General Requirements for 2025 ABW Contestants

American Brotherhood Weekend (ABW) title families are the only national leather titles emphasizing and celebrating LGBTQ individuals serving proudly and openly in our community. Many former titleholders have taken a public stance on one or more significant issues, such as same-sex legislation, equal rights, civil rights, domestic violence, harassment, hate crimes, public health & safety, community outreach, or as a voice for others with urgent needs.

Expectations of Titleholders

ABW titleholders are expected to be of service in the community. All titleholders are expected to attend two LGBTQ leather/BDSM events per quarter where you are volunteering, fundraising, teaching, or judging; you are not limited to two events per quarter, this is a minimum.  

All ABW titleholders are held to the highest standards regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and consent. We do not tolerate racism, discrimination or harassment of any form. Unwelcome racist, harassing or discriminatory conduct will be met with prompt action, which may include removing your tile.

Contestant Qualifications

The contest is open to leather people who are US Citizens, at least 21 years of age, and who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer. All titles are open to the transgender community. Qualified individuals are required to submit a Contestant Application and Photo Release form for consideration no later than midnight on January 31, 2025.

General Requirements

• Identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer
• Have a history of involvement within the leather/BDSM and TLGBQ community and have strong community ties.
• Must participate in all officially scheduled ABW events during the contest weekend.
• The contestant is expected to provide at least one basket of items to be auctioned during the weekend with a value of $300-500 as well as at least 2-4 items of a minimum $100 total to go in a basket to be auctioned off to raise funds for our charities.
• Contestants must have public speaking ability.
• Contestants must be prepared and knowledgeable about current political events. Producers will issue a list of 4-5 relevant topics which will be listed here on the website under the Compete Menu, two months before the contest to study and questions based on these topics will be asked in your interview, but will not make up the entirety of the interview.
• Contestants speech must be based on a political topic that directly impacts their community either on a local or national level.

American Leatherman (ALM)

• Open to applicants who self identify as male, you must be comfortable representing the American Leatherman title

American Leatherwoman (ALW)

• Open to applicants who self identify as female you must be comfortable representing the American Leatherwoman title

American Leatherboy (ALb)

• Applicants may be of any gender, you must be comfortable representing the American Leatherboy title

American Leatherperson (ALP)

• Open to applicants of any gender, you must be comfortable representing the American Leatherperson title

Fabulous Prizes

• ABW medallion
• Travel Fund
• Event Passes
• Title back patch following completion of title year
• Other prizes to be announced at the contest

Submit Application!

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