Treasure Island Media BANNED from IML
We received this very interesting email from a former IML title holder and member of International Mr. Leather's board of director's. He alerted us that we've been banned from IML.
Well you can add IML to the growing list of entities who feel we are simply too hot or too bad to be associated with.
Let us know what you think about this in the comments section. Read on below...
TO: Paul Morris, Treasure Island Media
Sir:
As you are probably aware, the following policy was adopted by the IML board, and is effective immediately:
"To that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities." (I have attached the entire letter at the end of this email.)
This is a very pointed ban, targeting your company specifically. I have publicly called for the ban to be repealed, but my voice carries little, to no weight with the elite in our community. It appears this ban would logically apply to vendors selling poppers, non-latex friendly lubes, and vendors selling publications that might describe or depict bareback sex. That's a LOT of vendors. That is, if the policy is enforced evenly.
However, I suspect you could make a little hay with this? I am sure you guys are pretty creative, but a few themes are suggested for your advertising:
TOO HOT FOR IML!
BANNED AT IML!
SEE WHAT THE PRODUCERS OF IML DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE!
That kind of thing. Given IML's reputation, I suspect anything banned by them would be an endorsement of your DVD's. Therefore I would treat this as a marketing opportunity to greatly expand your base of loyal customers.
I remain, your happy repeat customer.
signed: IML title holder
(we have removed his name to protect his identity from IML)
(this is the actual letter from IML)
International Mr. Leather, Inc.
Dear Vendors:
On behalf of International Mr. Leather, Inc., I would like to thank you for your past support and in particular for your participation as a vendor in our annual Leather Market. We are writing you today to inform you of a policy change affecting next year (2010) and all future markets.
Though we are now three decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, no cure has been found. The CDC and local health officials inform us that new infections are on the rise. And, while we have had some success developing medications that might make infection more manageable, that accomplishment comes at a price. Not having experienced the deaths - the loss of loved ones -- which preceded these medications, we have an entire generation who may not fully appreciate or comprehend the severity of the situation.
Too many in our community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it is our duty to inform and educate. Several years ago when “Meth” was the scourge of our community, IML drew a line in the sand and raised awareness and used all our influence to try and stop this addictive madness. As is the case with HIV/AIDS, we believe it is our further obligation to do everything in our power to prevent future infections.
To that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities.
This policy takes effect immediately.
Sincerely,
Chuck Renslow, President
International Mr. Leather
And be sure to check out Dark Alley Media's response here.
Well you can add IML to the growing list of entities who feel we are simply too hot or too bad to be associated with.
Let us know what you think about this in the comments section. Read on below...
TO: Paul Morris, Treasure Island Media
Sir:
As you are probably aware, the following policy was adopted by the IML board, and is effective immediately:
"To that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities." (I have attached the entire letter at the end of this email.)
This is a very pointed ban, targeting your company specifically. I have publicly called for the ban to be repealed, but my voice carries little, to no weight with the elite in our community. It appears this ban would logically apply to vendors selling poppers, non-latex friendly lubes, and vendors selling publications that might describe or depict bareback sex. That's a LOT of vendors. That is, if the policy is enforced evenly.
However, I suspect you could make a little hay with this? I am sure you guys are pretty creative, but a few themes are suggested for your advertising:
TOO HOT FOR IML!
BANNED AT IML!
SEE WHAT THE PRODUCERS OF IML DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE!
That kind of thing. Given IML's reputation, I suspect anything banned by them would be an endorsement of your DVD's. Therefore I would treat this as a marketing opportunity to greatly expand your base of loyal customers.
I remain, your happy repeat customer.
signed: IML title holder
(we have removed his name to protect his identity from IML)
(this is the actual letter from IML)
International Mr. Leather, Inc.
Dear Vendors:
On behalf of International Mr. Leather, Inc., I would like to thank you for your past support and in particular for your participation as a vendor in our annual Leather Market. We are writing you today to inform you of a policy change affecting next year (2010) and all future markets.
Though we are now three decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, no cure has been found. The CDC and local health officials inform us that new infections are on the rise. And, while we have had some success developing medications that might make infection more manageable, that accomplishment comes at a price. Not having experienced the deaths - the loss of loved ones -- which preceded these medications, we have an entire generation who may not fully appreciate or comprehend the severity of the situation.
Too many in our community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it is our duty to inform and educate. Several years ago when “Meth” was the scourge of our community, IML drew a line in the sand and raised awareness and used all our influence to try and stop this addictive madness. As is the case with HIV/AIDS, we believe it is our further obligation to do everything in our power to prevent future infections.
To that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities.
This policy takes effect immediately.
Sincerely,
Chuck Renslow, President
International Mr. Leather
And be sure to check out Dark Alley Media's response here.
posted by Hank Stanford at 10:55 AM
32 Comments:
The IML board are just a bunch of hypocrites and cowards.
