The Sisters are often on the forefront of social change. For years, we’ve had our Mister Leather Indulgence contest and title holder, who then can go on to the Mister Palm Springs Leather contest and, if successful, can move on to the International Mister Leather competition.
That all seems so gender specific, sort of limiting and not keeping with our community and culture, no?
For 2024 and beyond, we’re changing it up and looking to break some barriers and look to the future. As such, our former Mister Leather Indulgence contest is going to be the Indulgence Spirit of Leather event. This opens up the contest to non-binary, non-gender-identifying people in addition to Leather Misters and Misses, to wear our title, our sash, our vest and to represent the inclusive Palm Springs Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Contestants are required to participate in the Palm Springs Leather events leading up to and including the Palm Springs Leather Contest. Your registration and attendance as a Contestant represent your agreement to abide by the guidelines outlined here. We believe you are also making an investment in yourself which is a great opportunity to have fun, grow your skills, and make a difference! Should you win the title you seek, you will be expected to perform the following (This is your contract—by completing the online registration, you hereby agree to all of the terms and conditions of this contract.):
REQUIREMENTS –
- AGE – Contestants must be at least 21 years old by contest date.
- RESIDENCY – Contestants should live in Palm Springs or one of our surrounding cities (Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, etc.).
- If you are not a current resident of the greater Palm Springs area, you must show proof of employment or school registration within the area indicating you frequent and are invested in the Palm Springs community.
- Please note: applications from non-residents will be scrutinized and accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please use the contact form on the website for a review to precede your application OR simply submit an explanatory addendum with your application.
- GENDER – PSSPI does not police gender. But please note that next step contests may.
- AVAILABILITY – Contest location, dates and other details to be provided at a later date.
- Your attendance for the contest period is required.
- There may be a “meet n greet” event for all contestants for you to get to know us, the local community and your judges.
- Personal Interviews will be held on Saturday morning – this is the largest part of the score and participation is required. The location will be disclosed to all contestants.
- The contest will also be held, the location and time and date will be announced.
- There may be a “meet the next Indulgence Spirit of Leather” event or party as well.
EXPECTATIONS OF TITLEHOLDERS –
One does not need to understand everything about being a titleholder in order to become one. You are given room to learn-as-you-go. The producers are here to answer your questions and help connect you with mentors. None of the title categories for PSSPI are limited by anyone else’s version of what “Leather” is. We ask that you be who YOU are by offering edgy, exciting, and/or energetic reflection of your community in an open and positive way.
- Uphold community expectations of a Leather Titleholder including conduct, appearance, and public decorum. Be willing to accept and follow reasonable feedback from the producers and know that you represent both the Palm Springs Sisters and that a Leather Titleholder is expected to be a community advocate, resource, and a positive force that represents us with Honor.
- Attend a photo shoot to be arranged by the contest producers.
- Participate in, at a minimum, monthly check-in meeting with at least one producer. This ensures you have the support and guidance you need but is not meant to restrict your vision.
- Promote and participate with the PSSPI Contingent during Palm Springs’s Annual LGBT Pride Parade. (You will have guidance & support in this flexible role).
- Each titleholder may receive a stipend, managed by the Producers, for the Title Holder’s vest and Palm Springs Leather entrance fee[s]. We ask that you commit some time each month to attend and support other communities.
- You are required to focus on the Palm Springs Sisters and the Palm Springs Community for the entirety of your title year. If by chance you win Palm Springs Leather, your obligations will transfer to that title and PSLOD (Palm Springs Leather Order of The Desert).
- You may be required to attend an “elevation ceremony” for the next Leather Indulgence to pass on the torch of the title, as determined by PSSPI.
FUNDRAISING –
- If a Fully Professed Member (FPM) of PSSPI is in attendance at a fundraiser, it is best practice to hand off all funds raised for that organization immediately. Please get a signed notice stating the amount of money that was handed off to the organization as well as the date.
PALM SPRINGS LEATHER-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Produce a minimum of four (4) events during the year of holding the title. The events can be done quarterly, with two (2) of them being social events and two (2) of them being a fundraising or charitable event. Of the charitable events, one (1) of them MUST be for a recognizable non-local charity and must be approved by the contest producers. The other charitable event must be an event for a charitable organization that benefits the Palm Springs Leather Community.
The four events are minimum requirements. You are encouraged to host, attend, etc. other events as long as you are able to meet the minimum requirements of producing events. Co-producing events with each other is encouraged but is NOT considered meeting the minimum requirements UNLESS pre-approved by the contest producers.
In the event of inability or failure of a titleholder to uphold these requirements, it is to be expected that the First Runner-Up will assume the respective title and duties of the position, should they be willing and able. The decision to replace the winner will be made solely by the owners and producers of the Contest.
The Producers may make changes to this contract during your title year. You will be asked to review and sign the amended contract. If you decide not to sign the amended contract, the old contract will remain in effect.