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American Brotherhood Weekend Official Contestant Packet

American Brotherhood WeekendAugust 14 – 16, 2020

Chicago, Illinois

Mission Statement:The American Brotherhood Weekend, and its titleholders, represents the greater leather/BDSM and LGBTQ community through service.

This packet has been developed for anyone considering becoming a contestant for American Brotherhood Weekend (ABW). It provides key information for contestants to help prepare for the contest as well as the application for the American Leather Family titles.

Contents

ABW Overview...............................................................................................................................4Expectations of Titleholders............................................................................................................4Contestant Qualifications.................................................................................................................4Contestant Requirements.................................................................................................................4

General Requirements.................................................................................................................4American Leatherman (ALM).....................................................................................................4American Leatherwoman (ALW)................................................................................................4American Leatherboy (ALb).......................................................................................................4

Fabulous Prizes................................................................................................................................5Contest Elements and Judging Criteria............................................................................................5

Interview......................................................................................................................................5Meet and Greet............................................................................................................................5Hot Wear and Pop Question........................................................................................................5Speech..........................................................................................................................................6Fantasy.........................................................................................................................................6

Contestant Auction Baskets.............................................................................................................6Basket Tips..................................................................................................................................6

Fantasy Staging Information............................................................................................................7Stage............................................................................................................................................7Lighting........................................................................................................................................7Sound...........................................................................................................................................7Props............................................................................................................................................7Special Equipment.......................................................................................................................7Restrictions..................................................................................................................................8Changing Rooms.........................................................................................................................8Fantasy Participants.....................................................................................................................8Technical Rehearsal.....................................................................................................................8

Contestant Coordinator Contact information...................................................................................9Sample Schedule..............................................................................................................................9Judges............................................................................................................................................10Official American Brotherhood Weekend Contestant Application...............................................11

________________________________________________________________________www.americanbrotherhood.com

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Please be aware: all individuals who plan to compete at American Brotherhood Weekend MUST have their completed four-page contestant application, contestant fees, and photographic release in the hands of the ABW contestant coordinator (and confirmed receipt with contestant coordinator) by midnight on Friday, July 3, 2020.


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ABW OverviewABW is the only national leather title contest in the United States that emphasizes and celebrates LGBTQ individuals serving proudly and openly in our community. Many former ABW titleholders have taken a public stance on one or more significant issues, such as same-sex legislation, equal rights, civil rights, domestic violence, harassment, hate crimes, public health & safety, community outreach, or as a voice for others with urgent needs.

Expectations of Titleholders ABW titleholders are expected to be of service in the community. All titleholders are expected to attend two LGBTQ leather/BDSM events per quarter where you are volunteering, fundraising, teaching, or judging; you are not limited to two events per quarter, this is a minimum.

Contestant QualificationsThe contest is open to leather people who are US Citizens, at least 21 years of age, and who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer. All titles are open to the transgender community so long as they identify with the appropriate title. Qualified individuals are required to submit a completed Contestant Application and completed Photo Release form for consideration no later than midnight on Friday, July 3, 2020.

Contestant Requirements

General Requirementso Identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queero Have a history of involvement within the leather/BDSM and LGBTQ community and

have strong community ties.o Must participate in all officially scheduled ABW events during the contest weekend.o The contestant is expected to provide at least one basket of items to be auctioned

during the weekend with a value of $300-500. (see basket section)o It is recommended that contestants have some public speaking ability.

American Leatherman (ALM)o Must be a self-identified male

American Leatherwoman (ALW)o Must be a self-identified female

American Leatherboy (ALb)o Must be a self-identified boy/boi regardless of gender


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Fabulous Prizes● ABW medallion

● $1000 Travel fund distributed in quarterly increments

● IML Weekend pass

● CLAW Weekend pass

● Return hotel accommodations to next year’s contest

● Title back patch following completion of title year

● Other prizes to be announced at the contest

Contest Elements and Judging Criteria Scores will be awarded in each category based upon the contestant’s expression, comfort, and confidence as well as alignment with the mission of the contest.

