Title Holder Application
Introduction from our President:
Welcome to the fourth annual Blackboots Twin Ports Title Holder Competition. This year marks a major milestone: as of February 2026, Blackboots Twin Ports is officially recognized as a nonprofit organization. Our title holders will represent the leather and LGBTQ+ communities of the Northland while also having the opportunity to serve as executive board members. This formally recognizes their contributions and gives them a direct voice in guiding the future of our organization.
As president, I am proud to welcome this year’s contestants, and I am clear about the importance of the role they are seeking. A Blackboots title is more than recognition—it is a commitment to visible leadership, thoughtful service, and responsible representation. Whether you have been part of the leather community for many years or are just beginning to find your place, you belong here. I invite you to step forward, share what matters to you, and help shape the next chapter of Blackboots Twin Ports.
Event Information
The Blackboots Twin Ports Title Competition will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 9:00 PM at the Main Club in Superior, Wisconsin. Contestants are to arrive by 6:30 PM for dress rehearsal.
Eligibility
Contestants must:
- Be registered members of Blackboots Twin Ports.
- At least 21 years of age
- Be in good standing with Blackboots Twin Ports
- Accept the terms of our general use photography and video consent policy for the event.
- Provide a picture and a bio statement to use for the competition.
Contestants must reside within one of the following regions:
- Northwoods of Minnesota: Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Itasca, Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Carlton, Pine, and Chisago counties.
- Northwoods of Wisconsin: Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Vilas, Forest, Florence, Marinette, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Price, Oneida, Polk, Barron, Rusk, and Taylor counties.
Title Categories
Contestants may compete in one of four categories:
- Mr. Blackboots Twin Ports
- Ms. Blackboots Twin Ports
- Mx. Blackboots Twin Ports (all genders)
- Blackboots Twin Ports Beast
Each individual may compete in only one category. All contestants are to pick the most appropriate title according to the daily expressions they identify with, not a character identity. If accessibility requirements are needed, please contact one of our officers. All contestants will participate in the following competitions and showcases:
Jock/Lingerie
Contestants will don their favorite jock or lingerie to showcase for the audience. Contestants will be judged on their stage presence.
Questions with the Judges
Contestants will answer questions presented by our panel of judges.
Questions with the Audience
Contestants will answer questions submitted by audience members and presented by our emcee.
Formal Speech
Contestants will wear the gear of their choice that best represents who they are within the leather community. Their gear must include at least one leather component. Formal leather attire is not required but is highly recommended.
Each contestant will then deliver a speech to the audience and judges addressing their involvement in the community, their ambitions for its future, and what leather means to them personally. Speeches are limited to three (3) minutes.
Scoring
Each contestant may receive up to 60 points from each judge, with up to 15 points awarded for each of the four competition components. At the end of the competition, each judge’s points will be totaled for a maximum individual score of 60 points.
Title Winners
At the conclusion of the competition, the judges will deliberate privately, outside the presence of the audience and contestants, to determine a winner in each title category. The winners will then be announced and crowned.
Re-runs and Retirement
Current title holders may run again for the same title. If a current title holder runs unchallenged, they will be presented with the same questions, with the expectation that their answers reflect on their previous title year.
If a title is not awarded, it will be retired for that year and may be contested again at the following year’s competition.
Responsibilities
A title holder’s term runs one year, starting at the end of their contest for their competition year, and ending at the beginning of the next year’s competition. During their title year, each winner is required to:
- Attend at least four (4) Blackboots Twin Ports planning meetings.
- Participate in at least three (3) Blackboots Twin Ports Gear Nights.
- Host their designated “Title Event” representing their theme and style.
- Participate in the following year’s Blackboots Twin Ports contest as judge or participant.
- Walk with Blackboots Twin Ports in the next Duluth-Superior Pride Parade.
As executive board members, title holders are expected to follow our Code of Conduct and represent Blackboots Twin Ports publicly in a manner consistent with our organization’s values.
If a title holder cannot fulfill their duties, they may file notice with our Secretary. Upon doing so, they must abstain from executive board votes but may continue voting as a standing member of Blackboots Twin Ports.
In the event a current Executive officer runs for a title and wins, their vote in future decisions only counts from the position of that office. Their title holder vote does not count as a second vote. Each board member may only vote once on an issue
Runner Up
In the event a title holder is unable to complete their duties, runner up contestants will be given the opportunity to fill the position left vacant, in order of contestant ranking. This offer can go into effect at any time during the title holder year at the discretion of Blackboots Executive Board.