Mikel Gerle named 2007 International Mr. Leather

Mikel Gerle named 2007 International Mr. Leather
Copyright by Gay Chicago Magazine
May 5, 2007

CHICAGO - Mikel Gerle, Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2007, has been named International Mr. Leather 2007, winning over a field of 52 contestants from five countries, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the United States. He is sponsored by the Los Angeles Leather Coalition and Oil Can Harry’s.

Residing in West Hollywood, CA, Gerle works as a management specialist with the city. His community involvement includes annual fund-raisers for a variety of organizations, including AID for AIDS, Van Ness Recovery House, West Hollywood Recovery Center and Hot n Dry. He is also dedicated to raising awareness in the West Hollywood community about the dangers of crystal meth, as well as other issues that affect the LGBT community there. Other affiliations include the Los Angeles Leather Coalition, Southern California Gay Sports Bikers, LA Frontrunners and the AIDS LifeCyle Ride.

The 29th annual International Mr. Leather Contest was held Sunday, May 27, at the Chicago Theatre.

As the International Mr. Leather 2007 titleholder, Gerle will represent IML and the leather community over the next year. He also receives a prize package consisting of donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather community.

Rob Grant, Washington State Mr. Leather 2006, was named first runner-up and was sponsored by the Washington State Mr. & Ms. Leather Organization. Bill Hoeppner, Mr. Ramrod 2006, was named second runner-up. He was sponsored by The Ramrod Bar.

The winner of the 15th annual International Mr. Bootblack Competition was Spot, winning over a pool of five contestants. He was sponsored by the Great Lakes Leather Alliance.

This year’s entertainment was provided by actor and comedian Hal Sparks. Brad Balof returned for his third consecutive year as IML emcee.

International Mr. Leather will celebrate its 30th anniversary, May 22 through 26, 2008. The Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, will be the official host hotel of IML 2008. Hotel reservations can be made after July 1, 2007 on IML’s Web site at www.imrl.com or by calling 877-865-5321. Weekend packages can be purchased online at www. boxofficetickets.com or by calling 800-494-TIX.