Everyone knows that IML is one gigantic barebacking festival.
I am really getting sick of so-called "tough" leathermen that are just a bunch of pussies.
Yes, my comment is anonymous. But, I'm a submissive. I expect more from so-called dominants.
They are losers. If you are banned, then I consider myself banned, and will not participate with any entity that does business with IML.
Sincerely,
Gregg Canary
This post has been removed by the author.
Fascists.
No wonder they like uniforms.
okay u muscle marys get off the cross cause we gay men like the wood bare
This is a matter if informed individual choice. Orwellian dictate enforcing politically correct behavior assumes one behavioral norm superior to all others. There is noting superior to my big fat honkin dick or my big stretched-out muscle kunt. Group think is so last decade.
Clap, clap,clap and clap.
It's interesting. I kinda liken it to the abortion debt. If it was outlawed tomorrow it still would happen in a more dangerous environment.
I think a great opportunity to educated people and let them make choices.
manchurian candidate. TIM should put in there own manchurian candidate next year. Just to see how far he gets.
Seriously??? come on IML, each person chooses to either bareback or play safe. Sounds like IML board has turned to the religous repulican party, hmmmmmm
T.I.M, I support you, always have and always will.
Maybe we should start another leather organization for REAL MEN. I vote for Paul Morris to be President. :)
Yes.
Take fucking responsibilities.
And instead of being cynical, try to really use your brain and your heart.
HIV is a plague.
Still.
Vin
I have attended IML for literally years, having scaled back due the economy in the past 2 years. In years past I have invited friends to come and share my room (I friend did likewise for me this year).
I have spent HUNDREDS, even THOUSANDS of dollars on gear at the market over the years. Now I will just do that on-line or in person at the vendors.
I am planning to watch for the list of vendors at the 2010 Market and will NOT buy from them going forward - they should be supporting TI and the other bb vendors.
Well, 1st-what a crock of shit! IML oozes BB sex EVERYWHERE!!
What the hell were they thinking? What a bunch of hypocrites! IML is all about BB...and don't fucking deny it! That is there $$$ maker!
2nd-GOOD FOR YOU! Your sales have just boomed with endless possibilities for marketing-and I quote from your post as the IML title holder who hit it right on the pucker said:
"TOO HOT FOR IML!"
"BANNED AT IML!"
"SEE WHAT THE PRODUCERS OF IML DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE!"
So, as long time buyer, fan and supporter of TIM dvd's anything that would say..."Too hot for IML", or something like that, would peak my interest in a second and I'm sure just about everyone else who visit's your site!! LMAO-thanks IML for the free marketing for T.I.M.
It's about damn time someone put their foot down! This barebacking has got to stop. You people are killing each other. Bareback porn should be outlawed. You're just a bunch of sick people who need help. Thank GOD Chuck Renslow has stepped up and done something about it.
I agree with the previous posting.
It's about time someone did something about the rampant lack of caring in our community. Barebacking should be a criminal act and OUTLAWED!!! Don't you guys know what you are doing to yourselves and our community?!
Every study done on the effects of pornography, starting w/ Nixons in the early 1970s, has come to the same conclusion. Porn consumption does not affect behavior, but behavior might effect porn consumption. IML's stand is hypocritical and short sighted. Considering the extreme kinds of porn available at IML, it seems odd to draw the line on BB porn rather than scat porn, which seems to me an even more medically unhealthy behavior.
Would barebacking seem so hot and delightful if you knew you were going to have to pay entirely out of pocket for your HIV meds, instead of having them heavily subsidized by taxpayers and/or other health-insurance customers?
Also... does Paul Morris actually like being homosexual?
I never got to attend IML, but I was hoping to next year, specifically because of TIM, and all they hype I heard from friends that attended who are avid BBer's. Definately, won't be going now. TIM vids are the best! Why dosn't TIM start there own Leatherfest?? BTW I'm still trying to get in one of those vids!! lol -Rod
I am equally disappointed with the decision of Chuck Renslow and the IML executive committee for this bigoted, discriminatory choice they have made. As adults, It was my belief that we had freedom of choice as far as what we do with our bodies. So does Chuck plan on changing all of his Pro-Choice positions, or just this one? Choosing to further marginalize a major segment of Leather folk seems to be part of another self serving interest on the part of the IML Executive Committee and Chuck Renslow. I had intended on going to IML for 2010, but would rather spend my money where I can feel more welcome and less marginalized. I will be posting more details of my opinion on the subject and more accurately represent the CDC report findings than the incomplete blurb Chuck Resnlow referenced. It will soon be posted first at my profile blog at http://www.men4bareback.com/VersPozApopkaGuy
Sincerely,
Larry Everett
IML ‘95
Way to go IML! Great to finally see a major voice taking a stand against the commercialization---and perpetuation---of unsafe sex. This is the beginning of a backlash against the barebacking industry that is LONG overdue....
