Mr. Third Coast Leather – Misfits Houston

Mr. Third Coast Leather 2026

Contestant Application

Welcome

Congratulations and thank you for applying for the prestigious Mr. Third Coast Leather Contest. The Misfits Houston Brotherhood recognizes the Mr. Third Coast Leather title as one of the most respected leather titles in the Gulf Coast Region. The title represents not only an individual, but also the values, history, traditions, and future of the leather community. Competing for this title is both an honor and a responsibility. The individual selected as Mr. Third Coast Leather will serve as an ambassador for the Misfits Houston, the Gulf Coast leather community, and the broader leather community nationally and internationally. Our goal is to provide every contestant with a fair, professional, and memorable contest experience. We are committed to transparency, integrity, and respect throughout the entire process. We appreciate your willingness to step forward and represent yourself, your community, and the leather lifestyle.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Mr. Third Coast Leather Contest is to identify an individual who best represents:

Leadership
Integrity
Service
Leather Pride
Community Involvement
Personal Authenticity
Communication Skills

The winner should possess the ability to represent the title locally, regionally, nationally, and at International Mr. Leather Contest.

History of the Mr. Third Coast Leather Contest

The Mr. Third Coast Leather Contest was established in 2012 by the Misfits Houston as part of the inaugural GLUE Weekend celebration. Created to celebrate the diversity, strength, and evolution of the leather and fetish communities, GLUE Weekend was envisioned as a regional gathering that would bring together leather, gear, uniform, and other communities while strengthening connections throughout the Gulf Coast region.

From its beginning, the purpose of the Mr. Third Coast Leather title was to identify an individual who embodied the traditions, values, and future of the leather community. The title was created not simply as a competition, but as an opportunity to recognize leadership, community involvement, authenticity, and the ability to serve as an ambassador for the leather community.

The inaugural Mr. Third Coast Leather title was awarded in 2012 to Steven Parker, establishing a legacy that has continued through a distinguished group of titleholders representing the Gulf Coast leather community. Subsequent titleholders have included Austin Able (2013), Evan Leatherman (2014), Charlie Fragoso (2015), Michael Wilkesen (2016), Kendall Miley (2017), Joseph Wood (2018), and Drew Manning (2019). The title was not contested from 2020 through 2022 due to the cancellation of GLUE Weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic. The contest returned with new titleholders beginning in 2023.

Throughout its history, Mr. Third Coast Leather has served as a bridge between Houston, the Gulf Coast region, and the national leather community. Titleholders have represented the Misfits Houston and the Third Coast community at regional and national events, including the prestigious International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago, Illinois.

The Misfits Houston, founded in 1992, has a long-standing commitment to brotherhood, community service, education, and supporting the leather community. The organization has produced numerous fundraising and community events while maintaining a focus on preserving leather traditions and creating opportunities for connection and growth.

As the Mr. Third Coast Leather Contest moves into its next chapter, the Misfits Houston remains committed to honoring the history of the title while continuing to evolve the contest through transparency, fairness, accountability, and a renewed dedication to the values that have defined the leather community for generations.

The legacy of Mr. Third Coast Leather is not defined solely by the individuals who have worn the title—it is defined by the community they serve.

Contestant Eligibility

By completing the application you agree:

You are a cis-gender male or present as “male”
You are a resident of one of the Gulf Coast states or territory (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida)
You will be competing in my own leather (borrowed leather will be a disqualification)
You are at least 21 years of age
You are not a pledge, present or past member, lifetime member of the Misfits Houston organization.
You agree to endeavor to meet all of the expectations of the contest should you win
You have read the photographic release statement
To submit to a criminal background check

Contest Philosophy

The Mr. Third Coast Leather Contest is not simply a competition based on appearance or popularity. Judges are seeking an individual who demonstrates:

Leadership
Authenticity
Leather knowledge
Community involvement
Communication skills
Confidence
Integrity
The ability to represent the title professionally

The winner should be prepared to represent the Misfits Houston and the Mr. Third Coast Leather title at events throughout the year and, when applicable, at International Mr. Leather (IML) in Chicago, Illinois.