For 30 years, leather-loving men have been descending on Chicago to proclaim their hero of the year. 2009 is no exception, and this year, the leather fetish fun stretches over a full five days in May, not to mention a variety of locations around the Windy City.

The competition, having outgrown the Gold Coast Bar, is now held at the Hilton Hotel, and involves between 50 and 60 contestants vying for the title of International Mr Leather. As well as the beautiful boys onstage, the competition also serves as a mass meeting for the international leather community, with thousands of leather fans of all backgrounds, ages, genders and ethnic groups coming together to celebrate their common interest.

The competition involves several rounds judging the contestant’s appearance, stage presence and public speaking skills. As well as all the strutting, swaggering and speeches, there is the Black and Blue Ball, which brings together contestants and fans, as well as a number of impromptu gatherings in leather bars and clubs around Chicago.