The grounds breaking International Mr. Leather finalist and current reigning Mr. Eagle 2025 is an inspiration to trans men and all leather enthusiasts across the globe; lets ride the winds of success with the mighty Zephyr!
Thotyssey: Zephyr, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! We’re catching you at a busy time, shortly after participating as a judge in a T-boy wrestling event series in Brooklyn! How did it go?
Zephyr: T-boy wrestling was a beautiful and affirming experience, and it was a privilege to judge the competitors.
You have a background in wrestling and other athletics, right?
I do! I did some wrestling in school, I hold a purple belt in jujitsu, and was a varsity athlete in track and field. Most recently I was an OUTAthlete for the OUT Foundation, which provides scholarships to queer and trans folks to represent and show up in the gym space — particularly CrossFit, which has had issues around trans inclusion.
Shame on them! That’s an impressive athletic pedigree you have, though. It must be secretly great to know that in these crazy, scary times we’re living through — if you really need to — you can take a bitch down!
Haha, yes… it is great to have in my back pocket.
There are a lot of recent developments with you to discuss. But before we delve into them, we should start at the beginning: where’s your original hometown, and what sort of things were you into growing up?
I grew up in the East Bay (California), and I’ve been in NYC for twelve years. I was into guitar and punk music, and started a band in high school. I did a lot of sports, and was in school band. I was, and still am, an avid reader.
Did your trans masc identity begin quite early, or was it a later realization?
I was a tomboy, and understood myself “half boy / half girl” since I didn’t have the language or visibility we have now. When I was 15 I heard the word “transgender” for the first time and resonated with it, but did nothing about it
And was New York where you really came to explore that?
Yes, I needed space from where I grew up to figure myself out. I met more queer folk here, and was able to grow more into myself. I got right into the DIY music scene when I landed in NYC, and the punks there helped me see examples of possibility.
There are some who claim that the leather / fetish community, which has long been a staple of queer life, is not always excepting of folks who aren’t cis men. Was that your experience at all?
I’ve heard stories of people not being welcomed, but I have experienced a warm welcome. I also know many non-cis male centered kink spaces. The Eagle is mostly cis men-centered, but I hang with both trans and cis people there. Kink Out is an organization doing great stuff in the fetish scene that isn’t all about men.
What’s been your full experience with participating in leather competitions, and what motivated you to explore that realm?
I’ve done two contests: Eagle and International Mr. Leather. I won Eagle, and got first runner up in IML. I ran because I wanted the chance to make a material difference around trans inclusion. Because while I had a good time, I knew a lot of people who were curious but had never even gone due to their assumptions. I wanted trans people to feel empowered to check it out… to see if it was something they were interested in.
How cool is it to be the current reigning, first ever trans Mr. Eagle? Do you feel the weight and significance of that?
It feels good! Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough. But I also remember that these contests are politics of visibility… and while visibility isn’t everything, it is still an important step. I’ve heard stories from trans dudes across the country feeling moved and motivated by my win. Internationally, people get excited when hearing about my victory at The Eagle. It means something and does something, even if it is just me being myself.
No doubt! Speaking of visibility, where do you store or display your sash when you’re not wearing it?
I have a “leather closet” that keeps all my gear. Its a clothing rack I put up in my living room.
You’ve been regularly partaking in Eagle events since your win, including the popular monthly gear night “Into.” You’ll be back there on Sunday, August 21st for a Rope edition! Are ropes a favorite kink of yours, if I may ask?
Yes, it’s very up there!
But before that, this Saturday you’ll be at JXXL’s “Come For Daddy” party with DJs Mana and FernanDITO!
“Come For Daddy” is a cute, close quarters party at Red Eye, where you can make some “quick connections” with a friendly crowd and wonderful hosts; I’m an occasional host. I’m also a big fan of “Harder” which has been active in diversifying their audience and DJs with fantastic music and cruisey spaces.
What else are you up to?
Here’s what’s coming up for me: [see below images]
And finally: the next Mr. Eagle will be sashed on Saturday, October 4th, and you’ll be judging! What’s your best advice for someone — cis, trans or otherwise — who wants to compete?
Remember why you are running, and show us (judges) what you bring to the Eagle community. Be true to yourself… as there is no one way to be an Eagle.
Thank you, Zephyr!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Zephyr’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 