KINK Weekend OKC 2015
by Elizabeth Lawrence
Special to The Gayly
Oklahoma has never been hotter than it will be July 17th through 19th as the fifth edition of KINK Weekend OKC takes over the Habana Inn. Kink Weekend is a three day fundraiser for Other Options Food Pantry Inc., Sisters of the Sacred Heartland, Inc. and Team Friendly OKC. The weekend adventure includes live entertainment, silent auctions, pool parties, the Mr. Route 66 Leather contest, and educational workshops.
Behind this extravaganza is Nate Benner, an incredible young man. When he first conceived of this wild weekend of mayhem and sexual expression, he was just 22 years old. Nate has already accomplished much for such a young Leatherman including carrying the Leather title of Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2013, representing himself well at International Mr. Leather, and leading KINK Weekend OKC to raise more than $14,000 for various charities in its first four years.
How the event got started: Benner: In 2011, the Oklahoma City Boys of Leather decided to turn their first anniversary celebration into a fundraiser. “When I first approached Other Options with the idea they sort of looked at me like they didn’t think I was really going to do anything, but after the line to get in wrapped around the block they really took me seriously,” said Benner. “It really took off from there. The event really has taken on a life of its own.”
Benner said in preparation for the event favorites are many. “The pool parties, the pups, and raising money for our charities, but for me the title of Mr. Route 66 Leather is the most exciting thing. We really want it to be something special.”
Mr. Route 66 Leather is a Leather contest. The title will represent “All American Leather” and is a feeder competition to International Mr. Leather (IML). Contestants will be judged on full leatherwear, jock, streetwear, interview, speech, and an on-stage pop question.
“Any male identified person living in the United States can compete to be Mr. Route 66 Leather,” adds Benner. “We want to have anyone who wants to represent American Leather come and compete no matter where they live.
“This contest includes any person who identifies as male. There is no discrimination. Transgender men are welcome.”
Benner said it is really important to the organization that this title offers the opportunity to everyone who runs to learn from the process.
“Many contests you go, you compete, and you win or lose and that is it,” he adds as his experience. “We are having an exit interview for each contestant where they will get feedback about how they did. This will give them a chance to learn what they did well and where they can grow. The whole purpose is to help them come away from the process with new ideas.”
This year the event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Friday afternoon July 17, you can hang out in the hospitality suite, take a dip at the Puppy Pool Party at Finishline Pool, and shop at the vendor mart. Friday night go party at the Meet and Greet and enjoy the Red State Block Party and the “mind blowing” Kink Fetish Show until 2 am.
Saturday there will be no time to rest as attendees have a delicious variety of activities to sample including an afternoon full of workshops, the Puppy Boot Camp, yet another pool party, and the Bear Tea Dance. The evening entertainment will be provided by the Mr. Route 66 Leather contest which will feature hot jockstrap clad men and burlesque performers.
The ‘cherry on top’ will be dancing the night away at the Victory Gear Dance Party. Sunday morning wraps up the weekend with a delicious Victory Brunch which is free with your $85 weekend registration. Register now at www.kinkweekendokc.com so that you won’t miss a minute of this premier event.
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, The Gayly newspaper.
The Gayly – July 10, 2015 @ 12pm.