I recently told my mom, who has always supported the choices I’ve made when they had purpose, that I was competing for a Leather title. Per usual, she had a few questions.

Two of her questions was simple: ‘Why are you competing for a Leather title? Do you need it to validate your ego or your pride?

The short answers are no and no.

It’s because I believe titles create opportunities to be more of service.

Over the years, I’ve tried to contribute to our community by creating spaces where people can gather, ask questions, learn, and grow. Whether through House of Royals, COVET, The Black Kink Network, my classes, or my writing, my goal has always been the same: to leave our community stronger and more connected than when I came into it.

If I’m fortunate enough to earn the title of Mr. Mobile Leather, I hope to continue that work by representing Mobile and the Gulf Coast with honesty, integrity, loyalty, trust, respect, and service.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside my fellow contestants and celebrate the community we all care about.

When she understood the gist of what I was talking about and my purpose in the decision she simply said,

“You know I support you… but you not hot in all that leather, son?”