Interview35% of total scoreInterviews are not open to the public. They are your only individual, in depth time with all the judges. Interviews will last up to 15 minutes depending on the number of contestants. Answers should be clear, concise, and to the point. Attire is your choice, but should reflect the category and what you are comfortable wearing. Keep in mind, attire may be considered by the judges in their score. Judges should focus their questions on the contestant’s history, values, and experience within the community and how it aligns with the mission of the contest.

Meet and Greet5% of total scoreYou will have 90 seconds to introduce yourself on stage during the program. Additionally, you are expected to mix and mingle during the meet and greet with judges and attendees. This may include selling raffle tickets, bingo cards, or other items to help contestants interact and fundraise. Attire is your choice. Suggested dress is whatever makes you feel the hottest or sexiest while out cruising at a leather bar. Judges should consider the ability of the contestants to mix, connect, and intermingle within an event or bar environment. Comfort in addressing a crowd who may not be entirely engaged should be considered as well as content of introduction.

Hot Wear and Pop Question


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10% of total scoreHot Wear celebrates the sex-positive nature of our community. Attire is your choice and should reflect your sexiest self-image. You will be presented with a pop question and answers should be no longer than 60 seconds. Judges in scoring should consider the comfort, appeal, and confidence of the contestant as well as their ability to improvise and think on their feet.

Speech30% of total scoreThe speech can be on any subject you feel passionate about. Attire is your choice, keep in mind it should represent you as a confident leather person. All speeches are limited to 3 minutes maximum; for each 10 seconds over, will incur a 10 point reduction in overall speech points. Judges in scoring should consider presentation, clarity, passion on the subject, and the speech’s alignment with the missions of the contest.

Fantasy20% of total scoreMany contestants are most anxious about the fantasy category. Have fun and remember, make them laugh, cry, or horny…two of the three is great…three out of three is stellar. The fantasy is your opportunity to be entertaining and imaginative, and to provide insight into your personality. The fantasy should showcase the contestant, avoid complexity, and make effective use of the stage space. The fantasy should be no more than 5 minutes in length including set up and tear down. Any contestant going over 5 minutes will lose 10 points on the total fantasy score. Judges in scoring should consider entertainment value, stage presence, and imaginative nature. Insights into the contestant personality, and effective narrative elements of the fantasy should also be considered. Contestant Auction Baskets All contestants are expected to assemble at least one basket of items to be auctioned during the weekend. The proceeds from the auction will be applied towards the travel fund, charity, and general operations.

Each basket should have a minimum value of $300-500. You can put together as many as you are able to assemble. The number of baskets

provided, and the final selling price have no impact on the contestants score. Include a typed list of items and the value in the basket

Basket Tips


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If possible, baskets should sort things into groups, collections, or items of similar interest which can include leather/fetish items, items that represent the geographic area/region of a contestant or items of general interest.

Previous baskets have had anything and everything such as books, fetish pieces, dungeon toys, clothing, collectables, pieces of artwork, photography, music CDs, porn, non-perishable foods, hand crafted items of quality (quilts, pride items, stained glass), or run or event registration certificates.

Many contestants solicit donations from their area bars and businesses, leather clubs and sponsors. Some even plan a send-off party before leaving home as a way of obtaining items from supporters. One appealing feature to encourage greater interest (“auction fever”) is the inclusion of shipping costs, making the purchase of the basket that much more advantageous.

If a basket includes an item that merits particular interest it may be auctioned separately from the rest of the basket on the decision of the Emcee. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a great opportunity to show a contestant’s fund-raising abilities. Should you have any questions/issues about your basket, please contact the contestant coordinator.

All basket and the materials within them are the sole property of ABW and will be auctioned during the weekend or sold off or used as raffle/support prizes for other ABW fundraising functions throughout the year. No items will be returned once turned over to the ABW staff/team.

Fantasy Staging Information

StageThe main stage layout is provided in this packet with the application. The technical form may be turned in separately but must be turned in by the application due date.

Lighting There is a very basic lighting system used. We will do the best to create the right mood for your scene.

SoundWe have a sound system and recommend that music be provided as MP3 files on a thumb drive. Be sure to bring two copies of your fantasy music/sound to be given to the sound technician. Label your music with your name and contestant number.

