Boy Andy: SELF Boy 2012
February 27, 2018
Almost 5 years ago I wrote my last column for my last title year. I spoke of family drama, of times being tough but looking towards the future. I also spoke of title holding and what it meant to me. The years I held my titles were some of the best of my life. I learned more than I ever thought possible and grew in ways I couldn't imagine when I first started on this road.
The first time I stood on a stage was almost a decade ago. I was scared out of my mind. I can still remember standing behind the curtain waiting for the emcee to call my name for the first time. I had only been in the community for about a year. I was taking my first steps down a long and winding road. I had no idea where I would end up. Hell, I barely knew who I was. But, I knew at that moment, when I stepped out on that stage and looked over that crowd of people all watching me, that I wanted to be a person they could be proud of.
10 years later, I believe that I have become that person. I was reading over my speech from 2008 the other day. I spoke of being young leather and what it meant to me. I had a drive and a desire to stay focused and learn from my elders. I desired nothing more than to sit at the knee of every person I could. I have done that, and I will continue to do it for as long as people will tell me their stories. Only now, from time to time, I come across someone who asks to sit at my knee and hear my stories. Talk about mind blowing. My first reaction is always to want to send them to someone more experienced, to tell them that I have nothing to share. But, this isn't true. Yes, I have my stories to share. But, I also have the wisdom and insight that I have learned from my elders to pass on to other generations as well.
As a bootblack, I am one of the physical historians of a leather persons journey. I have hundreds upon hundreds of stories of boots, pants, chaps, and various pieces of leather that I have cared for. I tell those stories often in classes, one on one lessons, and in my chair. I tell the stories of the amazing leather people I have been fortunate enough to have in my chair over the last decade.
I share the stories I have been told about the Sanctuary and the many other bars and clubs that are no longer around. I share stories from and about leather folk we have lost over the years, some I was blessed to hear first hand and some that have been passed down to me through others. I also share my stories about the things I have done and the things I have seen. Being a title holder gives one a unique perspective on the community. We see the best this country and others have to offer. We also sometimes see the worst. We travel to many events and meet many people. We have an opportunity to impact so many lives and journeys. Often more than we realize. Our days of title holding seldom end when we give that step down speech and patch or sash the next person in. There have been many SELF bootblacks and boys both before and after me, but I am the only SELF Bootblack 2008 and SELF Boy 2012. I will always be a part of the amazing family of SELF titleholders.
So, where am I today, 10 years after the first title and 5 years after the second? I am living in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and our girl. I'm in service to an amazing leather woman in Atlanta. I still teach when and where I can. I bootblack at events and bar nights in NC and the surrounding areas. I mentor as much as I can. I enjoy traveling whenever possible. I'm still learning every day. I'm still listening more than I speak. I hope I will always be that way.
The thing I will never stop doing is encouraging people to run for titles. It changed my life. It may not be for everyone, but if you think it might be for you, you should reach out to me or anyone of our titleholders. Come on out and join us. You won't regret it!
Thank you so much for reading. Love one another and stay strong.
In leather,
Boy Andy
SELF Bootblack 2008
SELF Boy 2012
Calendar of Events
- Southeast Black and Blue Weekend Atlanta GA- August 10-12, 2012
- SC Leather Contest Columbia SC-Sept 29, 2012
- DomCon Atlanta GA- October 11-14, 2012
- HOD Leather Cayce SC-Nov 10, 2012
- NCLW-UU Greensboro NC-Feb 22-24, 2013
- HOD Bootblack Intensive Weekend Cayce SC-Mar 8-10, 2013
- Frolicon Atlanta Ga-Mar 28-31, 2013
- Augusta Pride Pagent Augusta GA-April 19, 2013
- A Leather Moment Columbia SC-April 27, 2013
- Trademark 27 Charlotte NC-May 3-5 2013
- NC Leather Contest Charlotte NC-May 4, 2013
- SELF 18 Atlanta GA-June 20-23, 2013
August 2012 Column
Wow, what a crazy ride this has been. I have run for titles before, have even held several. But, nothing prepared me for running for SELF Boy. Nothing prepared me for the outpouring of support I would get from my friends and community as I pursued this title. So the first thing I must do is thank a few people and groups that were so amazing to me. Brit, my sweet little sister, you were indispensable to me. From the mundane tasks of keeping up with my lists, to calming me down whenever I started to get crazy, you handled everything with a maturity and wisdom that belies your years. Nefarious, you were as always a fantastic valet. Lady Beth, your help in putting together my fantasy and then participating in it was something I never expected but am so very grateful for. My two sponsors, DaddyBEARs Claw Clan and House of Decorum, thank you so much for believing in me. I hope I can make you all proud throughout my title year. I would also like to thank my judges, Sir David Labriola, Nitro, Sir Ben, Jesse, and Elegant. You were the best panel I could have asked for. You made me look at myself and answer the hard questions. And finally, to the SELF Board, thank you for presenting me with a wonderful opportunity through your hard work and dedication to putting on an amazing event.
