IML SPEECH FOR ANDY MANGELS
Below is the text of Andy Mangels' IML speech that was written for IML (but not presented), reproduced here with his permission.
Andy Mangels was Oregon State Mr. Leather, from Portland, Oregon
The left to the right are by Jazz Thomas, Don Hood, and backstage handlers.

There are many phrases we like to hear in this community, but a few we'd like to hear more.

"Do you want that last cookie?"

"No, those chaps don't make your ass look fat."

But the one phrase we don't hear enough that we really NEED to hear is only two words long.

"Thank You."

Not everyone has a title or climbs on stage and gets applause.
Not everyone wins awards.

But we are a community of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Those deeds make you, make US extraordinary people.

So I would like to say:

Thank you to all of you who paved the way for us, who were our founders, our mentors, our Rebels, and to all of you who work in political ways to gain more of our rights.

Thank You to all of you who volunteer at events, serve on boards, bootblack, and work behind the scenes.

Thank You to all of you who work at AIDS hospices, or hand out condoms and promote safer sex, or take care of friends who are sick and need help.

Thank You to all of you who protect each other in the bedroom, playrooms, and slings by playing safely.

Thank You to all of you who are Out and open and honest about your lives and your loves.

YOU are the heart and soul and strength of this community

To all the extraordinary people who make up this community, who work to make it a better place for all of us…

I say Thank You.

ANDY MANGELS
Mr. Oregon State Leather
www.blackoutleather.org
Personal Site
UniformMag@aol.com