Mid America Conference of Clubs

Iowa Leather Weekend 2026
2026-08-28 - 2026-08-30
ℹ️ What Is Iowa Leather Weekend

Iowa Leather Weekend began in 1988 as a simple contest for Mr. Iowa Leather. Over the years it expanded to include additional titles — Ms. Iowa Leather, Mr. Iowa Bear, and Iowa Pet — turning the event into a full-scale celebration of the fetish, leather, bear, pet, and kink communities.
ILW is hosted by The Blazing Saddle — Iowa’s oldest gay bar, located in the East Village of Downtown Des Moines.

📆 2026 Details & Timing

For 2026, Iowa Leather Weekend is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM CDT.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, August 30, 2026, making it a three-day event.

🎉 What Happens at ILW — Events, Contests & Socials
ILW is much more than a title contest weekend. It’s a full community gathering combining events, socials, contests, vendor-mart, and more:

Title Contests: During the weekend ILW awards the titles of Mr. and Ms. Iowa Leather, Mr. Iowa Bear, and Iowa Pet. Winner-holders go on to represent Iowa in various regional and national competitions.
Social Events & Themed Parties: Expect events such as a Cigar Smoke-Out, a Grill Out, Rubbermen Meet-Ups, Pet “moshes” or socials (for pet/pup-play community), and other themed gatherings.
3-Day Vendor Mart: A large vendor marketplace offering leather gear, fetish wear, accessories, and more. Many attendees look forward to this as a chance to browse, shop, and connect with vendors from across the region.
Community & Charity Engagement: ILW maintains strong community ties — their website lists a broad range of community partners including LGBTQ+ support organizations, Pride groups, health and social-justice/nonprofit organizations, showing that ILW is more than socializing — it’s also about solidarity, support, and giving back.
Victory Party & Closing Events: At the end of the weekend, ILW hosts a Victory Party and other closing events to honor contest winners and celebrate the community together.

🤝 Why ILW Matters — Community, Culture & History

ILW is one of the longest-running leather/fetish events in the Midwest. Its history stretches back decades, evolving from a single-title contest into a multifaceted community event.
It provides a regional gathering point for people involved in leather, bear, pet, kink, fetish — whether newcomers or long-time community members. For many, ILW is about connection, acceptance, and shared identity.
ILW fosters community outreach and visibility. By partnering with advocacy, health, and social groups, it supports more than the social or fetish scene — it contributes to LGBTQ+ visibility, support networks, and broader community health and solidarity.
The event tradition helps sustain and grow leather/fetish culture in Iowa and surrounding regions — offering education, social bonding, safe spaces, and opportunities for personal expression.

Atons of Minneapolis present Gopher XXV Mount Olympus 🐻🐻
2026-09-10 - 2026-09-13
🐻 Atons of Minneapolis present Gopher XXV Mount Olympus
📅 September 10 to 13, 2026
📍 Norway Point Group Center, St. Croix State Park, Hinckley, Minnesota
The Atons of Minneapolis will host Gopher XXV Mount Olympus, a special four day leather run that celebrates both the 25th official Gopher Run and the 54th anniversary of the Atons. This weekend is designed to blend education, dungeon play, camaraderie, and a playful mythological theme inspired by Greek gods and heroes. The event is also being proposed as the site of the 2026 Fall MACC Meeting.
Event Theme and Highlights
Gopher XXV embraces a Mount Olympus theme that encourages fantasy, creativity, and community. The weekend will feature educational workshops during the day and dungeon spaces at night. Guests can expect a welcoming atmosphere filled with brotherhood, kink education, social bonding, and plenty of fun rooted in leather tradition.
Location
The run takes place at the Norway Point Group Center inside St. Croix State Park near Hinckley, Minnesota. The site is approximately 90 minutes north of Minneapolis. It is larger than the Whitewater Group Center used in previous years and is known historically as the longtime home of the Knights of Leather Tournament Run. Norway Point includes four separate “villages,” each with a lodge that will serve as workshop areas during the day and dungeon spaces after dark.
Accommodations
Included at no additional cost

Twenty eight rustic cabins that sleep eight people each. These are unpowered cabins.
Three cabins that sleep two people each.
Five powered buildings that sleep thirty people.
Optional upgrades

Two guest houses are available for groups that want a more comfortable stay.

Guest House 1 sleeps up to fifteen people, includes a full kitchen, and has two full bathrooms with showers on each floor.
Guest House 2 sleeps up to twelve people with the same amenities.

