Interview with Claudio, MR. LEATHERMAN ITALy 2010

Claudio, 38yo, from North Italy (Treviso) was elected Mister LeatherMan Italy 2010 by jury and participants during the two nights organized by Leather Club Roma on 23th and 24th April.

Let’s start from the beginning. Why did you decide to stand for Mister LeatherMan Italy 2010 election?
It began as a game to make a new experience. Afterward I talked with people who already lived this occurrence, in Italy and abroad: so it became a way to know different people, ideas and  ways of life.

The contest was really sought after; did you think to win?
My friends thought it, not I!

What does it mean, for you, to be Mister LeatherMan Italy 2010?
If you had done this question before the contest, I would not be sure to know the answer.
But now, I feel relay proud to represent the Italian leather community and all the people who vote for me.

The Italian leather  & fetish community is probably smaller than the ones of many other European countries even if its lively and well structured. Do you think you can help its improvement?
I don’t think that the Italian leather community is so small… Maybe it’s more underground that abroad, probably because some individualities and timidity and for cultural and political environment.
I really love to organize  socializing moments (i.e. eating a pizza together, going to the pub with friends or to disco…): I already do this to the  gaybikers association I’m member of.
If it will help, I will give my contribute to the organization of the events of the leather & fetish Italian community..

How, and how much time ago, did you begin to be involved into the leather community?
I started to approach this world, virtually, more than ten years ago, because of the leather attraction I was feeling. My first real experience (a part from some friends) was in Berlin in the 2003: I was so shy that I have  fun with  nobody!
After  this, some friends help me to make clear, and know better, what I was looking for.
And it’s a not yet ended trip…

In Italy there are many gay guys seduced by the leather and fetish world; they –often- don’t know how to start to explore this side of their personality and join the community. Do you have any advise for them?
I think that the way of approaching this world really depends upon everyone nature and sensibility. However, a good way to begin could be the Italian leather clubs (Leather Club Roma and Leather Friends Italy); otherwise, a leather friend could help to make new experiences and to join the leather community.

Which are the next national and international events you will attends to?
First of all I will participate to the nearest events: the ones organized by the Italian leather club, and the Milano gay pride.
On September I will be at in Berlin for ‘Folsom Europe’ and, on October, I will attend to Mister Leather Europe contest in Frankurt (by the way, I wish to thank the, Leather Club Roma who booked my flight to Frankfurt).
I will also be at the ‘GLME Summercamp’ which will be organized by Comog in Italy  at the end of August.

What does it mean, to you, to be a leatherman?
To be a leatherman means to be myself with freedom, without being victim of prejudices, for example wearing what I more like.

The leather and fetish community, with his strong masculinity, is miles far away from the gay-fashion subculture which we see spread on the medias. Why this difference?
I think they are two sides of the same coin: there exist the strong leather masculinity, the gay-fashion style, and much more… Everyone would be free to be himself, live himself, and his fetish and sexuality. Unfortunately, here in Italy this is not easy to do…

Do you wish to thank someone for your election?
I would like to thank all my friends, the one who voted for me but also the one who not attended the contest and the ones which know only via Internet. Their warm support makes me proud to be a member of the Italian leather community and to represent it.