TC Leather and Fetish Weekend Celebrates Queer Deviancy and Diversity

Boasting an impressive 16 years in the running, Twin Cities Leather and Fetish Weekend (TCLF) is a one-of-a-kind celebration of queer deviancy. Guided by the ever-shifting landscape of the scene, TCLF continues to evolve to reflect the modern reality of the community. 

The brains behind the scenes are the co-owners of the TC Leather shop and community center, Kurt Patton and Karri Plowman. Drawing on their wealth of experience in the scene, the duo has honed the event to meet the community’s changing needs.

TCLF Weekend will be held Nov. 7-9 at The Saloon in downtown Minneapolis. Admission is free. The events encourage radical self-expression in all its forms, featuring educational workshops, a wellness town hall, a plethora of dance opportunities and socials tailored to a range of demographics — from femmes to puppies.

The main event will feature the longstanding Mr. Twin Cities Leather competition, alongside a new, inclusive title: TC Fetish (honorific to be determined by the winner). Unlike the Mr. Leather contest, which is limited to male-identifying individuals, the TC Fetish competition welcomes participants of all genders and orientations — a reflection of the community’s diversity.

“We’ve had about every type of individual win that title. This is the next phase of evolution,” Patton explains.

Both titles will carry equal weight, and winners will collaborate to strengthen community ties. Contestants will be judged on their leather look, a private interview, written responses and, finally, the highly anticipated talent portion, which culminates on Saturday night. Past acts have included elaborate drag performances, live leatherworking and other unique displays not quite suitable for print.

Winners of both titles will be fully outfitted by TC Leather in custom-made gear, complete with a sash, patch and a platform to champion a cause of their choice. Mr. TCL will go on to represent Minnesota in the International Mr. Leather competition.

“Many of our past title holders went on to do harm reduction and community work, or become founders of other leather clubs. It really does create opportunity and leadership,” Patton says.

Plowman, TCLF’s executive producer, recalls that when he first entered Minnesotan leather culture more than a decade ago, the scene skewed toward homogeneity.

“We have believed very, very strongly in equality for all — that leather, kink, fetish, whatever umbrella you want to use, is about everyone being happy,” Plowman explains. “As a queer individual, if any of this resonates with you, then leather is your birthright, and it belongs to you just as much as the grizzled cis man at the other end of the bar.”

Like Plowman, Patton prioritizes community first. Joining the scene before he was even of drinking age, Patton has been enmeshed in queer subculture for nearly 14 years. Beyond the pageantry, the organizers of TCLF Weekend are focused on fostering community and connection. The minds behind TCL often work six- or seven-day workweeks, working overtime to fulfill community needs and to satisfy all the tasks that a small business requires.

“It truly is a labor of love,” Patton explains. 

The leather community in the Twin Cities stands apart from other major cities. With a mid-sized population compared to urban metropolises such as Chicago, New York City or Los Angeles, the smaller scene fosters intimate connections across subcultures. Patton attributes the cross-subcultural mingling to the scale of the scene.

“Here, you’re at the same table. You have to talk!” Patton says.

Plowman nods, adding, “That’s the glue of our community. You don’t have to like… You know… I don’t yuck other people’s yums. It doesn’t have to be for me for me to champion and respect what they’re into.”

While many might assume that coastal cities boast a more diverse and vibrant leather scene, Plowman and Patton — both queer people of color — stand at the forefront of Minnesota’s leather culture. They are quick to credit women for shaping the foundation of the community and ensuring its continued evolution.

TCL serves as a connection point for people first entering the leather community or for those moving to the Twin Cities. The community center welcomes newcomers with open arms and radical acceptance regardless of race, gender, orientation or preference. TCLF brings people across subcultures together to represent and celebrate deviant queer sexuality in all its beauty.