Episode 31 - Marcus Barela

Gear up everyone because it is the Thirty First episode of the Kink Kloset!Riding in from Los Angeles, it is the Mexican Texan, Marcus Barela. Marcus left his hometown in Midland Texas and moved to Los Angeles in search of adventure, diversity and popstars. In his early 20's he started working as a barback and bartender for the famous Eagle LA. It was these early years where Marcus was exposed to the local queer and kink communities wherein he felt accepted and could call the Eagle his home. His passion for the leather community ignited over the past 3 -4 years, especially galvanized with overcoming the challenges Covid had on the community, which inspired him to be more involved. This involvement eventually led to Marcus competing for International Mr Leather in Chicago last May, where he was successful in becoming International Mr Leather 2023.Marcus' journey hasn't always been a smooth sailing. Working in a lively and social workplace, coupled with excitement of queer life, Marcus found himself engaging in big nights out and not always able to recall the tale. There came a tipping point in his late 20's where he was continuously breaking his own self-promises regarding his drinking, and decided to engage in the sober community for help. Marcus has found that continuous engagement and support from sober community is key to maintaining his sobriety. As we discuss in the episode, it takes a village, and for Marcus the sober, and leather and kink communities are multiple villages which have helped make him into the outstanding kinkster and human he is today.