Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
Hunx
2026 Contestant
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Pittsburgh Leather PRIDE
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear
2026 Contestants
Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
HUNX (he/they) is a southern leatherdyke, sadomasochist, and bootblack. Originally from Texas, he has called Pittsburgh home for the last 2 years. Hunx sees bootblacking as service that’s dedicated towards their community, and frequently offers this care at community events and play parties. Leather to Hunx is community, and whether new to the lifestyle or thoroughly seasoned, he believes everyone has a place within it. Leather gives us learning, allowing you to change and evolve into something new. Leather is transformative. Hunx believes everyone is capable of transformation, and prioritizes community education, mentorship, and restorative justice.
Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
Valentine
2026 Contestant
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Valentine (she/he) is thrilled to be returning to Steel City Fetish Con this year as a contestant for Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish. He is a butch4butch Leatherdyke who enjoys cruising, strapping, fisting, and showing off hot leather gear at queer events around the city. She habitually flags red, pink, and grey and loves poking and prodding hot dykes with leather and latex gloves. She is Pittsburgh born and raised and so proud of the flourishing community of fetishists in her hometown. In his free time, Valentine likes making sculptural art about her experiences in kink and butch identity. She is absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this event with so many wonderful and talented leatherfolk on the stage and behind the scenes.
2026 Contestants
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear
Elmar
2026 Contestant
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At 45, and after recently making the move from Germany to Pittsburgh, I’m excited to begin a new chapter while continuing a journey that has been part of my life for 25 years.
The leather and bear community has given me decades of friendships, experiences, personal growth, and a place where authenticity matters. Moving to Pittsburgh has given me the opportunity to discover a new community, build new connections, and bring a little of my European background and experience along with me.
Running for Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear is my way of stepping forward, getting involved, and giving back to a community that has meant so much to me over the years. I believe in respect, inclusion, friendship, and creating spaces where newcomers and longtime members alike feel welcome.
I’m proud of where I come from, excited about where I am now, and looking forward to becoming part of Pittsburgh’s leather and bear family.
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear
Orion
2026 Contestant
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So much of how I have lived my life has stemmed from my insecurities. More so specifically, of me not liking my body. I’ve always been afraid of its perception. Yet I craved a certain kind of visibility that I thought was reserved for an average-sized person. In turn I let my insecurities allow me to make mistakes at the expense of others and myself. However, I don’t like the idea of allowing the fear of someone’s perception of me keep me from living my life.
I have always stepped outside of myself so I can have the experiences that have shaped me today. I’ve come to like me. I’ve come to understand me more, and I do so even more each day. The more I understand myself, the more I’m willing to live wholly. Through this I discovered being non-binary, and it’s brought me a freedom that no person, idea, or regime could ever take away from me.
That feeling is a birthright.
Everyone should walk their own path, however that looks, with dignity. Even if they struggle to do their best.
2026 Contestants
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
CRUZER
2026 Contestant
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Call Him or Them CRUZER!
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with roots in the local house ballroom scene, and a character/persona inspired by the women of professional wrestling.
Intentionally showcasing the duality of the masculine & feminine through his style, stage presence, and charisma. Breaking the stereotype of Black Men & Hypermasculinity, and showing strength in embracing balance!
Buckle Up For Safety, CRUZER is here to take you for a ride! His destination? The future of Pittsburgh’s Queer Nightlife/Leather Scene!
Making impact with intention whether it’s taking the stage, being behind the scenes, supporting/uplifting local community events, having community driven hard conversations with accountability, and bridging communities that are otherwise segregated in the city!
The future is bright, and the future is BLACK. CRUZER will ALWAYS be the voice for his community, the person to kick the door open or flip the table, and the one to put more chairs at tables to ensure that everyone from all backgrounds have a seat and voice at the table!
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
Ian Neft
2026 Contestant
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Over the last few years, I’ve gone from simply attending kink events to helping put them on, teaching at them, and doing what I can to help other people find their own place in the community. I’m currently part of the leadership team for the Steel City Fist Club/Fist Bump events, help with demos and education through Iron City Bondage, am involved with Steel City Pups, and have gotten the opportunity to meet and learn from folks throughout the broader leather community at events like CLAW, MAL, and Men Roping Men.
While kink has been part of my life for over 15 years, finding my place within the broader community took a little longer. An early attempt to get involved while living in Detroit left me hesitant to put myself out there again. When I moved back to Pittsburgh, that started to change. I connected with some really great folks in the local fisting community who welcomed me in, introduced me to new people and spaces, and helped me see what a strong community could look like. That experience became a big part of what pushed me to get more involved and, eventually, to help create that same sense of welcome for others.
A couple years ago, I gave myself a pretty simple goal: show up. Go to the event. Meet the people. Try something new. Volunteer. Stop hanging around the edges and actually participate.
Once I started doing that, “show up” pretty naturally turned into “foster community.” I realized that one of the things I enjoy most isn’t just participating myself, but helping other people get involved too. Sometimes that’s teaching someone their first single-column tie and watching them immediately run off to try it with their partner. Sometimes it’s pointing someone who’s pup-curious toward Steel City Pups and then seeing them at the next event. Other times it’s helping put on an event where someone gets to explore an interest they haven’t had a space to explore before.
As I’ve gotten more involved, one phrase has really stuck with me: “Be the person I wish I met at my first event.”
I know what it’s like to walk into these spaces unsure of yourself, and I know what a difference the right people can make. Now I’m in a position where I can be one of those people. I can make the introduction, answer the awkward question, teach something I know, show up for other organizations, or just be the familiar face that makes walking into a room a little easier.