The upgrade cost is 235 dollars per night.
Cost and Meals
Pricing is expected to be similar to the 2024 run with adjustments for inflation and the extended schedule. The estimated cost is 225 to 275 dollars, which includes all meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast.
Accessibility
Accessible facilities at Norway Point include the A Village restroom, latrine, dining hall, and infirmary.
Wi-Fi Availability
Wi-Fi is available at the Norway Point mess hall, the park office, and the main campground’s visitor center.
Gopher XXV Mount Olympus promises a memorable experience filled with tradition, play, education, and leather community spirit. The Atons look forward to hosting guests and hope to welcome MACC for the Fall 2026 meeting.

About the Atons of Minneapolis
The Atons of Minneapolis, founded in 1972, are one of the longest running leather clubs in the United States. They are known for their commitment to brotherhood, leather culture, education, and community service. The Atons host social events, bar nights, fundraisers, and an annual run that brings together leather people from across the country. The club values inclusivity, respect, and camaraderie and is a proud member of the Mid America Conference of Clubs.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) 2026
2026-10-11
🌈 National Coming Out Day (NCOD)
📅 Observed every year on October 11

What Is National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day that honors the act of coming out, celebrates those who live openly, and supports people who are exploring or embracing their identities. It is both a day of visibility and a reminder that living authentically can be a powerful act of courage and liberation.
The day began in 1988, one year after the historic 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The founders believed that openness and visibility were essential tools for creating understanding and equality. Today the event is observed across the United States and in several countries around the world.
Why the Day Matters
National Coming Out Day creates space for LGBTQ+ people to share their stories, find support, and feel seen. For many, it is a day of pride, relief, empowerment, or reflection. It also encourages allies to stand in solidarity, listen, learn, and contribute to safer, more welcoming environments for everyone.
Coming out is different for every person. Some choose to come out publicly. Others come out only to close friends or family. Some never come out, and that is completely valid. NCOD emphasizes that every path is personal and worthy of respect. The message is simple: live authentically at your own pace, and know that you are supported.
How Communities Celebrate
Organizations, clubs, campuses, and LGBTQ+ centers often host events such as panel discussions, support gatherings, storytelling programs, marches, social events, and resource fairs. Online communities mark the day with posts, videos, and stories that uplift queer voices.
For many, NCOD is not only a celebration of identity. It is a reminder that visibility helps reduce stigma and builds a world where people can be open without fear.
Blue Max Perspective
For MACC Clubs National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to reaffirm values of inclusion, respect, and pride. It is a day to support members wherever they are in their journey, whether they are newly out, long out, still discerning, or simply choosing their own level of visibility.

International Pronouns Day 2026
2026-10-21
🌍 What Is International Pronouns Day
International Pronouns Day began in 2018 as a grassroots initiative to help normalize the practice of sharing and respecting people’s chosen pronouns.
The goal is to make the use of correct pronouns a common and respectful practice in everyday life. By doing so, the day supports dignity, inclusion, and acknowledgement of people’s gender identities — especially for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Many see pronouns as more than grammar — they are tied to identity, respect, and basic human dignity. Using a person’s correct pronouns (or using gender-neutral pronouns if requested) is a basic way to show respect and acceptance.

✅ Why the Day Matters

Using correct pronouns helps avoid assumptions about someone’s gender. For many transgender or nonbinary individuals, being spoken to using correct pronouns is affirming, validating, and dignified.
International Pronouns Day encourages environments where people feel safe to share their pronouns, which helps foster inclusion, respect, and visibility for gender-diverse individuals.
It’s also a day for allies — it invites people who may not themselves be transgender or nonbinary to reflect on their language and help normalize pronoun sharing in workplaces, schools, social groups, and communities.

🎯 Ways to Observe / Celebrate
Some common ways organizations or individuals commemorate International Pronouns Day:

Sharing your pronouns in social media profiles, email signatures, business cards, or name badges.
Holding informational or educational events: workshops, panel discussions, pronoun-sharing circles, or pronoun-awareness sessions.
Using hashtags (e.g. #PronounsDay or #InternationalPronounsDay) to promote visibility online.
Checking in with friends or colleagues: asking “What pronouns do you use?” — and modeling inclusivity by sharing your own pronouns first.
Recognizing that not everyone may want to share pronouns — respecting individual comfort levels and honoring privacy is part of the day’s spirit.

MACC Fall 2026 Executive Board Meeting
2026-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
You’re invited to join our next MACC Executive Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd from 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Central Time). This virtual meeting is an important opportunity for us to review club business, discuss upcoming initiatives, and continue planning for the exciting events ahead.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, October 23
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM (America/Chicago)

Rudis Leather Society — Colosseum Run & More
2026-10-30 - 2026-11-01
Colosseum Run — What It Is
Colosseum Run is Rudis’ flagship leather run — a major event that brings together members and guests from across the region to celebrate leather culture, community, and fellowship. The Run evokes the symbolism of ancient gladiatorial tradition: “Colosseum” as a nod to history and brotherhood, “Run” as a gathering of community, freedom, and shared identity.
At Colosseum Run, attendees can expect:

Social events and gatherings where leather, gear, and self-expression are welcomed and encouraged.
Opportunities for education through workshops or FET Talks covering leather history, safe practices, consent, and more.
Community building — meet others in the leather/kink community, build friendships, find mentors or allies, and support local culture.
A safe, inclusive environment where people of any gender or background are welcome to explore leather and kink with respect and mutual consent.