Props


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You are encouraged to keep your props small and simple. There is limited space to store props so plan accordingly. We have a limited number of stage crew therefore heavy or oversized props should be avoided. Props must be removed after the contest.

Special EquipmentWe do not supply any other special or technical equipment, such as lightning generators, fog machines, strobe lights, etc. The use of these must be pre-approved by ABW staff by the application deadline. You must rent or bring these with you and be responsible for their set up and security if approved. Restrictions

● Fantasies are to be 4-5 minutes long. Fantasies running longer than 5 minutes will result in loss of points. This includes set up and teardown.

● No smoking is allowed in the buildings including during fantasy scenes.

● No fire scenes, however, candles are allowed as long as no wax could fall on the stage carpet. You must provide tarps as needed.

● To avoid injury or damage, any take downs or fight fantasy must be well rehearsed.

● All people in your fantasy must have a contest ticket for that day and have signed the photographic waiver.

● A representative of the Leather Archives & Museum will be present at the rehearsal and will advise contestants on any issues with fantasies related to appropriate attire, potential damage to the space or other related issues.

Changing RoomsBackstage space to change will be provided. This space is limited, and contestants should keep that in mind and only bring what they will need for the contest.

Fantasy ParticipantsAll participants in a fantasy must have a ticket to the contest on the day of the fantasy.Fantasy participants will be permitted backstage immediately prior to the scheduled fantasy and will be retrieved from the auditorium by an ABW staff members. They will return to the auditorium once they complete the fantasy they are involved in. Fantasy participants are expected to be at the technical rehearsal for the fantasy along with the contestant.

Technical RehearsalEach contestant will get a brief individual tech rehearsal, which includes an individual walk through of the stage and dressing area, instruction on how to speak into a microphone, and where to stand on stage for the different segments of the contest. You will then be given a 20-


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minute opportunity to discuss specifics for your fantasy with the tech crew, and to have a quick run through with your fantasy participants and props. Have all props assembled prior to your scheduled technical rehearsal time. Fantasy rehearsals are not open to the public or other contestants.

Be ready to answer the following questions during your individual technical rehearsal:What will the lighting be like at the beginning of my fantasy?When does the sound begin? On what cue? How loud?During the fantasy, does the lighting change? On what cue? Does the music change? On what cue?What will the lighting be like at the end of my fantasy?Does the music end on a cue or fade out?

At the tech rehearsal please have a printed diagram of the location of your props on stage for the stage crew to assist them in placing your props. Label this diagram with your name, contestant # and which title you are running for.

Contestant Coordinator Contact informationIf you have any question as a contestant or potential contestant, please contact our Contestant Coordinator at [email protected]. Sample ScheduleThursday Contestants arrive in Chicago and are expected to check in with contestant coordinator.6:00pm (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626)

Staff Meeting7:00pm (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) *

Contestant/Judges Meeting with producers and den staff At this meeting you will receive your schedule for interviews and contest format for Saturday and Sunday. It is extremely important that you are on time for this and all other required elements of the weekend.

Tips for the first day:

● Don’t forget that first impressions are important!

● Wear appropriate leather attire

● Use this time to get to know the other contestants and especially the judges

● Get your room organized and comfortable

● Make sure you get a good night’s sleep


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● The rest of the weekend is busy and draining, and from experience, the biggest challenge of competing at ABW is endurance—your contest is essentially stretched out over three full days!

Friday10:30am-1 pm Technical Rehearsal (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) *

During off time when your group is not being interviewed, you’ll be scheduled for your technical rehearsal based on your interview schedule. This will be your orientation to the backstage/dressing area, stage, lighting, sound and technical aspects of the contest.

1:00-1:30 Lunch will be provided to you. *1:30am-4:30pm Contestant Interviews (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) *

Contestant Interviews begin and will till completed. Interviews will be grouped by contest.

