Ramien Pierre IML 2014-Step Aside Speech

"Growing up gay isn’t easy Growing up in leather is even harder We’ve come a long way But we have a lot further to go. Whether in leather or lace Whether in white collar or blue We need to talk to each other To try to understand each other To work together To strengthen the bonds we have already fashioned If we use our god-given gifts: Our intellects to know what is right Our wills to do what is right with compassion and love We better ourselves And the world around us. As International Mr. Leather I hope to bring all minorities together In the brotherhood we share"