Leather Titles Return to New Zealand

Jack and Cal return to the world of leather, kink, and fetish title competitions through Cal’s journey as Mr. Australian Leather, including his visit to Auckland for the inaugural MX Gear New Zealand title. We hear from contestants including a 74-year-old trans man finding his second wind in community, a South Island pup advocating for trans rights, and a self-proclaimed “comedy queen” channelling Princess Margaret on their path to the title. The conversation unpacks how these titles serve as platforms for sexual health advocacy, community building, and solidarity at a time when queer infrastructure is under pressure globally. Chapters 00:00 – Intro and Cal’s sash queen revelation 02:02 – Cal’s history in Melbourne leather community 02:55 – Origins of leather title competitions 03:37 – Evolution toward inclusive mixed gear titles 05:08 – Cal wins Mr Australian Leather title 06:21 – Inside look at leather community gatherings 10:53 – Titleholders as advocates and community leaders 13:10 – What judges look for in competitions 20:53 – Luca 74 year old trans man competes 28:44 – Chief represents South Island at competition 34:16 – Robbie Abundance wins inaugural Mix Gear title 44:18 – Producer Sean on launching the event All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Jack Crnjanin & Caleb Hawk