05/14/2026
We had the opportunity to have Tommie StarChild, the Inaugural Knight of Leather in 1999, as our keynote speaker for this year's contest. We would like to share Tommie's words with you all:
Good afternoon (or evening)
Some of you may know me, some of you may not. I am Tommie StarChild, and I was the first Knight of Leather. This title came about through the hard work of Czar Dean, a long standing member of the Leather Community and the Imperial Court de San Diego. Czar Dean always reminded me that this title was first and foremost a Leather Title, and a liaison position for the Leather Community to the Imperial Court.
I was quite new to the community, here in San Diego, as is often the case – and Czar Dean kept asking me to run for the title. I repeatedly told him no. I was too new. I needed to grow a bit, the usual self doubts... And then, one day (about 1 week before the contest) I was in my bedroom, I turned to my closet and saw the title vest hanging there. I knew then, Spirit was telling me I needed to run for this title. That I had already won, and that it was going to transform my life in some way. Of which... I had absolutely no idea - how, why, or in what ways.
In '99 the language we have today was not in common usage. I have been “gender-f**k” since the '80, androgynous, “genderqueer”... and I stepped into this title my full-self (corseted-up for my formal leathers). As a new title I know that I was laying down a possible pathway that others may follow. Refusing to take a binary place when the Court would require it, standing among leather men with my long hair and “alternative” outfits.” Firmly crafting a place for myself within the community outside the dictates of binary expectations. The Knight of Leather title has always been a non-gendered title with following title holders of varying gender expressions. This, to me, is what made this leather title unique, in an otherwise very gender delineated culture. Leather... and this title helped me find myself in a way that went beyond a “silent personal identity.” I was becoming an activist, for myself, and then for others. I fell in love (with my partner of nearly 26 years)... Found the courage to go on to college and further my education and growing into much more of an activist... Later, even becoming a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence. Who would have known, on that day, when I “saw” that title vest hanging in my closet.
Today I see a wide range of gender expressions and identities... Little things... Like those you would not imagine... painting their nails, maybe coloring the hair in bright colors. Maybe a black skirt here, and a butch tie there... These paths were paved by the bodies of trans folks before us (some remembered, and many unknown). Overjoyed by the growing numbers of expressive titles - welcoming in many who may not have otherwise felt welcomed.
And then I remembered - The first alchemist was the blacksmith and their forge fire. Transforming the raw elements into something completely new.
Trans and gender-variant folks are not new... But, oh how were are currently in the flames of the over culture. Our trans and gender-variant siblings – are us – have always been a part of us... What is more courageous – but to stand facing the flames of condemnation, allowing them to burn away that which is untrue, and declare your Authentic-Self.
As we look to these flame may we use our own divine alchemy and transmute such flames into the fires of the blacksmith's forge. We are the raw elements willingly entering the forge to be transformed into that which is Authentic and True. We are a gift that lives outside – beyond the bounds of the binary over-culture. And our presence is the gift that shatters the illusion.
May we honor all the contestants here today, and all of those present. Let us uplift and carry these titles forward... For today IS a new day.
