Jan 15
Tom of Finland Co-founder Removed as Int. Mr. Leather Judge After Seen Wearing Nazi Regalia
READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Out Magazine reports that "International Mr. Leather – the world's oldest leather conference and competition – has removed Durk Dehner, a cofounder of the Tom of Finland Foundation, as one of its judges."
The action came after photographs of Dehner wearing Nazi regalia began circulating online. David Ronneberg, IML's executive director, announced the development in a Sunday Facebook post.
"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," he writes.
"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.
"There is no gray area here.
"A most sincere thank you to everyone who brought this information to our attention. Thank you for holding us accountable and pushing us to do better. We must do better."
Out Magazine adds that the decision came a day after Pup-Diego Onyx, who holds the title of Mr. Bullet Leather 2024, "posted several images of Dehner wearing various Nazi symbols on different occasions, including what appeared to be a swastika pin and the parteiadler, also known as the Nazi Eagle, on a leather hat."
"I love that one of the judges this year for International Mr. Leather, Inc. enjoys wearing N*zi regalia. A huge part of the LA leather community has been keeping this under wraps for far too long and so have many others. Why would anyone feel safe running for a contest if he's a judge?" Onyx captioned.
"Please share if you find this problematic as well. Considering the amount of trans/poc/jewish/ essentially anything but white in our community who deserve respect, this is beyond f*cked up," Onyx added.
His sentiments were shared by J.L. Carter, Mr. Sister Leather 2024, who also spoke out against Dehner last weekend in an Instagam post. "More than one person suggested I should run this year [in the IML competition]. I. Think. Not," Carter wrote on Facebook Saturday. "My only regret is not speaking up about this sooner, because it's the worst kept 'open secret' in the LA leather community. It's why I don't go to the Tom House anymore."
The Tom House is the one-time L.A. home of Touko Laaksonen (more popularly known by his artist name Tom of Finland), where the Tom of Finland Foundation is based. According to the Tom of Finland website, the foundation was founded 1984, by Dehner and Laaksonen with the goal of preserving his vast catalogue of homoerotic art. Its scope widened during the years to offer a safe haven for erotic art in response to ramapnt discrimination against art that portrayed sexual behavior or generated a sexual response. Today ToFF continues in its efforts of educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and in promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality.
Carter also claims "in February 2024, Dehner made racist remarks about black and Latino people in the leather community during Leather Cocktails at the Tom House. I'm stating the obvious, but let me remind everyone, and a little louder for those in the back: Our IML 2024 is black. Our IML 2023 is Latino. They are not the only POC IMLs, either."
He adds, "This man categorically should not be a judge at IML."
Carter also addressed Tom of Finland's dark association with Nazism. "It's complicated and troubling that so much of our 'aesthetic' in the leather community comes from ToF drawings which glorify the Nazi uniforms. I can't keep swallowing the old standby of 'Well, I just thought they looked sexy even if they were murdering people, and it doesn't mean I agree with them!' And it enrages me that people buy, keep and wear Nazi paraphernalia when MY family's belongings were seized by the Nazis and never returned. Moreover, as a mixed indigenous person whose culture was stolen by a different group of genocidal racist maniacs, I take this shit REAL PERSONALLY. I was also told that complaints made about me and my body after LAL came from people 'high up in leather' (as if it's a corporate structure) and I've often wondered if Dehner was one of the complainants."
The Tom of Finland Foundation put up a quick response condemning the use of Nazi paraphernalia by those linked to the organization.
Edward Cella, Tom of Finland Foundation's Chief Executive Officer, wrote a note to the community, partners, and stakeholders, that reads:
"Tom of Finland Foundation unequivocally condemns all racism and hatred, and all symbols that are used to convey such views. As a Foundation, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals, and we reject any content or behavior that runs counter to these principles.
"We hear you and understand that addressing the harm caused by recent actions requires more than words - it requires sustained effort and accountability. Looking forward, we are committed to listening, learning, and taking actionable steps to rebuild trust to ensure that our work supports and uplifts all members of our community including those who are marginalized.
"We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and we invite open dialogue to help us better serve our community and society as a whole. This is the beginning of a process not the end. Please email us at [email protected]."
