09/03/2025
It was an incredible weekend in Iowa City for SASH BASH WEEKEND. Once again there was record attendance, drawing attendees from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Georgia, South Dakota and Georgia. We had 23 titleholders participate in the JOCK OFF/GEAR AUCTION, a diverse curriculum of educational workshops and networking events, and the highest fundraising total ever, coming in at $13,091, a 160% increase over our first SASH BASH WEEKEND in 2018! This means that the Leather Archives & Museum and Iowa Safe Schools will each receive $6,545.50. Our grand total of funds raised since 2018 when we first started raising funds for these organizations is $55,000!
It is difficult to put to words just how incredibly grateful I am for the outpouring of love and support that has been shown to the event. SASH BASH has grown into something that I never could have imagined when I planned the first event as a fundraiser for my travel fund during my title year as Mr. Iowa Leather 2016. I am in awe of what has been accomplished because of the contributions of the attendees.
This was a bittersweet event for me this year, as I am no longer going to produce the event. The tears that I shed last night during the presentation of retiring my Iowa Leather title vest to the Leather Archives & Museum were the result of the overwhelming mix of emotions. I have poured so much of myself into this SASH BASH WEEKEND and my representation of the Iowa Leather title that it is hard for me to separate myself from both. But, as I said last night during my remarks, that I am more than SASH BASH. I am more than Mr. Iowa Leather 2016, and after 10 years it’s time for me to move on and take better care of me.
The first step I took was to do something for myself that I never got to do in all the years before. I took time for myself to let it all soak in. Time to build deep connections with new friends and reflect on good memories of years past with old friends. You see, every year the weekend is kind of a little utopia, where people genuinely show care and concern for one another. A utopia where people from all different communities come together to share their thoughts and experiences on how to be an agent for change and create more welcoming and safe spaces for all. A utopia where we come together to socialize, educate, celebrate and work together to do good. The proof of this can be seen in the numerous social media posts where attendees reflect and share their personal experience after the event.
That is what I want SASH BASH and Mr. Iowa Leather 2016 to be remembered for. Bringing people together to have fun while doing good for others. For uniting our community and setting a example for future titleholders and making a commitment to the community even after the title year is over.
Congratulations to all of the attendees, sponsors, educators and titleholders. Thank you all so much for your support and contributions to SASH BASH WEEKEND.
Much love and gratitude,
Papa Bear
