leather Masters and Slaves," as in past years, a high percentage of the men attending the gathering dressed in leather accessories. The late night dancing embraced a black party theme.

Other West Coast Gathering contests include Miss CMEN Queen, Mr. CMEN, Mr. Senior CMEN, and Mr. Bear CMEN.

Photography By: Jim Mc Donald and courtesy IML Copyright 2002-2011, California Men Enjoying Naturism, Los Angeles, CA