Gary Iriza wins title of International Mr. Leather 2008
30 May '08
2 min read
Gary Iriza (e-ree-zee-ah), Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2008, has been named International Mr. Leather 2008, winning over a field of 51 contestants from 22 states and six countries including Canada, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden and the United States. He is sponsored by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert and the Barracks Bar in Cathedral City, CA.
A resident of Palm Springs, CA, he works as a personal trainer. Among his community service involvement, Gary has worked as a fundraiser for Well in the Desert - an organization serving the homeless and has hosted the 'Fetish Ball,' a fundraiser for the Gay Associate Youth organization as well as volunteering at many events. He is a member of the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert and the Desert Pride Community Center.
The 30th annual International Mr. Leather Contest was held Sunday, May 25th in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This year's entertainment was provided by Andy Bell of Erasure. Brad Balof returned for his fourth consecutive year as emcee.
Overall attendance for IML 2008 shattered all previous records, with an estimated 16,000+ visitors taking part in many of the events held during the 30th Anniversary celebration.
As the International Mr. Leather 2008 titleholder, Gary Iriza will represent IML and the leather community over the next year. He also receives a prize package that includes $5,000 in travel funds plus donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather and fetish community.