Joseph
Head Judge
Joseph has been in various kink communities going on twenty-eight years and was introduced to the Leather Community in Albuquerque in 2014. Frequently in attendance and
providing support for Leather Fiesta, Spring Pan, the Alternative Erotic Lifestyles (AEL) group,and Albuquerque Boys of Leather, he was inducted into the Albuquerque Leather Daddies in2016. A sapiosexual switch, Joseph is complex in his fetishes and kinks.The various fundraisers and events at Sidewinders and the Social Club from 2015-2017
provided opportunities to support fundraising events for various groups within Albuquerque.Most at home in the woods or forest and on a snowy ski slope, Joseph’s abilities for the teachingof woodsmanship and conservation has led to facilitating hunting opportunities for disabled
youngsters in a couple states. Having served for twenty years in the United States Navy with anhonorable transfer to the US Navy Fleet Reserves in 2012 he was recently transferred to the
USN’s Retired List. He has a particular interest in supporting Veterans with disabilities andVeteran suicide prevention.
A cigar and bourbon aficionado, he finds this as the best opportunity for conversation anddelving into what makes people tick.
In 2015, Joseph was selected as an inaugural Mr. Corazon Leather and served as a judge for the first time at the following year’s Leather Fiesta.
Master Velvet
While some may ask, "who is Master Velvet?", those in the know understand that the better question is "what is Master Velvet?" She is a force of nature: the energy of a tornado in a small package, gliding through the world with grace and dignity, spreading her message of positivity, acceptance, and inclusion throughout all of our spaces and events. Honored to serve as the International Person of Leather 2025, Master Velvet also serves as the founder and leader of the Leftorium Forum and is a mentor and admin of the Dallas Mentors Program. Four years ago, she proudly accepted her feisty and incorrigible (yet devoted) slave Todd into her service, and he is still finding ways to make her giggle every day. She is incomparable - she is Master Velvet.
Spankcake
SpankCake (she/her) is a service-oriented Leather babygirl from Los Angeles and served as International Ms. Bootblack 2024. She is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, bootblack.org, as well as Founder of Rice Up, an advocacy group for Asian leather people. She has served as a judge for a variety of contests including International Ms. Bootblack, UK Bootblack, Bootblack Europe, Southeast LeatherFest, Austin Kink Weekend, Route 66, SF Eagle Bootblack, SoCal Leather, and Precinct Leather. In addition, SpankCake has written for various organizations including the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and was featured in the July 2024 issue of Black Leather in Color magazine.
SpankCake aspires to make the AAPISA/BIPOC and leather communities proud by showcasing her passion for her craft as well as her dedication to fostering inclusivity and representation. As she continues to leave her mark on the world of Leather, she would like to stand as an inspiration to those who seek to embrace their true selves within the BDSM community and beyond
Cairo Jones Steel
Cairo Jones Steel discovered his passion for performance at a young age. Growing up, he was always drawn to the spotlight—whether it was organizing neighborhood talent shows or writing and directing mini-productions for friends and family, especially during his “Christmas Productions.”
He now helps raise money by doing what he loves, and that’s being on stage.
Cairo’s drive to get involved in fundraising led him to get involved with The Imperial Court of New Mexico, and he began performing for the court, helping not only with raising money but also with school supplies drives, Thanksgiving, and Christmas food drives, to name a few. This year, he was crowned Mr. NM Pride 2025, he is currently raising money for a special organization dear to him, that helps people battling addiction. In June, for Pride Month, he was named Mr. International Royal Pride 2025 by the International Court System. This September he was invested as Prince Royale 32 and was recognized and given the half Emperor 25 title by Queen Mother I of Duke City, Empress 25 Sativa Rico Stratton, with the Imperial Court of New Mexico—a distinguished honor that recognizes both leadership and service.
Pete Garcia
Pete Garcia is a lifelong community leader and advocate dedicated to building connections, celebrating culture, and uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices. With decades of service across civic engagement, outreach, and event organizing, Pete has helped shape spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included.
He has held leadership roles in local and statewide initiatives, supporting both youth and historic neighborhoods, while continuing to champion equity and visibility. Recognized with multiple awards for service and philanthropy, Pete also carries the honor of being crowned Mr. New Mexico Pride 2015.
As a judge, Pete brings a blend of heart, authenticity, and celebration of lived experience—ensuring every contestant is honored not just for their artistry, but for the courage and power they bring to the stage.