Never been to MAL

[Klu3]

Everybody is talking about MAL this weekend in DC, but I'm sorta intimidated to go.

 

I HAVE been to general LGBT events, like Pride and stuff. I also occasionally visit gay bars/clubs. But I've never been to a leather event before. I don't own any gear. I don't exactly fit the body type of the majority, me being a slim smooth Asian.

 

But part of me is still curious to go just to see how it is. I see that they have a couple of parties tonight, but I don't know what to expect if I end up going.

 

Can you guys provide more input about how MAL weekend is?

[mike carey]

Like you I am a bit intimidated by such events, but I went to the happy hour last night to meet some other Daddy's forum members. It was all quite friendly, certainly within the group of us, but seemingly also more broadly. You could always just go along, buy yourself a drink and sit and take in the ambience. You may well end up meeting other guys and chatting. If last night is anything to go by, leather gear is common but not required attire!

[+ purplekow]

I was unable to get to DC this year, but last year there was the lobby and conference room scene, which was sedate and then voyeuristic come if you will or cum if you want activity in the hotel rooms especially those rooms which were visible by the bridge. Go. Have fun. You can always leave. It is not the Hotel California where you can check out any time you like but you can never leave.

[+ quoththeraven]

Not slim, but part Asian and female. I felt trepidation about going there when I attended the forum lunch last year, but was warmly welcomed, as Deej said I would be (thanks, Deej, I never got around to telling you), when I was at the bar Friday night, wandering the vendor's displays Saturday afternoon with SundayZip, and hitting the corridor that overlooks the inner courtyard and thus gives a view of three hallways worth of rooms Friday night and Saturday afternoon. If, as is often the case, the drapes are left open, there can be a lot to see. A few people were amused to see an older woman there by herself (a group of younger folks, including a woman, walked past me in that corridor, so I wasn't the only woman there as a voyeur) but everyone was gracious and accepting.

 

I remember seeing a handsome, thin, smooth Asian guy in a little bit of leather, a dark short-sleeved shirt similar to uniform shirts, and a military/police style cap go by me in the lobby area with a friend. He wasn't the only Asian, either. Go. It's one of the least judgmental crowds around.

[marylander1940]

Everybody is talking about MAL this weekend in DC, but I'm sorta intimidated to go.

 

I HAVE been to general LGBT events, like Pride and stuff. I also occasionally visit gay bars/clubs. But I've never been to a leather event before. I don't own any gear. I don't exactly fit the body type of the majority, me being a slim smooth Asian.

 

But part of me is still curious to go just to see how it is. I see that they have a couple of parties tonight, but I don't know what to expect if I end up going.

 

Can you guys provide more input about how MAL weekend is?

 

If you like what you see go have fun and enjoy...

 

http://www.hotboots.com/mal2005/1200.jpg

 

http://www.makkorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/MAL2014v2.png

 

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/apps/slideshows/uploads/9656/l1002227-6.jpg

 

http://www.hotboots.com/mal2004/1145.jpg

 

http://www.leatherati.com/legacy-images/6a0120a64cc92c970c012876fb42bb970c-pi.jpg

 

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2015-01-03-20120116_MALreaction_093.jpg

 

http://www.theurbanbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/MAL13BlowoffWEAVER-76.jpg

 

http://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2014/01/Mr_Mid-Atlantic_Leather_2013_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Tyler_Grigsby.jpg

[+ dutchmuch]

Looks like a indoor Folsom Street Faire.

[+ WilliamM]

. A few people were amused to see an older woman there by herself (a group of younger folks, including a woman, walked past me in that corridor, so I wasn't the only woman there as a voyeur) but everyone was gracious and accepting.

 

I remember seeing a handsome, thin, smooth Asian guy in a little bit of leather, a dark short-sleeved shirt similar to uniform shirts, and a military/police style cap go by me in the lobby area with a friend. He wasn't the only Asian, either. Go. It's one of the least judgmental crowds around.

 

You may have been considered an older woman in that situation, but not in a more mixed group.

[+ quoththeraven]

You may have been considered an older woman in that situation, but not in a more mixed group.

 

I'll let you in on a secret: I'm turning 60 this year. (Darn, now it's not a secret.) That may not get me a senior discount, but I don't believe it's considered young or middle-aged.

