Today
Tom of Finland Co-founder Removed as Int. Mr. Leather Judge After Seen Wearing Nazi Regalia
READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Out Magazine reports that "International Mr. Leather – the world's oldest leather conference and competition – has removed Durk Dehner, a cofounder of the Tom of Finland Foundation, as one of its judges."
The action came after photographs of Dehner wearing Nazi regalia began circulating online. David Ronneberg, IML's executive director, announced the development in a Sunday Facebook post.
"I've been trying to write a post that isn't angry - but I am angry, very angry. New information that came to me this morning regarding one of the IML judges clearly indicates he is not fit to be part of our organization," he writes.
"Hate has no place at IML. Period, full stop.
"Anyone who wears hate-based imagery or symbols, whether Nazi regalia or a fucking MAGA hat – has NO place at the table, NO voice in the conversation, and can fuck right off.
"There is no gray area here.
"A most sincere thank you to everyone who brought this information to our attention. Thank you for holding us accountable and pushing us to do better. We must do better."
