International Ms. Leather

International Ms. Leather (IMsL) is an annual leather subculture fetish convention and competition, originally focused on women but now inclusive of all genders. Since 1999, the convention has also included a Ms. Bootblack (IMsBB) contest.

After Ms. Leather events had been held in San Francisco since 1981, the first formal International Ms. Leather convention took place in 1987. The first International Ms. Leather was Judy Tallwing McCarthey.

In 1988, International Ms. Leather received the Large Club of the Year award as part of the Pantheon of Leather Awards. In 2009, International Ms. Leather received the Chuck Renslow President's Award from the Leather Archives & Museum. In 2009, 2013, and 2017, International Ms. Leather received the Large Event of the Year award as part of the Pantheon of Leather Awards, and in 2018 International Ms Leather Bootblack received that award.

International Ms. Leather moved in 2014 from the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco to San Jose.

The Leather Archives & Museum’s photos, videos, and oral histories chronicling International Ms. Leather (and International Mr. Leather) were featured in a 2015 documentary by Christina Court, titled High Shine: 15 Years of International Ms Bootblack.

The International Ms Leather (IMsL) Foundation began its work in 2015. The foundation’s website states, “We are committed to fostering healthy environments for Women to succeed in Leather and Kink spaces by providing education, programming, and financial support.” In 2016 that foundation received the Nonprofit Organization of the Year award as part of the Pantheon of Leather Awards.

International Ms. Leather has had a focus on community leadership from the start. The contestants must meet objectives and deadlines set before the convention, and at the event are judged on costuming, speech, a fantasy performance, knowledge of the leather scene as demonstrated in a quiz and an interview, and also organizing skills as demonstrated in having two others set up an auction table for them at the convention.

Producers of the event have included Audrey Joseph and 1993's International Ms. Leather winner Amy Marie Meek (later Amy Meek-DeJarlais). "Amy Marie Meek – International Ms. Leather" received the International Deaf Leather Recognition Award in 2001.

Judges have included Kitty Tsui.

International Ms. Leather Winners

As of 2025, 37 contestants representing three countries have won IMsL: the United States (34), Canada (2), and Australia (1).

International Ms. Bootblack Winners

As of 2025, 22 contestants representing the United States (21) and Canada (1) have won IMsBB.

See also

• Leather competitions
• International Mr. Leather

External links

• Documentary (2015) by Christina K. Court