NEWS

David Kloss

David Kloss, representing the city of San Francisco, was the first man ever chosen to hold the title of International Mr. Leather in 1979. His primary career, spanning two decades, was in the international offshore oil exploration industry. But in 1991, due to disability from HIV/AIDS, David left the oil industry and began to focus his energies in assisting others suffering with the same disease.

For over twelve years, David had been a member on the Boards of Directors of three separate US HIV/AIDS assistance organizations: The Assistance Fund in Houston; HIV Wellness Center in Austin; Folsom Events (formerly SMMILE) in San Francisco. The latter has gained worldwide recognition for producing the "Up Your Alley" and "Folsom Street" Fairs. David served as Treasurer on all three boards, Administrator on one, and, in San Francisco, was Committee Chairman for the nationally acclaimed South of Market (SOMA) Bare Chest Calendar for two years. During David's tenure on these organizations, he was proud to have been a key participant in helping raise well over $1,500,000 for those in need.

David's dedicated and selfless community service has earned him a number of awards. In Houston, he was nominated for Volunteer of the Year Award and in Austin; a room at the HIV Wellness Center was named in his honor. In 2002 David received the National Leather Emerald Award from the Washington State Leather Organization, as well as the honor of having the Bare Chest Calendar Board dedicate its 2003 Calendar to him for his outstanding commitment to the project's success. Along with the Philip M. Turner "Star" Achievement Award for loyalty, devotion and outstanding achievement within the San Francisco Leather Community, David has also been presented with Certificates of Honor from the Mayor of San Francisco and the city's Board of Supervisors on two separate occasions as well as the Senate of the Sate of California.

David's commitment to helping others in need has not changed its focus, only its geographic locality. Since moving to Toronto, he became a volunteer with the Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition organization, notably as a member of the Judge’s Selection Panel. In 2003 he was also instrumental in forming the new committee which produced an event called the Church Street Fetish Fair. In the position of Executive Producer, he successfully created the first event in August 2004, with the goal of assisting the Church Street Business Improvement Area in Toronto and the Toronto Community at large. The Board of the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area has presented him with a citation for his work in producing the event. David’s charitable perseverance has also been acknowledged when he received an Award of Commendation from the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

In the last few years, both David and Remi have been outspoken concerning Gay rights and the issue of Gay marriage in the United States. Their involvement has resulted in interviews in the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Reason Magazine, the Toronto Star, as well as Omni television, Global News and PBS. A documentary featuring David, Remi and four others from around the world, now living in Canada, was released in the fall of 2004 by Film Blanc and OMNI television. It highlighted Gay issues internationally, delivered in six languages. It was awarded the Canadian Broadcasters Association Red Ribbon Award in the Document category in 2005.

David continues to be active in Leather events, judging many Leather contests as well as acting as emcee and/or auctioneer when requested across the United States and Canada. Instrumental in starting the Church Street Fetish Fair he served as the Executive Producer for three successful years bringing crowds to another of Toronto’s many annual cultural events. Up to the end of 2005, he was one of two directors of Leather and Bear Tours (aka Beef Dip.com) with his partner, Steve Buczek.

David became a Landed Immigrant in 2005 and was sworn in as a Canadian citizen on October 21st, 2008.

This will be held at North Bound Leather on Saturday, August 14th at 2pm