Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
Ian Neft
2027
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Oct 9–11, 2026 · Spirit · Pittsburgh PA
Over the last few years, I’ve gone from simply attending kink events to helping put them on, teaching at them, and doing what I can to help other people find their own place in the community. I’m currently part of the leadership team for the Steel City Fist Club/Fist Bump events, help with demos and education through Iron City Bondage, am involved with Steel City Pups, and have gotten the opportunity to meet and learn from folks throughout the broader leather community at events like CLAW, MAL, and Men Roping Men.
While kink has been part of my life for over 15 years, finding my place within the broader community took a little longer. An early attempt to get involved while living in Detroit left me hesitant to put myself out there again. When I moved back to Pittsburgh, that started to change. I connected with some really great folks in the local fisting community who welcomed me in, introduced me to new people and spaces, and helped me see what a strong community could look like. That experience became a big part of what pushed me to get more involved and, eventually, to help create that same sense of welcome for others.
A couple years ago, I gave myself a pretty simple goal: show up. Go to the event. Meet the people. Try something new. Volunteer. Stop hanging around the edges and actually participate.
Once I started doing that, “show up” pretty naturally turned into “foster community.” I realized that one of the things I enjoy most isn’t just participating myself, but helping other people get involved too. Sometimes that’s teaching someone their first single-column tie and watching them immediately run off to try it with their partner. Sometimes it’s pointing someone who’s pup-curious toward Steel City Pups and then seeing them at the next event. Other times it’s helping put on an event where someone gets to explore an interest they haven’t had a space to explore before.
As I’ve gotten more involved, one phrase has really stuck with me: “Be the person I wish I met at my first event.”
I know what it’s like to walk into these spaces unsure of yourself, and I know what a difference the right people can make. Now I’m in a position where I can be one of those people. I can make the introduction, answer the awkward question, teach something I know, show up for other organizations, or just be the familiar face that makes walking into a room a little easier.
That’s the kind of presence I’ve tried to build in Pittsburgh, and it’s the kind of presence I want to continue bringing to the leather community as a titleholder.
Valentine (she/he) is thrilled to be returning to Steel City Fetish Con this year as a contestant for Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish. He is a butch4butch Leatherdyke who enjoys cruising, strapping, fisting, and showing off hot leather gear at queer events around the city. She habitually flags red, pink, and grey and loves poking and prodding hot dykes with leather and latex gloves. She is Pittsburgh born and raised and so proud of the flourishing community of fetishists in her hometown. In his free time, Valentine likes making sculptural art about her experiences in kink and butch identity. She is absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this event with so many wonderful and talented leatherfolk on the stage and behind the scenes.
At 45, and after recently making the move from Germany to Pittsburgh, I’m excited to begin a new chapter while continuing a journey that has been part of my life for 25 years.
The leather and bear community has given me decades of friendships, experiences, personal growth, and a place where authenticity matters. Moving to Pittsburgh has given me the opportunity to discover a new community, build new connections, and bring a little of my European background and experience along with me.
Running for Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear is my way of stepping forward, getting involved, and giving back to a community that has meant so much to me over the years. I believe in respect, inclusion, friendship, and creating spaces where newcomers and longtime members alike feel welcome.
I’m proud of where I come from, excited about where I am now, and looking forward to becoming part of Pittsburgh’s leather and bear family.
Hello, my name is Opossum Jaxon (they/it)! I am 25 and was born and raised here in Pittsburgh. I am pale, nocturnal, a little anxious, and probably digging through your trash. By day I am your stereotypical nonbinary barista, but by night you can find me playing dress up as my drag persona The Spirit Leshy, with my opossum mask always close by.
I decided to run for this title because I want to show that gender nonconforming bodies, drag artists, non-pup pets, and Gen Zs belong in the fetish community. So I hope I make the community around me and beyond proud, regardless of the outcome.
Applications are open for Mr. & Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish, Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear, and Iron City Pet. Join a legacy of community leaders representing the Steel City.
PLP LLC is the official holding company for the leather, fetish, kink, and club communities of the Steel City. We enhance, educate, and support — through contests, events, and philanthropy — an inclusive space for all.
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