Master/slave Conference 2009
makes its way in history
The sixth annual Master/slave Conference (MsC) became a historic event when more than 400 Leather Masters and slaves from all around the country gathered in Washington, DC over Labor Day Weekend - September 4-7, 2009 - for an event full of history and traditions.
The educational event included over 50 classes and roundtables, authors, a keynote speech by Laura Antoniou and a special presentation by Gay Leather Icon Guy Baldwin.
The event served as a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the International Master/slave Weekend, also known as MAsT ’99 or Atlanta ’99, held in Atlanta in March 1999 and considered the first comprehensive educational event focused on Master/slave relationships. The MsC 2009 producers paid tribute to the producers of that historic event, which included Master Roger Curtman, Master Doug Harris, Guy Baldwin, Ms Susan Walens and Wayne Brawner.
The producers of MAsT ’99 presented Master Taino, the producer of MsC 2009, with a plaque in recognition “for His long, steadfast and passionate efforts to ensure ‘The Guard Continues’.”
Guy Baldwin was honored with the first Master/slave Heritage Award. The award will now bear Baldwin’s name and the first recipient of the Guy Baldwin Master/slave Heritage Award was Master Roger Curtman. Baldwin was also presented with a Master/slave Flag and a collection of essays written by a group of slaves based on his book “SlaveCraft”.
The Conference was dedicated to Master Jack McG, a pillar of the BDSM and Master/slave communities who passed away this year on August 18 after heart surgery. Master Jack served three years as Vice-President of MTTA, Inc, the non-profit organization which produces the Master/slave Conference. He also was honored posthumously with the “Excellence in Education Award”. The award was received by his son Alex, and his two slaves, justin and elizabeth. MTTA announced that henceforth the award will bear Master Jack’s name.
Master Tip from New York City was the new recipient of the Master Heart Award 2009, while slave orja from Pennsylvania received the slave Heart Award 2009. slave david stein from New York City was honored with the “Sir Steve Community Service Award” and slave sandy received the “slave bill Volunteer Award”.
For the fourth consecutive year, MsC served as the home for Vi Johnson’s Leather History Library. This year, the Library was crowded non-stop, a clear signal of the interest of attendees in learning our history.
The faculty of MsC 2009 included, besides Antoniou, Baldwin, stein and Johnson, presenters from all around the country like Master Skip Chasey, Master Z, Jay Wiseman, Mistress Suzan and slave ziggy, Master Larry and slave barb, Sir Stephen and slave catherine, Lady Catherine Gross, Master Scott, slavette, Master David, Master Taino and Lady Lynette, among many others.
The event also raised $1,326.00 for the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago and $1,173.94 for Brother Help Thyself (BHT), a local gay charity.
Northeast Master/slave Contest
The Maser/slave Conference 2009 was also the host of the Northeast Master/slave Contest. Master Steve and slave tami of Delaware are the titleholders and they will represented the Northeast Region at the International Contest in Dallas in February 2010.
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Master Rorie and slave Suzanne from Maryland and Dama and slave into from Virginia also participated in the contest.
Representing a first for a Master/slave Contest, the panel of judges included six international Master/slave titleholders, led by Master Larry, International Master 2007, who was the head judge. The other judges were Master Roger Curtman, International Master 1997, Mistress Suzan Manning, International Master 2006, Mistress Khiki, International Master 1999, tom stice, International slave 1995, slavette, International slave 2002 and slave Alia, from the Southwest Leather Conference.
Photos
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| Event Co-Chairs, Lady Lynette and Sir Stephen | Emcees, slave ziggy and Master Z |
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| Keynote Speaker, Laura Antoniou | Special Guest, Guy Baldwin |
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| girl nancy presents Master/slave Flag to Guy Baldwin | Guy Baldwin, Master Taino, and Master Roger Curtman |
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| Art of slavery group presents reflections on Slavecraft to Guy Baldwin | Master Skip Chasey |
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| Master Taino | Master Taino receives recognition award |
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| Master Doug receives quilt | Education Award for Master Jack McGeorge received by slaves elizabeth and justin, and son Alex |
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| paying respects at Master Jack's memorial | slave justin presents Master Jack's vest to the Leather Archives and Museum |
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| 2009 NE Master/slave Contestants | 2009 NE Master/slave Titleholders |
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| Master Tip receives Master Heart Award | slave orja receives slave Heart Award |
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| slave david stein receives Community Service Award | slave lyric receives Volunteer Award |