Judges 2026

See full biographies below.

Legacy Judges for 2026

Gaby Tako
Wayne Teske

Judges for 2026

Billy Lane, President of Leather Archives & Museum
– See Introduction Video Below
Ben Calderon, Mr. Anvil Phoenix 2025
Veronica Savage Rose, Empress XIX
Joe Connolly, Mr. Nu Towne Phoenix 2024
Honey Davenport, Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2026

Gaby Tako

Gaby Tako has been involved in the Leather Community for over four decades starting in New York City where they met their first handlers and then as a member of the Lesbian Sex Mafia (LSM).

They have been actively involved in communities from east to west coasts with memberships in Club X (San Diego), Red Hankies San Diego (RHSD), and as a founder of the Arizona Women of Leather (AWOL). Gaby was named Ms. AWOL in 2006 by their sisters and is very proud to wear that title. AWOL Arizona Women of Leather is back! Come join the sisterhood!

Locally they are known as a reliable judge, tally master, and stage director in a number of contests, most notably Southwest Leather Pride.

Their Leather “career” has been from bottom to top, literally! Their first handlers might be termed “Old Guard” (although they would reject that title). Fetishes include (but are not limited to) blood sports, knives, fisting, piercing, single-tail, protocol, leather gear and Shibari.

Outside interests include animal rescue, canine nutrition (come talk to me about dogs), reading and spending time with my lovely spouse.

Wayne Tesko

Wayne Teske was scooped up at a young age by a Sir who recognized something in him and mentored him for two years of Sir training as his boy, culminating in Wayne’s own passing of the hat ceremony in Philadelphia, PA now over 50 years ago. Originally from South Jersey, Wayne spent his formative years proudly serving 3 tours of duty in the Navy where among other skills, he learned the art of leather working.

After traveling extensively both in the service, and with lovers in and out of uniform, Wayne settled down for a bit first in Texas. Since he pulled up stakes some twenty years ago to be closer to family here in Arizona, Wayne has made his impression here in our local leather community, helping and teaching men of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels what being in the leather community is all about. A recent quote by him, “Not sure what else you need…” sums it up exactly! Whatever it is that needs doing, Wayne will be right there to lend a hand.

Veronica S. Rose

Veronica S Rose was raised in South Phoenix with roots in New Mexico. Veronica is a proud University of Arizona alum who’s been serving her community with heart and hustle since 2005.
Her LGBTQIA+ advocacy took off in 2021. As Miss Phoenix Pride 2023, she became a top fundraiser for the Phoenix Pride.

Scholarship Program and helped raise over $6,000 for trans youth through one n ten. She later served as Princess Royale for Reign 18 of the Imperial Court of Arizona, made top five in the inaugural Miss Gay American Femme pageant, and in 2025 proudly stepped into her role as Empress for Reign 19 of the Imperial Court of Arizona.

Veronica has judged many pageants spanning from the USofA, America, All-American Goddess and Southwest Leather Bear systems. Veronica is honored to be part of contest weekend and she wishes all the contestants the best of luck and she says “you only get this moment once, so don’t waste your time.”

Honey Davenport

Honey Davenport has solidified their status as a drag icon and entertainment powerhouse. Hailing from West Philadelphia and currently residing in Palm Springs, California, Davenport has captivated audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances, chart-topping music, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

As a recording artist, Davenport has collaborated with renowned drag legends like Aja, Alaska, Manila Luzon, Lala Ri, Tammy Brown, and Jackie Cox, creating unforgettable tracks that have received huge acclaim. Their music resonates with audiences, addressing important social issues and inspiring listeners to embrace their individuality.

Davenport holds 20 pageant crowns, six Glam Awards, a 2020 GIANT Fest award for “Music Artist Of The Year,” and zero tolerance for discrimination. Since appearing on Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, they have appeared as a guest panelist on VH1’s Black Girl Beauty, Meet The Browns, The Sherry Vine Show, Gogo for the Gold, and their own 4-season running show Dafuq on Out TV. Honey will appear in the highly anticipated short film All Boys Do, and they were featured in a Global ad campaign by Trustpilot in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Davenport’s digital content was featured in Rolling Stone, Pink News, and Billboard, who called them a “practical master class.” Honey is also a cast member in the feature-length film God Save the Queens, currently available on Prime Video.