My year has started off with some personal crisis. When I came home from SELF my health began to decline. In mid-July I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Boy, that will change your life really quick and in a hurry. I was forced to take some time to learn how to take care of myself. I was scared and felt alone even though I know dozens of people living perfectly normal lives with diabetes every day. But, I have come to terms with it and am working to mitigate its effect in my life.
In August I was able to attend Southeast Black and Blue weekend. Man, that was a fun weekend. Hot men and women in leather, sweating under the hot Atlanta sun, and making new friends. I was able to see Sir Ben and joeboys ICBB fantasy. I can't think of any word that is impressive enough to describe just how hot that was. The contest was a lot of fun and the company was even better. Those guys know how to give a good time.
I am looking forward to what the next three months will hold. Talk to you soon.
In leather,
Boy Andy
SELF Boy 2012
November 2012 Column
Hello friends. The holidays are fast approaching and now is a good time to look back on what the fall brought me. The prevailing sentiment for me right now is love. I have been well loved this season. I have been blessed to attend great events, meet amazing people, and build deeper relationships with the people in my life.
In September I attended and judged the South Carolina Leather Contest. This event is near and dear to my heart. I was very proud to hold the SC Boy title in 2011 and am also proud to carry the title on for them for 2012. The two contestants for this event were amazing. It was in no way an easy call for any of us judges. I gained a lot of sympathy for the judging panels I have stood before in my time. But, when the dust settled Sir Devious was named Mr. SC Leather. Good luck Sir and have a great year. And Flossie, I can't wait to see what you continue to accomplish.
In October I attended DomCon Atlanta. This was my third DomCon and each has been better than the previous. This year I was privileged to be asked to be Judges boy for the SE Olympus contest on Saturday of that weekend. I was a little nervous as I had never been judges boy before. I was told I did a great job. And I had a lot of fun doing it. The judges were great and Insatiable Amazon was great to me. I would definitely do it again if asked.
In November, I got all dressed up and attended the House of Decorum Humanitarian Organization Leather Ball. We ate, we danced, we watched hot burlesque. It was a very good night dedicated to raising money for NCSF. Again, spending time with friends and family made for fun.
Enjoy your winter holidays everyone and be safe. Talk to you soon.
In leather,
Boy Andy
SELF boy 2012
Feb 2013 Column
Drama. We are none of us immune to it. It has been my life since Thanksgiving. Its all bio family and thankfully its finally evened out. I am back in circulation and ready to finish out the rest of my title year on nothing but highs.
In February I attended NCLW-UU as a presenter. I had a good time and met some amazing people. It was a weekend I won't soon forget.
I have some really great things on the horizon and can't wait for Frolicon to get here. Its my favorite event of the year. I'm already trying to think of how I am going to step down from this title come June. Its bitter sweet knowing this will be the last regional title I ever hold. But, I will write more about that in my next column.
If you are reading this and have ever considered running for a title, DO IT! It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. If you are looking for a way to get involved in your community and help out, consider running for a title. Title holding is a way to give back and help promote events and organizations that really need your support. Feel free to contact me at selfboy2012@gmail.com.
Have a great spring everyone. Talk to you soon.
In leather,
Boy Andy
SELF Boy 2012