[Kuriousity]

MAL is a bit of a zoo. I was stationed in DC 8 years, so I saw a few. As for what you find, that is up to you. There are the Eagle events (Mr MAL) and the Leather Expo (I forget which hotel hosts that). Now that the Eagle has moved out to Benning Road, you'll need a cab or a rental car (do not take your own to that neighborhood, and I do not think Metro is close by, but if you are there late on Friday or Saturday, Metro would not be a good return option anyway.). A lot of the escorts who come to town stay in NW...some stay over in Roslyn/Alexandria/Pentagon City.

[+ deej]

Not slim, but part Asian and female. I felt trepidation about going there when I attended the forum lunch last year, but was warmly welcomed, as Deej said I would be (thanks, Deej, I never got around to telling you)

 

Glad to hear but not surprised.

 

I've never been into the leather thing (love the look, but not my thing), but I've had close friends that are. The one defining feature of the leather community is acceptance. They are people who know what it feels like to be marginalized. They will not do it to you.

 

Go. You will be welcomed.

[Kuriousity]

Think of it this way---they may look big & scary, but on the inside, they are all twirling to Madge singing "Holiday". Go....enjoy.

[Klu3]

Thanks for all the replies guys! Unfortunately due to circumstance, I won't be able to go tonight. But I'll definitely prep myself up to go next year! I literally heard about MAL a couple of days ago, so I didn't have enough time to prepare.

[+ ArVaGuy]

Glad to hear but not surprised.

 

I've never been into the leather thing (love the look, but not my thing), but I've had close friends that are. The one defining feature of the leather community is acceptance. They are people who know what it feels like to be marginalized. They will not do it to you.

 

Go. You will be welcomed.

 

Deej,

 

You are right on target with your comment. The Leather Community is very likely the most accepting and least judgmental of the gay subcultures. I'm not into that scene but have many friends who participate in that way of gay life. I have found them to be the most forthright and genuine people one can meet.

 

For newbies, MAL might very likely be a good introduction. It's not overwhelming and on a scale that allows one to take in regulated doses of the um...festivities. There are people in various forms of attire and states of undress. That all of this happens in a major hotel brand less than two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building is mind boggling to an extent.

 

I visited last night for the happy hour and had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. You don't have to be dressed in fetish gear to mill about and participate or just observe. Everyone has some sort of commonality that makes this a welcoming environment. You want full leather drag - they got that. If you're into sports gear or wrestling, it's covered. Puppy play? - got that for you too. Want to go to a sex party? Man-Oh-Man do you have options!!!

 

But for those of us into our rather "unique hobby" - hiring male escorts - you could not find a better option. The turn out for today's lunch was a nice balance of clients and working guys. Real connections were renewed and new ones established. Why, I can even state from personal experience that a hire or two might just have occurred before the lunch even ended....

 

I'm not sure of the dates for 2017 as they may be impacted by the presidential inauguration, but I encourage anyone who's the least bit interested in attending - make plans to dip your toe in the water. It will be an awesome experience.

[craigville beach]

Deej,

 

You are right on target with your comment. The Leather Community is very likely the most accepting and least judgmental of the gay subcultures. I'm not into that scene but have many friends who participate in that way of gay life. I have found them to be the most forthright and genuine people one can meet.

 

For newbies, MAL might very likely be a good introduction. It's not overwhelming and on a scale that allows one to take in regulated doses of the um...festivities. There are people in various forms of attire and states of undress. That all of this happens in a major hotel brand less than two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building is mind boggling to an extent.

 

I visited last night for the happy hour and had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. You don't have to be dressed in fetish gear to mill about and participate or just observe. Everyone has some sort of commonality that makes this a welcoming environment. You want full leather drag - they got that. If you're into sports gear or wrestling, it's covered. Puppy play? - got that for you too. Want to go to a sex party? Man-Oh-Man do you have options!!!

 

But for those of us into our rather "unique hobby" - hiring male escorts - you could not find a better option. The turn out for today's lunch was a nice balance of clients and working guys. Real connections were renewed and new ones established. Why, I can even state from personal experience that a hire or two might just have occurred before the lunch even ended....

 

I'm not sure of the dates for 2017 as they may be impacted by the presidential inauguration, but I encourage anyone who's the least bit interested in attending - make plans to dip your toe in the water. It will be an awesome experience.

 

 

I don't wear leather, but I am attracted to those who do. Would I be "uncomfortable" there or are they welcoming of those of us who are not dressed for the part?

[+ deej]

I don't wear leather, but I am attached to those who do. Would I be "uncomfortable" there or are they welcoming of those of us who are not dressed for the part?

 

You would be fully welcomed. Everyone is.

