This weekend the International Mr. Leather competition, or IML as participants call it, is upon us! Founded by Chuck Renslow in 1979, the Chicago-based event draws thousands of leather fans from around the world.While many partake in IML just to have fun, some participants and title holders have used it as a platform for advocating for LGBT causes. It’s also a surprising example of queer diversity, with attendees crossing ethnic, age and even gender boundaries. (2010 IML titleholder Tyler McKormick is a wheelchair-bound trans man.)

Earlier this year we profiled five heroes of the leather community who are more than just pretty faces in harnesses—they’re using the spotlight to draw attention to vital issues. With everyone going hog wild in the Windy City, we thought we’d revisit these rawhide radicals

Click through to meet some heroes of the leather community

Photo: Michael Skiff