5:00-10:00pm Registration for all ABW guests (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) 8:00-11:00pm Opening Reception/Contestant Introductions (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) *

● 10:00pm Contestant Introductions Begin*

● Introduction on Stage (Open Ceremonies Friday Night) 5% of total score

Saturday11:00am-1:00pm Eye Openers (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) 1:00pm till 5:00pm First Day of American Brotherhood Contest (LA&M 6418 N Greenview, Chicago, IL 60626) *6:00pm-8:00pm Family Dinner (TBD)8:00pm-10:00pm ABW Mystery Theater (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626)

Sunday12:30-2:00pm ABW Brunch (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) * 2:00pm till 5pm Second Day of American Brotherhood Contest (LA&M 6418 N Greenview, Chicago, IL 60626) * 5:00pm-? pm Victory Party (Touché 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60626) *

A celebration at Touché will be the final event of the weekend.

Monday10:00am Titleholder Orientation

All winners are required to attend this orientation. There will be an orientation for those who win the titles. Previous titleholders suggested this meeting to better educate support and prepare our new American Leather family for their year and their responsibilities.

* are required elements for all contestants


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JudgesThere will be seven judges who will judge all categories. The high and low score for each contestant in each category will be eliminated. The remaining scores will be combined to create the overall score for the category. Judges will be announced on Facebook during the month of July.


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Official American Brotherhood Weekend Contestant Application PLEASE PROVIDE TYPED

Read this document carefully. When signing, this is your contract agreement with American Brotherhood Weekend. Additionally, it includes the requirements to retrieve your travel fund. It includes the number of appearances, and producers’ rights to remove title from titleholder for inappropriate behavior. Specifics of these requirements will be shared during titleholders’ orientation on Monday morning.

There is an Application Fee of $75; this fee includes your weekend package.

Circle T-Shirt Size S M L XL 2XL

I am applying to compete for (check only one):

❑ American Leatherman

❑ American Leatherwoman

❑ American Leatherboy

The information provided here will be viewed by all judges during interviews and used by the Emcee for stage introductions and questions.

Name to be used on stage:

Pronouns:

Full Legal Name*: *please indicate “confidential” if necessary

Date of Birth: Age:

Hometown:

Height: Weight:

Hair Color: Eye Color:


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Tattoos/piercing/body modifications:

Top/Bottom/Versatile:

What hankies do you flag and on what side:

Favorite Music Genre:

Favorite Toy:

What is your favorite Safe word?

When did you come out?


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Current/Previous titles Held:

Occupation:

Current relationship(s) status:

Hobbies/Interests:

Why do you want this title and what do you plan to do with it, should you win? (Use additional sheet if necessary):


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Briefly highlight your community involvement (LGBT and/or leather/fetish) (Use additional sheet if necessary:

Describe any volunteer service or charity work in which you are involved, or similar projects in which you’d like to become involved:

List any clubs or organizations are you affiliated with and any positions held:


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Please be aware that all individuals who plan to compete at American Brotherhood Weekend MUST have their completed four-page contestant application, contestant fees, and photographic release in the hands of the ABW contestant coordinator (confirmed with ABW staff and coordinator) by midnight Friday, July 3, 2020.

The information provided below is a requirement for completion of any contestant package and is considered strictly confidential. Anything previously undisclosed will not be shared publicly from the stage.

Full Legal Name:

Street address:

Mailing address (if different):

Phone Number: Email:

Note: Throughout this document the term CONTEST shall mean either “American Leatherman Contest”, “American Leatherwoman Contest”, “American Leatherboy Contest” depending upon which contest is being entered by the applicant: The term PRODUCERS shall mean collectively and individually: Leatherpig LLC; American Brotherhood Weekend; Steven Carlisle; and any other producers or associate producers who may be designated in the future.

For and in consideration of my being allowed competing, performing, or otherwise appearing upon stage during the CONTEST—PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE AND WAIVERI, the undersigned, hereby give the CONTEST and its PRODUCERS, their photographers, legal representatives, agents or assigns, the right and permission to copyright, use, reuse, broadcast and/or publish any and all Photographic Pictures of me, which shall be taken during the CONTEST or as a result of my preparation for the CONTEST, or as a result of my having participated in the CONTEST. The term “Photographic Pictures”, as used herein shall include portraits, or reproductions thereof, including audio and videotapes, made through any media. Further, such rights shall include the right to use such Photographic Pictures in conjunction with my name, and through any media, for any purpose whatsoever. I HEREBY WAIVE any rights to inspect or approve the finished Photographic Pictures, or the method of their eventual use, including any related audio or printed copy which may be used in conjunction therewith. I HEREBY RELEASE, discharge and agree to save harmless the CONTEST and its PRODUCERS, their photographers, legal representatives, agents or assigns, including those publishing and/or distributing the finished product, in whole or in part, from and against any liability or claim as a result of the use or publication of said Photographic Pictures, including from any distortion, blurring, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form, either intentionally, or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking, processing or reproduction of the Photographic Pictures, their publication or distribution. I HAVE READ the foregoing Release and Waiver before signing my name below. I warrant my full understanding of its contents, and that I am of legal age to give my consent in this state. Initials:


