05/28/2026
To be filed under “I’m so, so tired”…
“How many IML contestants compete wearing ball gowns or couture designer costumes?”
Setting aside that much of what makes “couture” technically is what makes something “champagne” in that the style and place of origin does most of the heavy lifting in the actual definition. But the way couture is generally used, and how I suspect you’re using it here, refers to high end, custom clothing and attire.
Which, going by that definition… a LOT of contestants get high quality, custom designed attire made. I did, many in this year’s class did. And last year’s. And the year before that. We could probably go back a WAYS.
Or maybe you’re using “couture” as synonymous for “feminine”. Okay cool, so… I stepped down in a corset and custom panel skirt. Jamal competed in a corset for part of his run. Or we could take it back to 2015 when Pup Tugger walked the stage in knee-high heeled boots. The IML stage has been open to more varied gender expression for over ten years now.
Ball gowns? I didn’t see any on stage. If you’re referring to Honey’s attire that had turned into the flared backdrop? That was a jacket with an element of theatricality to it. Which makes sense seeing as it was for a stage, arguably entertainment portion of the event.
So let’s discuss drag. Just, in general. I suspect it might be a while since you’ve been to a drag show, or at least one not heavily involving Drag Race or Drag Brunch. But drag, as a performance and as a subculture, involves touching on the entire spectrum of gender presentation, not just the feminine. I’ve seen drag performances from high glam feminine to stone butch, and everything in between (and neither).
Branching off into leather for a second… I suspect you’re conflating “leather” with “masculine”. And if that’s the case I assure you, I’ve seen some damned amazing leather femmes and wouldn’t bat an eye at seeing them at an Eagle. Leather, as it is now, is significantly less monolithic than many seem to purport that it is, especially when it comes to expression of self, identity, and yeah even gender.
So let’s talk similarities. I’ve already addressed that both drag and leather as subcultures are not restricted to one narrow expression of gender norms. But beyond that… both can be entirely surface level expression, limited to putting on attire the same way you would a costume… to expression of self coming from core facets of who you are. I suspect that neither one of us would deny that many Leathermen view their attachment to leather garb, whatever it looks like for them (BLUF, bar wear, etc) as being a core part of who they are regarding gender expression, sexual expression, community connection. The fact of the matter is, the same is true for many drag performers. For many, it’s connected to who they are as a core facet of their identity, and the performance and embracing thereof.
Leather and drag are, in many ways, two sides of the same coin, embracing gender, subverting cultural norms, and embracing a q***r as f**k rebellion against those trying to uplift heteronormative regulation on expression. In many ways, both leather and drag and punk as f**k in the right hands.
And, aside from that… I was the head judge at IML this year. I saw every single contestant up close and personal, in far more ways than anyone else in attendance during IMLBB weekend aside from the other judges on that panel. From the speech, to the interview, to how they interacted with their fellow contestants, Honey is absolutely a leatherman who is qualified to hold the position of IML for this next year. And having their win tarnished by all of this petty bu****it when there are real world issues that we SHOULD be focusing on instead of a titleholder not fitting what mold we “think” they should is a genuine, real shame.
If my own win had been shadowed by all of this infighting over insignificant tripe I have no doubt it would have f**ked me the hell up.
So how about we shift focus from someone who doesn’t fit our narrow mold into what an IML “should” be, and onto taking care of ourselves so we can continue to have IMLs moving forward in the first place.
