They love leather and they love their community. Now they’re off to prove it to the world. Mr. Eagle and Mr. Ramrod are competing at International Mister Leather (IML) this weekend in Chicago.
“I’m just excited for the experience,” Sam Sanna, Mr. Ramrod, said.
Both Sanna and Razr Steele, Mr. Eagle talked with OutSFL as they were preparing to head up north. The pair held a joint mock interview session last week that focused on helping them identify personality traits and prepare for any curveball questions that might come their way during competition.
“I’m ready,” Steele said. “I’ve had two mock interviews with titleholders and IML competitors.”
As suggested by the fact they did the interview session together, they say they don’t compete against each other, they compete for the title. Sanna and Steele will join 66 others from 15 different countries to compete for the ultimate leather honor.
While they hold the titles, neither could get to the competition without the support of their South Florida fans.
“The community has stepped in to help me get ready. The people who’ve been there before have pulled me aside for advice,” Sanna said.
Packing for IML requires more than a weekender bag. Their outfits are curated specifically for this event, with each taking their own approach to winning over the judges.
“A lot of my stuff has been given to me over the years,” Sanna said.
This is one of his ways of bringing his supporters with him on the journey. He’s also the manager at Leatherwerks and says a lot of his pieces are from there as well.
Steele took a different approach.
“I consider myself a classic leather daddy, but try to bring meaning to my outfits.”
One designer reached out, offering to help him with an outfit. Another came from Asia. But exotic looks come with a risk: one outfit got lost in Dubai for a month.
The main goal for each is to get their message across. Sanna is using his platform to bring awareness to recovery and mental health.
Steele says representing the community back home is his aim.
“The goal for me was to find a positive space in the community, to be the voice for people, help them communicate and be heard and be seen. I hope my IML journey adds to that.”
