Contest – Steel City Fetish Con

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Choose Your Title

Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish

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Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish

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Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear

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Iron City Pet

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Steel City Fetish Con crowns four titles each year: Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish, Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish, Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear, and Iron City Pet. Pittsburgh titleholders represent one of the most decorated lineages in the Mid-Atlantic Leather system.

Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Titles

2011–2014, 2017, 2019–2021, 2023, 2026 — the most of any Mid-Atlantic feeder contest

Consecutive MAL Titles

First Mid-Atlantic feeder ever to win four in a row (2011–2014)

2026

Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather

Gage Ryder — MAL winner, 8th Place International Mr. Leather

IML

International Placements

Three runners-up and four Top 20 finishes

Application Deadline

September 15, 2026

Titleholders Crowned

Saturday, October 10, 2026

By Contest

Rules & Eligibility

All Titles

What every titleholder agrees to

These apply to all four titles. Anything specific to your contest is in its section below.

You must be 21 years or older on the date of the first round to compete.
The role is unpaid. Titleholding is a volunteer and community role. PLP does not pay you to attend events it asks you to attend.
The title and the sash belong to PLP. You hold the sash for one year and return the following year to pass it to your successor at the close of the contest. If you cannot attend, tell your producer and return the sash at least two weeks before contest day so a proxy can present it.
Represent the title. Attend and march in the Pittsburgh Pride parade with the leather contingent (or pet contingent for Iron City Pet). Represent your title and the city of Pittsburgh as an ambassador at other contests and events throughout your title year.
Market your contest. Source contestants for the next year’s class of contestants.
Producing events. All events you produce during your title year must be produced in partnership with the producer of your title. Titleholders are not to found contests during their title year. To avoid overlap or conflict, disclose any events you are already running to the producer of your title prior to competing.
Conduct. You are bound by the PLP Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy for your full title year.

Full detail is in the Code of Conduct, sections 8 and 9.

Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish

Eligibility

Identify as a gay, bi, or straight man
Be at least 21 years of age
Be a resident of the USA
Possess a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) in your own name

Winner Expectations

Represent Pittsburgh Leather Pride by wearing the title sash at local PLP and LGBTQIA+ events, including Pittsburgh Pride.
Represent the leather community positively and encourage others to become more active in the community.
Maintain a positive social media presence.
Raise $500 (or more) to seed the travel fund for next year's class of titleholders.
Promote contestant participation in next year’s contest and be available (to the best of your ability) to answer questions from new contestants about their experience as a contestant and titleholder.
Serve as a judge for the upcoming year's contest.
Offer reasonable support and mentorship to next year's titleholder.

Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish

Eligibility

Identify as a woman (transgender or cisgender), a leatherdyke, and/or as an intersex, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming person who feels they have a place in the women's leather community
Be 21 years or older by the date of the contest
Be a part-time or full-time resident of Allegheny County
Possess a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, which will be attached to your application to show proof of age and residence

Winner Expectations

Represent Pittsburgh Leather Pride by wearing the title sash at local PLP and LGBTQIA+ events, including Pittsburgh Pride.
Represent Pittsburgh leather women positively and encourage other leather women to become more active in the community.
Maintain a positive social media presence.
Host at least one educational or social community event for leather women in Pittsburgh.
Raise $500 (or more) to seed the travel fund for next year's class of titleholders.
Promote contestant participation in next year’s contest and be available (to the best of your ability) to answer questions from new contestants about their experience as a contestant and titleholder.
Serve as a judge for the upcoming year's contest.
Offer reasonable support and mentorship to next year's titleholder.

Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear

Eligibility

Identify as a gay, bi, or straight man
Be at least 21 years of age
Be a resident of the USA
Possess a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) in your own name

Winner Expectations

Represent Pittsburgh Leather Pride by wearing the title sash at local PLP and LGBTQIA+ events, including Pittsburgh Pride.
Represent the leather community positively and encourage others to become more active in the community.
Maintain a positive social media presence.
Raise $500 (or more) to seed the travel fund for next year's class of titleholders.
Promote contestant participation in next year’s contest and be available (to the best of your ability) to answer questions from new contestants about their experience as a contestant and titleholder.
Serve as a judge for the upcoming year's contest.
Offer reasonable support and mentorship to next year's titleholder.

Iron City Pet

Iron City Pet Contest (ICPC) is an open pet contest produced by Pittsburgh Leather PRIDE LLC, Steel City Fetish Con, and Steel City Pups. Anyone 21 years of age or older may compete, regardless of gender identity or orientation.

