photos

since

Well there has been a bit of a flurry of activity lately. I needed to get my application to IMsL postmarked by Feb 14^th.

The application for the contest was an extensive one. I had shown the app to those I think of as mentors. And all have said something I haven’t heard in ages “wow, that’s a big one!”.

So I started with an outline of how I wanted to answer the questions, then what I wanted to say. How to say it was next followed by in what order do I say it ending up with a final tweak. By the 5^th edit I had something to send. Included was a 300 word bio, 75 word bio, 35 word personal ad, why I want to be Ms. Leather, charities I have been involved with, community services I have done and a genealogy that goes back to the 7^th generation.

Ok, maybe that last part was a lie.

I also needed a 5x7 photo of myself, and that was taken by my lovely partner, Emilia.

It was a fun photo shoot, tee-shirt, jeans and of course leather chaps. One must wear leather!

And then the PR.   I have been asked to speak to a few groups as a representative of the Leather community. I find it interesting that the Leather’s and the Bdsm’s know little about one another. They are the same damn thing, but they are very different. I won’t get into the intricacies right now (read ‘never’). But I share what is asked and more. What I am getting from this is that the two groups are interested and willing to learn about each other. I feel that the lack of knowledge comes from Bdsm’s hetero leanings and the Leather’s lesbian/gay leanings and I am trying to bridge the gap. But the underlying message of both is of a nurturing love and respect.

 Right now I am studying up on the history of leather in preparation for the IMsL. I knew the basics but now learning details. I have had to explain what a ‘munch’ is to several leather persons, the history of Leather to Bdsm folks and try to explain the variations between women’s Leather and men’s Leather (that’s a whole nother thing).

More to come in this section!

The day

of the competition was Sat.Nov. 6, 2011. My friend (always) and companion(for that day) Boi Mikey,and I  traveled down to the club in which the event was to be held. Boi Mikey was to be the care giver that day. Not only as a gopher but also as the A-ONE leather care specialist he is. we arrived early, hell the joint wasn't even opened yet. When it did, we went to the hall in which it was to be held, I gathered with the other contestants.
 First was an interview with the judges, held  in the afternoon before the crowd gets there. questions on viewpoints, likes, dislikes, objectives and community  activities. It was very much like a job interview, as they wanted to know what they were getting.
 The second phase was the first before an audience. No problems here as I perform my shows for quite large audiences at times. This phase is casual bar wear, for me sweater, leather pants, zipper jacket and boots.
  Third was 'show your skin'. one is judged on ones comfort in their own skin. I wore black panties, leather bra and heels.
  then the final phase was formal fetish wear and answer a random question. I wore a red and black corset a pvc skirt and really cool thigh high pvc boots/ 4 inch heels. I answered the question and then withdrew.
 The tallies were made and the announcements made. http://www.youtube.com/user/jessiseams#p/a/u/0/IghDJ_CPmG0 
I am now the proudly hold the  title, Ms.Pittsburgh leather-fetish 2011
which is a first for Pittsburgh, twofold. Never have they had a Ms.Pgh before and second, their new title holder is an out and proud Trans-Woman.

On the eve

of the Ms. Pittsburgh Leather-fetish 2011 competition, was the meet and greet.

The competitors of the Ms. & Mr. contests were to mingle with the company that night, as well as the judges that were present. One was to be observed in a social setting and on how they managed their interpersonal skills. For myself this is cake, tho I prefer pie, as this is what I do all the time. I mingle and circulate on a regular basis, be it business or pleasure.

   Business, I am a professional Magician. My close-up magic involves a one on one relationship to other individuals or small groups. All ages, genders, backgrounds or perceived status. I have performed at elite country clubs, fit right in with the people there then did a second show at a motorcycle bar and have the folks there also adopt me as their own.

   Pleasure, I am a bullshitter, least that's what Dad calls me. Tho recently he apologized for calling me that.

He explained that he, in no way, meant it badly, as tho I was a liar. But he used the term to mean I talked a lot  and on many topics. No apology needed, I know I do. I love to learn new things, about people and the things they like.

So the evening went well. I didn't get to meet every judge, maybe I do talk to much, but they later told me they had watched me. Many traveled long distances to get to Pittsburgh, not only other states but one  from Toronto. I met some of the judge's partners. One i learned liked to brew his own beer as my partner has just started doing that as well. And of course that goes off on a tangent.

  The night went quickly. I met people, judges, fellow contestants and friends. Yes I think I now can call each one, friend.