Competitors, including Zodiac Q, who is non-binary and one of five trans contestants, center, show off their assets during International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Sunday, May 28, 2023, Chicago, IL.

The locker room at the now demolished Man’s Country, the longest running Gay Bath House in The United States. Once located at 5015 N. Clark Ave. The location is now 15 luxury apartments named “The Renslow,” after the fabled founder. A small portion of North Clark was also dedicated to Renslow on May 19, 2018, celebrating the 40th year of International Mister Leather, approved by Alderman Pawar.

To celebrate 44 years of business, Man’s Country threw one final party from 11pm-1pm the following day, before shuttering forever. Loose Ends, an all genders-friendly dance party, hosted by Harry Cross, sold out with 550 tickets, open from 11pm-1pm the following day.

Adam Henderson, far left, third place, David Bailey, middle left, first place, Todd Harris, middle right, second place, and Erick Joseph, far right, winner of Mr. Bootblack, celebrate during the conclusion of The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Harris Theater in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29, 2016.

Skuwish, center, and Jackzon, right, work at the Mr S Leather booth in the gear market, hemming and adjusting just purchased leather wear. The Mr S Leather company also donates the winners' sash for The 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition, held since it's inception in 1979 in Chicago at The Congress Plaza Hotel, on Friday, May 25th, 2018.

Tiger Onyx, Mr. Michigan Leather 2020 and competitor No. 44 at IML 44, ON mAY 28th, 2022.

Sam Brinton, of D.C., top, whips a friend at The 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition held in Chicago on Friday, May 25, 2018.

Pups and their handlers interact during Off Leash: The Pup and Handler Romp, a subset of the Leather & Kink Community, during The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, on Saturday, May 28th, 2016. Pup play expands on the submissive and dominant roles already present in the community but is also about letting go of stress and remembering to have fun.

Two attendees kiss at The San Francisco Party while DJ Jack Chang, of London, DJs during the 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition held at The Congress Plaza Hotel on Friday, May 25th, 2018.

Key storage at Man's Country, the longest running gay bathhouse in Chicago, located at 5105 N. Clark St., and closed after 44 year in business on New Years Day, January 1st, 2018. Purchased by Chuck Renslow and his partner, Dom Orejudos in 1972, it fast became a staple for gay men to not only meet, but socialize in a safe environment.

Clay, from Louisville, KY., "came up on a whim," and immediately tried the Electrified Flogger made by Leather Masters from Dallas, TX., during his first International Mister Leather on Saturday, May 26th, 2018. The flogger contains six leader ribbons with conductive metal and provide an extra sensory experience to the every-day flogger.

Dee Diggs, a performer from Boston poses for a portrait during Loose Ends, an all genders-friendly dance party, at Man's Country in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. The unassuming brick building has been the longest running gay bathhouse in the city, opening in 1973 by Chuck Renslow. After his passing this June, the establishment announced it would be closing, but on a bittersweet note.

Paxton Porenta in his personally designed chain harness at “Gear blast,” a themed party at THE 40TH ANNUAL iml, in Chicago at The Congress Plaza Hotel, on Saturday, May 25th, 2018.

Nick Elliott, the 2012 winner of International Mister Blackboot and this years Den Daddy for IMBB. "I make sure they survive this weekend, AND had have fun," he says while, posing for a portrait at Spitshine: The Blackboot Party held at The Congress Plaza Hotel on Saturday, May 26th, 2018. "I wore a packman suit before and just had to keep it going," Elliott said referencing his Spiderman themed suit while devouring a spiderman popsicle.

Russ Wyatt, left, helps Dylan, right, lace up his full body gimp suit at Gear Blast at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago on Saturday, May 26th, 2018, during the 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition.

Volunteers help set up the registration tables in the lobby of Man's Country, the longest running gay bathhouse in Chicago, located in the north-side Andersonville neighborhood. To celebrate 44 years of business, they threw one final party before shuttering forever. on Sunday, December 31st, 2017.

Loose Ends, an all genders-friendly dance party, hosted by Harry Cross sold out with 550 tickets, open from 11pm-1pm the following day.

Jeff Krucek, left, Jonathan Wiseley, center, and Thermon Ricks, right, take in the dance floor at Man's Country, the longest running gay bathhouse in Chicago. On New Years Eve the bathhouse threw one final party before shuttering forever.

The Late Chuck Renslow, the original owner of Man's Country, the longest running gay bathhouse in Chicago, was a prolific art collector and photographer. By New Years Eve, much of the art has been bought, donated to his own Leather Archives and Museum, or even added to prestigious art collections. The hallway leading to the locker rooms is a neon throw back to his nude male portraits.