Eligibility

Be 21 years of age or older
Complete the contest application and submit all required documents
Agree to the rules and guidelines set forth in the Contestant Manual

Winner Expectations

Build and maintain a positive, respectful public image for the contest, Steel City Pups, and PLP LLC
Maintain open communication with the Producer about goals for the title year
Attend and represent at a minimum of three pet-related events during the title year — one outside Greater Pittsburgh, one as a public awareness campaign with a local affiliate, and one as a charity event of the titleholder's choice
Serve as head judge for the following year's contest and assist in recruiting contestants
Return all title items and prize monies if unable to fulfill duties or if title is revoked

By Contest

Judging & Evaluation

PLP LLC uses Olympic Scoring — each contestant's highest and lowest scores are removed. Ties are broken by adding the high/low scores back, then by interview score. Round 1 is scored Friday night at the Meet & Greet; all remaining rounds take place Saturday.

Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish

Round	Max Points
Round 1: Bar Wear & Introduction — scored Friday at the Meet & Greet Your chance to show the judges and audience who you are in your leather, fetish, or bear gear. The look should reflect what you would wear to a bar or event. Each contestant will be introduced and draw their number on stage one by one. They will then provide a brief tagline or introductory statement. Judges evaluate creativity, fit, polish, comfort in the outfit, the level of ease in the spotlight, and connection with the audience.	15
Bar Wear look	10
Pop Question or Introduction	5
Round 2: Interview An informal, casual interview with the judging panel. You may sit or stand. Questions come from your application only — there will be no questions about leather history, politics, religion, or current events. Judges will evaluate character, charisma, personality, communication skills, intellect, attitude, and composure. Attend the interview as yourself, in comfortable clothing. Interviews last approximately 10–15 minutes.	35
Round 3: Skin & Swim This is a personality and body celebration, not a body competition. Genitalia must remain covered. Think burlesque or Southern Decadence. Contestants are introduced by the MC with a preview of their fetishes, personality, and what makes them unique. Judges evaluate authenticity, creativity, stage presence, and comfort being vulnerable and exposed.	15
Round 4: Formal & Speech Your interpretation of formal, fetish, or fantasy wear. The look should reflect what you might wear to a special event such as a gala or to judge. Examples: formal pup/pet wear, suit and tie, period costume, military uniform, rubber formal, etc. Judges review your overall appearance, including your comfort onstage, and the fit, uniqueness, and execution of your formal interpretation. Your 90-second speech should answer: “Should you win the title, what contribution(s) would you make to our local leather community?” For example, starting an event you feel is missing from Pittsburgh’s fetish and kink community, or how you plan to help the community grow and thrive. Judges listen for personality, authenticity, and connection with the audience. You will be signaled at 15 seconds remaining, 5 seconds remaining, and when your time is up. Running 1–30 seconds over incurs an automatic 5-point penalty; you will not be stopped. Running more than 30 seconds over incurs an automatic 10-point penalty and your microphone will be cut.	35
Formal look	20
Speech	15
Total	100

Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish

Round	Max Points
Round 1: Bar Wear & Introduction — scored Friday at the Meet & Greet Your chance to show the judges and audience who you are in your leather, fetish, or bear gear. The look should reflect what you would wear to a bar or event. Each contestant will be introduced and draw their number on stage one by one. They will then provide a brief tagline or introductory statement. Judges evaluate creativity, fit, polish, comfort in the outfit, the level of ease in the spotlight, and connection with the audience.	15
Bar Wear look	10
Pop Question or Introduction	5
Round 2: Interview An informal, casual interview with the judging panel. You may sit or stand. Questions come from your application only — there will be no questions about leather history, politics, religion, or current events. Judges will evaluate character, charisma, personality, communication skills, intellect, attitude, and composure. Attend the interview as yourself, in comfortable clothing. Interviews last approximately 10–15 minutes.	35
Round 3: Skin & Swim This is a personality and body celebration, not a body competition. Genitalia must remain covered. Think burlesque or Southern Decadence. Contestants are introduced by the MC with a preview of their fetishes, personality, and what makes them unique. Judges evaluate authenticity, creativity, stage presence, and comfort being vulnerable and exposed.	15
Round 4: Formal & Speech Your interpretation of formal, fetish, or fantasy wear. The look should reflect what you might wear to a special event such as a gala or to judge. Examples: formal pup/pet wear, suit and tie, period costume, military uniform, rubber formal, etc. Judges review your overall appearance, including your comfort onstage, and the fit, uniqueness, and execution of your formal interpretation. Your 90-second speech should answer: “Should you win the title, what contribution(s) would you make to our local leather community?” For example, starting an event you feel is missing from Pittsburgh’s fetish and kink community, or how you plan to help the community grow and thrive. Judges listen for personality, authenticity, and connection with the audience. You will be signaled at 15 seconds remaining, 5 seconds remaining, and when your time is up. Running 1–30 seconds over incurs an automatic 5-point penalty; you will not be stopped. Running more than 30 seconds over incurs an automatic 10-point penalty and your microphone will be cut.	35
Formal look	20
Speech	15
Total	100

Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear

Round	Max Points
Round 1: Bar Wear & Introduction — scored Friday at the Meet & Greet Your chance to show the judges and audience who you are in your leather, fetish, or bear gear. The look should reflect what you would wear to a bar or event. Each contestant will be introduced and draw their number on stage one by one. They will then provide a brief tagline or introductory statement. Judges evaluate creativity, fit, polish, comfort in the outfit, the level of ease in the spotlight, and connection with the audience.	15
Bar Wear look	10
Pop Question or Introduction	5
Round 2: Interview An informal, casual interview with the judging panel. You may sit or stand. Questions come from your application only — there will be no questions about leather history, politics, religion, or current events. Judges will evaluate character, charisma, personality, communication skills, intellect, attitude, and composure. Attend the interview as yourself, in comfortable clothing. Interviews last approximately 10–15 minutes.	35
Round 3: Skin & Swim This is a personality and body celebration, not a body competition. Genitalia must remain covered. Think burlesque or Southern Decadence. Contestants are introduced by the MC with a preview of their fetishes, personality, and what makes them unique. Judges evaluate authenticity, creativity, stage presence, and comfort being vulnerable and exposed.	15
Round 4: Formal & Speech Your interpretation of formal, fetish, or fantasy wear. The look should reflect what you might wear to a special event such as a gala or to judge. Examples: formal pup/pet wear, suit and tie, period costume, military uniform, rubber formal, etc. Judges review your overall appearance, including your comfort onstage, and the fit, uniqueness, and execution of your formal interpretation. Your 90-second speech should answer: “Should you win the title, what contribution(s) would you make to our local leather community?” For example, starting an event you feel is missing from Pittsburgh’s fetish and kink community, or how you plan to help the community grow and thrive. Judges listen for personality, authenticity, and connection with the audience. You will be signaled at 15 seconds remaining, 5 seconds remaining, and when your time is up. Running 1–30 seconds over incurs an automatic 5-point penalty; you will not be stopped. Running more than 30 seconds over incurs an automatic 10-point penalty and your microphone will be cut.	35
Formal look	20
Speech	15
Total	100

Iron City Pet

Category	Max Points
Weekend Social Image Evaluated from your public introduction Friday evening through the start of on-stage competition Saturday evening. Judges award points based on how you behave and interact socially with the community as a pet.	20
Interviews A private 15-minute interview with the judging panel, moderated by the Producer. All contestants remain nearby during interviews in case of recall.	40
Headspace Scene 2–4 minutes to demonstrate your headspace as a pet. Up to two non-judged helpers may assist. Music (MP3) may be provided in advance. Props allowed with a maximum 1-minute setup and teardown. Pup mats provided.	25
Speech Your 90-second speech should answer: “Should you win the title, what contribution(s) would you make to our local leather community?” You will be signaled at 15 seconds remaining, 5 seconds remaining, and when your time is up. Running 1–30 seconds over incurs an automatic 5-point penalty; running more than 30 seconds over incurs an automatic 10-point penalty and your microphone will be cut. Judges evaluate content, delivery, personality, authenticity, and connection with the audience.	15
Total	100

All Titles

Application Requirements

Completed online application form — select your title category above and fill in all required fields.
Headshot photo — minimum 2448 × 3264 pixels at 300 DPI, portrait orientation, head and shoulders clearly visible, plain or dark background preferred. Appears on your public contestant profile and may be used in print materials.
Government-issued photo ID upload — driver's license or passport showing date of birth, for age/identity verification only. Strictly confidential, never published.
Signed Photographic & Image Release Waiver — uploaded as an attachment to the online application. Required — applications cannot be submitted without it.
Digital agreement to the Code of Conduct and Contestant Indemnification — both documents must be opened, read, and agreed to via checkbox on the application form.

Note: whether in-person wet signatures will also be required at contestant check-in is still under review by the producer. Contestants will be notified of any check-in requirements in advance.

Downloads

Contestant Resources

The full Contestant Manual covers eligibility, judging criteria, application requirements, waivers, and winner history for all four titles. Conduct rules are no longer in the manual: they live in the Code of Conduct below, which supersedes the conduct, drug, alcohol, and social media sections printed in the manual body.

Download Contestant Manual (PDF)

The Raffle Donation Guide explains the class-basket raffle: every contestant contributes at least one item representative of who they are as a leather person, and PLP arranges one basket per contest. It includes the required submission details and item table.

Download Raffle Donation Guide (PDF)

The PLP Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy applies to you from the moment you apply, and through your title year if you win. It covers what is expected, what is prohibited, how concerns are reported and reviewed, and what is returned if a title ends early. You will be asked to agree to it on the application.

Read the Code of Conduct

The Photographic and Image Release Waiver must be signed and uploaded with your application. Download it here so you can sign it before you start. A photo of your signature is acceptable.

Download Image Release Waiver (PDF)