Tyler McCormick
Recently, we had a chance to chat with Tyler McCormick – the new Mister International Leather! Tyler is the first contestant from New Mexico, the first Transman, and the first contestant who is in wheelchair to take the title.
What was the first title you ran for?
Mr. Rio Grande Leather was the first title I ran for – I guess that makes me 2 for 2!
What made you run for the title?
I felt like my local community did not have a strong voice that was trying to keep it together, I felt like the “cliques” were retreating to their own corners. I wanted to continue building bridges and helping diverse groups work together.
Do you identify as a daddy? Master? boy?
I started out as a boy and today I identify as a Daddy.
How has transitioning influenced your leather journey?
Not that much really, I am just Tyler and everyone in my community sees me as one of the gay Leathermen and in the last few years as a community leader. Nobody at home cares that I’m trans.
What causes do you champion locally?
I work for New Mexico AIDS services and I love it. I enjoy going to work in the morning and it really keeps everything in perspective.
In this journey, have you had role models?
There are Leathermen and women I definitely look up to. Justin Tanis of TransEquality is definitely a role model.
What do you think made you Mr IML 2010?
I ran as Tyler and from everything I know the judges picked me for my heart. I’m humbled and honored that I won and I see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to do good work. I am all about finding your own path, so I want to demonstrate how I do that and encourage each community to look at their own path.
What went through your head when they were announcing the winners?
Well, I wasn’t third and then I wasn’t second so I figured Jaco had won.
And when they called your name?
I think I said oh my God about 20 times and then I just was truly humbled – because the prayer that my fiancé said right before the contest was “please help this man to show how he really is and put him on the path he needs to be on.
What does Mac think about being a sash widow?
We hate the term sash widow because I can’t do it without him, so we are calling him The First Cub of Leather. He is a wonderful man and I can’t imagine trying to take on this quest without him by my side.
Do people treat you differently?
There was some teasing when I first went back to work but then it all when back to normal.
When you look back on this year – what do you want to be remembered for?
I’d be happy with Tyler was a good IML or even Tyler did a good job considering that he had to follow Jeffrey. Jeffrey was one of the best IML’s ever. The IML organization is behind me living my dream. I am looking forward to a good year.
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