SAN DIEGO LEATHER PRIDE
Eligibility, Contest Details & Contestant Expectations
Contestants are required to register for and participate in the San Diego Leather Pride events leading up to the Contest. Your application fee allows you entry in the weekend events, so long as you fulfill the requirements of a Contestant as described herein. Your registration and attendance as a Contestant represents your agreement to abide by the guidelines outlined here. We believe you are also making an investment in yourself which is a great opportunity to have fun, grow your skills, and make a difference!Should you win the title you seek, you will be expected to perform the following (This is your contract—initial where requested to indicate your commitment and consent):
I. AGE
❖Contestants must be at least 21 years old by March 15, 2018.
II. RESIDENCY
❖Residency in San Diego is preferred.
▪However, if you are not a current resident of San Diego County, you must show proof of employment or school registration within the county indicating you frequent and are invested in the San Diego community.
▪Please note: applications from non-residents will be scrutinized and accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please use the contact form on the website for a review to precede your application OR simply submit an explanatory addendum with your application.
II. GENDER
❖SDLP does not police gender. Run in the category that best fits your identity.
III. CONTEST
❖Beginning Thursday, March 15 at 6:30pm – Arrive at World Beat Center & begin availability for weekend obligations through Sunday, March 18, 2018.
▪If other obligations like work or family prevent your attendance on Thursday or will make you late, discuss the situation with a producer to see if accommodations can be made. However, your attendance is mandatory for events occurring on Friday – Sunday. Friday evening, Saturday day and night, and Sunday morning are required.
❖Contestants are expected to review the schedule of events and understand that they will be occupied for the majority of the weekend. Additional, detailed instructions will be provided at the contestant meeting to those who have registered to participate.
❖Each contestant is required to contribute an auction basket of items. More details about this will be given at the contestant meeting
Bootblacks Only
SDBB Contestants are also required to submit a pair of worn (but not too worn), used boots entered into Tech Boot portion of the contest. They may or may not be used as a pair selected for a contestant to revitalize. They will be returned to you at the conclusion of the contest.
III. EXPECTATIONS OF TITLEHOLDERS
One does not need to understand everything about being a titleholder in order to become one. You are given room to learn-as-you-go. The producers are here to answer your questions and help connect you with mentors. None of the title categories for SDLP are limited by anyone else’s version of what “Leather” is. We ask that you be who YOU are by offering edgy, exciting, and/or energetic reflection of your community in an open and positive way.
❖Uphold community expectations of a Leather/Bootblack Titleholder including conduct, appearance, and public decorum. Be willing to accept and follow reasonable feedback from the producers, and know that you represent both San Diego and that a Leather Titleholder is expected to be a community advocate, resource, and a positive force that represents us with Honor. (Initials: ___)
❖Attend a photo shoot to be arranged by the contest producers. (Initials: ___)
❖Participate in, at a minimum, monthly check-in meeting with at least one producer. This ensures you have the support and guidance you need, but is not meant to restrict your vision. (Initials: ___)
❖Promote and help plan the Leather Pride Contingent during San Diego’s Annual LGBT Pride Parade. (You will have guidance & support in this flexible role). (Initials: ___)
❖Each titleholder will receive a stipend, managed by the Producers, for travel and other expenses during the title year. Titleholders also tend to receive other benefits such as weekend passes to other leather contests and events, club memberships, and gift certificates. Thus, your attendance at local and SoCal regional events is highly encouraged. We ask that you commit some time each month to attend and support other communities. (Initials: ___)
❖San Diego has a proud history of our titleholders being chosen for national titles and while we support this, we don’t require it. You are required to focus on the San Diego Community for the entirety of your title year. You may run for a national or international title after serving the first eight (8) months of your term. We ask that you make your intentions known ahead of time, and that you focus on fulfilling the commitment to the San Diego Community before you go on to that bigger dream! (Initials: ___)
❖Attend SDLP 2019 Contest in the third weekend of March 2019 to transfer the title. (Initials: ___)
FUNDRAISING
❖If a representative of the organization you are raising funds for is in attendance at the fundraiser, it is best practice to hand off all funds raised for that organization immediately. Please get a signed notice stating the amount of money that was handed off to the organization as well as the date. (Initials: ___)
MS & MR SAN DIEGO LEATHER-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
❖Produce a minimum of four events during the year. The events can be done quarterly with two of them being social events and two of them being charitable fundraising events. Of the charitable events, one of them must be for a recognizable non-local charity and must be pre-approved by the contest producers. The other charitable event must be for a charity that benefits the San Diego Leather Community. (Initials: ___)
●The four events are minimum requirements. You are encouraged to host, attend etc. other events as long as you are able to meet the minimum requirements of producing events. Co-producing events with each other is encouraged but is NOT considered meeting the minimum requirements UNLESS pre-approved by the contest producers. (Initials: ___)
BOOTBLACK-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
We Like You Just The Way You Are
➢SDBB places no restrictions on contestant qualifications except this: be a damn good bootblack. Or, be a good bootblack with loads of enthusiasm & spirit that will act as a catalyst through to your title year to improving your craft. The title is designed to permit committed, although potentially less experienced, bootblacks advance their skills through service and the seeking of mentorship. What matters are the skills you possess (or your commitment to furthering them), energy, service, and intention that you bring to the community and those fortunate enough to sit in your chair.
▪Therefore, previous bootblack titleholders, no matter the geographic location or magnitude, are eligible.
➢Winner is expected to offer bootblack services within San Diego County at least once a month during their title year. (Initials: ___)
▪The location or event may be of their choosing but must be public or semi-public (if you’re not sure what qualifies, ask Colt).
➢Winner is expected to participate in, host, or teach at least two presentations, demonstrations, or workshops during their title year that are related to the skills and/or fetish of bootblacking. (Initials: ___)
▪SDBB understands that not every bootblack is comfortable taking on an educational role; however, a large portion of the SDBB title's mission to encourage growth & mentorship of our bootblack community.
▪As such, this requirement is flexible enough to encompass a variety of methods to meet this criteria by including participate in, host, or teach in the language.
Tips
➢Tips received throughout the year may be retained by the bootblack, donated to charity, reserved for the winner of SDBB 2019, or a combination thereof. (Initials: ___)
In the event of inability or failure of a titleholder to uphold these requirements, it is to be expected that the First Runner-Up will assume the respective title and duties of the position, should they be willing and able. The decision to replace the winner will be made solely by the owners and producers of the Contest. (Initials: ___)
The Producers may make changes to this contract during your title year. You will be asked to review and sign the amended contract. If you decide not to sign the amended contract, the old contract will remain in effect. Updates and information are available on our Website: and our email is . (Initials: ___)
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Contestant Legal Name
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Contestant SignatureDate
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SDLP Producer Name
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SDLP Producer SignatureDate
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SDBB Producer Name
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SDBB Producer SignatureDate
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