By Cory David
Mr. Eagle WM 2020 / 2021
The Eagle tradition continues, a new Mr. Eagle rises from the ashes of a pandemic. Congratulations Kevin Bubba, Mr. Eagle 2022, a well-deserved win through a truly competitive race. Kevin Bubba will represent Eagle, the Leather and Wilton Manors, FL community very well. His passion for service and pride for leather is a perfect match. The leather title is passed yearly, with the past Mr Eagle stepping down, but gaining a title “Son.” I am the proud Title Dad of my newly crowned Mr. Eagle WM.
The win of Mr. Eagle WM was one of the most ultimate experiences in my life. I know Kevin Bubba has shared the same feelings. The energy from the Eagle management, staff, and our community embracing your achievement overwhelms you in love. Ideas flowing, excited emotions, and adrenaline pumping, keeps you on that emotional rollercoaster. There is one thing that hopefully will be different for him.
March 2020, “shelter in place,” our new normal, with the world suffering, not seeing our community, and feeling lost, thinking as most, “What do we do?”
My professional, title, and social lives were at a standstill and I seemed to be consistently glued to CNN. Finally saying, “This isn’t going to define me.” I asked several Leather Brothers for help. We formed a committee, planning our post pandemic world.
Next, I met with OutClique’s publisher Steven Evans in hopes he would allow me to write the Leather Almanac. Without hesitation, he said yes, giving me an opportunity to educate, and bring you stories about our community. The article launched, the Eagle opened and the events fell into place. And through the ashes came light.
There aren’t words to express the gratitude and love I feel for my Eagle Family, Management and Staff, the greatest team anywhere, so blessed! And to my amazing friends, for your support, love and laughter, what would I have done without you!
Marty, Erich, Kent, Chris, DeMarcus, Speyder, James, Skye, Cody, and Sandy Mama. We all grew together during this moment in time. You realize who has your best interest at heart, during a once in a lifetime moment.
When that obstacle or challenge seems too large, or unmanageable, tell someone. Your friends and community are here. This message is directed to everyone that feels overwhelmed or lost, we are here for you.
Because of the Pandemic, I now get to attend and compete at International Mr. Leather this May alongside my Title Son. I am so excited for us to experience this together, it’s an honor for us both, a history breaking moment in time, and the largest amount of Leather Men competing this May in Chicago.