It only proves what we've seen over the last few years, that IML is consistently becoming more and more tame, less edgy and more sales driven. When I think of the fetish gear I can buy at IML, I didn't think it'd be stained glass, scented candles and rainbow T-shirts!
There's a big opportunity to step up and claim the title of fetish event from this once-was. It's sad that we have to go 'underground' within our own community, though.
This reeks of "appearing to do the right thing" whilst not actually caring enough about doing the EFFECTIVE thing with regard to hiv prevention.
This tells me that personal individuals ( like myself ) who chooses to practice bareback sex with consenting adults are also not welcome at the IML (which to me the event is nothing more that a beauty pageant with a twist). Also instead of targeting a ban at us, they should re-direct that attention at AIDS Service Organizations (ASO). If the new HIV infections are on the rise (according to the CDC) It tells me that the ASO's are failing miserably with their prevention strategies campaigns. It amazes me that at this stage of the game the stigmatization and vilification of People living HIV/AIDS still very well present to this day, and what makes it even worse is that it is coming from within our community
This reeks of "appearing to do the right thing" whilst not actually caring enough about doing the EFFECTIVE thing with regard to hiv prevention.
Well, don't keep us in suspense, dude -- apart from not providing a free forum to pr0n that glorifies the very activity responsible for 99% of all man2man HIV transmission in the entire history of the epidemic, what ELSE can be "the effective thing" with regard to HIV prevention?
Using my telepathic powers, I predict that your answer will have something to do with "throwing other people's tax dollars at the problem while never ever ever being judgmental towards thy gay brethren" -- because to be judgmental about another gay man's sexual choices is a far worse sin than to give him a very serious and sometimes lethal infection by agreeing to fuck him in the ass without a condom.
Again, I ask: Does Paul Morris actually like being a homosexual man? Because I myself feel utterly blessed by G-d to be a cock-lovin' homo, and I don't appreciate guys like Morris who set such appallingly bad examples of behavior for young gay men. For profit.
Very disappointed in IML. I really believe this is a private decision between the partie's having the actual sex. Like other comments I've read, HEY IML , WHY STOP HERE??? As a man who has attended IML, in my expeirance, no on was interested on anything but sex. Plain and simple. Why do they feel they need to pick and choose who they attack??? I feel as though I am no longer welcomed there and will not attend anymore.
WTF? Censorship? I think so.
I hosted BB parties at IML for several years till last year was hold off due economy crisis. In 2010 I am reconsidering to attend IML but won't spend $$$ anything except OUR party.
Shame on Chuck Renslow and his narrowed mind people.
Next thing they'll ban vendors that sell videos showing smoking.
If you want to bareback, fine. If you don't, that's OK too. But this edict from the IML powers that be is ridiculous.
I say if you can't have a booth, sneak in a camera and make a hot and dirty flick within the Mart. I bet you could pull it off... if anyone can, our hero Paul can.
FIRST OF ALL ALL YOU GAY MEN OUT THERE WHO ARE POZ AND CONTINUE TO HAVE UNSAFE SEX AND KEEP INFECTING OTHERS WITH NOT ONLY HIV BUT WITH SYPHILIS,HERPES AND GONORRHEA AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE ARE TRULY SICK IN THE BODY AS WELL AS THE MIND . BUT WE ALL HAVE OUR CHOICES AND SAFE SEX IS THE BEST WAY UNTILL WE GET A HANDLE ON THIS DISEASE AND IT CAN BE CURED THEN WE CAN GO BACK TO BARE BACKING ,UNTIL THEN SUBSTAIN FROM IT ,UNLES YOUR DOING IT WITH YOUR PARTNER YOU TRUST .FRANKLY I AM TIED OF RUNNING TO THE CLINIC EVERY TIME I FUCK SOME BOTTOM WITH STD'S AND THEY DO NOT KNOW IT ,OR THEY DO BUT DO NOT CARE SO USE A CONDOM AND ALL YO GUYS WITH NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SHOULD KEEP QUIET . I USE A CONDOM ALL THE TIME AND LET ME TELL ,THAT WORN OUT EXCUSE MY DICK DOES NOT STAY HARD WITH A CONDOM ON IS B/S IF THE MAN YOUR WITH TURNS YOU ON YOUR DICK WILL STAY HARD WITH IT ON
For what it cost to go to IML you could do a couple of other trips and have a better time. I bet a TIM week-end would be a sell out and a lot less commercial.
I've been to IML. It was a royal pain. Hotel reservations, tickets, waiting in line, limited attendance/special invitation events, parking, standing room only, etc., etc. I think this is great! We can use our resources to go to other events around the country more suited to us and IML can have the leftovers.
TBRU would welcome you as a vendor and/or sponsor.
I love your videos and will continue to support your business.
If you'd be interested in vending at TBRU in Dallas, feel free to e-mail me at dallascub@sbcglobal.net
Opulently I agree but I about the brief should prepare more info then it has.
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