The world-famous International Mr Leather came to Chicago over Memorial Day weekend. The highlight of the festivities for many was the Sunday final to crown the winner of the prestigious title. The event has run since 1979.

Sixty-eight guys took part in the contest. They flew in from all over the world. René Hebert, representing Palm Springs in California, emerged as the eventual winner. The first runner-up was Zephyr Merkur (Mr Eagle NYC 2025 —

@anydeviation

on Instagram. Michael Tikili (representing Pittsburgh —

@rootednleathernat

) took the bronze position.


How about we take this to the next level?

Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.



Subscribe to our Newsletter today


Watch the moment below when Hebert found out that he’d won.


Earlier, as part of his presentation, Hebert gave a speech encouraging attendees to show support to the wider LGBTQ+ community. He told them to keep attending beer busts and drag shows at a time when some want to see us become invisible.



Hebert, 39, is based in Palm Springs.

“When they announced my name, I’m pretty sure I thought that I’d misheard,” he told
via email. “When it hit me that no, I really did win, a whole slew of emotions washed over me. Competing for IML has been a dream 16 years in the making for me, and even now it doesn’t feel real. I don’t know what this year has in store for me, but I just hope I get to the other end of it leaving the community in a better place.”


Sign up for the




newsletter


to stay on top of the hottest stories in LGBTQ+ entertainment, politics, and culture.