Those hanging around the Logan Circle area of Washington this weekend are almost ensured to encounter thousands of individuals walking along 14th Street clad in leather chaps, straddling motorcycles and snuffing out cigars. The Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL for short) conference is not only one of the largest gatherings of leather enthusiasts in the nation, it has become a cultural touchstone for the gay community in D.C.
Just like the majority of the straight community, the majority of the gay community does not participate in the leather scene. Its a fetish community serving a slice of the population and centers on leather bars (the Eagle on New York Avenue), motorcycle clubs and conventions like MAL, Market Days in Chicago and Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.
Al Pacino hopped up on poppers and dancing at a leather bar in the horrible film "Cruising."
Yet, a large part of Washington's gay community eagerly welcomes MAL each year - even if they're not into the leather scene. For many gay Washingtonians, the gathering is an opportunity to experience a scene outside of their own, meet with friends visiting from across the country and encounter hot guys from out-of-town.
Even if you're not into the leather scene (or even gay), Brightest Young Things gives you the rundown on your best weekend bets to experience MAL.
Rule to live by: Relax, don't judge and have fun.
If leather isn't your thing, it's easy to judge a bunch of guys in dog collars and leather chaps walking around in frigid weather. Yet, these guys have the balls to be who they want to be in public and that commands respect. Additionally, while many of the guys walking around Logan Circle for MAL may look like they can kick your ass (and they probably can), it's generally a pretty nice bunch and participants are likely to warmly engage you on the street to answer any questions.
Best Weekend Bet for Straight People: MAL Exhibit Hall at the Washington Plaza
FRI, January 15 (4:00pm - 10:00pm), SAT (10:00am - 5:00pm), SUN (12:00pm - 5:00pm). FREE
The Washington Plaza is ground zero for MAL weekend. It's the host hotel, and locals and out-of-towners gather in its lobby to socialize. Actually, the lobby bar in the evening hosts hundreds of guys chatting and cruising each other. That weekend, the Washington Plaza lobby is better than any gay bar in town.
For straight people, check out the MAL Exhibit Hall at the hotel. Its packed with vendors of adult toys, leather gear and social clubs. The majority of attendees are gay men, but you will spot numerous straight couples (even those not into leather) just checking the place out and stocking up on bedroom essentials. Yes, you will see things that are a bit out there (guys being walked on leashes) but that's part of the experience.
Best Weekend Bet for Gay Newbies: Blowoff at the 9:30 Club
Saturday, January 16 - 11:300pm (Doors) - $12
Blowoff (www.blowoff.us) is the brilliant monthly party thrown by DJs Rich Morel and Bob Mould (of Hüsker Dü fame and author of "Dog on Fire," also known as the theme song for The Daily Show). It's not a leather event itself, but lots of leather enthusiasts will turn out for this late-night party.
Blowoff is already one of the more interesting gay parties going. Starting in the downstairs bar of the 9:30 Club as a DJ night, it now packs the entire upstairs with a unique and masculine mix of hipster kids, muscle bears (bears are a gay subculture that is generally known for its hairy, masculine aesthetic) and a small, but dedicated segment of straight music fans who follow both Morel and Mould. This Blowoff will also feature a large crowd of MAL participants. Its a great way to dabble in the weekend and to be around leather even if you are not of the leather scene.
Best Weekend Bet for Leather Enthusiasts: Mr. MAL contest and Reaction @ 9:30 Club
Sunday, January 17 - Mr. MAL 1:00pm, REACTION 10:00pm
The Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather contest is like a beauty pageant for built dudes. However, its not all based on looks as contestants display their creativity and understanding of the leather community in the competition. If you're serious about the leather scene, then you will be here.
Additionally, the Reaction dance on Sunday night at the 9:30 Club is one of the highlights of the weekend. Don't expect many (if any) people to attend that are not decked out in leather gear. Its not to be missed.
Best Weekend Bet for Dirty Minds: Upstairs at the Washington Plaza
All Weekend
The gay leather scene often centers on community and friendship as opposed to sexual activity. Yet, sexual activity does play a large role. There will be numerous hook-ups, afterparties and underground parties to keep you entertained if you know where to look.
One of the most traditional "games" of MAL is cruising upstairs at The Washington Plaza hotel where numerous activities take place behind doors left slightly ajar. The catch is that (at night) only those with hotel room keys are permitted by hotel staff to go upstairs and a velvet rope and security staff are positioned outside the elevator bank.
When the bars close, the game begins with locals cruising the hotel bar to chat up anyone with a room key. If you're lucky enough to have someone escort you upstairs, then you are free to roam the halls and satisfy your curiosity. However, hotel security staff also roam the hall and if you are caught on a floor without a key, then they will (very nicely) escort you downstairs and wish you luck.
Bunches of Other Weekend Bets: CODE, Green Lantern, WTF?
See Below
Even if you're not a participant in the convention (which gets you lots of extra events like exclusive parties, brunch and more) there are a great number of events that you can enjoy. The boys behind CODE (www.codedc.com) have created a new "gear" night at the EFN lounge that goes far beyond leather. If you're into jock gear, uniforms or leather then you will fit in here at this Saturday night event that will stick around long after MAL is through. A strict dress code is enforced.
Other options include The Green Lantern (www.greenlanterndc.com) located on Green Court just a block south of The Washington Plaza hotel. Long a welcome home for those into leather, expect this place to be busy as well as Washington's official leather bar - the DC Eagle (www.dceagle.com).
For counter programing, try the WTF? party (RSVP on Facebook here) at Town on Sunday night. Its only $5 and only pops up on holiday weekends. You don't work on Monday, so what's your excuse? Expect indie dance music and cute guys. Its not a leather event, but they won't turn you away if you show up in a harness.
For official MAL information, visit: www.leatherweekend.com
God loves a cheerful giver.
OMG...I never thought I would have seen a MAL preview on Brightest Young Things. I love it! I've never really been into the leather scene, but I'm going to check out the activities this weekend. Thanks BYT.
How did I not know about this?
Well, now you do!!
Don't you mean January for all those dates?
Yep. Thanks Brian.
I can smell the man-sweat reading this piece. My boyfriend and I live nearby and we can't wait for this each year. Neither of us are into the leather scene (or gay), but we love having these guys in our neighborhood. We even did the market last year and had a great time.
Awesome!!!
HEY!!!!! Where is the nod to the Women and Trans Party at the Crucible. 9pm to 2am?