Mike Sanders is many things: a transmasculine, nonbinary former titleholder in the leather scene, a political activist, and a fierce believer in building a chosen family. As the organizer of American Brotherhood Weekend (ABW), a leather family and contest that’s been running for over 30 years, Sanders helps carry on a legacy of community, kink and care. Contestants compete in categories like speech, interviews, fantasy, and wear.
“I like to say it’s basically kinky Miss America,” he said. “Leather is not so much what you wear, it’s more of who you are and how you live.”
Sanders, who won the American Leatherwoman title in 2016, now leads the event with his wife. ABW recently added a political component, requiring titleholders to engage in civic action.
“There are absolutely political things right now going on in our country that are actively harming our gay, lesbian, especially trans, brother, sister, siblings,” Sanders said. “Our goal is to uplift and amplify those voices.”
Through American Brotherhood Weekend, Sanders continues to foster the same leather community that once embraced him as a curious newcomer. He said it feels just like a “family reunion” where everyone gets a plate.
RELATED