Nicholas Presulti, left, and Billie Kincaid dance at Man's Country, the longest running gay bathhouse in Chicago. To celebrate 44 years of business, they threw one final party before shuttering forever.

Attendees browse the Leather Market during The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, on Saturday, May 28th, 2016.

Ben Krane, a local Go-Go Dancer, boogies to D.J. L.A. during Loose Ends, an all genders-friendly dance party in celebration of New Years Eve and the final party of Man's Country, the longest running gay bathhouse in Chicago.

L.A. Olympics, a performer from Chicago poses for a portrait during Loose Ends, an all genders-friendly dance party, at Man's Country in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. The unassuming brick building has been the longest running gay bathhouse in the city, opening in 1973 by Chuck Renslow. After his passing this June, the establishment announced it would be closing, but on a bittersweet note. To put it simply, gay men do not need private meeting places to be safe in society.

To celebrate 44 years of business, they threw one final party from 11pm-1pm the following day, before shuttering forever. Hosted by Harry Cross, the party reached capacity at 550 on Sunday, December 31st, 2017.

Brandon, from San Francisco, tries on his first harness and calls himself a Sunday Leather, "you know how people dress their best for church on Siundays? Well that's how I feel. . .it's great to explore what certain cultures mean for different people," he said during The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, on Saturday, May 28th, 2016.

Markus, of Fort Worth, the owner of “Leather Masters,” a leather vendor at the indoor market, at The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, on Saturday, May 28, 2016.

CJ, center, of CJ's Leather from Denver, repairs a vest duringThe 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29th, 2016.

Jay Rank, right, and his partner Adam Henderson, left, winner of The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather,. kiss at the IML Victory Party held at The House of Blues in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29th, 2016.

After Chuck renslow passed, June 29, 2017, The Renslow Family held a final “white party,” at The Metro Chicago. Renslow created the white parties to contrast with the scene’s penchant for black in celebration of his August Birthday. The 36th white party started with a memorial for the iconic chicago figure and erupted into an all night dance party at the wrigleyville venue.

The judges ominously take their last look of the top 20 (out of 60 contestants) before naming their class of 2022 at IML 44, May 28th, 2022.

Contestants in the 44th Annual International Mister Leather Contest turn heel for the judges during the Formal Wear section of the night at McCormick Center’s Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, IL on May 29th, 2022.

Duke, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather ‘22, of Overland Park, Kansas, ANS 1st Runner-Up in IML’s Class of 2022.

Eli Roth discovered the leather community online While serving in the Navy and through chat groups, found his first Sir on AOL. After completing his service, ra entered the leather & bdsm world, later competing in IML 38 after winning Mr. Maryland 2016.

Edwardo Francisco at the L Bonding booth during IML 44, MAY 28th , 2022.

Pup Kenzo Onyx, Mister Eagle NYC 2022, competitor 34 in iml 44, at The Arie Crown Theater, Saturday, May 28th, 2022.

Contestants of IML 44 hug and congratulate each other before opening ceremonies at the Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place, Saturday, May 28, 2022.

“Leather bear stampede” in the Florentine room at the congress plaza hotel at iml 44, Friday, may 27, 2022.

Goddess Koco, left, and Emma Alamo, right, local leatherworker, and creator of both looks, at IML 2022.

A view of the leather market, during iml 44 ON Friday, may 27th, 2022.

Two IML attendees get closer, Friday May 27, 2022.

Contestant two, mr. MidSouth Kink & Leather Sir. 2019, Den-Nickolas Schaeffer-Smith, peers into the open arie crown theater doors, just before opening ceremonies begin at the mccormick place theater, Saturday, may 28, 2022.

David, left, practices Shibari on a friends during the “Gear Blast,” party, Saturday, May 28th, 2022.

Patrick Smith, Mr. International Leather 2015 and judge for IML 2016, addressed the crowd before The Pec's & Personality portion of the 38th Annual International Mr. Leather starts, which was held at Park West in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29th, 2016.

Eric Alden of Boston, a competitor in the 38th Annual International Mr. Leather, walks off stage during the Pec's & Personality portion, which was held at Park West in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29th, 2016.

Adam Henderson jokes with a judge during the Pec's & Personality portion of the 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at Park West in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29, 2016.

The International Mr. Leather Victory Party held at The House of Blues in Chicago, on Sunday, May 29, 2016.

Rough Trade Gear, a vendor in the Leather Market at The 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition boasts neoprene harnesses, and even kicky teddy bear beach towels. Held since it's inception in 1979 in Chicago at The Congress Plaza Hotel, on Saturday, May 25th, 2018 .