[+ deej]

Deej,

 

You are right on target with your comment. The Leather Community is very likely the most accepting and least judgmental of the gay subcultures. I'm not into that scene but have many friends who participate in that way of gay life. I have found them to be the most forthright and genuine people one can meet.

 

Yup. Back when I lived in Chicago I happened to be in the IML host hotel the day before IML started. Two guys were hanging the big sign that said "LEATHER MART" at the base of the escalators leading to it.

 

Two blue-haired old ladies looked at each other and squealed "FURNITURE!" and made a bee line.

 

Four guys in varying levels of leather attire headed them off, made friends with them, assured them there was no furniture and invited them to join. The ladies did go upstairs and I'm told they had the time of their lives.

 

The leather community will accept you no matter how you're packaged. Just go.

[tyro]

Yup. Back when I lived in Chicago I happened to be in the IML host hotel the day before IML started. Two guys were hanging the big sign that said "LEATHER MART" at the base of the escalators leading to it.

 

Two blue-haired old ladies looked at each other and squealed "FURNITURE!" and made a bee line.

 

Four guys in varying levels of leather attire headed them off, made friends with them, assured them there was no furniture and invited them to join. The ladies did go upstairs and I'm told they had the time of their lives.

 

The leather community will accept you no matter how you're packaged. Just go.

Now THAT was an anecdote that gives me hope for humanity. Thanks deej.

T

[Kuriousity]

I don't wear leather, but I am attracted to those who do. Would I be "uncomfortable" there or are they welcoming of those of us who are not dressed for the part?

 

Oh they so do not give a shit. If you can handle men wearing chaps who lack the ass for them, then you will have a great time. Watch out for the butch lesbians---sometimes in dim light the eye gets confused if you see them from the back

[mike carey]

Four guys in varying levels of leather attire headed them off, made friends with them, assured them there was no furniture and invited them to join. The ladies did go upstairs and I'm told they had the time of their lives.

Now THAT was an anecdote that gives me hope for humanity. Thanks deej.

T

What Tyro said. Blue rinse ladies at a leather convention, just love it!

[+ deej]

What Tyro said. Blue rinse ladies at a leather convention, just love it!

 

Apparently they did too, both the boys and the ladies.

 

Inclusion always wins.

[ChrisWydeman]

Everybody is talking about MAL this weekend in DC, but I'm sorta intimidated to go.

 

I HAVE been to general LGBT events, like Pride and stuff. I also occasionally visit gay bars/clubs. But I've never been to a leather event before. I don't own any gear. I don't exactly fit the body type of the majority, me being a slim smooth Asian.

 

But part of me is still curious to go just to see how it is. I see that they have a couple of parties tonight, but I don't know what to expect if I end up going.

 

Can you guys provide more input about how MAL weekend is?

 

MAL is a mini IML and more leather lifestyle oriented where as IML is a mix of everyone. I would encourage you to go and check out the vendor mart as they have a great selection of gear should you feel inclined to buy something not to mention the the guys working at the stores are hunky to the least. Leather events are generally pretty welcoming to all folks because we all have to start some where. I would highly encourage anyone interested in going to MAL, IML, Dore Alley or Folsom to hire an escort that has a kink background so you can get an idea what you would be in store for. From my experience leather men are generally more open minded when it comes to trying new things and are pretty open about body types as well. At every event there is a spectrum of guys from twinks, jocks, meat heads, muscle bears, and bears so what ever you are you will fit in. You don't need to wear anything your not comfortable with and even wearing jeans and t shirt is acceptable, confidence is more sexy than gear.

 

Last year there was a meet up of folks that attended the DC luncheon who took a stroll through the event though I am not sure if anything like that is happening this year.

 

The event is a mix of people who live a leather life to people who just want to have fun that weekend and have some sleazy sex. You will find many doors propped open that weekend with a bottom ass up living out there treasure island fantasy. Every year there was a meet and greet for escorts but I am not sure if that took place this year because rentboy was the organizer. There is a play party every night on one of the top floors thats open to the public so you could duck in there if you were up to it.

 

Two years ago I got the honor of taking one of my clients through the vendor mart of MAL and show him around. We got a harness for him and I remember being if we were a couple because people were trying to pick us up at the vendor mart. We had a wonderful time and I was incredibly touched that I got to share part of myself and community with him.

 

If you have the opportunity to attend MAL or IML I can't recommend it enough just to people watch. The folks at Mr S Leather are VERY customer service oriented when helping you find the right item ;-)