International Deaf Leather

In October 1991 during the National Leather Association conference held in Chicago, International Deaf Leather was established by seven founders; Michael Felts, Philip Rubin, Bob Donaldson, Rolf Hagton, Jim Dunne, Bobby Andrascik, and Charles Wilkinson.  The original name of the non-profit organization was National Leather Association: Deaf Chapter (NLA: Deaf).  Active since October 1991, the name has been changed from NLA: Deaf to International Deaf Leather (IDL)

IDL hosts the International Mr. Deaf Leather contests annually and five years later added International Ms. Deaf Leather contests.  During even numbered years, we host contests in conjuction with the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) during their biennial conferences and during odd number years, we independently host contests in various geographical locations.  Although our contests are mainly located in the Unite States, we are attempting to host contests internationally someday soon.

The first International Deaf titleholder was Philip Rubin, International Mr. Deaf Leather 1991, who won in Dallas during the RAD conference.  The first international deaf woman titleholder was Cool Cat, International Ms. Deaf Leather 1996, who who in Chicago during the International Mr. Leather Weekend.

During the contests, IDL annually announces two awards; Michael Felts Lifetime Achievement Award and IDL Recognition Award.  It was Michael Felts idea to establish the International Mr. Deaf Leather contest under IDL Enterprises.  Philip was its first winner who promoted Michael Felts' goals throughout the world. http://internationaldeafleather.org/