Chicago, IL - October 8, 2017. The producers of American Brotherhood Weekend pleased to announce the winners of their 2017 contest, held October 6-8 in Chicago, Illinois.
The 2017 American Leatherman title was awarded to Rod McCoy, who hails from the great state of Maryland. Rod held the title of Leatherman of Color 2011, and is a Full Brother of ONYX. Joining Rod as the American Leatherwoman 2017 is Jackie Thompson, who also resides in Maryland. Jackie also held the title of Ms. Capital Pride Leather 2009, and is a member of Highwaymen TNT.
Joining Rod on the American Leatherman podium were BJAPRIES as 1st Runner Up and Rob "Papa Bear" Anderson as 2nd Runner Up. They were joined in competition by Daddy Don and Shannon O'Feral. Jackie ran unopposed for the title of American Leatherwoman, and scored higher than the requisite 80% in order to be awarded the sash.
The judging panel included bella, Bobbie Smith, David Katzenberg, Jeff Willoughby, and Laura Antoniou. Additionally, the 2016 American Brotherhood Weekend title family of Doug Kuhn, Steph Sanders, and Steven Carlisle participated in the contest judging.
Two additional fundraising efforts - a MST3K-style roasting of the movie "Fifty Shades of Gray" hosted by Laura Antoniou and Karen Ultra, and an ABW Bingo game held during the contest weekend - raised over $900 for Vital Bridges, a Chicago charitable organization that provides food & housing support for people who are HIV+. The check was presented to Lori Cannon on Oct. 12. Lori is the Northside Pantry Coordinator and Founder of Open Hand the predecessor of Heartland Alliance - Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care.
The event was held at Touche' and at the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago, Illinois. The emcee for the weekend was Karen Ultra. Entertainment was provided by Diamond Richards Devereaux Yaki, Empress 12 of the Windy City Empire. American Brotherhood weekend was made possible by sponsorships from: One Web, Touche' Chicago, Johnny Boy, Joan Norry, LIP Service, and an Anonymous donor.