Rudis emphasizes that Colosseum Run — and all their events — are designed to welcome newcomers, those curious, and long-time leatherfolk alike. Whether you are experienced or exploring for the first time, the Society aims to help you feel comfortable, informed, and connected.

About Rudis Leather Society
Rudis Leather Society was established in 2016 to create a welcoming, inclusive, and judgment-free space for anyone interested in leather, kink, or fetish culture. The club took its name from the “rudis,” the wooden sword that Ancient Roman gladiators received to signify their freedom — symbolizing the club’s commitment to freedom of expression, self-discovery, and community.
From the start a “men’s leather society,” Rudis evolved quickly into a fully gender-inclusive organization, open to all adults regardless of background, orientation, or previous experience in leather culture. Their motto centers on three principles: Be Free, Educate, Create — encouraging personal expression, kink and leather education, and building a supportive community.
Rudis runs regular socials (in person and online), educational sessions, community events, and supports outreach to local organizations. They are also part of the broader regional network of clubs under Mid America Conference of Clubs (MACC).
Two of Rudis’ ongoing offerings are:

“FET Talks” (Fetish Education Teaching) — a series of workshops and information sessions on leather and kink culture, safety, consent, and community history. These talks aim to educate newcomers and provide resources for safer, informed exploration.

Regular Leather Socials, often held at their home bar (Bar:PM), usually every other Wednesday — a relaxed, welcoming environment where people can meet, socialize, and express themselves in gear if they choose.

MACC 2026 Fall Meeting
2026-10-31
The Mid-America Conference of Clubs (MACC), established in 1974, serves as an informational, educational, and social forum for leather and levi clubs in the Mid-America region. Its mission is to promote fellowship, mutual support, and cooperation among member organizations, fostering unity and diversity within the leather community, regardless of race, creed, religion, gender identity, or orientation.
Key Objectives of MACC:
•Information Sharing: Providing a platform for discussing issues affecting the region’s leather and levi clubs.
•Education: Offering resources and opportunities for learning within the community.
•Social Engagement: Facilitating events and gatherings to strengthen community bonds.
Member Clubs:
MACC comprises various member clubs dedicated to the leather community. Each club contributes to the collective mission of promoting unity and diversity. Details about individual member clubs can be found on MACC’s official website.
Events and Activities:
MACC organizes and participates in numerous events, including leather runs, meetings, and social gatherings, to support and celebrate the leather community. Upcoming events and news are regularly updated on their website.
For more information about MACC, its history, member clubs, and upcoming events, visit their official website: https://www.midamericaconferenceofclubs.org/.

Human Rights Day 2026
2026-12-10
Observed annually on December 10
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The UDHR is one of the most important documents in modern history—declaring that all people, everywhere, are entitled to basic rights and freedoms, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance.
This day is globally recognized and honored by civil rights organizations, LGBTQ+ groups, activists, and governments as a reminder that human rights must be defended every single day.

⭐ What the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Says

The UDHR outlines 30 fundamental rights and principles, including:

The right to life, liberty, and personal security
Freedom of expression, thought, identity, and belief
The right to privacy and bodily autonomy
Freedom from torture, cruelty, and degrading treatment
Equality before the law
The right to work, education, and healthcare
The right to assemble, organize, and participate in community life

These form the basis for modern civil rights protections around the world.

🌈 Why Human Rights Day Matters to LGBTQ+ Communities
The struggle for LGBTQ+ liberation—and leather/kink community visibility—has always been rooted in human rights. Human Rights Day emphasizes:
1. Equality + Non-Discrimination
Sexual orientation, gender identity, kink, relationship structure, and consensual adult expression are all areas where communities still experience discrimination.
2. Bodily Autonomy
A core human right connected to gender-affirming care, sexual freedom, reproductive rights, and personal expression.
3. Freedom of Expression
Essential for queer culture, leather culture, drag, kink communities, and personal pride.
4. Safety and Protection
Transgender women, LGBTQ+ youth, and queer people of color face disproportionate violence worldwide. Human Rights Day highlights the need to address this urgently.
5. Global Solidarity
In over 60+ countries, LGBTQ+ identities remain criminalized. Some regions still impose imprisonment or worse. Human Rights Day calls attention to these injustices and mobilizes advocacy.
