Oak Cliff pup Barry Fiddick tries to bridge message between old and new guard as he gears up for 2007 South Central Leather contest

THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER: Former Mr. Lonestar Barry "cosmo" Fiddick competes for a second title at this weekend's Flesh & Fantasy 2007. (Photo by Terry Thompson)

Hey, Dallas, are you feeling a little piggy? Are the jaws of your dusty nipple clamps screaming for attention? Has the scent of animal hide been wafting through your kinky imagination?

Maybe it's all because Flesh & Fantasy 2007 kicks off this weekend at the Dallas Eagle.

At the three-day leatherpalooza, contestants will vie for Mr. Texas Leather, South Central Leather Sir, South Central Leather boy, South Central Community bootblack and South Central Leather Woman. We recently caught up with a local contestant who says his platform is about education and spreading the leather gospel to younger generations.

"Flesh & Fantasy"competition: Jan 26-28 at Dallas Eagle, 2515 Inwood Road #107. 214-357-4375. For more information, visit www.flesh-fantasy.com.


Who: Barry Fiddick

Nickname: "cosmo." It's a pup name I gave myself for when I go into pup head space. It's also the inspiration for my Web site, 2cosmo.com.

Where'd you grow up? Born in Houston, raised in Kansas and got back to Texas as fast as I could. Now I live in Oak Cliff.

Day gig: Leather craftsman and salesman for Leather Masters.

Leather titles: Mr. Lonestar, 2002-2004.

Educational background: I've earned two associate in applied science degrees computer graphic arts and network administration.

Activism: I've recently begun participating in presentations about polyamory and one called Pup101, about humans who get into canine head space.

Caught my first whiff of the leather scene: In 1992, in Houston back when the circuit-party craze was taking baby steps. The softer side of leather grabbed my attention. A fashion-heavy leather event was touring the nation, and the promotion featured a man in a harness and underwear. Before going, I stopped at a local shop and bought a full body harness, some CK boxer-briefs and combat boots. I had a blast at the event, but then I got up the guts to go into the Ripcord. I was immediately accepted and quickly delved into BDSM.

How has the leather community changed since '92? Back then, most people at bars were friendly. But at the Ripcord, if you weren't wearing "proper dress" or if you were female, you could get ran out hard and fast. I speak from personal experience. Since then, I've found leather folk to be more accepting of others, including women.

Your platform for South Central Leather boy is about educating newbies. Let's say you're a professor who'll teach "Intro to Leather 101." What topics would you tackle? I'd make sure that people knew their history how the leather community got started. Then we'd go over the concepts of "Safe, Sane & Consensual" and a required primer on "Respect." I'd also incorporate some Judith Martin (a.k.a. Miss Manners), because if you are caught in a situation where you don't know proper protocol, at least you would handle it with the proper etiquette.

How have you geared up for the South Central Leather boy 2007? I've prepared both physically and mentally. I've been brushing up on my reading as well networking. For the past two months, I've increased my workouts and tried to bulk up. I haven't gained a pound, but I am more toned.

What are your best characteristics as a "boy?" My willingness to serve. I derive happiness from making someone else's day or at least making his/her day easier. If I can do something that will give a Dom, or anyone else for that matter, more time to do the things they enjoy, then I'm satisfied that I've made a difference.

Most money you've spent on leatherwear: Probably about $200 for a pair of lace-side chaps. That was a few years ago and they cost more now. But I do have my eyes on a pair of $300 leather overalls.

Do you have a dungeon? Not my own personal dungeon, but I'm a member of Discipline Corp., and every month we rent out space from The Sanctuary for our club's private use.

Pretend someone gave you $3,000 to build a dungeon. What would be inside? I'd have at least two slings with portable frames so they can be moved around. A padded table (almost bed-like). Lots of lube, CBT toys, rubber toys and a violet wand.


WINNERS' DUTIES

A competition for biological males, the South Central Leather Sir/boy Contest began at the Dallas Eagle in 2001. It was formerly known as Gulf Coast Drummer Contest, which ran from 1989 through 2000.

Winners are required to compete in the next level of competition at the International Leather Sir/boy held in October of their title year.

They are expected to participate in local Pride festivities; to support and attend contests and fundraising functions of fellow Flesh & Fantasy Titleholders; and organize three fundraisers: one for their leather community, one for the Flesh & Fantasy Travel Fund and one for the Flesh & Fantasy Travel fund for the next year's contestants.

They are also obligated to recruit contestants for the next year's contest where they are required to deliver a step-down speech.

Former boy titleholders
2001, Randall Kinnear
2002, Dwayne Mitchell (boy tim)
2003, Norm Ashton (boy mark)
2004, Dan Azevado (boy ed)
2005, Daddy R (boy stallion)
2006, Randal Kinnear (boy brian)




This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition January 26, 2007