Jack and Cal return to the world of leather, kink, and fetish title competitions through Cal’s journey as Mr. Australian Leather, including his visit to Auckland for the inaugural MX Gear New Zealand title.
We hear from contestants including a 74-year-old trans man finding his second wind in community, a South Island pup advocating for trans rights, and a self-proclaimed “comedy queen” channelling Princess Margaret on their path to the title.
The conversation unpacks how these titles serve as platforms for sexual health advocacy, community building, and solidarity at a time when queer infrastructure is under pressure globally.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro and Cal’s sash queen revelation
02:02 – Cal’s history in Melbourne leather community
02:55 – Origins of leather title competitions
03:37 – Evolution toward inclusive mixed gear titles
05:08 – Cal wins Mr Australian Leather title
06:21 – Inside look at leather community gatherings
10:53 – Titleholders as advocates and community leaders
13:10 – What judges look for in competitions
20:53 – Luca 74 year old trans man competes
28:44 – Chief represents South Island at competition
34:16 – Robbie Abundance wins inaugural Mix Gear title
44:18 – Producer Sean on launching the event
All chapter timecodes are approximate.
Want more Well Well Well?
Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.
If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au
Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org.
Produced by: Jack Crnjanin & Caleb Hawk