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My award for this contest will be $1000 as I am now an employee of Leatherpig LLC selected to publicly represent the values, traditions, and lifestyle of the LGBTQ American community within the broader leather/fetish community and will be administered as a travel fund to be divided throughout the year, in quarterly values that will be discussed during the Monday titleholder’s orientation. It will include specific requirement I must meet in terms of fundraising and community work and number of public appearances I must make. The minimum requirement I must meet is two LGBTQ events per quarter which are primarily Leather orientated or Leather “friendly”. This award may not be used for personal expenses which are not documented as designated in the orientation. This award may not be used for non-travel related expenses as described at the titleholder’s orientation. Should I fail to meet the minimum of 2 events per quarter, my travel fund will be revoked, and I may be asked to relinquish my title to the producers of ABW to reassign as appropriate. Additionally, should my behavior be deemed in appropriate by the contest producers they may at their discretion revolve my remaining travel fund and ask me to relinquish my title. Deliberate discrepancies or falsehoods on this application may result in removal of title or removal from competition. Appropriate behavior will be discussed in the orientation with specific grounds which will deem a titleholder unfit to continue. Communication between the titleholder and the producers will be required monthly and failure to complete this monthly communication will also be grounds for revoking the travel fund and relinquishing the title. Use of the ABW logo or likeness without expressed permission of the producers can be considered violation of ABW property use and will be managed on a case by case basis but could be grounds for removal of title and revocation of travel fund. DIRECT VIOLATION OF ANY RULES OF THE PRODUCERS OF ABW OR BLATANT DISREGARD TO TRADITIONS OF ABW OR INSUBORDINATION TO THE PRODUCERS OR THE TITLE OF ABW WILL BE IMMEDIATE GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL FROM YOUR TITLE AND RELINQUISHING ALL RIGHTS TO THE TITLE INCLUDING TRAVEL FUNDS, USE OF LOGO AND IMAGE. THE IMAGE AND LOGOS OF ABW ARE OWNED BY LEATHERPIG LLC AND CAN NOT BE USED WITHOUT EXPRESSED PERMISSION FROM THE PRODUCTION TEAM. Initials:

INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESSI certify that I have attained at least twenty-one (21) years of age and that I, based upon mutual covenants and considerations (including granting me the privilege of attending and participating in American Brotherhood Weekend 2020), will not hold Leatherpig LLC or American Brotherhood Weekend not its individual or collective owners, officers, agents, and employees thereof liable for any injury to my person or property during the period of the 2020 American Brotherhood Weekend, and I further agree to indemnify and save harmless and hold harmless Leatherpig LLC or American Brotherhood Weekend, the individual and collective owners, officers, agents, and employees thereof from any and all liability, injury or economic loss or other damage.

Signature: X Date: Contestant full legal name (written signature—DO NOT PRINT)

Witness Name (Please Print) Witness (Written Signature—DO NOT PRINT)

You must attach a photocopy of your current driver’s license or other state or federally issued photo ID and have a second person “witness” your signature on this form. Mail this signed and completed application to:

Contestant Coordinator; American Brotherhood Weekend; 3712 N. Broadway #140; Chicago, IL 60613


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Staging Diagram

All contestants must supply the staging diagram below with your application. It should include basic lighting and prop set-up.

Also, please provide a brief description of your fantasy.

You will need to bring a copy of your music on a thumb drive in an MP3 format with you to rehearsal. Make sure you label your music with your name and contestant number.


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