Photos 2 & 3: Photos of Joseph by Anthony Arpino.)
FIFTY MILES “OFF BROADWAY”:
Joseph Aponte, Mr. Long Island Leather 2011, Speaks About His New Year.
It is a well-known fact that “The Eagle” is one of the most common names-- if not THE most common name-- for Leathermen’s bars across the country, with the newest Eagle recently opening in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (No, I haven’t been there yet!) Exactly 47.73 miles east of the essential New York City Eagle is one of its brother bars, The Long Island Eagle, in the town of Bay Shore. Long Island’s sole Leather and Levi bar is also Home Bar to The Long Island Ravens M.C., the Island’s 19-year old Leather brotherhood which engages in an impressive number of philanthropic and social events throughout the year. The Mr. Long Island Leather Contest, after going on hiatus for a few years, was revived by The Ravens on Saturday, November 13th. It was a night which saw the intimate Long Island watering hole packed like a can of sardines. (Make that a can of hot, hairy, and horny sardines!) Talk about “suburban spice”! Four Contestants vied for the envied Title, and the Winner was 34-year old Joseph Aponte, a native of Bay Shore and a Pledge for the Ravens. The statuesque yet soft-spoken Winner talked to Jed Ryan about his year ahead as Mr. Long Island Leather 2011:
JR: Congratulations on your new Title, Joseph. What first came into your mind when they announced your name as Winner?
JA: Thanks Jed. I have to admit I didn’t hear my name being called. It was very loud in the bar that night. I took my cues from the audience. When they announced Second Runner Up, I had to look at where everyone‘s eyes looked. Same thing happened with First Runner Up. When it was time to announce the Winner, I saw the eyes look at me and I was like, “Oh crap, how am I going to step up on stage and not stumble?” Leather pants are VERY tight. It was very unexpected and wonderful to be chosen Mr. Long Island Leather 2011.
JR: In New York City, gay male culture is usually about looking for the next new big thing waiting to happen. A lot of guys with that mentality, especially the younger guys, may tend to look at the Leather lifestyle, with its respect for tradition and history, as “out of date” or “vintage“. What would you say to them?
JA: I like to think that the percentage of guys who think that is small. Leather and the Leather lifestyle is making a resurgence. Unfortunately, with all that history and tradition, is can be a bit intimidating. I’ve had guys talk to be at the bar and will admit to being interested or “intrigued”, but never knew anyone who was into the scene. It just takes that connection. That’s part of my responsibility, as Mr. Long Island Leather: to represent everyone, gay and straight, and to show what being in the Leather community really is.
JR: So, part of your responsibility as Mr. Long Island Leather will be to raise money for philanthropic causes. What are your ideas for some new, creative fundraising methods?
JA: During my time as Mr. Long Island Leather, I want to work with all the groups on our little island. I would love to do a project with Violet Storm or Ruby Diamond. Two groups that can come together for a common goal can be very powerful. I would even throw out a challenge for other groups for a volleyball tournament. What a great opportunity to make us more visible and to raise money: Gay Men‘s Chorus versus the Leathermen versus the Gay Bowling League versus the drag queens!
JR: (Laughs.) I think I see a future LOGO reality show in the works! Now, what can every man and woman of the Leather Nation do, on a day to day basis, to keep the community thriving?
JA: The simplest thing typically is the best. We can all be visible. Wear your leather. Put that Leather Pride sticker on your car. Go to dinner and be proud to have your pins on.
JR: How true. So, where are some of the events in the next few months where people can meet you in person? JA: If anyone wants to meet me, they just have to come out to the Long Island Eagle in Bay Shore any Sunday night. I’m there just about every Sunday night to unwind before my week starts. I will be at Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend in Washington, D.C. this weekend for the Centaurs M.C. annual Contest. March is going to be a great month for all of those tired from the cold and snow. I will be celebrating my birthday with a big bash and I am opening up the invite list to EVERYONE! As soon as I confirm the place, the details will be released. March is also the Long Island Ravens M.C. 19th Anniversary. I will be there for a weekend of leather, fun, and friends at their annual run held in Ronkonkoma, Long Island. Anyone who would like to follow where I will be at, or who are interested in attending any of these events, should check my Facebook page. My page name is my Title or they can look at my sponsor club’s website: www.LongIslandRavensMC.org. I will be at all of their events.
JR: Leathermen are often seen as the epitome of masculinity and sexiness. As a new role model and ambassador for the Leather community, I ask you: What do you personally find sexy in a guy?
JA: I find so many things sexy in a guy. What might surprise some people is that I am a very shy person, so a guy who is outgoing is very sexy. I have always liked guys who can be themselves in front of a room full of people. If we are talking what I find sexy physically, it’s a guy’s mouth. If I meet a guy at a bar and he is smiling and we are vibing, I can’t help but stare into his lips and see how kissable they are… and if they ARE kissable, there is no telling where that may end up.
JR: Nice! Finally--as an animal lover, I have to ask: What makes the best pet for a Leatherman? We’re talking NON-HUMAN pets now!
JA: Hmmm… as a Leatherman with a full-time job and an active life, I would love to say “goldfish“-- just drop in the food and go. As a man with a heart, I have to admit to loving dogs. I have two large labs. I adopted them as resources from a shelter in New Jersey. They love long walks, rides in the car, swimming in the pool, or lounging around the house as much as I do. The best part is when I come home from the bar; they are there to make me feel loved.
Show Joseph some love on his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mr-Long-Island-Leather-2011/140791172641902. See more about Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend in Washington, D.C. at www.LeatherWeekend.com.
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