International Mr. Leather, the world’s largest leather competition and event, recently removed Durk Dehner from its panel of judges. The removal was announced on Facebook following outcry after photos of Dehner wearing Nazi regalia began circulating online. In a post, IML Executive Director David Ronneberg wrote,
“I’ve been trying to write a post that isn’t angry — but I am angry, very angry. New information that came to me this morning regarding one of the IML judges clearly indicates he is not fit to be part of our organization. Hate has no place at IML. Period, full stop. Anyone who wears hate-based imagery or symbols, whether Nazi regalia or a fucking MAGA hat — has NO place at the table, NO voice in the conversation, and can fuck right off.”
Dehner was the co-founder of the Tom of Finland Foundation, and the organization’s President. He posted on Facebook that he had turned in his letter of resignation to the TOFF’s board of directors, and that it had been accepted. Edward Cella, CEO of the TOFF released a statement saying,
“This decision comes in response to actions on his part, including the use of offensive symbols and insensitive comments. Acting on his own accord and without our knowledge, these actions are in direct conflict with the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equality, and respect. The Foundation will never tolerate hate while we work to preserve the legacy of Tom of Finland’s artwork and support emerging LGBTQ+ artists and their creative freedom of expression.”