Sean, from Madison, WI, left, and Carl, from Fort Worth, right, at The 38th Annual International Mr. Leather held at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, on Saturday, May 28, 2016.

Attendees during the “Gear Blast” party at IML 44, held at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Saturday, May 28th, 2022.

Steele Toe The Bootblack, Northeast Bootblack 2020-21, right, during International Mr. Bootblack 2022, which runs concurrently with International Mr. Leather at The Congress Plaza Hotel.

Sam, left and Oscar, right, are married in The Florentine Room during International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

The couple chose to be married at the event, surrounded by friends from their leather and sober community and any one else who wanted to join in their celebration.

Former Contestant, now a 2023 IML Judge, Miguel Torres, poses for a portrait at International Mister Leather 45, held at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Contestant Handler Kenzo Onyx, wipes Leatherman of Color 2023, Phobos Onyx’s brow before he makes his debut entrance during the Opening Ceremonies of International Mister Leather 45, held in The Florentine Room at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Thursday May 25, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Sam puts his arm around his fiancé, Oscar, during the Opening Ceremonies of International Mister Leather 45, held in The Florentine Room at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Thursday May 25, 2023, Chicago, IL.

On Saturday the two will be married in the very room they’re standing in now.

Marcus Barela, Mr. Eagle LA 2020, leaves the Florentine Room after receiving his competition number during the

Opening Ceremonies of International Mister Leather 45, held at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Thursday May 25, 2023, Chicago, IL. Barela eventually places first, taking the title.

Butch Romero, Mr. Chicago 2020, walks on stage with the Chicago flag during the Opening Ceremonies of International Mister Leather 45, held in The Florentine Room at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Thursday May 25, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Dionne ‘Choc-Trei’ Henderson, center, of Atlanta, is Ms. SELF 2018 & 2019 and a Director for the Leather Archives & Museum. They’re one of nine judges for the 2023 International Mister Leather, an honor which can only be bestowed once in a lifetime.

Opening Ceremonies of International Mister Leather 45, held in The Florentine Room at The Congress Plaza Hotel, Thursday May 25, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Butch Romero, Mr. Chicago Leather 2020, walks on stage at The Auditorium Theater, one of 54 competitors in International Mister Leather 45, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Sam, left and Oscar, right, are married in The Florentine Room during International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

The couple chose to be married at the event, surrounded by friends from their leather and sober community and any one else who wanted to join in their celebration.

Sam, left and Oscar, right, are married in The Florentine Room during International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

The couple chose to be married at the event, surrounded by friends from their leather and sober community and any one else who wanted to join in their celebration.

Ms. SELF 2018 & 2019 and a Director for the Leather Archives & Museum, Dionne ‘Choc-Trei’ Henderson, center, one of nine judges, stands for recognition at the start of International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Chris Gonzalez, Mr. GNI Leather 2022, and first runner-up in International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Butch Romero, Mr. Chicago Leather 2020, center, grabs his fellow contestants butts after host, Thib Guicherd-Callin asks for another view from behind during International Mister Leather 45, held at The Auditorium Theater, Saturday May 27, 2023, Chicago, IL.

The 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition held since it's inception in 1979 in Chicago at The Congress Plaza Hotel, on Friday, May 25, 2018.

In the labyrinth of vendor booths at the leather market, attendees can find everything from poppers to pup masks with real fur, teddy bears in harnesses and leather caps, and bespoke leather works in every color.

Pup Mohawk, 35, of Phoenix, AZ., poses for a portrait during "Off Leash" the Pup and Handler Romp on the evening of Friday, May 25th, 2018, during the 40th Annual International Mister Leather at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago.

Pups and Handlers further explore the dichotomy between doms and subs in the fetish community, a sort of role-play that allows pups to explore childlike playfulness, and the reward of pleasing their masters.

Chuck Renslow, Gay Rights Activist and IML Founder passed in August 2017. Renslow owned the first leather bar in the United States, The Gold Coast in the 1958 with his then partner, Dom Orejudos, better known as Ettiene, a homoerotic painter and principle ballet dancer for The Illinois Ballet Company, who lost his battle with AIDS in 1991.

Together Renslow and Orejudos opened Man's Country, the longest running gay bath house in the country, which just shuttered after a blow out New Years Eve party on December 31st, 2017, among many other groundbreaking gay businesses including other bars, gyms, and an art studio, as Renslow began his career as a homoerotic figure photographer.

At The 40th Annual International Mister Leather Competition, an IML flag and memoranda book were available for all guest to sign and will be added to another of Renslow's legacies, the first and only Leather and Archives Museum, which is located in northern Chicago.