By Metal

Every year, the International Mr. Leather event in Chicago brings us moments of inspiration, pride, and joy. This year was no exception. I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Rene Hebert, Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2025, who was named International Mr. Leather 2025.

But this post isn’t just a congratulations. It’s also a personal reflection, because Rene’s win means a lot to me in ways that go far beyond a title sash or a victory walk across the stage.

For one thing, Rene is not only a leather man but also a bootblack, and that struck a deep chord with me. I competed as a bootblack at IML in 1998 and 1999 (that’s how old I am!), and I was honored to be first runner-up both years. That time in my life shaped me profoundly. I was encouraged in this endeavor by Philip Williams, an Old Guard leather man I met in New York City who knew a great deal about intimacy, trust, tradition, and power, and who had a profound effect on me. Philip taught me not only about bootblacking, but also about finding erotic energy in humble, grounded acts of service. It was Philip who taught me how to wear leather and who helped me purchase my first pair of chaps, paid for with tips I earned bootblacking! Philip also insisted I donate a large portion of the tips I earned while bootblacking to charity. Fast forward to today, and seeing someone like Rene, who proudly embodies values of service and community, ascend to the IML title, well, it brought everything full circle for me.

But there’s more. Some of you may recognize Rene from his online alter-ego of Buck Harder on TikTok — that’s actually where I first discovered him. His feed is smart, sexy, and full of heart. He shares educational and empowering content about leather, kink, and bootblacking. What struck me most was how out and proud he is, using his platform to be visible, vocal, and real in a world that too often tells us to hide.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rene in person earlier this year at Mid Atlantic Leather. I recognized him from TikTok! He was working the door, collecting tickets, and I remember turning to my friend and saying, “Now that guy is giving some serious leather top energy!” There was just something about him — the confidence, the presence, the quiet power. You could feel it.

And then came IML this May in Chicago, and with it, this wonderful speech from the stage. Watching the clip brought a tear to my eye. (Click HERE to watch.) Rene didn’t just talk about kink or leather or titles, he talked about the importance of being unapologetically ourselves. In a political climate that feels increasingly hostile to queer people, to trans people, to anyone outside the norm, his message landed like a rallying cry.

It reminded me why we have leather titles in the first place: not for ego or glory, but to represent, to serve, to advocate, to stand tall for our communities. Rene is doing just that, and doing it beautifully.

Of course, Rene isn’t the only one who made an impression at IML this year. Congratulations as well to Zephyr Merkur, Mr. Eagle NYC 2025, named First Runner-Up, and to Michael Tikili, Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2024, who was honored as Second Runner-Up. It was a strong class, and each of them brought something powerful to the stage. (To learn more about ALL the IML contestants this year, click here.)

I’m especially thrilled for Rene—for the bootblack, the self-described nerd, the kinkster, the educator, the man singing showtunes in his car and hitting the gym and taking unapologetic thirst-trap selfies. He’s not only a worthy IML, he’s the kind of titleholder our community needs right now.

So here’s to you, Rene. Thank you for your visibility, your voice, and your leadership. And from one bootblack to another, thank you for making us proud!