That’s the kind of presence I’ve tried to build in Pittsburgh, and it’s the kind of presence I want to continue bringing to the leather community as a titleholder.
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
Quinton John Stechschulte
2026 Contestant
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Quinton John Stechschulte is an Ohio native who recently made Pittsburgh his new home, bringing a strong sense of small-town roots to a vibrant new chapter. At 40 years old, QJ is defined by resilience, dedication, and genuine connection. On TikTok he brings people together as the leader of “The Qtip Gang,” where he is known for his infectious laugh and for creating a warmly supportive, bully-free zone where everyone is welcome. He is a creative, grounded problem-solver driven by deep personal connections and showing up consistently for the people around him—a dependable, welcoming spirit focused on lifting others up.
Living authentically requires courage, but finding a community that celebrates raw expression, vulnerability, and strength makes that journey worth taking. Standing on stage for the Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish title marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While I may not yet be an active member of the local Pittsburgh leather clubs, my fascination with and deep respect for this culture run deep.
My exposure to the leather and fetish world began long before stepping into the local scene. Growing up, I remember the first time I saw the iconic art of Tom of Finland. The imagery was bold, unapologetic, and larger-than-life, but what truly struck me wasn’t just the aesthetic—it was the overwhelming sense of empowerment, confidence, and radical self-acceptance radiating from every page. It captured a world where people owned their desires and stood tall in their skin without fear of judgment. Ever since that moment, I have been drawn to the electric energy and rich heritage of the leather community.
For me, leather is more than gear or an aesthetic; it represents armor, identity, and resilience. Entering this competition is my step toward fully immersing myself in the Pittsburgh leather community, building meaningful local connections, and earning my place among those who keep this heritage thriving.
What I bring to this stage is a deep dedication to mental health advocacy and community support. I built a platform grounded in empathy, realness, and unconditional support. My driving purpose and core message are simple yet vital: you matter, and you need to stay another day.
Life brings immense challenges, and too many people carry their heaviest burdens in silence. In both the kink and broader communities, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people feel seen, valued, and remembered is critical. As Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish, I will use this title and visibility to advocate for mental health awareness, lift up those who are struggling, and bridge the gap between digital community support and local leather brotherhood.
I am running for this title to learn, serve, and represent Pittsburgh with pride. I want to show that whether you have been in the scene for decades or are stepping into the light for the first time, there is a place for you here. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community that empowers every individual to own their truth, wear their leather proud, and keep fighting for tomorrow.
Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish
bearfag
2026 Contestant
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bearfag is a multidisciplinary artist born in the backwoods of Southern West Virginia and currently residing in Pittsburgh. A graduate of West Virginia University with a focus on studio art and art history, his works embrace themes of voyeurism, sexuality and individual observation.
His involvement with underground arts/music scenes started in college while living with DJs and running pop-up galleries at local house party shows. Within the region he is mostly known for a series of tee shirt designs and paintings depicting the lives of queer Pittsburghers along with his co-hosted figure drawing class held at True T Studios in Uptown.
2026 Contestants
Iron City Pet
Iron City Pet
Opossum Jaxon
2026 Contestant
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Hello, my name is Opossum Jaxon (they/it)! I am 25 and was born and raised here in Pittsburgh. I am pale, nocturnal, a little anxious, and probably digging through your trash. By day I am your stereotypical nonbinary barista, but by night you can find me playing dress up as my drag persona The Spirit Leshy, with my opossum mask always close by.
I decided to run for this title because I want to show that gender nonconforming bodies, drag artists, non-pup pets, and Gen Zs belong in the fetish community. So I hope I make the community around me and beyond proud, regardless of the outcome.
Iron City Pet
Pup Paimon
2026 Contestant
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Pup Paimon (he/they) is a local demon coyote who loves his local kink community and is always looking for ways to give back to the community that helped him grow into his true self. He moved to Pittsburgh in July 2022 and has been involved in the local kink and nightlife scenes for over four years now. He became a pup after being slightly curious about it, bought a muzzle, and then started attending events. Paimon is also active in his local bondage and fisting scenes, and hopes to make all kink/fetish spaces more welcoming to all, regardless of skill, income, or any other factor. He’s excited to run for his third year in a row and hopes to use the title to help promote mental health resources for all, as well as work towards making spaces more accessible for all people and pets.
In his free time, he’s an avid bio-pet person and keeps numerous fish and reptile species, as well as breeds fish (primarily critically endangered species). He also enjoys going to the gym, is a personal trainer, and hopes to run the Pittsburgh half-marathon someday soon. When not at home or out and about, he is known to go on long bicycle rides and eat copious amounts of chocolate.
Paimon is house trained and good with cats.
Iron City Pet
Pup Spoke
2026 Contestant
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Spoke (he/him) first discovered Steel City Pups (SCP) in 2023, a moment that changed his path in life in the best ways. From his very first event, he felt an immediate sense of belonging, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Drawn to such an awesome community, Spoke made the move to Pittsburgh in 2024 and jumped headfirst into the local pup, furry, and kink communities. He continues to be excited to explore everything the city, its surrounding areas, and fellow communities have to offer.
For Spoke, being a pup is about finding one’s true self and making new friends every day. He finds enjoyment in simple moments like throwing on his favorite gear and hood, and cuddling up with his partner.
Spoke looks forward to continuing to get more involved in the pup, furry, and kink communities and continuing on his journey in becoming a better and more well-rounded pup.