Honey Davenport’s Off-Broadway theatre credits include leading roles in The Electric Highway and Trinkets, as well as a major role in The Orion Experience. They also performed in the Broadway national tour of Hairspray. New York Magazine has called Davenport one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Drag Queens in America, Paper Magazine called them “A New York Icon,” and RuPaul’s Drag Race declared Davenport “Legendary.”

Beyond the stage, Honey is the founder of Honey’s Hose, a groundbreaking line of tights designed specifically for the drag community. This venture is Honey’s personal mission to create a world where every performer, regardless of their size, shape, or shade, feels empowered and celebrated. Honey’s Hose is a testament to inclusivity and a direct response to the community’s need for high-quality, diverse products. The journey of building this brand was made possible with the invaluable support of local Palm Springs business accelerator programs like the Caravanserai Project and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

As a vibrant Palm Springs leather enthusiast and a proud new pledge of PSLOD since July 2025, Honey has wholeheartedly embraced a journey of sexual freedom and self-expression. Their exploration of the leather lifestyle has ignited a profound passion, leading them to actively immerse themselves in the community. Through attending and volunteering at local and national leather events, Honey has deepened their understanding of leather traditions. This personal journey adds a layer of depth to their public persona, showcasing a performer dedicated to their art and to living a truly authentic. Honey is also the current Mr Palm Springs Leather 2026.

Ben Calderon

Ben Calderon moved to Phoenix in July 2001, not yet realizing that his passion for leather would grow into what it is today. A regular at Anvil, he competed in the 2024 Mr. Anvil contest, earning the title of 1st Runner-Up. After careful consideration about returning for another run, he decided to step back into the competition—and went on to win the coveted title of Mr. Anvil Phoenix 2025.

Ben is a member of Arizona Men of Leather and is set to take over as Events Coordinator in June 2025, following the completion of his International Mr. Leather run.

Joe Connolly

Joe Connolly started his leather journey through the Detroit Leather community starting in 1995 where he met his future husband Terry Pochert (Mr. Southwest Leather Daddy 2024). In 1997, Terry and Joe moved to AZ.

In 2024, after Terry won his title, Joe won the Mr. Nu Towne Leather 2024 title. Together they attended IML 47, Class of 2025 in Chicago as the first married leather couple from AZ to compete together.

Joe and his husband Terry married in 2008 in California only to find AZ would not recognize the marriage. In 2014, Joe and Terry were the lead plaintiffs in a grassroots effort to overturn the ban on same sex marriage in AZ. AZ same-sex marriages began on 10/17/2014 eight months before the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision at the Supreme Court. Their case was a footnote in this historic decision.

Joe’s love for electricity play earned him the nickname “Shocka Conn” from his club brothers in the Arizona Men of Leather (AZMOL). He is also an associate member of Arizona Leather Bears and Cubs (ALBAC).

He identifies as Leather, Bear, Top, Dom, Master, Daddy, Coach and Mentor. He looks for long-term connections, is Poz-friendly and Trans-friendly. Welcoming is the cornerstone of his participation in the Leather/BDSM community to pay it forward and honor the men who welcomed him early in his journey.

Billy Lane

Billy Lane is a sober gay Leatherman with a trans history. He is as passionate about preserving and celebrating Leather history as he is about hot BDSM sex. Billy joined the Board of Directors of the Leather Archives and Museum in 2019 and currently serves as President.

After working in the Leather community as a volunteer for many years, Billy won Seattle Mr. Leather in 1998. Later that year he stepped back on stage to compete for International Mr. Leather XX as the first openly trans contestant and placed in the top ten. As a contestant and community leader, Billy advocated for inclusion of gay trans leathermen in gay male BDSM spaces, clubs, and contests.

Billy served for over 20 years as IML Judges’ Coordinator before transitioning to his current role as IMLBB Director of Sponsorships and Fundraising. He is also a very active Chairman Emeritus of Delta Brotherhood International and a member of the 15 Association. Over the years, Billy has received numerous awards from various organizations, recognizing his volunteer work and leadership within the Leather community.

Since 2004, Billy has lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his husband, John Brook. His collared boy, Alex Torres, lives in Dallas and among other things, assists his Daddy Billy with IMLBB Sponsorships. Billy loves travel, BDSM (with too many hanky colors to list), trail running and smoking a good cigar with friends.