Ryan Sebastian Talks Winning Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Why Leather Turns Him On, & His Place in the Leather Community

December 22, 2022
JOSHUA ANDREW

Palm Springs turns it out in the fall. It goes hard and it doesn't stop. The fun times begin with Palm Springs Leather Weekend over Halloween and then it rolls into Palm Springs Pride the first weekend in November. This year, some big news came out of Palm Springs Leather Weekend when our favorite local tatted porn star Ryan Sebastian won the title of Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2023.

📸 Motorboot Photography.

Contestants had to pass a series of interviews and show three diverse leather looks: formal leather gear set-up, a casual or “cruise” change, and, then shorts or jock to show off their physique. We caught up with Ryan to talk about winning the coveted title, his history with the leather community, and raising money and awareness for homeless LGBTQ+ teens.

How does it feel to be the current title holder?
It feels pretty unreal right now. Having a chance to go to IML (International Mr. Leather) has always been a dream of mine. But what I think feels the best is having a chance to have a voice to make a difference about something close to my heart, homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system. So, come join me this coming year for some fundraising events that will directly help the Trevor Project and the Sanctuary here in Palm Springs.

When did you first get into leather?
My love for leather started at a young age in the punk rock scene. There was just something about studded leather jackets, combat boots, and being an outcast that always appealed to me. Through that, I found Tom of Finland and my sexuality and my leather preferences then changed.

What turns you on about leather?
The smell—the way it feels against my skin as it snuggly presses against my body. And I mean, come on, who doesn't love a hot man in full leather?! WOOF!!!

What do you enjoy about the leather community?
The brotherhood and camaraderie. The leather community has helped me in so many ways. Getting and staying sober, as well as helping to teach me what it means to be an honest man with integrity—just to name just a few.

What was your favorite piece of leather that you wore in the competition?
I really like my 665 leather jock that my mentor Jack Dyer gifted me, but I’d have to say my favorite piece of leather that I wore were my vintage wrist cuffs that my dear friend Richard gave to me after his partner (and my close friend) Kash passed away. Kash, I love you and I miss you. I know you were there watching over me. Rest In Power 🖤🤘

📸 Motorboot Photography.

Palm Springs Leather Pride is organized and produced by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD), a Leather/SM/Fetish social, educational, support and nonprofit, charitable organization. Over the past 25 years, they've have raised or donated over $250,000.00 to the AIDS Assistance Program, Desert AIDS Project, Desert Women for Equality Mammogram Program and Well in the Desert.

Follow Ryan Sebastian on Twitter.

📸 Motorboot Photography.