Barebacking Materials Banned From International Mr. Leather Convention Marketplace

In July, International Mr. Leather President Chuck Renslow announced that vendors in the annual convention's marketplace will no longer be allowed to sell or distribute materials that "promote or advocate" barebacking, or unprotected anal sex. In a letter notifying vendors of the change, Renslow wrote, "Too many in our community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it is our duty to inform and educate."

Renslow recently elaborated on his action, noting the influence of CDC's "Act Against AIDS" initiative on his decision. "The CDC contacted me to see if I could help stem the rising tide of HIV infection," he said, which led him to think about using his position in the leather community to advocate for safer sex.

Renslow said he discussed the matter with IML's executive committee but added, "I made the final decision. Me, using my stance, to prevent barebacking." He said the decision, which mainly affects pornography dealers in IML's marketplace, will likely lead to some loss in revenue, but he added, "Greed and avarice must not supersede the health of the community."

Launched by the Obama administration in April, Act Against AIDS is a five-year, $45 million campaign whose various components target populations at high risk of HIV infection.

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