San Francisco Leather
Mr. San Francisco Leather Weekend
March 20th-22nd, 2026
The awarding of the Mr. San Francisco Leather title began in 1982, igniting a tradition that has stood the test of time. Over 43 remarkable years, this cherished contest has only missed five opportunities to bring our community together.
As the second-longest-running title after IML, Mr. San Francisco Leather represents more than a contest; it’s a symbol of resilience, camaraderie, and passion.
In Loving Memory of Garry McLain
aka Absolute Empress 25 of San Francisco
Garry McLain
Aka Absolute Empress 25 of San Francisco Marlena
For over two decades, Garry McLain — lovingly known to all as Marlena — created a home, a haven, and a heartbeat for San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. As the proud owner of Marlena’s Bar for 23 unforgettable years, Garry built more than a business; he built a community. From the Imperial Court to the Gay Rodeo, from queens and cowboys to leather and lace, Marlena’s was a place where everyone belonged — a place that shone with love, laughter, and acceptance.
A visionary with a generous spirit, Garry started the Mr. Hayes Valley Leather Contest, which ran for 11 proud years, celebrating diversity and courage in all its forms. He gave each Mr. Hayes Valley Leather the opportunity to compete at IML.(International Mr. Leather.)
For those who were not in the Leather scene, the bar was also well known because every holiday season, Marlena’s transformed into a winter wonderland — over 1,000 Santa Clauses strong — where the magic of Christmas lived year-round in the sparkle of tinsel and the warmth of friendship.
Beyond the bar, Garry’s heart belonged to the things that brought him joy: the enchantment of Disney, the wonder of Harry Potter, and the thrill of cheering for his beloved San Francisco Giants. But most of all, his joy came from giving back — to his friends, his patrons, his city, and the community that he so deeply cherished.
Garry was loved and respected by all who knew him — a true San Francisco legend whose kindness, humor, and inclusivity will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the community he helped to shape.
May his spirit forever reign — with laughter, light, and a crown that will never fade.
Long live Marlena — Absolute Empress of San Francisco, forever in our hearts.