Mr. Fire Island Leather
The Mr. Fire Island Leather Contest began on May 19, 2001 in Cherry Grove, Fire Island. Created by Steven and co-hosted by drag icon Ariel Sinclair, the contest was established to celebrate and elevate the leather community's visibility on Fire Island and beyond.
The first competition featured fantasy scenes, dress leather, and raunchy “Meat Rack” attire. Judges included David Samuel Menkes, custom leatherwear designer and sash-maker, and Sal Piro, then the Ice Palace's Entertainment Coordinator.
Soon after Excelsior MC, became co-producers, integrating the contest into its annual “Lust for Life” Fire Island Leather Weekend. Since 2022, Excelsior has been the sole producer of the Contest.
Mr. Fire Island Leather continues to promote leather visibility on Fire Island and throughout the broader LGBTQ+ leather world.
2025 Mr. Fire Island Leather
Derek McCandless, the current Mr. Fire Island Leather 2025, hails from York, Pennsylvania. He serves as vice president of the Pennsmen leather club in Harrisburg and is a full member of the Veterans Leather Alliance. Derek was first introduced to the leather community by his chief while serving in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Connecticut from 2006 to 2008. Upon returning home, he connected with the Pennsmen, where he also met his husband, Drake. Together, Derek and Drake founded an LGBTQ+ bowling league in 2023, which continues to thrive today.
Mr. Fire Island Leather History
Kicking off in high style in 2001—when Bruce‑Michael Gelbert snagged the very first sash—the Mr. Fire Island Leather contest has crowned a bold and unforgettable lineup of Leather legends ever since. Each titleholder brings their own spark, fueling a tradition that keeps the island’s leather heart beating strong year after year.
